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Nitnem & Gutke · Morning Nitnem

Chaupai Sahib

Chaupai Sahib, also called Benti Chaupai, is a heartfelt prayer for the Divine's protection. It asks for the Divine hand to shelter the one who prays, to protect loved ones and to keep the mind fixed on the One.

ਚੌਪਈ ਸਾਹਿਬ

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Composed by
Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Source
Sri Dasam Granth Sahib
Structure
Chaupai verses (quatrains), followed by a savaiya and dohra in the Rehat Maryada version
Recited
Morning Nitnem

Read Chaupai Sahib

Meaning Transliteration

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Context and purpose

Chaupai Sahib is a prayer (benti) in the Dasam Granth. Its tone is personal and trusting: the one who prays asks for protection from harm, for the well-being of their companions, and for the mind to remain attached to the Divine feet.

It is widely loved as a prayer of reassurance in anxious times, when travelling, or before sleep. Many families teach it to children early because its language is direct and its request simple.

The number of verses recited varies between traditions; the Sikh Rehat Maryada version ends with a savaiya and a dohra. As with other Dasam Granth Banis, scholarly discussion about the wider collection continues.

When it is recited

Chaupai Sahib forms part of Rehras Sahib in the evening, as specified in the Sikh Rehat Maryada. Many Sikhs also recite it in the morning Nitnem, and it is one of the Banis recited during Amrit Sanchar. Practice varies between families and traditions.

How it is structured

  • Opening prayer — A request for the Divine hand to protect, so that the heart's longing is fulfilled.
  • Protection of self and companions — Prayers for the well-being of one's own people and for the removal of harm.
  • Closing savaiya and dohra — Choosing the Divine as the only refuge (in the Rehat Maryada version).

Key themes

Asking for protection

A trusting request for the Divine hand to shelter the self and one's companions.

Refuge in the One

Having sought other doors, the one who prays chooses the Divine alone as refuge.

A steady mind

The prayer asks not only for safety but for the mind to stay attached to the One.

Lines to reflect on

ਹਮਰੀ ਕਰੋ ਹਾਥ ਦੈ ਰੱਛਾ ॥ ਪੂਰਨ ਹੋਇ ਚਿੱਤ ਕੀ ਇੱਛਾ ॥

Hamaree karo haath dai rachhaa. Pooran hoe chit kee ichhaa.

Meaning (GurVichaar explanation)

Give me Your hand and protect me, so that the longing of my heart is fulfilled.

ਆਪਣਾ ਹੱਥ ਦੇ ਕੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਕਰੋ, ਤਾਂ ਜੋ ਮੇਰੇ ਦਿਲ ਦੀ ਤਾਂਘ ਪੂਰੀ ਹੋਵੇ।

Dasam Granth · Chaupai Sahib · Guru Gobind Singh Ji · Verse study

Difficult words explained

ਚੌਪਈ
Chaupai
A four-line poetic metre.
ਬੇਨਤੀ
Benti
A humble request or prayer.
ਸ਼ਰਨ
Sharan
Refuge or shelter.
ਦੋਹਰਾ
Dohra
A two-line verse form; one closes the Rehat Maryada version.
ਰੱਖਿਆ
Rakhya
Protection.

Practical reflections

  1. What am I anxious about today that I can place in the Divine's care?
  2. Whom do I want to hold in my prayer today, by name?
  3. After asking for protection, what can I do to protect someone else?

Audio recitation

A verified recitation will be added once a recording with clear rights is available. Audio & video library.

References & sources

  1. Sri Dasam Granth Sahib
  2. Sikh Rehat Maryada, SGPC
  3. BaniDB Gurbani database