It Is this economy of words and brevity of expression which distinguish this composition from all others. Japji is written in the sutra or mantra form, like the ancient Indian sacred texts and contains concentrated thought expressed in the minimum words. Other biographers believe that the verses were written by the Guru at different times and later collected together as a basic prayer, for the benefit of his followers. Macauliffe’ however felt that it was the mature work of Guru Nanak, in advanced age, after he had settled at Kartarpur in 1521. According to Puratan Janama-sakhi, it was stated by Guru Nanak, soon after his Divine revelation and benediction. It is difficult to say precisely when it was written. It is a treasury of secular and spiritual wisdom and deserves detailed study.
For these reasons it occupies the opening place in the Guru Granth Sahib. It contains the basic teachings of Guru Nanak. Japji Sahib contains the whole essence of Sikh philosophy.
