Mool Mantar in Guru Arjan Dev ji's handwriting.

Japji Sahib consists of the Mool Mantar,an opening Salok, a set of 38 Pauris (hymns) and a final Salok. This Bani called Japji Sahib, appear at the very beginning of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib from Page 1 to Page 8 in the Holy Book of the Sikhs. It is regarded as the most important Bani or 'set of verses' by the Sikhs and is recited every morning by all practicing faith in Sikhism. The word ‘Jap’ means to ‘recite’ or ‘to ‘chant’. ‘Ji’ is a word that is used to show respect as is the word ‘Sahib’.

This Bani was composed by the founder of the faith, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji who was the first of ten human Gurus of this faith. The Ten Gurus of Sikhism were responsible for the creation of this faith which took place over period 1469 to 1708 - a period of about 239 years. At the point when the last of these Gurus departed this Earth, the Guruship was passed to the Sikh Holy Book, the SGGS. The Sikh treat the SGGS as a living Guru and the respect shown for the Shabad or ‘Message of the Gurus’ is unique in this religion.

Sri Guru Nanak in Bagdad.

At Baghdad a Muslim saint Behlol met the Guru. Behlol asked Baba Nanak, "What is your idea of God?" Guru Nanak replied, "There is one God. He is True. He makes everything. He is not afraid of anyone. He is not born. He never dies. He is self-made. We need only think of Him and pray to Him." Many search Him everywhere else and escape the Lord unconsciously. He resides truly under the lotus feet where the Shabad Guru leads one.