In Sikhi, Amrit Vela is the time early in the morning, usually between 3 AM and 6 AM. This time is special for reciting Gurbani and Naam abhyaas because it is quiet and peaceful.
According to Guru’s Maryada or the way of life instructed by Guru Ji, it is specified that Amrit-vela in terms of daily spiritual discipline is the last part of the night before sunrise. Gurbani says:
ਝਾਲਾਘੇ ਉਠਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਸਿ ਬਾਸੁਰ ਆਰਾਧਿ ॥
“Rise early before dawn, and chant the Naam; worship and adore the Lord, night and day.”
(Gauree M:5, 255)
The word ‘ਝਾਲਾਂਘੇ’ here means early morning, or what is also known as ‘ਪਿੱਛਲ ਰਾਤਿ’ in Gurbani:
ਫਰੀਦਾ ਪਿਛਲ ਰਾਤਿ ਨ ਜਾਗਿਓਹਿ ਜੀਵਦੜੋ ਮੁਇਓਹਿ ॥
“O Fareed! If you do not awaken in the early hours before dawn, you are dead while yet alive.”
(Salok Fareed Ji, 1383)
Furthermore Gurbani says:
ਉਠਿ ਇਸਨਾਨੁ ਕਰਹੁ ਪਰਭਾਤੇ ਸੋਏ ਹਰਿ ਆਰਾਧੇ ||
“Rise in the early hours before dawn, and take your cleansing bath. Before you go to bed at night, remember to worship the Lord.”
(Basant M:5, 1185)
In conclusion, the Sikh Rehat Maryada clearly states that Amrit-vela is three hours before sunrise (i.e. the last part of the night):
੧. ਸਿੱਖ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵੇਲੇ (ਪਹਿਰ ਰਾਤ ਰਹਿੰਦੀ) ਜਾਗ ਕੇ ਇਸ਼ਨਾਨ ਕਰੇ ਅਤੇ ਇਕ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਦਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੋਇਆ ‘ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ’ ਨਾਮ ਜਪੇ |…
“Sikh should wake up in the ambrosial hours (three hours before the dawn), take a bath and, whilst concentrating their thoughts on Akaal Purkh, repeat the name of ‘Vaheguru’.”
(Sikh Rehat Maryada)