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TRIKALA SANDHYAVANDANA

A theoretical and practical workshop

Ogranized By

Sri Uttaradi Math

On the occasion of the

17TH CHATURMASYA OF SHRI 1008 SHRI SATYATMA TIRTHA SWAMIJI AT

BANGALORE

21 & 22 July 2012

Venue

Sri Satyapramoda Kalyana Mantapa, Uttaradi Math

Basavanagudi, Bangalore.

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About this Workshop

Welcome to the Trikala Sandhyavandana Workshop! It is our great pleasure to bring this

workshop to you during the auspicious 17th Chaturmasya of Shri 1008 Shri Satyatma Tirtha

Swamiji at Bangalore. This workshop is designed in such a way that even beginners can

easily learn the importance of Sandhyavandana and its correct procedure. An attempt will

be made to answer all your questions and motivate you to practice Sandhyavandana daily.

For those who are already practicing, this workshop enables you to continue to perform

Sandhyavandana with greater zeal and interest with deeper understanding of the meanings

and significance. The notes provided here are not exhaustive. They only introduce you to

some key aspects of the Sandhyavandana. For your practice you will have to follow a

detailed book covering the Sandhya routine in detail. After attending this workshop you

should also be able justify the importance of Sandhyavanadana to your relatives/

cousins/friends. Hope you will able to greatly benefit from this workshop.

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Contents Trikala Sandhyavandana ............................................................................................................................... 5

Section 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 5

What is Sandhyavandana? ............................................................................................................................ 5

What is Sandhya Kala? .................................................................................................................................. 6

Why Suryantargata? ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Scriptural Authority (Pramanam) .................................................................................................................. 6

Who can perform? ........................................................................................................................................ 7

Yagnopavita ................................................................................................................................................... 8

When to perform? ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Where to perform? ..................................................................................................................................... 10

Section 2: Procedure ................................................................................................................................... 11

Things you need .......................................................................................................................................... 11

Preparing Yourself ....................................................................................................................................... 11

Sandhyavandana Steps ............................................................................................................................... 12

Purification .................................................................................................................................................. 12

Mantra ........................................................................................................................................................ 14

Devata, Rishi and Chandas .......................................................................................................................... 14

Recitation of Mantras ................................................................................................................................. 15

Significance of Japa? ................................................................................................................................... 15

Six factors for Successful Japa ..................................................................................................................... 16

Three types of Japa ..................................................................................................................................... 16

Counting ...................................................................................................................................................... 16

Why Mantras are not effective? ................................................................................................................. 17

Arghyam ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

Gayatri Mantra ............................................................................................................................................ 18

Meaning of Gayatri Mantra ........................................................................................................................ 19

Section 3: Exceptions .................................................................................................................................. 20

Section 4: Appendices ................................................................................................................................. 21

Appendix 1: Some Sandhyavandana Mantras with Rig Vedic references .................................................. 21

Appendix 2: Science, electricity and health ................................................................................................ 22

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Appendix 3: Dig Namaskara – Dieties – Upasya Roopa ............................................................................. 24

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Trikala Sandhyavandana

Section 1: Introduction

At every instant of time, there will be Sunrise at one place and Sunset at another place. At Sunrise, rays of Sun will hit that part of the earth for the first time for that day, resulting in release of energies. Similarly at Sun set there will be withdrawal of energies. Our ancestors have been practicing the Sandhyavandana regularly at prescribed times thus tapping the energies that are released. Sandhya routine is a rejuvenator, spiritual builder, a personality enhancer and an unmatched health invigorator. Personal development is not the only purpose. The practice of Sandhya by a Dvija is actually for the benefit of the whole community at large.

All Vedic religions have given great importance to Sandhyavandanam. It is said that one who does not perform Sandhyavandanam is ever impure and is thus rendered unfit to perform the other Vedic rites - the Nitya (daily) or Naimittika (occasional) duties prescribed in the scriptures. If however he did perform the duties once in a while in spite of self-inflicted impurity (due to non-performance of Sandhyavandana regularly) the said performance will not yield any result.

What is Sandhyavandana?

