Japji Sahib in English: This precious gift was given to us by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is written in Guru Granth Saheb starting on page one. It starts with Mool Mantra (the beginning hymn), then 38 Paurees (stanzas), and ends with a sloka (verse).
Japji Saheb is the essence of Sikh religious philosophy. It is a lyrical, but very compact composition, with verses packed with deep meanings, many times without assigned verbs, and a lot of times leaving the interpretation to the imagination of the readers. Among all the banis that we come across on a daily basis, this is probably the most difficult to understand. This is one of the five banis every Sikh is supposed to recite every morning in accordance with our Rehat Maryada (Code of Conduct). While most of the bani in Guru Granth Saheb is assigned to various ragas (melodies), Japji Saheb is not assigned to any raga. Therefore, this bani is generally recited without any musical instruments.
| Nitnem Path | JapJi Sahib in English |
| Author | Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji |
| Compiler | Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji |
| Pauri Count | 38 |
| SGGS Ang | 1-8 |
| Language | English |
| Script | Roman |
It consists of a prologue including what is known as the Mool-Mantra (the fundamental invocation) and a Shloka, the thirty-eight stanzas called the Pauris (steps of a divine ladder), and one closing Shloka ( a form of poetical composition) as an epilogue.
Each stanza is divided into lines varying in number from 4 to 26.
---- Japji Sahib Begins Here ----
Ik Oankar Satnam Karta Purakh Nirabhau Nirvair Akaal Moorat Ajooni Saibhang' Gurparsaad.
Aad Sach Jugaad Sach. Hai Bhi Sach, Nanak Hosi Bhi Sach.
Soche Soch Na Hovaei, Je Sochi Lakh Vaar. Chupai Chup Na Hovaee, Je Laaye Raha Livtaar. Bhukheya Bhukh Na Utri, Je Bannha Puria Bhaar. Sahas Siyanapa Lakh Hohe, Ta Ik Na Challe Naal. Kiv Sachiyara Hoiye, Kiv Koode Toote Paal. Hukam Rajaayi Chalna, Nanak Likheya Naal. [1]
Hukmi Hovan Aakar, Hukam Na Kaheya Jayi. Hukmi Hovan Jee, Hukam Milai Vadiayi. Hukmi Uttam Neech, Hukam Likh, Dukh Sukh Paaieh. Ikna Hukmi Bakhsees, Ik Hukmi Sada Bhavaeiah. Hukmai Andar Sabh Ko, Bahar Hukam Na Koye. Nanak, Hukmai Je Bujhe, Ta Haomai Kahai Na Koye. [2]
Gaave Ko Taan, Hovai Kisai Taan. Gaavai Ko, Daat Jaane Nisaan. Gaave Ko, Gun Vadiayian Chaar. Gaavai Ko, Vidya Vikham Vichar. Gaave Ko, Saaj Kare Tan Kheh. Gaave Ko, Jeea Lai Phir Deh. Gaave Ko, Jaape Disae Door. Gaave Ko, Vekhai Haadra Hadoor. Kathna Kathi Na Aavai Tot. Kath Kath Kathee, Koti Kot Kot. Denda De, Lainda Thak Paahe. Juga Jugantar, Khaahi Khaahe. Hukmi Hukam, Chalaaye Raaho. Nanak, Vigsaiy Veparvaaho. [3]
