Nitnem
Encyclopedia
Nit Nem is a collaboration of different banis that were designated to be read by sikhs every day.
The Nit Nem bani's usually include the Panj bania
(5 bani's below) which are read in the morning 1am and Rehras Sahib in the evening 6pm and Kirtan Sohila
at night 9pm
The 5 morning Banis are usually recited in the early morning while Rehras is read in the evening (around 6pm.) and Kirtan Sohila is recited just before going to sleep at night.
Listen to the Morning Nitnem being lovingly sung here :
More information:
1. Japji Sahib
, forms the beginning of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib
, which is regarded as the perpetual Guru of the Sikhs. This Bani was compiled by Guru Nanak Dev
Ji, the founder of Sikhism
and the first of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism.
2. Jaap Sahib
, forms the first part of the Dasam Granth
, which is the second Holy Book of the Sikhs.
3. Sawayya
(aka: Tav Prasad Sawayya), is from the Dasam Granth
and was written by the Tenth Guru Guru Gobind Singh
4. Benti Chaupai, is from the Dasam Granth
and was written by the Tenth Guru Guru Gobind Singh
5. Anand Sahib
, is a compilation by the Third guru Guru Amar Das
. This bani is part of Guru Granth Sahib
. Link to Anand Sahib
6. Rehras Sahib or Sodar Rehras which consists of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib
plus
4a). Sawayya
)
4b). Benti Chaupai ) by Tenth Guru.
7. Kirtan Sohila
– Prayer to be recited before going to sleep – Also recite just before the body is cremated.
The Sikh
religion is a way of life guided by the twin principles of Simran and Seva
(ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੇ ਸੇਵਾ) i.e. Remembrance of the Creator and Service. In fact they are linked in that what is to be remembered is the Divine virtues and commands, and carrying out the latter. Nit-Nem is actually a compound word. 'Nit' means daily or always. 'Nem' is the short form of 'Nieam' meaning rule or practice. 'Nitnem’ thus means 'daily practice' and has been prescribed in the Sikh Reht Maryada
(ਸਿਖ ਰਹਿਤ ਮਰਯਾਦਾ), the Sikh Code of Conduct. This was finalized after a long discussion between leading Sikh scholars and personalities. It comprises three sets of Baanis (compositions) from the Sikh scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib
(SGGS), and of the Tenth Guru, who gave final shape to SGGS but did not include his own compositions therein. They are to be recited in the early morning, evening after sunset but before the evening meal and at bedtime. The Baanis have been so chosen as to act as a continuous reminder of how a Sikh is to conduct himself in life.
There are two advantages of Nitnem. Firstly it is the daily refresher guide and secondly one has something to look forward to for doing. Time never weighs on those who do Nitnem. As a corollary, a person who follows the practice faithfully can never be forgetful or go into depression. It helps to keep the mind on track in life both spiritually and temporally. It has been the experience of many that conformance to this improves even professional performance by way of remaining in focus.
The following Baanis have been prescribed in the Sikh Rehet Maryada (copied from the SGPC website).
a. The Japuji sahib, the Jaapu Sahib and the Ten Sawayyas (Quartets) - beginning "Srawag sudh"-- in the morning.
b. Sodar Rehras Sahib comprising the following compositions in the evening:-
i) nine hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib, occurring in the holy book after the Japuji Sahib, (The Phrase in Italic has been interpolated by the translator to help locate the hymns more conveniently.) the first of which begins with "Sodar" and the last of which ends with "saran pare ki rakho sarma",
ii) The Benti Chaupai of the tenth Guru (beginning "hamri karo hath dai rachha" and ending with "dusht dokh te leho bachai",
iii) the Swayya beginning with the words "pae gahe jab te tumre",
iv) the Dohira beginning with the words "sagal duar kau chhad kai".
v) the first five and the last pauris (stanzas) of Anand Sahib (The object of reciting the Anand as part of Sodar Rehras or at the conclusion of the congregational gathering is just to express joy and gratitude for the communion with the Guru ) and.
vi) the Mundawani and the slok Mahla 5 beginning "tera kita jato nahi"- in the evening after sunset.
(c) The Sohila - to be recited at night before going to bed.
The Nit Nem bani's usually include the Panj bania
5 Banis
The initiated Sikh is asked by the Panj Piare during the Amrit Sanchar ceremony to recite the following five banis every morning as a commitment to the Sikh Gurus and Waheguru....
(5 bani's below) which are read in the morning 1am and Rehras Sahib in the evening 6pm and Kirtan Sohila
Kirtan Sohila
Kirtan Sohila: Three Gurus – Guru Nanak, Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan - contributed five shabads on the pain of separation and celebrating the bliss of union. The first three Shabads were uttered by Guru Nanak, the fourth by Guru Ram Das and the fifth by Guru Arjan Dev. This is the night prayer said...
at night 9pm
- Japji SahibJapji SahibJapji is a universal song of God composed by Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh faith.Japji Sahib consists of the Mool Mantra as the beginning followed by 38 hymns and a final Salok at the end of this composition. The Japji appears at the very beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book...