उपास्तितसधंौ सरू्यतर् निशार्ां दिवसतर् च ।

िामेव सन्धर्ां ितमात्िु प्रविस्न्ि महर्यर्ः ।।

Prayers offered to Sun God at Sandhya time are called

"Sandhyavandana". They are essentially Vedic prayers to

the Supreme God at Sandhya time with specified actions

for Purification and Mental Health. As the prayers are

offered at the Sandhya time, this is called Sandhya

Vandanam. Sandhyavandana is considered to be a Nitya

Karma that should be performed without fail every day

from the day of Upanayana. Though spiritual upliftment is

Sandhya Vandanam

Prayers offered to the

Supreme God with

Specified Actions during

stipulated times for

Purification and Mental

Health

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the main objective, healthy body and mind is also one of the benefits. Apart from

reciting Vedic hymns it also includes karanas - namely stance, touching different

parts of the body etc. They help to achieve the twin objectives of spiritual upliftment

and sound health.

What is Sandhya Kala?

Sandhya Kala is a time of junction. This is the time when there is a change from

darkness to light or from light to darkness. Also a change from an ascending sun to a

descending sun in the sky is also considered as the Sandhya Kala.

Why Suryantargata?

Sun is the activator of all our activities. All our activities are driven by the energy

received from the Sun. These energies affect us in the physical plain as well as in the

spiritual plane. There is a link between Sun and Time. As Sandhya is time bound, it is

most natural to workship Sun God who is the cause of the Time.

Scriptural Authority (Pramanam)

• There are several references in the Vedas regarding Sandhyavandana.

अहरहः संधर्ामुपासीि र्ः सन्धर्ामुपासि ेब्रह्मैव ििपुासिे says a scriptural injunction. It

means - Practice Sandhya daily. Sandhya Upasana is indeed the worship of the

Brahman.

जप्रे्िैव ि ुसंससधरे्ि ्ब्राह्मणो िात्र संशर्ः। कुर्ायिन्र्न्िवा कुर्ायि ्मैत्रो ब्राह्मण उच्र्ि े ।। The Sandhya Ritual is a must to protect ones Brahmanhood. It is only through the Japa during the Sandhya Ritual that one remains a Brahman.

ऋर्र्ो िीर्यसंधर्ात्वाि ्िीर्यमार्ुरवाप्िुर्ुः । प्रज्ा ंर्शश्च कीनििं च ब्रह्मवचयसमेव च ।। (मि.ुतम ृ 4-

94) The Manu Smriti states that great Rishis have been performing Sandhya prayers for

longer times due to which they have been blessed with Longevity, Intelligence, Fame,

Goodwill and Divine Effulgence;

A reference occurs in "Second prasna, Second Anuvaka of Thaithiriya Aranyaka

(Yajur Veda)", explaining procedure of worship. The procedure of worship

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indicated is by offering "Arghya" (water in the palms of both hands thrown up), at

the time of sunrise and sunset, meditating of Aditya (Sun).

• Ishvashya Upanishad of Shukla Yajurveda also refers to Sun worship as above at

sunrise and sunset.

• Chandogya upanisad (Chapter 2 Section 6) discusses "Aditya Vidya" explaining the

importance of meditation of Sun or Aditya at sunrise and sunset, bringing out also

the points mentioned above. Chapter 3, Section 12 of this Upanishad explains

meditation of Aditya through Gayatri. It also explains that the sun in the horizon

outside and the sun element inside us are one and the same and there is no

difference. The identity should be kept in mind while meditating through Gayatri.

This is the meaning of "Asavadityo brahma" recited during Sandhyavandana.

• These views are also echoed in Aditya Hridaya of the Yuddakanda of Ramayan. Agasthya explains to Sri Rama, the merits of worshipping Aditya. Aditya protects everyone, helps them in their duties, gives luster, removes ignorance and provides happiness. He is friend of water and resides in every living thing. They all bring out the importance of offering 'Arghya' meditating on 'Adithya'. This form of worship will help an individual to acquire the qualities of 'Adithya'- namely lustrous and healthy body and mind, high intellect with grasping power, high intuition, memory etc.

• Shatapata Smriti says a Dwija who doesn't do Sandhyavandana at least once will be

a dog in the next birth.

Who can perform?

