Nitnem by Dr. Kulwant Singh, with Punjabi ... - Gurbanifiles.org

FOREWORD
The current Nit-Nem (the Scriptures for routine recitation) approved by the Panth (The Sikh-
World) comprises of the five Scriptures. The first of these is Jappu, also called Jappu ji Sahib,
or Jappu Nisaan. Others are Jaapu Sahib, Savayae, Rahras, and Kirtan Sohela.
Jappu ji Sahib – The Holy Sikh Book: Siri Guru Granth Sahib, starts with this Hymn
composed by Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. This spans the first 8 pages of the Holy Book
and is named "Jappu," respectfully called "Jappu jee Saahib." "Jappu" means, “recite.” Jappu
jee Saahib is an important part of a Sikh's daily prayer. The collection of scriptures called, "Nit-
Nem," meaning Daily-Prayer, are often compiled separately in a small booklet. All Nit-Nem
Gutkaas (Booklets) start with Jappu jee Saahib and contain other hymns as well. The
description of Jappu jee Saahib that follows, has been taken with a few immaterial changes
here and there, from "The Encyclopedia of Sikhism," by Harbans Singh, published in 1996 by
the Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India.
“. Jappu ji is the most riveting Sikh prayer recited by the devout, early in the morning.
The composition is not assigned to any particular raga or musical measure, as is the rest of the
Scriptural text. Jappu ji is universally accepted to be the composition of Guru Nanak, the
founding prophet of Sikhism, although, unlike other scriptural hymns and compositions, it
remains anonymous without being credited individually to any of the Gurus… Preceded by
what is called Mul Mantra, the basic statement of creed, the Jappu comprises of an introductory
sloka and 38 stanzas traditionally called paurees and a concluding sloka… The entire
composition including the Mool Mantra, two slokas and the thirty-eight paurees form the
sacred Morning Prayer Jappu ji Sahib, is also called Jappu Nisaanu. It serves as a prologue to
the Scripture and encapsulates Guru Nanak's creed and philosophy, as a whole. "The message
of the Jappu is abiding in nature and universal in application. It describes the nature of the
Ultimate Reality and the way to comprehend it, and is not tied to any particular religious
system. In a word, it defines Sikhism, the religious view of Guru Nanak.”
Jaapu Sahib – It is a different Scripture from “Jappu” of Guru Nanak. Jaapu has been
composed by the Tenth Master Guru Gobind Singh. It has 199 stanzas in different styles of the
poetry, contains different Names of God, and so is meditation on Him. The Scripture is rich
with the words from different languages like Sanskrit, Persian, Bihari, and even Arabic.
Savayaas – It has 10 Shabads – Hymns. It is composition of the 10 th Master - Guru Gobind
Singh, and is in his style.
Rahraas – It has Hymns by different Gurus, and portions from other Banis (Scriptures) like
“Anand Sahib,” by 3 rd Guru, and “Chaupaee,” etc. by Guru Gobind Singh.
Keertan Sohelaa – This also is a mixed Bani i.e. not by a single Guru. It has five Hymns. As a
daily routine, a Sikh is required to recite these five Banis (Scriptures) every day. If nothing
more, most of them recite Jappu ji Sahib every morning and some add to it Rahraas in the
evening. Many recite more than these five prescribed Banis. Whatever one can do is great, but
should keep on trying to achieve the optimum.
Extra Banis
Many recite more than the above currently prescribed five Banis – Scriptures. Some of these
are mentioned below, and have also been given in this book –
Shabad Hajaa-rae – This is recited in the morning, mostly after Jappu ji Sahib.
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