(morning) - Jaap SahibJaap SahibJaap Sahib is the morning prayer of the Sikhs. The Prayer or Bani was composed by the tenth Sikh Master, Guru Gobind Singh. This Bani is one of 5 Banis that a Sikh must recite everyday and is recited by the Panj Pyare while preparing Amrit on the occasion of Amrit Sanchar , a ceremony held to admit...
(morning) - Tav-Prasad SavaiyeTav-Prasad SavaiyeTav-Prasad Savaiye is a short hymn of 10 stanzas. It is a part of Guru Gobind Singh ji's classic composition 'Akal Ustat' which means 'The praise of God'. In the last line of the 9th stanza, Gobind Singh has declared that 'only those who love sincerely and honestly, realise God'...
(morning) - Benti Chaupai (morning)
- Anand SahibAnand SahibAnand Sahib: This Bani is part of the Nitnem or prayer which are read by Amritdhari Sikhs in the morning. The Bani was written by Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of the Sikhs and form part of the 5 Banis that are recited daily by baptised Sikhs. The Bani appears on pages 917 to 922 of Guru Granth...
(morning) - Rehras Sahib (evening)
- Kirtan SohilaKirtan SohilaKirtan Sohila: Three Gurus – Guru Nanak, Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan - contributed five shabads on the pain of separation and celebrating the bliss of union. The first three Shabads were uttered by Guru Nanak, the fourth by Guru Ram Das and the fifth by Guru Arjan Dev. This is the night prayer said...
(night)
The 5 morning Banis are usually recited in the early morning while Rehras is read in the evening (around 6pm.) and Kirtan Sohila is recited just before going to sleep at night.
Listen to the Morning Nitnem being lovingly sung here :
- Japji_Sahib_Kirtan_By_Palji
- Jaap_Sahib_Kirtan_By_Palji
- Tav_Parshad_Swaiyaee_Kirtan_By_Palji
- Chaupai_Sahib_Kirtan_By_Palji
- Anand_Sahib_Kirtan_By_Palji
More information:
1. Japji Sahib
Japji Sahib
Japji is a universal song of God composed by Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh faith.Japji Sahib consists of the Mool Mantra as the beginning followed by 38 hymns and a final Salok at the end of this composition. The Japji appears at the very beginning of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book...
, forms the beginning of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
, which is regarded as the perpetual Guru of the Sikhs. This Bani was compiled by Guru Nanak Dev
Guru Nanak Dev
Guru Nanak was the founder of the religion of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. The Sikhs believe that all subsequent Gurus possessed Guru Nanak’s divinity and religious authority, and were named "Nanak" in the line of succession.-Early life:Guru Nanak was born on 15 April 1469, now...
Ji, the founder of Sikhism
Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh Gurus . It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world and one of the fastest-growing...
and the first of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism.
2. Jaap Sahib
Jaap Sahib
Jaap Sahib is the morning prayer of the Sikhs. The Prayer or Bani was composed by the tenth Sikh Master, Guru Gobind Singh. This Bani is one of 5 Banis that a Sikh must recite everyday and is recited by the Panj Pyare while preparing Amrit on the occasion of Amrit Sanchar , a ceremony held to admit...
, forms the first part of the Dasam Granth
Dasam Granth
Dasven Patshah Da Granth or Dasam Granth , often called Sri Dasam Granth Sahib with respect, is a scripture of Sikhism, containing some of the texts attributed to 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Although the Dasam Granth is commonly confused with the Guru Granth Sahib, there is no overlap in...
, which is the second Holy Book of the Sikhs.
3. Sawayya
Sawayya
- Sawaiya :The English spelling can vary - Sometimes written as "Sawaiye" or "Savaiye" , etcThese are thirty-three in all. Apart from describing the form of the Khalsa, these describe God in a style very similar to that employed in the Akal Ustat. God as described here is above the limiting...
(aka: Tav Prasad Sawayya), is from the Dasam Granth
Dasam Granth
Dasven Patshah Da Granth or Dasam Granth , often called Sri Dasam Granth Sahib with respect, is a scripture of Sikhism, containing some of the texts attributed to 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Although the Dasam Granth is commonly confused with the Guru Granth Sahib, there is no overlap in...
and was written by the Tenth Guru Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh is the tenth and last Sikh guru in a sacred lineage of ten Sikh gurus. Born in Patna, Bihar in India, he was also a warrior, poet and philosopher. He succeeded his father Guru Tegh Bahadur as the leader of Sikhs at a young age of nine...
4. Benti Chaupai, is from the Dasam Granth
Dasam Granth
Dasven Patshah Da Granth or Dasam Granth , often called Sri Dasam Granth Sahib with respect, is a scripture of Sikhism, containing some of the texts attributed to 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Although the Dasam Granth is commonly confused with the Guru Granth Sahib, there is no overlap in...
and was written by the Tenth Guru Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind Singh is the tenth and last Sikh guru in a sacred lineage of ten Sikh gurus. Born in Patna, Bihar in India, he was also a warrior, poet and philosopher. He succeeded his father Guru Tegh Bahadur as the leader of Sikhs at a young age of nine...
