Amrit Kirtan is the name of a collection of hymns taken from Guru Granth Sahib. In Sikhism, Amrit means immortalzing nectar. Kirtan refers to the singing of God's praise. Amrit kirtan is the word for Sikh hymnal.
The contents of the hymnal are divided into sections according to the theme of each shabad, or verse, and compiled in a volume called a pothi. The pothi is used for singing.The hands should be washed before opening the Amrit kirtan pothi. When the Amrit kirtan pothi is not in use, it should be kept wrapped in a clean cloth or cover and stored in a clean place. When open, the covering ought to be folded and placed beneath the Amrit kirtan pothi, which may be held in the lap, set on a stand, or placed on top of a harmonium. The Amrit kirtan pothi should never be placed directly on the floor at any time.
The Amrit Kirtan pothi has a total of 1020 pages. Many of the hymns are reproduced directly from the Guru Granth Sahib in the original Gurmukhi language. There are also selections from Dasam Granth whose author is Guru Gobind Singh, selections from the writings of Bhai Gurdas and Bhai Nand Lal Sahib Ji, all of which are in the Panjabi language.
Guru Granth Sahib declares the immortalizing nectar of Amrit, is tasted by repeating God's name, reading, reciting and singing the divine hymns, of Gurbani.
"Amrit sabad amrit har bani||
The immortalizing nectar of the divine hymn, is made immortal by the ambrosial nectar of the Lord's word." (SGGS||119||)
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