# Sikh Prayers & Banis — Japji Sahib, Rehras, Kirtan Sohila

> Learn about the daily Sikh prayers (Nitnem), their meaning, significance, and when to recite them. Complete guide to Japji Sahib, Rehras Sahib, and more.

# Sikh Prayers & Banis

The daily prayers (Nitnem) form the spiritual foundation of a Sikh's life. These sacred compositions from the Guru Granth Sahib are recited at specific times to maintain a connection with the Divine.

## ☀️ Morning Prayers (Amrit Vela)

Recited before dawn, typically between 3 AM and 6 AM.

### Japji Sahib

📖 38 Pauris (stanzas)

⏱ ~20 minutes

✍️ Guru Nanak Dev Ji

The foundational prayer of Sikhism, Japji Sahib opens the Guru Granth Sahib. It begins with the Mool Mantar — the essence of Sikh belief — and explores the nature of God, the universe, and the path to spiritual liberation.

- Mool Mantar: "Ik Onkar" — There is One God

- Explores five spiritual realms (Khands)

- Emphasizes Naam Japna (meditation on God's name)

- Concludes with the Salok affirming truth as the highest virtue

### Jaap Sahib

📖 199 verses

⏱ ~15 minutes

✍️ Guru Gobind Singh Ji

A powerful composition describing the attributes of God through rhythmic poetry. Written in multiple languages including Sanskrit, Arabic, and Braj Bhasha, it emphasizes God's formless, timeless, and infinite nature.

### Tav-Prasad Savaiye

📖 10 stanzas

⏱ ~5 minutes

✍️ Guru Gobind Singh Ji

A concise yet profound rejection of ritual worship, idol worship, and empty practices. Affirms that true devotion lies in recognizing the One God who pervades all creation.

### Chaupai Sahib

📖 27 stanzas

⏱ ~7 minutes

✍️ Guru Gobind Singh Ji

A prayer seeking God's protection from all harm and evil. Widely recited for spiritual strength, courage, and divine safeguarding. Part of the Rehras Sahib evening prayer as well.

### Anand Sahib

📖 40 Pauris

⏱ ~15 minutes (full) / ~3 min (6 Pauris)

✍️ Guru Amar Das Ji

The "Song of Bliss" — a celebration of spiritual joy attained through connection with the Divine. The first five and last Pauri are recited at the conclusion of every Sikh ceremony.

## 🌅 Evening Prayer (Sunset)

### Rehras Sahib

📖 Composite — multiple authors

⏱ ~20 minutes

🕐 Recited at sunset

An evening collection of hymns expressing gratitude for the day and seeking continued divine guidance. Combines compositions from:

- Guru Nanak Dev Ji — Sodar and So Purakh

- Guru Ram Das Ji — Hymns of devotion

- Guru Arjan Dev Ji — Hymns of surrender

- Guru Gobind Singh Ji — Chaupai Sahib and Savaiye

## 🌙 Bedtime Prayer

### Kirtan Sohila

📖 5 hymns

⏱ ~5 minutes

🕐 Recited before sleep

The night prayer that prepares the mind for peaceful sleep and reflects on the soul's journey. Also recited during Sikh funeral ceremonies as the body is cremated.

- Composed by Guru Nanak, Guru Ram Das, and Guru Arjan Dev

- Themes: unity of God, impermanence of life, spiritual liberation

- Recited while closing the Guru Granth Sahib at night in Gurdwaras

## 🙏 Ardas — The Sikh Prayer

### Ardas

📖 3 parts

⏱ ~5-10 minutes

🕐 After every prayer and ceremony

The formal Sikh prayer offered standing with folded hands, facing the Guru Granth Sahib. It is a petition to God that:

- Part 1: Remembers God and the ten Gurus

- Part 2: Recalls Sikh sacrifices and historical events

- Part 3: Personal and community prayers for wellbeing

- Ends with "Nanak Naam Chardhi Kala, Tere Bhane Sarbat Da Bhala" — may all prosper by Your will

## Daily Prayer Schedule

| Time | Prayer | Duration | Purpose |

| --- | --- | --- | --- |

| 3-6 AM | Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tav-Prasad Savaiye, Chaupai Sahib, Anand Sahib | ~60 min | Spiritual awakening |

| Sunset | Rehras Sahib | ~20 min | Evening gratitude |

| Bedtime | Kirtan Sohila | ~5 min | Peaceful rest |

| Any time | Ardas | ~5-10 min | Formal petition to God |