5. Anand Sahib
Anand Sahib
Anand Sahib: This Bani is part of the Nitnem or prayer which are read by Amritdhari Sikhs in the morning. The Bani was written by Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of the Sikhs and form part of the 5 Banis that are recited daily by baptised Sikhs. The Bani appears on pages 917 to 922 of Guru Granth...
, is a compilation by the Third guru Guru Amar Das
Guru Amar Das
Guru Amar Das was the third of the Ten Gurus of Sikhism and was given the title of Sikh Guru on 26 March 1552.-His life:...
. This bani is part of Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
. Link to Anand Sahib
6. Rehras Sahib or Sodar Rehras which consists of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
plus
4a). Sawayya
Sawayya
- Sawaiya :The English spelling can vary - Sometimes written as "Sawaiye" or "Savaiye" , etcThese are thirty-three in all. Apart from describing the form of the Khalsa, these describe God in a style very similar to that employed in the Akal Ustat. God as described here is above the limiting...
)
4b). Benti Chaupai ) by Tenth Guru.
7. Kirtan Sohila
Kirtan Sohila
Kirtan Sohila: Three Gurus – Guru Nanak, Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan - contributed five shabads on the pain of separation and celebrating the bliss of union. The first three Shabads were uttered by Guru Nanak, the fourth by Guru Ram Das and the fifth by Guru Arjan Dev. This is the night prayer said...
– Prayer to be recited before going to sleep – Also recite just before the body is cremated.
The Sikh
Sikh
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. It primarily originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. The term "Sikh" has its origin in Sanskrit term शिष्य , meaning "disciple, student" or शिक्ष , meaning "instruction"...
religion is a way of life guided by the twin principles of Simran and Seva
Selfless Service
Selfless service is a commonly used term to denote a service which is performed without any expectation of result or award for the person performing it.-Religious significance:...
(ਸਿਮਰਨ ਤੇ ਸੇਵਾ) i.e. Remembrance of the Creator and Service. In fact they are linked in that what is to be remembered is the Divine virtues and commands, and carrying out the latter. Nit-Nem is actually a compound word. 'Nit' means daily or always. 'Nem' is the short form of 'Nieam' meaning rule or practice. 'Nitnem’ thus means 'daily practice' and has been prescribed in the Sikh Reht Maryada
Reht Maryada
The Sikh Rehat Maryada is the Sikh Code of Conduct which was put into force right from the birth of Sikhism....
(ਸਿਖ ਰਹਿਤ ਮਰਯਾਦਾ), the Sikh Code of Conduct. This was finalized after a long discussion between leading Sikh scholars and personalities. It comprises three sets of Baanis (compositions) from the Sikh scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Guru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
(SGGS), and of the Tenth Guru, who gave final shape to SGGS but did not include his own compositions therein. They are to be recited in the early morning, evening after sunset but before the evening meal and at bedtime. The Baanis have been so chosen as to act as a continuous reminder of how a Sikh is to conduct himself in life.
There are two advantages of Nitnem. Firstly it is the daily refresher guide and secondly one has something to look forward to for doing. Time never weighs on those who do Nitnem. As a corollary, a person who follows the practice faithfully can never be forgetful or go into depression. It helps to keep the mind on track in life both spiritually and temporally. It has been the experience of many that conformance to this improves even professional performance by way of remaining in focus.
The following Baanis have been prescribed in the Sikh Rehet Maryada (copied from the SGPC website).
a. The Japuji sahib, the Jaapu Sahib and the Ten Sawayyas (Quartets) - beginning "Srawag sudh"-- in the morning.
b. Sodar Rehras Sahib comprising the following compositions in the evening:-
i) nine hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib, occurring in the holy book after the Japuji Sahib, (The Phrase in Italic has been interpolated by the translator to help locate the hymns more conveniently.) the first of which begins with "Sodar" and the last of which ends with "saran pare ki rakho sarma",
ii) The Benti Chaupai of the tenth Guru (beginning "hamri karo hath dai rachha" and ending with "dusht dokh te leho bachai",
iii) the Swayya beginning with the words "pae gahe jab te tumre",
iv) the Dohira beginning with the words "sagal duar kau chhad kai".
v) the first five and the last pauris (stanzas) of Anand Sahib (The object of reciting the Anand as part of Sodar Rehras or at the conclusion of the congregational gathering is just to express joy and gratitude for the communion with the Guru ) and.
vi) the Mundawani and the slok Mahla 5 beginning "tera kita jato nahi"- in the evening after sunset.
(c) The Sohila - to be recited at night before going to bed.
- The morning and evening recitations should be concluded with the Ardas (formal supplication litany).