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Japjee Sahib |
The holy Sikh Scripture, Siri Guru Granth Sahib, starts with hymns composed by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. This collection of hymns that spans over the first 8 pages of the holy scripture is named "Jap", and is respectfully called "Japjee
Saahib". "Jap" means recite. Japjee Saahib is an important part of a Sikh's daily prayer. The collections of hymns of Sikh daily prayer are often compiled separately in a small book form called "Nitnem", meaning daily prayer. All Nitnem books (Gutkaas) start with Japjee Saahib but contain other hymns as well.
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The
description of Japjee Saahib that follows is taken from "The Encyclopedia of
Sikhism" by Harbans Singh (published in 1996 by the Punjabi
University, Patiala)
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"...Japuji
is the most riveting Sikh Prayer recited by the devout early in the
morning. The composition is not assigned to any particular raga or
musical measure, as is the rest of the Scriptural
text..."
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"Japuji is
universally accepted to be the composition of Guru Nanak, the
founding prophet of Sikhism, although, unlike other sciptural hyms
and compositions, it remains anonymous without being credited
individualy to any of the
Gurus..."
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"Preceded by
what is called Mul Mantra, the basic statement of creed, the Japu
comprises an introductory sloka and 38 stanzas traditionally called
pauris and a concluding sloka attributed by some to Guru Angad. The
initial sloka too appears again in the Scripture as a preamble to
the 17th astapadi of Guru Arjan's famous composition Sukhmani,
the Psalm of Peace. The entire composition including the Mul mantra,
two slokas and the thirty eight pauris form the sacred morning
prayer Japuji Sahib or Japu Nisanu. It serves as a prologue to the
Scripture and encapsulates Guru Nanak's creed and philosophy,
as a whole..."
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"The message of
the Japu is abiding in nature and universal in application. It simply
describes the nature of Ultimate Reality and the way to comprehend
it, and is not tied to any particular religious system. In a word it
simply defines Sikhism, the religious view of Guru
Nanak..."
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