Definition of gur

The word "gur" has its roots in Punjabi, a language spoken predominantly in northern India and neighboring countries. The Punjabi word "gur" translates to "sugar" in English, and it comes from the Sanskrit word "gurú" or "gríha," which means "sweet" or "delightful" respectively. The association between the word "gur" and the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikh faith, is actually quite interesting. In Sikhism, a Guru is defined as a spiritual leader or guide, and the first five Sikh Gurus produced sugar as a means of supporting themselves and their followers. The fifth Guru, Guru Arjan, built a town named Tarn Taran in modern-day Punjab, and sugarcane farming played a crucial role in the growth of the town's economy. The sugarcane plant also holds great religious significance as the third Guru, Guru Amar Das, reformed Hindu society in Punjab by converting it into a community that worked towards self-sufficient, agrarian, and sugarcane farmer living. At this point, it's worth highlighting that "gur" and "granth" share the same root, "griha," which has contributed to the significance of the Guru Granth Sahib. As the learning and teachings of a Guru represent a "sweet home" or "delightful abode," so too does the Guru Granth Sahib provide a foundation for spiritual guidance, knowledge, and understanding. The book is regarded as a living Guru by Sikhs, and as such, it is believed to have a benefits-giving quality, much like the benefits of consuming sugar. When all these factors come together, The holiest Sikh manuscript acquires the name of "gur" due to its symbolic relation with the practice of sugarcane farming, the auspicious five Gurus, and spiritual heritage for Sikhs around the world.