Amrit Velā

Amrit Velā (Punjabi: ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲਾ, pronunciation: [ãːmɾʱɪt ʋelaː], lit. 'never ending time') does not refer to a specific time.[1] According to the pahar system of time, most Sikhs typically interpret this time to start at around 3:00 a.m.[2] Guru Nanak in the Japji Sahib (4th Pauri) says, "in amrit velā meditate on the grandeur of the one true Name".[2] The importance of Amrit Vela is found throughout the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib states that "those who consider themselves a Sikh must wake up daily at Amrit vela and be in tune with the Naam (the Lord's Name)"[3]

Illustration titled 'Morning prayers at the Sikh chapel in the regimental lines' from The Sikhs (1904) by John James Hood Gordon
Amrit Vela is an important time for Sikhs.
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In the SPGC Sikh Rehat Maryada it is written to arise in the Amrit Velā, bath, and meditate on the divine Naam (through Simran and Naam Japna). Here, Amrit Vela is defined as "three hours before the dawn".[4] Sikhs recite their morning Nitnem during Amrit vela. Traditionally after Nitnem Sikhs meet with the Sangat (congregation) to recite Asa di Var.[5]

See also

References
  1. Singh, Dharma (2011). Meditation As Medicine: Activate the Power of Your Natural Healing Force. New York: Simon & Schuster. p. 34. ISBN 9781439117538.
  2. McLeod, W. H. (2009). The A to Z of Sikhism. Scarecrow Press. p. 15. ISBN 9780810863446.
  3. Sri Guru Granth Sahib. p. Ang 305.
  4. "Sikh Reht Maryada, The Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India". Old.sgpc.net. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  5. Duggal, Kartar (1980). The Prescribed Sikh Prayers (Nitnem). New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. ISBN 9788170173779.

Further reading
  • Singh, Puran (1929). The Spirit Born People. Peshawar: Languages Department, Punjab.
  • Singh, Raghbir (2001). Bandginama. (English Translation) New Delhi: Atma Science Trust
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