Nitnem (Daily Prayers)

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Nitnem (ਨਿਤਨੇਮ — Daily Prayers)

Overview

Nitnem ("daily discipline" or "daily reading") refers to the five prayers that Khalsa Sikhs are required to recite every day. These form the core spiritual discipline of an initiated Sikh — the daily practice that sustains connection with the Divine.

The five prayers are:

1. Japji Sahib — Morning prayer
2. Jaap Sahib — Morning prayer
3. Tav Parsad Savaiye — Morning prayer
4. Kirtan Sohila — Evening prayer
5. Ardas — Prayer of remembrance (not exactly a prayer but a ritual)

Nitnem is not optional for Khalsa Sikhs — it is a core discipline, binding. However, many Sikhs incorporate at least parts of nitnem into their daily practice.

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Practice Information

Type: Daily practice (nitya)

Who May Perform:

• Khalsa Sikhs (initiated): Must perform all five
• Non-initiated Sikhs: May perform any/all
• Anyone: The prayers are accessible to all

Materials Needed:

• Guru Granth Sahib (or a Gutkha/brief version)
• Clean, quiet space
• Covered head
• Patience and devotion

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The Five Prayers

1. Japji Sahib

When: Morning, upon waking, before sunrise

What: Recitation of Guru Nanak's Japji Sahib — 38 pauris (stanzas) plus the Mul Mantra

Time: Approximately 10–15 minutes

Where: Read at the gurdwara or at home with Guru Granth Sahib

2. Jaap Sahib

When: Morning

What: Recitation of Guru Gobind Singh's Jaap Sahib — 199 verses (楚克拉) in 9 parts

Time: Approximately 15–20 minutes

3. Tav Parsad Savaiye

When: Morning

What: 12 verses by Guru Gobind Singh; part of the Dasam Granth

Time: Approximately 5 minutes

4. Kirtan Sohila

When: Evening, before sleep

What: Recitation of Guru Nanak's Kirtan Sohila — 3 hymns (Asa di Var, Dakhne di Var, Patti)

Time: Approximately 5–10 minutes

5. Ardas

When: After Kirtan Sohila, and before any important action

What: The Sikh prayer of remembrance, supplication, and commitment; includes:

• Remembering the Ten Gurus
• Remembering Sikh martyrs
• Remembering current concerns
• Asking for divine protection and grace

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The Procedure

Morning Nitnem

1. Rise before sunrise (ideally)
2. Wash face and hands
3. Cover head
4. Sit in a clean place (on the floor or chair)
5. Begin with Ik Onkar (the opening of Guru Granth Sahib)
6. Recite Japji Sahib (either from memory or reading)
7. Recite Jaap Sahib
8. Recite Tav Parsad Savaiye
9. End with Ardas

Evening Nitnem

1. At sunset or before bed
2. Wash face and hands
3. Cover head
4. Recite Kirtan Sohila
5. End with Ardas

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Textual Basis

• Guru Granth Sahib: Contains Japji Sahib and Kirtan Sohila
• Dasam Granth: Contains Jaap Sahib and Tav Parsad Savaiye (attribution debated)
• Sikh tradition: Prescribes the specific order and timing

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Common Misunderstandings

1. "Must be recited in original Punjabi": Yes, ideally; but sincerity matters most
2. "Cannot be shortened": Some take abbreviated versions during travel
3. "Only Khalsa must do it": All Sikhs are encouraged

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What Requires Initiation vs. What Can Be Explored

Requires Initiation:

• Full nitnem as prescribed for Khalsa Sikhs

Can Be Explored Today:

• Reciting "Waheguru" as a mindfulness practice
• Reading one pauri of Japji Sahib with translation
• Attending a gurdwara where nitnem is recited

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Practice You Can Begin Today

Even without being Sikh:

1. Silent Reminder: Throughout the day, pause at intervals and silently think "Waheguru" — this simple practice cultivates mindfulness.

2. Learn One Hymn: Look up the English translation of Japji Sahib, Pauri 1. Even reading one stanza with reflection can be transformative.

3. Service Reflection: Sikh teaching says kirat karna (honest work) is worship. At the end of today, reflect: "Did I earn my livelihood honestly? Did my work help others?"

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DivineLens presents perspectives from within this tradition, curated for authenticity. For personal spiritual direction, advanced study, or questions about tradition-specific practice, we recommend finding a qualified teacher. Our Advisory Council reviews all content for theological accuracy.

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Known Limitations

1. Citations require verification.
2. The Dasam Granth question is politically sensitive in Sikhism.
3. The practical difficulties of daily recitation for working people are understated.

Recommended reviewers: A Khalsa Sikh scholar, a practicing Sikh.