Sandhyavandana is performed by an individual after "Upanayanam". Upanayanam is

a Vedic ritual prescribed for Brahmins, Khshatriyas and Vaishyas. It includes wearing

of Yagnopavitham and learning of Gayathri mantra. The Upanayanam entitles one to

learn and recite Vedas and perform rituals. Vedas and Smrithis prescribe the age of

Upanayanam for Brahmins from 5 or 8. The age should not exceed sixteen in any

case.

In addition to the Upanayana Samskara, the following qualities are essential for a

person to practice Sandhyavandanam

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Shaucha Achara – Cleanliness and Religious practice

Krutarthata - Positive Approach

Yagnopavita

Yagnopavitha is a thread going around the body from left shoulder to navel and back

to left shoulder via our back. Thus it symbolizes a thread going around our Antaryami

or Vishnu seated in our heart.

Yagnopavitha or the sacred thread is a thread with three strands, each strand

containing three threads. The nine threads correspond to the nine deities installed

(Prithvi, Aap, Tejas, Vayu, Ether, Prana, Atman, Antaratman, Paramatman).

The installation of the deities is done as per the prescribed procedure. The three

strands of the Yagnopavitha are knotted together. The three strands exhibit the

presence of Satwa, Rajas and Tamas gunas or characteristics of an individual. The

deities installed help to improve our sattwa character. Though the installation of the

deities is done only once before wearing, this charge is continued or recharged

through recitation of Gayatri every day during Sandhyavandana. Only a thread on

which the deities have been installed qualifies to be called as Yagnopavitham or

sacred thread or charged thread. The knot in the Yagnopavitha is said to symbolise

Pranava or Om.

When to perform?

The Vedas prescribe prayers at sunrise and sunset. Sunrise constitutes a change from

darkness to light and hence a Sandhya time (that is a time of junction). This is

referred to as Pratha Sandhya. The Sun set constitutes a change from light to

darkness and hence a sandhya time, this is referred to as Sayam Sandhya. To these

two is added a third known as Madhyanika or midday, constituting a change from an

ascending sun to a descending sun in the sky. The addition of Madyanika has yet

significance, during this time we can offer our prayers seeing the sun.

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The benefits of Pratah Sandhyavandana is best when performed before sunrise and

stars are visible; average when performed before sunrise but stars have disappeared;

poor after sunrise. Similarly for 'Sayam Sandhyavandana'; it is best before sunset;

average after sunset but before stars appear and poor after stars appear. The above

view has also been reflected in the hymns forming part of

SandhyavandanaSamaveda hymns for upasthana the rising sun is saluted (udyantan

thvaditya anudiyasam) in Pratha sandhyavandana, while setting sun is saluted

(Pratithishtantam thvaditya anupratithistasam) in Sayam Sandhyavandana. This

pratah Sandhyavandana should be started before sunrise and concluded at sunrise.

Similarly the sayam sandhyavandana should be started before sunset and concluded

at sunset (at local time).

Again in Yajur Veda Prasanam hymns, we have "Ratris tadavalumpatu

yatkinchaduritam mayi" (May the sins committed by me be wiped out by the deity

controlling the night) in Pratah Sandhyavandana, while in Sayam Sandhyavandana it

is 'Aahas tadavalumpatu yatkincha duritam mayi" (May the sins committed by me be

wiped out by deity controlling day).

The question arises as to how much before sunrise or sunset. For the purpose of

Vedic rituals the duration of day (Sunrise to Sunset) is divided into 5 parts, the first

part called Pratah, second Sangava, third Madhyahna, fourth Aparahna and the last

Sayam. Under Indian conditions one fifth part of day or night varies from 2h 10m to

2h 20m (It will be more in higher latitudes). Thus the benefits of Sandhya extend for

a duration of about 2h 10m on either side of sunrise or sunset.

Under Indian situations it can be broadly indicated that the best period for Pratah

Sandhyavandana is between 5 & 6AM while for Sayam Sandhyavandana it is

between 5 & 6 PM. For Madhyanika it is the third fifth part of the day for maximum

benefits. The timings above are from considerations of maximum benefit. However

it is important to note that benefits will be there even when there are departures

and this has been recognized in the Smrithis.

