Kirtan Sohila is one of the most revered prayers in Sikhism, often referred to as the “Bedtime Prayer.” Composed by the first five Sikh Gurus, this sacred hymn is traditionally recited before retiring to sleep, symbolizing the end of the day with reflections on divine protection and peace. The prayer encapsulates themes of mortality, divine grace, and the eternal nature of the soul, serving as a spiritual lullaby that prepares one for rest while contemplating life’s deeper meanings.
The Kirtan Sohila consists of five shabads (hymns), each contributed by a different Guru, highlighting the continuity and collective wisdom of Sikh leadership. The first shabad, penned by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, speaks of the meditation on the divine name as a shield against fear and the assurance of divine protection. The second, by Guru Ram Das, emphasizes the tranquility and peace that come from remembering God, likening it to the tranquility of rain on a hot summer day. Guru Arjan Dev Ji contributes the third and fourth shabads, focusing on the remembrance of the Almighty and the transcendence of the soul beyond material existence. The final shabad, from Guru Gobind Singh Ji, reaffirms the omnipresence of God and the dissolution of all fears in divine love.
This prayer not only serves as a nightly ritual but also plays a significant role during life’s most profound moments. It is recited at funerals, symbolizing the soul’s journey from this world to the divine, ensuring peace for the departed. Similarly, it is chanted during the Amrit Sanchar, the initiation ceremony into the Khalsa, underscoring its importance in Sikh spiritual life. The recitation of Kirtan Sohila is often accompanied by musical instruments, making it a form of Kirtan, or devotional singing, which uplifts the spirit and connects the individual with the divine through melody and rhythm.
The Kirtan Sohila’s verses are deeply philosophical yet accessible, blending the poetic with the practical. They remind Sikhs of the impermanence of life, the omnipresence of God, and the ultimate truth of existence. By chanting these hymns, Sikhs seek to end their day with gratitude, reflection, and a reaffirmation of their faith, finding solace in the knowledge that they are under divine care as they surrender to sleep. This practice not only fosters a personal connection with the divine but also instills a nightly ritual of peace, contemplation, and spiritual security.