Japji

Japji Sahib is the opening composition of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. It was authored by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, in the 16th century. The text is central to Sikh worship and study and is commonly recited daily by devout Sikhs as part of the Nitnem morning prayers.

The work consists of 38 pauri (stanzas) and a concluding salok. It presents a nuclear set of ideas about God, creation, and the path to spiritual realization. Key themes include the belief in Ik Onkar, the oneness of God; the nature of the divine as beyond fear and form; the importance of meditating on the Naam (God’s name); honest living, social equality, humility, and selfless service. The composition uses everyday imagery and parables drawn from nature and human experience to convey its philosophical messages.

Linguistically, Japji Sahib is composed in Punjabi and written in the Gurmukhi script. It has been transmitted and interpreted within the broader Sikh canon, and its verses are commonly sung in congregations and studied for their spiritual and ethical guidance. The text is regarded as a concise introduction to Sikh theology and ethics, bridging devotional practice with a broader reflection on truth, justice, and the Guru’s guidance. It continues to be a foundational reference for understanding Sikh beliefs about God, creation, and the path to liberation.