Every individual should therefore strive to perform Sandhyavandana at a time as

close to sunrise or sunset as possible but should not give it up due to circumstances.

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Where to perform?

Sandhyavandana should be performed in a clean and serene place. Pratah

Sandhyavandana is performed facing east. Madhyahnikam is performed facing east

or north. Sayam Sandhyavandana is performed facing east or north upto 'Arghya

pradhanam' and facing west beyond that. Before Sunrise, one has to do the Japa in

standing position till the sight of the Sun. After that one can sit or continue the Japa

in standing position. During the afternoon and evening Sandhya, one needs to

perform the Japa in sitting position only.

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Section 2: Procedure

Things you need

Vessels: Studies in naturopathy have shown that water kept in copper, silver or gold

vessels help to improve bio-electricity in our body. Hence it would be preferable to

use copper, silver vessel or gold vessels for Sandhyavandana.

Achamana Vessel, Prokshana, Arghya and bowl to be used as Arghya Patra are

needed. A ladle (spoon) called as Uddharini is to be used. You can keep a clean cloth

or towel for cleaning the place after the routine.

Clothes: Studies in naturopathy have shown that it is desirable to wear one length

unstitched cotton clothes while performing Sandhyavandana (as we acquire bio-

energy from surroundings). Wool and silk clothes can also be used.

Nama-Mudra Dharana: Gopichandana and Mudras are required for Nama-Mudra

Dharana

Preparing Yourself

Physical Preparation:

Thoroughly clean your hands, legs and face with water.

Chose a clean place for your practice.

Make sure everything else is in an order in your place of practice.

Sit in an upright position with your back straight throughout the Sandhya process.

Mental Preparation:

Relax and calm down.

Close your eyes for few seconds before you start the process.

Vacate your mind. Don’t entertain other thoughts that can disturb you.

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Go through the Sankalpa process slowly.

Keep in mind that the effectiveness of the Sandhya process is directly proportional to

the quality of Sankalpa.

Mentally chant every mantra loudly and clearly.

Feel a sense of joy while performing each step.

Try to relate every action to God. He is the Master Controller of every action.

He is your Lord and the Lord of everything else with which you are associated.

Sandhyavandana Steps

1.Achamana 2. Pranayama 3. Sankalpa 4. Marjana 5. Mantrachamana

6. Punarmarjana 7. Aghamarshana 8. Arghya 9. Bhootochhatana

10. Asana 11. Karanyasa 12. Anganyasa 13. Gayatri Avahana 14. Dhyana

15. Japa 16. Upasthana 17. Dignamaskara 18. Udvasana 19. Sthala Prokshanam

20. Samarpana

Purification

The purification measures in Sandhyavandana are essentially to strengthen and condition the body, to receive the beneficial cosmic radiation The purification essentially tunes the body to receive cosmic radiations available at Sandhya time. The purification measures are:-

Achamanam Pranayamam Mantrachamanam Prokshanam Aghamarshanam

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The present day studies of Naturopathy, like Pranic Healing, Reiki etc have brought out the role of Bio-electricity in humans in regard to health. The purification measures in 'Sandhyavandana' are essentially to strengthen this aspect and condition the body to receive the beneficial cosmic radiations.

'Achamanam' helps in the flow of bio-electricity within the body.

'Pranayamam' helps to activate the chakras.

'Mantrachamanam' is swallowing energized water and

'Prokshanam' is sprinkling of energized water.

‘Aghamarshanam’ is burning of all sins within the body.

'Sandhyavandana' starts with purification process so that the benefits of 'Arghyam' and 'Gayathri' are realised.

Though Sandhya time refers to sun rise and sun set, its benefit spreads on either side of this point. Approximately two hours on either side is beneficial.

Manasika snanam and Mantra snanam

Snanam means bath. The normal bath we take by pouring water on our body is

called "Varuna snanam". Varuna snanam is not possible everywhere and under all

circumstances. Hence several alternative forms of bath are recognized. Manasika

Snanam is one such alternative bath. When performed it severally multiplies the

effects of the Varuna Snanam. Also, whenever conventional bath i.e. Varuna snanam

is not possible for various reasons one can always perform Manasika snanam

instead.

