Nitnem is a compound word meaning daily observance, or covenant. The root word nit means daily, or continual and nem comes from the word niyam meaning observance or pact, promise, agreement, contract or covenant, principle or rule. In Sikhism, Nitnem is a pact or covenant of daily observance which refers to five required daily prayers, called the Panj Bania, which are reviewed through out the day at the appropriate time.
During Amritsanchar the Sikh initiation ceremony, the Panj Pyara, the administers of Amrit, instruct the initiates to review Nitnem daily thereafter without fail. The Sikh may read, recite, or listen to Nitnem. The prayers of Nitnem correspond to specific times of day including:
- Morning Prayers - To be read after bathing, following morning meditation at sunrise.
- Evening Prayers - To be read at sunset.
- Bedtime Prayers - To be read last thing before sleeping.
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