GIRANTH is the title of the religious book of the Divana sect. The authorship of the book is generally attributed to Haria and Bala, two leading figures in the order who were themselves disciples of Miharban, grandson of Guru Arjan, Nanak V. One of the manuscript copies of the Giranth, which has not so far been printed, is preserved in the private collection of Professor Pritam Singh at Patiala. Dated Jeth 1792 Bk/May 1735, it comprises 694 folios.
The contents of the Giranth are, like those of Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, cast into musical measures such as Gaun, Asa, Bhairau, Prabhati, Gujari, Ramkali, Sorath, Majh, etc. Besides sabdas and slokas in different ragas, the more important of the compositions in the Giranth are Sukhmani, Krishan Avatar Lila, and Gosti Gorakh Ganeshi.
Sukhmani (ff. 1894/05), which covers about one‑third of the manuscript and which is ascribed by name to Haria, is the most important text in the Giranth. The form is identical with that of Guru Arjan’s bani of the same name. It comprises 82 ashtpadis, each ashtpadi consisting of eight pauris and each pauri having ten lines. Each pauri is preceded by one or two slokas, like Guru Arjan’s Sukhmani. Haria’s composition lays stress on simran, i.e. constant remembrance of God’s name.
The Giranth closes with a 57‑stanza verse titled Thutha, literally “an earthen cup” or “a begging bowl.” It appears to be a lyrical poem meant to be sung by the followers of this sect. Although the Divanas have little in common with the Sikh faith, the authors of the Giranth called themselves Nanakpanthi, i.e. followers of Guru Nanak.
The Dīvānās were an ascetic sub-sect that emerged from the Mina sect (followers of Miharban, the grandson of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru).
- Founder: The sect was founded by Bhundar Das, also known as Divana Sahib.
- Texts: The sect’s religious book is called the Giranth, primarily attributed to Haria and Bala, two leading figures in the order and disciples of Miharban. The contents are arranged in musical measures, similar to the Guru Granth Sahib, and include texts like Sukhmani. Another collection of poetry is titled Bani Birdh Pratap, written by Baba Ram Das, a Divana sadhu.
- History: The Dīvānās survived until recent times, with their numbers dwindling in the late 19th century as Sikh identity consolidated. They were eventually subsumed as Sanatanist Sikhs.
