The Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of spiritual hymns (Shabads) composed by ten successive Gurus. Unlike many scriptures that contain narratives or historical accounts, the Guru Granth Sahib is primarily a collection of devotional and philosophical hymns meant to be sung and contemplated.

In 1604, Guru Arjan compiled the first version, known as the Adi Granth. Later, the hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur were added. Before his passing in 1708, Guru Gobind Singh declared that there would be no more human Gurus. He bestowed Guruship upon the Guru Granth Sahib, which Sikhs regard as their eternal spiritual guide.

In Sikh tradition, Japji Sahib is the opening composition of the Guru Granth Sahib and serves as a concise summary of many of Guru Nanak's core teachings about God, truth, human life, and spiritual realization.

Structure of the Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib is not arranged like a history book or a collection of stories. Instead, it is primarily a collection of spiritual hymns (Shabads) organized according to musical ragas (melodic frameworks).

1. Opening Section

The scripture begins with:

• Mool Mantar — the fundamental statement describing the nature of God.

• Japji Sahib — the foundational composition of Guru Nanak.

• Other important compositions such as So Dar, So Purakh, and additional hymns.

2. Raga-Based Organization

The main body of the Guru Granth Sahib is arranged according to 31 ragas. A raga is a musical framework used in Indian classical music. The hymns are grouped by the raga in which they are meant to be sung.

This arrangement emphasizes that the teachings are not merely to be read but also experienced through devotional singing (Kirtan).

3. Authors Within Each Raga

Within each raga, the hymns are organized by their authors, including:

• Guru Nanak

• Guru Angad

• Guru Amar Das

• Guru Ram Das

• Guru Arjan

• Guru Tegh Bahadur

• Saint-poets such as Kabir, Ravidas, and Namdev

4. Poetic Forms

The hymns appear in various poetic forms, including:

• Shabads (hymns)

• Pauris (stanzas)

• Saloks (couplets)

• Vars (ballads)

5. Closing Section

The scripture concludes with compositions such as:

• Mundavani ("seal" of the scripture)

• Ragmala (included in the traditional printed text)

Key Facts

• Total pages: 1,430 Angs (Ang means "limb"; Sikhs refer to pages with this respectful term).

• Language: Primarily Punjabi, with contributions in several related languages and dialects.

• Compiled by: Guru Arjan in 1604, later finalized with the inclusion of the hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

Simple Outline

Mool Mantar

Japji Sahib and introductory compositions

31 Ragas (main body of hymns)

Poems and hymns of Sikh Gurus and Bhagats

Mundavani and concluding compositions

In essence, the Guru Granth Sahib is a musical, poetic, and spiritual scripture, organized primarily by raga rather than by chronology or subject matter.