Saacha Sahib, Saach Naaey, Bhaakhia Bhaao Apaar. Aakheh Mangeh Deh Deh Daat Kare Dataar. Fer Ki Agge Rakhiye, Jit Disai Darbar. Muhou Ke Bolan Boliye, Jit Sun Dhare Pyar. Amrit Vela Sach Naao, Vadiayi Vichar. Karmi Aave Kapda, Nadri Mokh Duaar. Nanak, Ewein Jaaniye, Sabh Aape Sachiyar. [4]
Thaapia Na Jaye, Kita Na Hoye. Aape Aap Niranjan Soye. Jin Seveya, Tin Paya Maan. Nanak Gaaviye Guni Nidhan. Gaviye, Suniye, Man Rakhiye Bhao. Dukh Parhar Sukh Ghar Lai Jaye. Gurmukh Naad'n Gurmukh Ved'n, Gurmukh Raheya Samayi. Gur Isar, Gur Gorakh, Barma Gur, Parbati Maai. Je Hau Jan, Aakha Naahi, Kehna Kathan Na Jayi. Gura, Ik Dehe Bujhayi. Sabhna Jeeaan Ka Ik Daata, So Main Visar Na Jaayi. [5]
Teerth Nhava, Je Tis Bhava, Vin Bhaane, Ke Naaey Kari. Jeti Sirath Upaai Vekha, Vin Karma Ke Milai Layi. Mat Vich Ratan Jawahar Maanik, Je Ik Gur Ki Sikh Suni. Gura, Ik Dehe Bujhayi. Sabhna Jeeaan Ka Ik Daata, So Main Visar Na Jaayi. [6]
Je Jug Chaare Aarja, Hor Dasooni Hoye. Nava Khanda Vich Jaaniye, Naal Chale Sabh Koye. Changa Naao Rakhaaye Kai, Jas Keerat Jag Lay. Je Tis Nadar Naa Aavaee, Ta Vaat Na Puchhei Ke. Keeta Andar Keet Kar, Dosi Dos Dhare. Nanak, Nirgun Gun Kare, Gunvantia Gunn Deh. Teha Koe Na Sujhaee, Je Tis Gunn Koye Kare. [7]
Sunae, Sidh Peer Sur Naath. Sunae, Dharat Dhaval Akaas. Sunae, Deep Lo'a Pataal. Sunae, Pohe Na Sake Kaal. Nanak, Bhagta Sada Vigaas. Sunae, Dookh Paap Ka Naas. [8]
Sunae, Isar Barma Ind. Sunae, Mukh Salaahan Mand. Sunae, Jog Jugat Tan Bhed. Sunae, Saast Simrit Ved. Nanak, Bhagta Sadaa Vigaas. Sunae, Dookh Paap Ka Naas. [9]
Sunae, Sat Santokh Gyan. Sunae, Athsath Ka Isnaan. Sunae, Padh Padh Paaveh Maan. Sunae, Laage Sahaj Dhyaan. Nanak, Bhagta Sadaa Vigaas. Sunae, Dookh Paap Ka Naas. [10]
Sunae Sraa Guna Ke Gaah. Sunae, Sekh Peer Patsaah. Sunae, Andhe Paaveh Raho. Sunae, Hath Hovai Asgaaho. Nanak, Bhagta Sadaa Vigaas. Sunae, Dookh Paap Ka Naas. [11]
Manne Ki Gat Kahi Na Jaye. Je Ko Kahe Pichhe Pachhutaye. Kaagad Kalam Na Likhan Haar. Manne Ka Beh Karan Vichar. Aisa Naam Niranjan Hoye. Je Ko Man Jaane, Man Koye. [12]
Manne Surat Hovei Man Budh. Manne Sagal Bhawan Ki Sudhh. Manne Muhe Chota Na Khaye. Manne Jam Ke Sath Na Jaye. Aisa Naam Niranjan Hoye. Je Ko Man Jaane, Man Koye. [13]
Manne Marg Thaak Na Paye. Manne Patt Sio Pargat Jaye. Manne Mag Na Challe Panth. Manne Dharm Seti Sanbandh. Aisa Naam Niranjan Hoye. Je Ko Man Jaane, Man Koye. [14]
Manne Paaveh Mokh Duaar. Manne Parvaare Saadhar. Manne Tareh Taareh Gursikh. Manne Nanak, Bhaveh Na Bhikh. Aisa Naam Niranjan Hoye. Je Ko Man Jaane, Man Koye. [15]
