Abstract

Pothi, a popular Punjabi word, means a book. Among the Sikhs, however, pothi signifies a sacred book, especially one containing Gurbani or scriptural text. Although the word is used even for the Aad Granth in the index of the original recession prepared by Guru Arjan. He probably alluding to the Aad Granth pronounces pothi to be "the abode of God" for it contains "complete knowledge of God" (AGGS, p1226). However, in Aad Guru Granth Sahib (AGGS) [8, 17], the word ‘pothi’ has been used to depict a prayer book, a sacred book, holy scripture and the Hindu scriptures. In this article, the historico-critical analysis of the words pothi, parmesar and thaan is done. In addition to the interpretation of the verse 'Pothi Parmesar Ka Thaan', the role and importance of pothis (Holy Scriptures) for spiritual enlightenment is described. It is pointed out that AGGS advises us to avoid the ritualism of pothi recital. Rather it exhorts us to understand the real meaning of what is written in the Holy Scriptures (pothis). Also, it urges us to become a God-conscious being [11] (Brahm Giani) - a person who always delights in doing well to others. From here onward pothi will not be depicted in italics.