Sikh Scriptures

Sikh Scriptures refer to the sacred texts that embody the core principles of Gurmat Ideology — the spiritual wisdom revealed through the Enlightened ones (Sikh Satgurs/Bhagats/Bhatts). These scriptures preserve the divine teachings, hymns, and philosophical insights of the Sikh Gurus and Bhagats, as well as the historical narratives and spiritual heritage of the Khalsa Panth.

Also, Sikh Scriptures encompass a wide range of sacred and historical writings that together form the literary foundation of the Sikh Institution. At their core are the primary scriptures — such as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth — which embody the essence of Gurmat Ideology, revealing divine wisdom, spiritual guidance, and the vision of the Khalsa.

Alongside these, various historical and interpretive texts — including works like Sri Gur Sobha, Panth Prakash, and other chronicles written by traditional scholars, Udasis, Nirmalas, and contemporary historians — preserve the evolving understanding of Sikh history, culture, and spiritual experience. While some of these writings reflect diverse or mixed perspectives, they collectively contribute to the broader tapestry of Sikh literary heritage, illuminating both the revelation of Gurmat and the historical journey of the Khalsa Panth.

Primary Sikh Scriptures

Primary Sikh Scriptures are the main source of Gurmat teachings and show the true path for the soul. While subjects like science or mathematics help in worldly life, the study of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and other main scriptures helps in spiritual growth and understanding of truth, which is most important for the soul.

S. No.	Scripture Name	Description	Author	Timeline	Additional Comments
1	Sri Guru Granth Sahib	Primary scripture of Sikhism containing hymns of Gurus and Bhagats.	Guru Arjan Dev Ji (compiled)	1604 CE	Considered the eternal Guru of Sikhs.
2	Sri Dasam Granth	Primary scripture of Khalsa Army along with Guru Granth Sahib.	Guru Gobind Singh Ji	Compositions completed on various timeperiod and compiled by Bhai Mani Singh	Includes philosophical, spiritual, and martial writings.

Dasam Granth also conveys the essence of Gurmat teachings, focusing on the glory of the Akaal (the Timeless One). It also explains the spiritual and historical development of religions in the Indic world and how different matts or paths arose over time. It shows that all powers belong to the Nirankar (Formless One), even when people describe them in material or worldly ways. This scripture especially guides the Khalsa warrior — who is both a warrior and a preacher — providing knowledge of religious history and spiritual wisdom, so they can lead, teach, and uphold the truth of Gurmat, while ordinary followers primarily focus on what their soul needs for spiritual growth.

For a common Sikh, study and guidance come from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib alone, while a Khalsa engages with both the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Dasam Granth to understand, uphold, and teach Gurmat principles fully.

Early Sikh Scriptures (1700-1799)

Early Sikh Scriptures' include historical writings that cover the lives of the Gurus, the development of the Khalsa Panth, and other related events.

While these texts provide valuable glimpses into Sikh history, some dates or content may not fully align with Gurmat Ideology, and certain works reflect sectarian perspectives or some written under name of contemporary Sikhs much later.

Understanding the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth is essential to distinguish what is consistent with Gurmat teachings and what reflects historical or interpretive viewpoints.

Historical

S. No.	Scripture Name	Description	Author	Timeline	Additional Comments
1	Sri Gur Sobha	History of Guru Gobind Singh written after his demise	Kavi Senapat	1711
2	Parchi Gobind Singh	History of Guru Gobind Singh and later	Bawa Sevadas Udasi	1741
3	Gurbilas Patshahi 10	History of Guru Gobind Singh and later	Bhai Koer Singh Kalal	1751	First scripture which mentioned that Guruship bestowed to Guru Granth Sahib
4	Bansavalinama Dasan Patshahian Ka	covers the lives of the ten Gurus as well as other famed Sikhs	Kesar Singh Chibbar	1769
5	Mahima Prakash	covers the lives of the ten Gurus as well as other famed Sikhs	Sarup Chand Bhalla	1776
6	Guru Kian Sakhian	covers the lives of the ten Gurus as well as other famed Sikhs	Sarup Singh Kaushish	1790
6	Gurbilas Patshahi 10	covers the lives of the ten Gurus as well as other famed Sikhs	Giani Sukkha Singh	1797
7	Das Guru Katha	covers the lives of the ten Gurus as well as other famed Sikhs	Kavi Kankan	Late 18th Century
8	GurRatanMaal (Sau Sakhi)	covers the lives of the ten Gurus as well as other famed Sikhs	Sahib Singh	1734

Rehitnamas

S. No.	Scripture Name	Description	Author	Timeline	Additional Comments
1	Rehitnama Bhai Nand Lal	Attributed to Bhai Nand Lal	Bhai Nand Lal	1711
2	Tankhahnama Bhai Nand Lal	Attributed to Bhai Nand Lal	Bhai Nand Lal	1741
3	Sakhi Rehit Ki	Attributed to Bhai Nand Lal	Bhai Nand Lal	1751	First scripture which mentioned that Guruship bestowed to Guru Granth Sahib
4	Rehitnama Bhai Prahlad Singh	Written after Guru Gobind Singh	Bhai Prahlaad Singh	1752 Bikrami	Sab Sikhan Ko Hukam hai comes under this Rehitnama. Guru Khalsa Jaaneyo Pargat Guraa Ki Deh also comes under this rehitnama
5	Rehitnama Bhai Daya Singh	Attributed to Bhai Daya Singh	Bhai Daya Singh	?
6	Rehitnama Hazoori, Bhai Chaupa Singh Chibber	Khalsa Rehit	Bhai Chaupa Singh Chibber	1790
7	Rehitnama Param Sumraag	covers the lives of the ten Gurus as well as other famed Sikhs	Unknown Sikh Scholar	During Sikh Misl approx 1765
8	Rehitnama Bhai Desa Singh	Youngest of Bhai Mani Singh's 10 Sons but can be other Desa Singh as well	Bhai Desa Singh	End of 18th Century