How To Carry Out Nitnem?

Overview

This guide offers general steps on performing Nitnem in typical, personal or home settings.

Prerequisites

  1. Choose an appropriate place for Nitnem (Note: it can be done anywhere with proper focus, including while traveling).
  2. Wake up and wash before starting your morning Nitnem.
  3. Have access to a Gutka or electronic device with the Nitnem banis, such as The Gurbani School Nitnem App.
  4. Wear a hazooria – a 2.25-2.5 meter plain white cloth (without decoration).-Optional
  5. If not yet Gursikh, cover your head with a rumal, keski or scarf, and remain barefoot.

Preparation

  1. Find a calm, suitable place for Nitnem, such as a bedroom or living room. Sit cross-legged on a rug, carpet, or even a bed if desired.
  2. Handle any printed Gurbani with respect. Store Gutkas in a clean, separate cloth (usually white) and avoid folding pages or using bookmarks.
  3. For electronic Nitnem, consider a dedicated device for respect, especially if listening or following along.
  4. If using a Gutka with a wooden stand, place a cloth underneath, with a separate cloth for the stand itself.
  5. Wear a hazooria around your neck as a symbol of humility and devotion; use it to keep your hands clean when handling a Gutka and cover your mouth if sneezing or coughing.

Before Waking Up

  1. Get adequate rest and, if Gursikh, sleep with your 5 kakkars (articles of faith) and keski.
  2. Know your local Amrit vela (time window before dawn) to complete your Nitnem before sunrise. Amrit vela typically lasts 2-4 hours depending on the season.
  3. Set an alarm for the appropriate waking time if necessary.

On Waking Up

  1. Wake 20-30 minutes before Amrit vela to prepare, or at its start, allowing enough time for Nitnem.
  2. Upon waking, center your mind on God, repeating “Waheguru” silently or aloud.
  3. During washing (isnaan), continue to repeat “Waheguru” or recite Mool Mantar or Gurbani.
  4. For some, cold water during isnaan is invigorating, increasing circulation and alertness, while warm water is suitable in colder conditions.
  5. Gursikhs wear all 5 kakkars while washing, including the kirpan secured with a gatra around the head.
  6. After washing, comb your hair and avoid any food or drink until completing Nitnem.

Morning Nitnem

Follow these steps once ready to begin your Nitnem:

  1. Cover your head, wear a hazooria (or chuni for women), and remain barefoot.
  2. Begin by repeating “Waheguru” and may include additional Naam Abhiyaas for up to 60 minutes.
  3. Most Sikhs commence each of the five Nitnem banis with “Sat-Naam Sri Waheguru Sahib Jio” or “Waheguru Sahib Jio.”
  4. Conclude each bani with “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!”

Morning Banis

  • Japji Sahib – ~22 minutes
  • Jaap Sahib – ~22 minutes
  • Tav Prasad Savaiye – ~5 minutes
  • Chaupai Sahib – ~6 minutes
  • Anand Sahib – ~16 minutes
  • Ardas – ~4 minutes

Total Morning Nitnem: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Evening Nitnem

After a quick wash and combing of the kes, perform Rehras Sahib and then Ardas, totaling ~25 minutes.

Before Bedtime

Conclude your day with Kirtan Sohila (5 hymns), taking around 4 minutes. Drift into sleep while silently repeating “Waheguru.”