In Sikhism, a "Granthi" refers to a person who is responsible for taking care of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism, in a Gurudwara (Sikh place of worship). The granthi plays a vital role in the daily operations of the Gurudwara and carries out various duties related to the Guru Granth Sahib.
The granthi's primary responsibility is to perform the "sewa" (service) of the Guru Granth Sahib. This includes maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the sacred scripture. The granthi ensures that the Guru Granth Sahib is properly handled, covered, and protected. They may also be responsible for performing the regular recitation of Gurbani (hymns) from the Guru Granth Sahib during religious ceremonies and congregational gatherings.
Granthi is also responsible for conducting various religious ceremonies and rituals in the Gurudwara, such as Ardas (prayer), Hukamnama (random reading of a verse from the Guru Granth Sahib), and distributing Karah Prasad (blessed offering). They may also assist in organizing and coordinating community events, such as kirtan (devotional singing) and langar (community kitchen).
Apart from their religious duties, granthis may also serve as spiritual guides and provide guidance to the Sikh community members on matters related to Sikhism, spirituality, and moral conduct. They often have a deep understanding of Sikh scripture and teachings and are respected figures within the Sikh community.
It's important to note that the role and specific responsibilities of a granthi may vary from Gurudwara to Gurudwara, as different Gurudwara may have their own organizational structures and practices.
