Amrit Vela and Memories of Guru’s Love

 

My mornings have always been quite structured and well-defined, like most of us do. But for the last few years, the meaning of morning hustle has changed for me. In fact, it isn’t a hustle anymore. There’s a particular way in which I like to honour another day that’s been gifted to me. I begin my mornings with the sight of the picture of Guru Nanak Dev ji that’s hung on my wall (and was painted by me under His guidance), and pay my gratitude for the new day with the words, “Waheguru, tera shukar hai,” meaning, “I am thankful to you, God”.

I switch on the live Gurbani kirtan from Darbar Sahib and let it wash away my soul of any impure, unclear, worrisome thoughts that may have walked my way in the course of the night. My home is filled with the aroma of the fresh food being lovingly prepared for the kids’ lunchboxes, and the air swaying to the hymns being sung in the Golden Temple.

 

ਭਲਕੇ ਉਠਿ ਪਰਾਹੁਣਾ ਮੇਰੈ ਘਰਿ ਆਵਉ॥

 

Hindi: Bhalkae Outh Parahuna Merae Ghar Aavo ||

 

English Meaning: I rise in the early morning hours, and the Holy Guest comes into my home.

 

I am no longer an early riser (although I wish to be!), but going back the memory lane, there was a time when I used to wake up at the Amrit Vela–literally meaning “the ambrosial hour”– referring to the early hours of the morning, typically 3 am to 6 am, also called the Chautha Pehar (fourth section of the night). Gurus have highlighted the importance of waking up at Amrit Vela at a number of places in Gurbani. It is considered the best time for spiritual practices as it’s easier to listen to your inner voice when the outside noise has been put to rest. It helps in awakening and in listening to your higher consciousness. Quoting a few verses from Gurbani to elucidate:

 

ਬਾਬੀਹਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲੈ ਬੋਲਿਆ ਤਾਂ ਦਰਿ ਸੁਣੀ ਪੁਕਾਰ ॥

ਮੇਘੈ ਨੋ ਫੁਰਮਾਨੁ ਹੋਆ ਵਰਸਹੁ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਧਾਰ ॥

 

Hindi: Baabeehaa amrit velai boliaa taan dar sunee pukaar,

Meghae nou farmaan hoa warsoh kirpa dhaar

 

English Meaning: The rainbird chirps in the ambrosial hours of the morning before the dawn, and its prayers are heard in the Court of the Lord. The clouds are then ordered to let the rains of mercy shower down.

 

Babeeha (Pied Cuckoo) is a bird that can drink water only from rainfall, even if there is an ocean available near it. When this bird is thirsty, it cries in such a heart-wrenching way that Waheguru, too, is prompted to send rainfall to quench its thirst. When the devotees (Babeeha) chant or do Simran with love at Amrit Vela, then their cries or requests are also instantly heard by Waheguru.

————

 

ਚਉਥੈ ਪਹਰਿ ਸਬਾਹ ਕੈ ਸੁਰਤਿਆ ਉਪਜੈ ਚਾਉ ॥

ਤਿਨਾ ਦਰੀਆਵਾ ਸਿਉ ਦੋਸਤੀ ਮਨਿ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਚਾ ਨਾਉ ॥

 

Hindi: Chauṫhae pahar sabaah kæ surṫiaa upjae chaao.

Ṫinaa ḋareeaavaa sio ḋosṫee man mukh sachaa naao.

 

English Meaning: In the fourth watch of the early morning hours, a longing arises in their higher consciousness. They are attuned to the river of life. The True Name is in their minds and on their lips.

 

Having a morning routine of waking up in the early hours and meditating/ praying is a blessing that not many have been graced with. Probably, I need to ask the Guru to bless me with this divine hour.

There are many experiences of Guru’s kindness and grace etched in my memory. How many times had he lifted me up when I had been at my lowest point? How many times did he alter my path to protect me from possible jeopardy? How many times has he closed the doors for me, only to open up the new ones? He has always been by my side, guiding me to play the role for which I had been sent on Earth.

As I refresh these thoughts in my mind by untangling the knots on the thread of memories, I realize how beautifully he carved the path of my growth and evolution, and gently led me to it, while closely watching me advance and bloom into the flower that he wants me to be.

 

ਸੰਤਾ ਕੇ ਕਾਰਜਿ ਆਪਿ ਖਲੋਇਆ

ਹਰਿ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਾਵਣਿ ਆਇਆ ਰਾਮ ॥

 

Hindi: Santaa kay kaaraj aap khaloiaa,

har kamm karaavan aiaa Raam.

 

English Meaning: The Lord Himself has stood up to resolve the affairs of the Saints. He has come to complete their tasks.

 

©Vandana Bhasin

04.11.2025