Nitnem (Punjabi: ਨਿਤਨੇਮ) (literally Daily Routine) is a collection of Sikh hymns (Gurbani) to be read minimally 3 different times of the day. These are mandatory and to be read by every Amritdhari Sikh[1] as expressed in the Sikh Rehat Maryada.[2] Optionally additional prayers may be added to a Sikh's nitnem. There are five hymns (Five Banis) to be done during Amrit Vela (early morning),[1] the Rehras Sahib hymn for the evening and Kirtan Sohila for the night. The morning and evening prayers should be followed by an Ardaas.[3][4]

Morning PrayerEdit

As per the Sikh Code of Conduct, Sikhs are only required to recite Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, & the Ten Sawayyas in the morning.[5][6] Many Sikhs, including those who follow the lifestyle of the Damdami Taksal & AKJ, believe that Chaupai Sahib & Anand Sahib are also required in the morning prayers. Sometimes this is referred to as the Five Banis. These prayers are recited between 2 - 6 AM. These morning prayers are required to be followed by the Ardas.[7][8]

Evening PrayerEdit

This prayer is recited after sunset and takes about 8–12 minutes to recite. This evening prayer is required to be followed by the Ardas.[9][10][11][12]

Night PrayerEdit

This prayer is recited before going to bed and takes about 5–12 minutes to recite. This night prayer is not required to be followed by the Ardas.[9][13][14][15]

Other Prayers Commonly ReadEdit

See alsoEdit

ReferencesEdit

  1. 1.0 1.1 Singh, H.S. (2005). The Encyclopedia of Sikhism (Second ed.). New Delhi: Hemkunt Press. p. 15. ISBN 978-8170103011.
  2. Dr. H.S. Singha (2005). Sikh Studies, Book 7. Hemkunt Press. p. 56. ISBN 9788170102458.
  3. Singh Sethi, Manmohan (13 August 2017). Nitnem and Ardaas : English Transliteration: Japji, Jaap, Sawaiye, Rehras, Kirtan Sohila, Ardaas. Sukan Publishing Universe. p. 3. ISBN 978-1-502-26421-3.
  4. Singh, Gurinder (2001). The Making of Sikh Scripture. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 133. ISBN 978-0195130249.
  5. "Sikh Reht Maryada, the Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India".
  6. "Sikh Reht Maryada, the Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India".
  7. "NITNEM". The Sikh Encyclopedia. 2000-12-19. Retrieved 2021-12-28.
  8. "Sikh Reht Maryada, the Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India".
  9. 9.0 9.1 Haribala Rani Kaur Vaid (2007). The Sikh Religion: An Introduction (illustrated ed.). Star Publications. pp. 36–7. ISBN 9788176502306.
  10. Panesar, Rajinder; Ganeri, Anita (2008). Sikh Prayer and Worship. Sea to Sea Publications. ISBN 9781597710947.
  11. "Sikh Reht Maryada, the Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India".
  12. "Sikh Reht Maryada, the Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India".
  13. Kapoor, Sukhbir (2002). Guru Granth Sahib - An Advance Study (Volume I). New Delhi: Hemkunt. p. 283. ISBN 978-8170103172.
  14. "Sikh Reht Maryada, the Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India".
  15. "Sikh Reht Maryada, the Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India".

External linksEdit