Panch Parvaan, Panch Pardhan. Panche Paaveh Dargeh Maan. Panche Soheh, Dar Rajaan. Pancha Ka, Gur Ek Dhyaan. Je Ko Kahai, Karai Vichar. Karte Kai Karne, Naahi Sumaar. Dhaul Dharm, Daya Ka Poot. Santokh Thaap Rakheya Jin Soot. Je Ko Bujhei, Hovei Sachiaar. Dhavlai Upar Keta Bhaar. Dharti Hor, Pareh Hor Hor. Tis Te Bhaar Talei Kavan Jor. Jeea Jaat Ranga Ke Naav. Sabhna Likhia, Vudi Kalaam. Eho Lekha, Likh Jaane Koye. Lekha Likheya Keta Hoye. Keta Taan Suhaaleyo Roop. Keti Daat, Jaane Kaun Koot. Keeta Pasaao, Eko Kavaao. Tis Te Hoye Lakh Dariyao. Kadrat Kavan Kaha Vichar. Vaareya Na Jawa Ek Vaar. Jo Tudh Bhaave Saai Bhali Kaar. Tu Sada Salamat Nirankar. [16]
Asankh Jap, Asankh Bhao. Asankh Pooja, Asankh Tap Taao. Asankh Granth, Mukh Ved Path. Asankh Jog, Man Raheh Udas. Asankh Bhagat Gunn Gian Vichar. Asankh Sati Asankh Daatar. Asankh Soor, Muh Bhakh Saar. Asankh Maunn Liv Laaye Taar. Kudrat Kavan Kaha Vichaar? Vaareya Na Jawa Ek Vaar. Jo Tudh Bhaave Saai Bhali Kaar. Tu Sada Salamat Nirankar. [17]
Asankh Moorakh Andh Ghor. Asankh Chor Haraamkhor. Asankh Amar, Kar Jaahe Jor. Asankh Galvadh, Hatya Kamaahe. Asankh Paapi, Paap Kar Jaahe. Asankh Koodiyar, Koode Firaahe. Asankh Malechh, Mal Bhakh Khahe. Asankh Nindak Sir Kareh Bhar. Nanak, Neech Kahey Vichar. Vaareya Na Jawa Ek Vaar. Jo Tudh Bhaave Saai Bhali Kaar. Tu Sada Salamat Nirankar. [18]
Asankh Naav Asankh Thaav. Agam Agam Asankh Loa. Asankh Kaheh, Sir Bhaar Hoye. Akhri Naam, Akhri Salaah. Akhri, Gyan Geet Gunn Gaah. Akhri, Likhan Bolan Baan. Akhra Sir, Sanjog Vakhaann. Jin Ehe Likhe, Tis Sir Naahe. Jiv Furmaye, Tiv Tiv Paahe. Jeta Keeta, Teta Naao. Vinn Naavei, Naahi Ko Thaao. Kudrat Kavan Kaha Vichar? Vaareya Na Jawa Ek Vaar. Jo Tudh Bhaave Saai Bhali Kaar. Tu Sada Salamat Nirankar. [19]
Bhariye Hath Pair Tan Deh, Paani Dhotei Utras Kheh. Moot Pleeti, Kappad Hoye. Deh Saboon, Layiye Oho Dhoye. Bhariyeh Mat Paapa Kae Sang. Oho Dhopae Naavei Ke Rang. Punni Paapi Aakhann Naahe. Kar Kar Karna, Likh Lai Jaaho. Aape Beej Aape Hi Khaho. Nanak Hukmi Aavoh Jaho. [20]
Teerth Tap Daya Dat Daan. Je Ko Paave, Til Ka Maan. Suneya, Manneya, Man Kita Bhaao. Antargat Teerath, Mal Nhao. Sabh Gun Tere, Main Naahi Koye. Vinn Gun Keete, Bhagat Na Hoye. Su-Ast Aath, Baani Barmao. Sat Suhaan, Sada Man Chao. Kavan Su Vela? Vakhat Kavan? Kavan Thitt? Kavan Vaar? Kavan Se Rutti? Maaho Kavan? Jit Hoaa Akaar. Vel Na Payia Pundati, Je Hovei Lekh Puraan. Vakhat Na Paayo Kaadian, Je Likhan Lekh Quran. Thitt Vaar Na Jogi Jaane, Rutt Maaho Na Koi. Ja Karta Sirthi Kou Saaje, Aape Jaane Soi. Kiv Kar Aakha, Kiv Salaahi? Kyon Varni, Kiv Jaana? Nanak, Aakhan Sabh Ko Aakhei, Ik Doo Ik Syana. Vadda Sahib, Vaddi Naai, Keeta Ja Ka Hovai. Nanak, Je Ko Aapou Jaanai, Aggai Gaya Na Sohai. [21]
Patala Pataal Lakh, Aagasa Aagas. Odak Odak Bhaal Thakke, Ved Kehan Ik Vaat. Sahas Athaarah Kahan Kateban, Asulu Ik Dhaat. Lekha Hoye Ta Likhiyai, Lekhe Hoye Vinaas. Nanak, Vadda Aakhiyeh, Aape Jaane Aap. [22]