The procedure for Manasika Snanam is very simple and efficient. It involves

"Mentally comprehending the lotus feet of the Lord from which the water of Akasha

Ganga (Heavenly river) is entering into your head and flowing all over your body. The

following Mantra is recited.

अपवित्रः पवित्रो िा सिाािस्ाां गतोवप िा ।

यः समरेत ्पणु्डरीकाक्षां स बाह्याभ्यन्तरःशचु ः ।।

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Apavitrah Pavithro va Sarvavastam gatopiva |

Yah Smaret Pundarikaksam sa Bahyabhyantarah sucih ||

This means "One who meditates on Pundarikaksha is cleaned both internally and

externally irrespective of the purity earlier.

• Mantra Snanam is a bath wherein we sprinkle water on our head reciting hymns.

Incidentally, this has been included in the Sandhyavandana process itself.

Prokshanam is a "mantra snana".

• Manasika Sandhyavandana means performing the Sandhyavandana mentally

without water. This can be exclusively done under extraordinary circumstances like a

long journey or Ashaucha (During Ashaucha Manasika Sandhya should be performed

only upto the Arghya) etc.

• In circumstances where Madhyanimikam cannot be performed it can be performed

alongwith Pratah Sandhyavandana.

Mantra

A ’Hymn’ or 'Mantra' is a prayer (With words and alphabets specifically chosen) addressed to God or Deity. It is supposed to have mystic and supernatural powers. The energy from the universe is present everywhere. By reciting a Mantra either orally or mentally, we tune ourselves to receive this energy. The hymns chosen for Sandhyavandana are meant to realize the benefits of Sandhya.

Devata, Rishi and Chandas

Every Mantra has a Devata, Rushi and Chandas. Devata is the controlling deity who is addressed by the Mantra. Rishi is the seer who had the vision of the Mantra. The Chandas protects the chanter and make sure he receives the divine power of the Mantra.

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Recitation of Mantras

• A Hymn or mantra is a prayer (with words and alphabets specially chosen)

addressed to God or deity. It is supposed to possess mystic and super natural

powers. For best results correct recitation of the mantras is necessary.

• The energy from the universe is present everywhere. By reciting a mantra either

orally or mentally, we tune ourselves to receive this energy. This is very similar to

tuning a radio receiver to receive the electromagnetic waves around us.

• Our sages through meditation have assessed the power of the various mantras and

their applications to different situations and purposes.

• The Chandas explains the potential of the mantra or the power it can create in our

body by reciting it. It is for this purpose that the mantras must be recited in Sanskrit

only (as given by sages) and any equivalent translation will have no effect.

• The mantras should be recited with due weightage to the characteristics of the

alphabet namely Hrasva (short), Dheerga (long), Alpaprana (less weightage), Maha

Prana (heavy weightage). The vibrational characteristics of a mantra are very

important. The words and alphabets have been chosen to achieve this objective. This

is akin to combining the seven notes to produce different ragas or tunes.

Significance of Japa?

जकारो जन्मववच्छेिः पकारः पापिाशिः ।

ितमाज्जप इनि प्रोक्िः जन्मपापवविाशकः ।।

The word Japa verily symbolizes the benefits accrued by the practice. The

performance of the Japa clears all sins and makes oneself free from bondage. Hence

Japa is recommended for all spiritual seekers.

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Six factors for Successful Japa

मनः प्रहर्ाणां शौ ां मौनां मन्त्रा्ाच न्तनम ्।

अव्यग्रत्िमनालसयां जपसांपत्त्तहेतिः ।।

1. Pleasant Mind

2. Cleanliness

3. Silence

4. Contemplation of Meaning of the Mantra

5. Concentration

6. Non-lethargy

Three types of Japa

1. Vachanika – Reciting loud. For children and beginners. Least beneficial.

2. Upamshu – Reciting slowly with lip movement. Moderate benefits.

3. Manasika – Mental Recitation. Most beneficial and recommended way.

Counting

For Gayatri Mantra, counting should be done on hand as shown below. For other mantras Tulasi Mala

can be used.

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Why Mantras are not effective?

