Kirtan Sohila

About This Bani

Kirtan Sohila is the bedtime prayer — the last prayer recited by a Sikh before sleeping. It is a short, sweet collection of five hymns. It is also recited at cremation ceremonies, for it speaks of the end of the journey and the return of the soul to God.

Why We Recite This

Reciting Kirtan Sohila before sleep fills the last thoughts of the day with God's name and God's love. The Guru says that when someone recites this prayer before sleeping, they are truly resting in God's arms. It also prepares the soul for the ultimate sleep — death — and the journey back to God.