Salaahi Salaahe, Eti Surat Na Paaiya. Nadiyan Atei Vaah, Paveh Samund, Na Janiyah. Samund Saah Sultan, Giraha Seti Maal Dhan. Keedi Tul Na Hovni, Je Tis Manoh Na Veesreh. [23]
Ant Na Sifti, Kehan Na Ant. Ant Na Karnai Den Na Ant. Ant Na Vekhan Sunnan Na Ant. Ant Na Jaape, Kya Man-Mant. Ant Na Jaape Kita Aakar. Ant Na Jaape Paravaar. Ant Kaaran Kete Bil-Laahe. Ta Ke Ant, Na Paaye Jaahe. Eho Ant Na Jaane Koye. Bahuta Kahiye, Bahuta Hoye. Vadda Saheb, Ucha Thaao. Uche Upper Ucha Naao. Evad Ucha Hovei Koye. Tish Uche Kau Jane Soye. Jevad Aap, Jaane Aap Aap. Nanak, Nadri Karmi Daat. [24]
Bahuta Karm, Likheya Na Jaye. Vadda Daata Til Na Tmaaye. Kete Mangeh Jodh Apaar. Keteya, Ganat Nahi Vichar. Kete, Khap Tutteh Vekaar. Kete, Lai Lai Mukar Paahe. Kete Moorakh, Khahi Khahe. Ketiya, Dookh Bhookh Sadd Maar. Ehe Bhi Daat Teri, Daatar. Band Khalaasi, Bhaane Hoye. Hor, Aakh Na Sakeh Koye. Je Ko Khaaek, Aakhan Paaye. Oho Jaane, Jetiya Muhe Khaye. Aape Jaane, Aape Dey. Aakheh Se Bhe, Keyi Key. Jis No Bakhse, Sifat Salaah. Nanak, Patisaahi Patisaho. [25]
Amul Gunn, Amul Vaapar. Amul Vapariye, Amul Bhandar. Amul Aaveh, Amul Lai Jaahe. Amul Bhaaye, Amulla Samahe. Amull Dharm, Amul Deeban. Amul Tul, Amul Parvaan. Amul Bakhsees, Amul Nisaan. Amul Karm, Amul Furmaan. Amullo Amul Aakheya Na Jaye. Aakh Aakh, Rahe Liv Laaye. Aakheh, Ved Path Puraan. Aakheh Padhe, Kareh Vakhiyan. Aakheh Barme, Aakheh Ind. Aakheh, Gopi Te Govind. Aakheh Isar, Aakheh Sidh. Aakheh Kete, Keete Buddh. Aakheh Danav, Aakheh Dev. Aakheh Sur Nar, Mun Jan Sev. Kete Aakheh, Aakhan Paahe. Kete Keh Keh Uth Uth Jaahe. Ete Kite, Hor Karehe. Ta Aakh Na Sakeh, Keyi Key. Jevad Bhavei, Tevad Hoey. Nanak, Jaanai Sacha Soye. Je Ko Aakhe Bol-Vigaad. Ta Likhiyeh Sir Gavaara-Gavaar. [26]
So-Dar Keha? So Ghar Keha? Jit Beh Sarb Samaale. Vaaje Naad Anek Asankha, Kete Vaavanhaare. Kete Raag Pari Sio Kahiyan, Kete Gaavanhare. Gaaveh Tuhno Paunn Paani Baisantar, Gaaveh Raja Dharm Duaare. Gaaveh Chitt Gupat Likh Janeh, Likh Likh Dharm Vichare. Gaaveh Isar Barma Dev, Sohan Sada Savaare. Gaaveh Ind Idaasan Baithe, Devteyan Dar Naale. Gaaveh Sidh, Smaadhi Andar, Gaavan Saadh Vichar. Gaavan Jati Sati Santokhi, Gaaveh Veer Karaare. Gaavan Pandit Padhan Rakhisur, Jug Jug Veda Naale. Gaaveh Mohniya Man-Mohan, Surga Machh Paeyale. Gaavan Ratan Upaaye Tere, Athsath Teerath Naale. Gaaveh Jodh Mahabal Soora, Gaaveh Khani Chaare. Gaaveh Khand Mandal Varbhanda, Kar Kar Rakhe Dhaare. Seyi Tudhno Gaaveh, Jo Tudh Bhavan, Ratte Tere Bhagat Rasaale. Hor Kete Gaavan, Se Mai Chitt Na Aavan, Nanak Kya Veechare. Soi Soi Sada Sach Saheb, Sacha Saachi Naai. Hai Bhi Hosi, Jaye Na Jasi, Rachna Jin Rachayi. Rangi Rangi Bhaati, Kar Kar Jinsi, Maya Jin Upayi. Kar Kar Vekhai Keeta Apna, Jiv Tisdi Vadiayi. Jo Tis Bhavei Soi Karsi, Hukam Na Karna Jayi. So Paatisaho, Saha Patisahib, Nanak Rehan Rajayi. [27]
