- Composed by
- Several Gurus (Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Ram Das Ji, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji)
- Source
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 8–12, with additional compositions
- Structure
- A composite Bani: the So Dar and So Purakh shabads from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, with further compositions including Benti Chaupai and pauris of Anand Sahib
- Recited
- Evening
Read Rehras Sahib
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Context and purpose
Rehras Sahib begins with the So Dar and So Purakh shabads found on Ang 8–12 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, immediately after Japji Sahib. So Dar opens in wonder at the Divine 'door' where all creation sings praise; So Purakh praises the Pure, Infinite One.
To these are added further compositions. The precise composition of Rehras varies between traditions; the Sikh Rehat Maryada specifies its version, which includes Benti Chaupai, the first five and the last pauri of Anand Sahib, and closing verses including the Mundavani.
The mood of Rehras is one of putting the day down: remembering that what was done was done by grace, releasing worry about what was left undone, and returning the mind to the One before rest.
When it is recited
Rehras Sahib is recited in the evening, commonly around sunset or when the working day ends, as set out in the Sikh Rehat Maryada. Some families recite it together at home; in gurdwaras it is usually recited in the evening programme. Exact timing and the form recited vary between traditions.
How it is structured
- So Dar (Ang 8–10) — Shabads of wonder at the Divine court where all creation sings, and trust that the Divine cares for us.
- So Purakh (Ang 10–12) — Shabads praising the Pure, Infinite One and asking for the company of the devoted.
- Benti Chaupai — Guru Gobind Singh Ji's prayer for protection, in the Rehat Maryada version.
- Anand Sahib (selected pauris) — The first five and the fortieth pauri of Guru Amar Das Ji's song of bliss.
- Mundavani and closing verses — The closing 'seal' of truth, contentment and contemplation, and verses of thanksgiving.
Key themes
Gratitude at day's end
Thanking the Divine for the day given, whatever it held.
Releasing anxiety
Trust that the Divine already cares for us, so the mind need not be consumed with scheming.
Wonder
The So Dar shabad pictures the whole of creation singing at the Divine door.
Protection and bliss
Benti Chaupai and Anand Sahib close the prayer with shelter and joy.
Lines to reflect on
ਕਾਹੇ ਰੇ ਮਨ ਚਿਤਵਹਿ ਉਦਮੁ ਜਾ ਆਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਪਰਿਆ ॥
Kaahe re man chitaveh udam jaa aahar har jeeo pariaa.
O mind, why are you consumed with anxious scheming, when the Divine is already taking care of you?
ਹੇ ਮਨ, ਤੂੰ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਭਰੀਆਂ ਸਕੀਮਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਉਂ ਡੁੱਬਿਆ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈਂ, ਜਦੋਂ ਰੱਬ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਹੀ ਤੇਰਾ ਖ਼ਿਆਲ ਰੱਖ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ?
ਹਮਰੀ ਕਰੋ ਹਾਥ ਦੈ ਰੱਛਾ ॥ ਪੂਰਨ ਹੋਇ ਚਿੱਤ ਕੀ ਇੱਛਾ ॥
Hamaree karo haath dai rachhaa. Pooran hoe chit kee ichhaa.
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।
ਅਨੰਦੁ ਭਇਆ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਏ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮੈ ਪਾਇਆ ॥
Anand bhaiaa meree maae satiguroo mai paaiaa.
O my mother, I am in bliss, for I have found the True Guru.
ਹੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਮਾਂ, ਮੈਂ ਅਨੰਦ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਾਂ, ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਮਿਲ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।
ਥਾਲ ਵਿਚਿ ਤਿੰਨਿ ਵਸਤੂ ਪਈਓ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਵੀਚਾਰੋ ॥
Thaal vich tinn vasatoo paeeo sat santokh veechaaro.
On this platter three things have been placed: truth, contentment and contemplation.
ਇਸ ਥਾਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਤਿੰਨ ਚੀਜ਼ਾਂ ਰੱਖੀਆਂ ਗਈਆਂ ਹਨ: ਸੱਚ, ਸੰਤੋਖ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਚਾਰ।
Difficult words explained
Practical reflections
- What am I grateful for from today, specifically?
- What worry can I hand over tonight instead of carrying it to bed?
- What one thing from today would I do differently tomorrow — without blaming myself?
Audio recitation
A verified recitation will be added once a recording with clear rights is available. Audio & video library.
References & sources
- Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 8–12
- Sikh Rehat Maryada, SGPC
- BaniDB Gurbani database