Over twenty million Sikhs worldwide follow a distinct and unique religion started five centuries ago in the Punjab region of northern India. Between 1469 and 1708, ten Gurus, starting with Guru Nanak, preached a simple message of truth, devotion to God and system, ritualism, and asceticism. Granth Sahib. written, composed and compiled by the Sikh Gurus themselves, the Guru Granth Sahib serves as the ultimate source of spiritual guidance for all Sikhs.