Munda Santokh, Sarm Pat Jholi, Dhyan Ki Kareh Bibhoot. Khintha, Kaal Kuaari Kaya, Jugat Danda Parteet. Aai Panthi Sagal Jamaati, Man Jeete Jag Jeet. Aades Tisae Aades. Aad Aneel Anaad Anahat, Jug Jug Eko Ves. [28]
Bhugat Gyan, Daya Bhandarn, Ghat Ghat Vaajah Naad. Aap Naath, Nathi Sabh Jaa Ki, Ridh Sidh Avraa Saad. Sanjog Vijog Doye, Kaar Chalaveh, Lekhe Aaveh Bhag. Aades Tisae Aades. Aad Aneel Anaad Anahat, Jug Jug Eko Ves. [29]
Eka Maai, Jugat Viaaee, Tin Chele Parvaan. Ik Sansari Ik Bhandari, Ik Laaye Dibaan. Jiv Tis Bhaave, Tivai Chalaveh, Jiv Hovei Furmaan. Oho Vekhai Onaa Nadar Naa Aavei, Bahuta Eho Vidaan. Aades Tisae Aades. Aad Aneel Anaad Anahat, Jug Jug Eko Ves. [30]
Aasan Loye Loye Bhandar. Jo Kichh Paya So Eka Vaar. Kar Kar Vekhai, Sirjanhaar. Nanak, Sache Ki Saachi Kaar. Aades Tisae Aades. Aad Aneel Anaad Anahat, Jug Jug Eko Ves. [31]
Ik Du Jeebhau Lakh Hohe, Lakh Hoveh Lakh Vees. Lakh Lakh Geda Aakhiyeh, Ek Naam Jagdees. Eit Raahe Pat Pavdiya, Chadhiyeh Hoye Ikkees. Sunn Gallan Aakas Ki, Keeta Aayi Rees. Nanak, Nadri Payiyeh, Koodi Koodei Thees. [32]
Aakhan Jor Chupai Nah Jor. Jor Na Mangan, Den Na Jor. Jor Na Jeevan, Maran Nah Jor. Jor Na Raaj, Maal Man Sor. Jor Na, Surti Gyan Vichar. Jor Na Jugti, Chhutte Sansar. Jis Hath Jor, Kar Vekhe Soye. Nanak, Uttam Neech Na Koye. [33]
Raati Rutti Thiti Vaar. Pawan Paani Agni Pataal. Tis Vich, Dharti Thaap Rakhi Dharm Saal. Tis Vich Jeea Jugat Ke Rang. Tin Ke Naam, Anek Anant. Karmi Karmi Hoye Vichar. Sacha Aap Sacha Darbar. Tithe Sohan Panch Parvaan. Nadri Karm Pavae Nisan. Kach Pakayi, Othei Paaye. Nanak, Gaya Jaape Jaaye. [34]
Dharm Khand Ka Eho Dharm. Gyan Khand Ka Aakho Karm. Kete Pawan Pani Vaisantar, Kete Kaahn Mahes. Kete Barme, Gharhat Gharhiyeh, Roop Rang Ke Ves. Ketiya Karm Bhumi Mer Kete, Kete Dhoo Updes. Kete Ind Chand Soor Kete, Kete Mandal Des. Kete Sidh Budh Nath Kete, Kete Devi Ves. Kete Dev Daanav Mun Kete, Kete Ratan Samund. Ketiya Khani Ketiya Bani, Kete Paat Narind. Ketiya Surti, Sevak Kete, Nanak, Ant Na Ant. [35]
Gyan Khand Meh Gyan Parchand. Tithei, Naad Binod, Kod Anand. Saram Khand Ki Baani Roop. Tithei, Ghaarhat Gharhiye, Bahut Anoop. Ta Kiya Galla, Kathiyan Na Jaahe. Je Ko Kahe, Pichhe Pachhutahe. Tithe Gharhiye, Surat Mat Man Budh. Tithe Gharhiye, Sura Sidha Ki Sudh. [36]
Karam Khand Ki Bani Jor. Tithei Hor Na Koi Hor. Tithai Jodh Mahabal Soor. Tin Mah Ram Raheya Bharpoor. Tithei, Seeto Seeta Mahima Maahe. Taa Ke Roop, Na Kathnai Jaahe. Na Oho Mareh, Na Thaage Jaahe. Jin Kei, Ram Vasai Man Maahe. Tithe Bhagat Vaseh Ke Loa'. Kareh Anand Sacha Man Soye. Sach Khand Vasey Nirankar. Kar Kar Vekhai Nadar Nihaal. Tithe Khand Mandal Varbhand. Je Ko Kathai, Ta Ant Na Ant. Tithe Loa Loa Aakar. Jiv Jiv Hukam Tive Tiv Kaar. Vekhei Vigsaiy Kar Vichar. Nanak, Kathna Kardaa Saar. [37]
