Nitnem
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Nitnem ( ) 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 as expressed in the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the official Sikh Code of Conduct which acts as the ultimate "rulebook" for Amritdhari Sikhs). Optionally additional prayers may be added to a Sikh's nitnem. There are three hymns which are officially mandated by the Sikh Rehat Maryada to be recited at Amrit Vela (early hours of the morning between 2AM and 6AM), although two more are commonly recited alongside these, forming the 5 Baania (5 hymns). The Rehras Sahib hymn is also mandated in the evening, followed by Kirtan Sohila at night. The morning and evening prayers should be followed by an Ardaas.
Nitnem ( ) 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 as expressed in the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the official Sikh Code of Conduct which acts as the ultimate "rulebook" for Amritdhari Sikhs). Optionally additional prayers may be added to a Sikh's nitnem. There are three hymns which are officially mandated by the Sikh Rehat Maryada to be recited at Amrit Vela (early hours of the morning between 2AM and 6AM), although two more are commonly recited alongside these, forming the 5 Baania (5 hymns). The Rehras Sahib hymn is also mandated in the evening, followed by Kirtan Sohila at night. The morning and evening prayers should be followed by an Ardaas.
Night prayer
Kirtan Sohila Sahib Some Sikh traditions also include the recitation of Rakhya De Shabad (hymns of divine protection) before Kirtan Sohila, especially within certain Taksal and Nihang lineages. These shabads are selected verses from the Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth that express trust in the protection of Waheguru and seek spiritual and mental reassurance before resting. While not universally practiced across all Sikh communities, this addition is considered a way of preparing the mind for peaceful sleep and reinforcing a sense of divine guardianship throughout the night. 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.
Other prayers
Nitnem is typically read from a gutka (Sikh Prayer book) or pothi (wider rectangular book), of which the main forms are the Panj Granthi (5 main scriptures from Guru Granth Sahib) and the Das Granthi (main scriptures from Dasam Granth). The Sundar Gutka (A larger gutka containing a mix of many compositions, lit. Beautiful Gutka) is also common in Sikh households. Other prayers commonly read are: Sukhmani Sahib Asa di Vaar Aarti Sidh Gosti Uggardanti Shabad Hazare Patshahi 10
See also
Guru Granth Sahib Panj Granthi Sukhmani Sahib Amrit Vela Meditation Simran Dasam Granth
References
Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1370309039 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.