Kabiovach Benti Chopai
A Prayer for Protection
This is a devotional hymn from the Sikh tradition, recited as a heartfelt plea for divine protection, the fulfillment of inner wishes, and the safety of one's family and followers.
Verses
The poet humbly offers this prayer in the Chaupai meter.
Verse 1
Grant me protection by giving Your hand; may the desires of my heart be fulfilled.
Verse 2
Then may my mind remain at Your feet; treat me as Your own and nurture me.
Verse 3
All the wicked ones come after us; You Yourself give Your hand and save us.
Verse 4
May my family dwell in peace, and all servants and disciples, O Creator.
Verse 5
Grant me protection with Your own hand; today destroy all enemies.
Verse 6
May my hopes be fulfilled, and may the thirst for Your praise and devotion remain.
Verse 7
You are my fortune and support; You are the shelter for the wicked and sinners.
Verse 8
Give Your own hand and save me; remove the wicked from my path and destroy them.
Verse 9
Wherever You go, always grant me protection.
Verse 10
Give Your supreme hand and save us; today destroy all enemies.
Verse 11
Worship Guidelines & Chanting Benefits (Phalashruti)
Daily or auspicious lunar days (Ekadashi, Purnima, Pradosham)
Brahma Muhurta (4:00 AM – 6:00 AM) or Evening Dusk (Sandhya)
Ghee lamp (Deepa), Incense (Dhoopa), Fresh flowers & Water offering
- Peace of mind, spiritual upliftment, and harmonious energy in the home
Background
This prayer is part of the Dasam Granth, a scripture traditionally attributed to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. It is often recited in Sikh households and during religious gatherings as a daily prayer for seeking shelter from harm, dispelling negativity, and invoking the Guru's grace. The term 'Chopai' refers to a poetic meter of four-line verses, and 'Kabiovach Benti' means 'the petition of the poet' (referring to the Guru himself as the poet). It is a beloved piece for its simple yet powerful request for divine care. In the Dasam Granth the prayer is placed at the end of the Charitropakhyan collection (Charitar no. 404) and is recorded at Ang 1386–1388.
About this Text
Composed by: Guru Gobind Singh Ji · Sikh Guru (Tenth of the Ten) · 1666–1708 CE, Punjab & beyond
The tenth and last human Sikh Guru, who founded the Khalsa order in 1699 and composed hymns of valor and devotion including the Jaap Sahib and Chaupai Sahib, later compiled in the Dasam Granth. Before his passing, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib to be the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
More by Guru Gobind Singh Ji
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Author and Source
These verses are from the “Benti Chaupai,” a prayer attributed to Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708), the tenth Sikh Guru. It is part of the Dasam Granth, a revered Sikh scripture that contains devotional and heroic compositions.
Poetic Form
The text uses the “Chaupai” meter, a common four-line stanza structure in Braj Bhasha (a medieval Hindi dialect). The opening phrase “Kabiobach Benti” signals that this is a poet’s humble plea to the Divine.
Central Theme of Protection
The prayer is a heartfelt request for divine protection (rachha) from both external enemies (dusht, meaning evil-doers) and inner struggles. The devotee asks for the Creator’s hand to shield themselves, their family, and their disciples.
Devotional Desires
Beyond safety, the verses express a longing for the fulfillment of heartfelt wishes (ichha) and a persistent thirst for singing devotional hymns (bhajan ki pyas). This reflects the Bhakti tradition’s emphasis on personal longing for God.
Everyday Use in Sikh Practice
This prayer is traditionally recited by Sikhs as a daily supplication for safety, often before sleep or travel. It is also included in the evening prayer (Rehras) in some Sikh communities, showing its role in routine spiritual life.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji
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