Jat Pahara, Dheeraj Suniyar. Ahran Mat, Ved Hathiyar. Bhou Khalla, Agan Tap Taao. Bhanda Bhao, Amrit Titt Dhaal. Gharhiyei Sabad Sachi Taksaal. Jin Kou Nadar Karam, Tin Kaar. Nanak, Nadri Nadar Nihal. [38]
Slok. Pawan Guru Paani Pita, Mata Dhart Mahatt. Divas Raat Doye Daai Daaya Khelai Sagal Jagat. Changiayian Buriayian, Vachai Dharm Hadoor, Karmi Aapo Aapo Aapni, Ke Nede Ke Door. Jini Naam Dhiayia, Gaye Masakkat Ghaal. Nanak, Te Mukh Ujjle, Keti Chhutti Naal.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.
---- Japji Sahib Ends Here ----
The topic of the Japji is, according to Sikh tradition, based on the conversations which the Guru is said to have had with the Siddhas (sages) on Mount Meru the Sumer Pravat. Tradition fixes the place at the highest elevation of the Himalayan ranges of gold, where, it is supposed, resided, or perhaps still reside, the adepts in the spiritual lore.
These conversations, it is said, related to the topics of spiritual interest about which the Siddhas questioned the Guru, who by way of answers to their queries gave the whole of the Japji. The queries are not stated but are implied from the composition. Tradition asserts and elucidates these questions in commenting on the great teachings found in the Japji. The Japji is now used as the Lord's morning prayer, recited from memory or otherwise by devout Sikhs.
The language of the Japji is the Punjabi of its day (15th Century), with an admixture of peculiar and obsolete words and idioms. In style, it generally approaches the Sutras of the Sanskrit literature for being concise and elliptical.
The task, therefore, of making meaning clear and of supplying the appropriate verb, case, or preposition that is often omitted, is not an easy one. The difficulty of the task is increased by the fact that the topic deals with abstruse philosophical subjects. Imagination and intuition, besides knowledge of the topic concerned, as of the traditions and other writings of the Great Guru, prove to be a great guide.
Sanskrit words and terms in the wide and varied sense are, considering the nature of the subject in hand, naturally profusely used, though they are at times not easily discernible, either on account of the Punjabi garb due to Punjabi accent and script (Gurmukhi ) or on account of the vulgar or corrupt forms which they may have assumed when first embodied in Punjabi. Persian words too, with variations in form due to Punjabi pronunciation and spelling, are not infrequently used.
