- Composed by
- Guru Gobind Singh Ji
- Source
- Sri Dasam Granth Sahib
- Structure
- About 199 verses in a range of poetic metres, opening with a chhappay
- Recited
- Morning Nitnem
Read Jaap Sahib
ਚੱਕ੍ਰ ਚਿਹਨ ਅਰੁ ਬਰਨ ਜਾਤਿ ਅਰੁ ਪਾਤਿ ਨਹਿਨ ਜਿਹ ॥
Chakr chihan ar baran jaat ar paat nahin jih.
The One who has no mark or sign, no colour, caste or lineage —
ਉਹ ਇੱਕ, ਜਿਸ ਦਾ ਕੋਈ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨ ਜਾਂ ਚਿੰਨ੍ਹ ਨਹੀਂ, ਕੋਈ ਰੰਗ, ਜਾਤ ਜਾਂ ਵੰਸ਼ ਨਹੀਂ —
The opening of this Bani.
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Context and purpose
Jaap Sahib opens the Dasam Granth. It is written largely in Braj Bhasha with many Sanskrit, Persian and Arabic words, reflecting a vision of the Divine that belongs to no single community. Much of it describes the One by what the One is not — without form, without lineage, without fear — and by what the One is: the sustainer and destroyer, merciful and all-powerful.
Its many poetic metres give it a strong, quickening rhythm. Traditional accounts connect this energy with the spirit of the Khalsa: praise that steadies the mind and builds courage.
Sikhs regard Jaap Sahib as Bani of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and it is part of daily Nitnem and Amrit Sanchar. Historians and scholars continue to discuss questions about the compilation of the wider Dasam Granth; this does not change Jaap Sahib's established place in Sikh practice.
When it is recited
The Sikh Rehat Maryada lists Jaap Sahib as the second morning Nitnem Bani, after Japji Sahib. It is also recited during Amrit Sanchar. Many Sikhs recite it daily at Amrit Vela; some who are learning read it in parts at first.
How it is structured
- Opening chhappay — The One without mark or sign, colour, caste or lineage — beyond description.
- Salutations — Long sequences of short lines saluting the Formless, the Timeless, the Merciful.
- Attributes in many metres — The Divine as sustainer, destroyer, giver and protector, praised in changing rhythms.
- Closing verses — A return to wonder at the One who pervades everything.
Key themes
The One beyond all marks
The Divine is described as having no mark, colour, caste or lineage — beyond every label people use to divide one another.
Salutation and wonder
Repeated salutations (namastang) turn praise into a steady rhythm that gathers the scattered mind.
Power and mercy together
The One is both the fearsome destroyer of wrong and the compassionate protector; Jaap Sahib holds both together.
Courage through remembrance
Its energetic metres are traditionally associated with building a fearless, steady spirit.
Difficult words explained
Practical reflections
- Which label — caste, class, nationality — do I most easily judge people by? How does 'no mark, no caste' challenge that?
- Where do I need courage today, and how can remembrance steady me?
- After reciting, can I carry one quality of the Divine — mercy, fearlessness — into one interaction today?
Audio recitation
A verified recitation will be added once a recording with clear rights is available. Audio & video library.
References & sources
- Sri Dasam Granth Sahib
- Sikh Rehat Maryada, SGPC
- BaniDB Gurbani database