अमन्त्रमक्षरां नात्सत, नात्सत मलूम ्अनौर्धम ्। अयुक्तः परुुर्ो नात्सत, योजकसतत्र दलुाभः ॥

"There is no syllable from which a mantra cannot be made. There is no herb from

which a medicine cannot be made. There is no person who is incapable. Who is rare

is the one who can organize them."

• The reason our mantras are not effective is our ajnAna --ignorance about them.

There is absolutely no shortfall in the devata –deity or the mantra. It is taught:

नो देितास ुजडडमा जडडमा मनुष्ये

The inertness is not in the deities, it is only in man.

Arghyam

Arghyam is not a meaningless exercise but a profoundly meaningful, spiritual Kriya

that is also physically purifying. Arghyam literally means 'offering'.

Traditional Understanding

Garuda purANa states that a kind of asuras called Mandeha, who originally reside in

an island called aruNa are trying to destroy Surya in the day at daybreak and sunset.

The arghya given at these times serves as a weapon to destroy them. Look at the

following slokas (1-213-62)

"Thirty million is the number of the malignant spirits, called Mandehas, who manifest

a desire of devouring the sun at day break. He, who does not attend to his Sandhya

rite at the meetings of the day and night, verily kills the sun, in as much as the

libations of consecrated water (offered unto the sun-god in the course of a SandhyA)

tend to consume these monsters (Mandehas) like streams of liquid fire."

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Philosophical Significance

The philosophical significance is in the symbolism. The Mandehas are nothing but the

man-dehas or mind-body which are clouding the sun of resplendent atman in us. The

Gayatri purifies us by this offering so that the inner light can be perceived by us.

Rules

Water used for Achamana should not be used for giving Arghya.

Water from separate vessel should be used for giving Arghya.

A Yantra should be written as follows

2. ओम ्

5. सिः 3. भूः

4. भुिः

Arghya should be given standing in the morning and afternoon facing east. In the

evening it should be given in the sitting position facing west.

Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri Mantra (the mother of the Vedas), is the foremost mantra which inspires

wisdom. It is that great Mantra which protects the one who chants it. It gets its name

because of its meter Gayatri. Primarily it is called so because it conveys the Supreme

Lord Narayana, the indweller of the Sun God, who is called Gayatri in scriptures.

6. िां

1. ह्रीम ्

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Goddess Sarasvati is called Gayatri. She is the Abimanini of this Chandas. Sage

Vishwamitra is its seer.

Meaning of Gayatri Mantra

ओं भूभुयवः तवः ित्सवविुवयरेण्र्ं भर्गो िेवतर् धीमदह। धधर्ो र्ो िः प्रचोिर्ाि॥् ३.०६२.१०

यो = The one who ओां = is omnipresent and full of auspicious qualities भूः = is ever existing भुिः = is the creator of Lakshmi सिः = is full of bliss and independent नः = our

चधयो = intellect प्र ोदयात ् = inspires देिसय = of that Supreme सवितुः = Creator (Surya antargata Narayana) तत ्= all pervading िरेण्यां = worshippable भगो = the divine light which bestows Life,

Knowledge and Bliss धीमहह = we meditate.

Each letter of the Gaytri Mantra conveys one of the 24 forms of the Lord. The

detail is as follows

तत ्- केशि

स – नारायण

वि – माधि

तुः – गोविन्द

ि – विष्णःु रे – मधसुूधन

णण – त्रत्रविक्रम

यां – िामन

भर ्– श्रीधर

गः - हृर्ीकेश

दे - पद्मनाभ

ि – दामोदर

सय – िासदेुि

धी – सांकर्ाण

म – प्रद्यमु्न

हह – अननरुद्ध

चध – परुुर्ोत्तम

यो – अधोक्षज

यः – नरससांह

नः - अच्यतु

प्र - जनादान

ो – उपेन्र

द – हरर

यात ्– कृष्ण

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Section 3: Exceptions

Birth or Death

Sometimes, due to the birth or death of someone in the family a certain period of “Ashaucha” is

observed. During this time, the Sandhyavandana cannot be practiced in full. In such times, the

Sandhyavandana can be performed silently without uttering the Mantras upto the Arghya step. The

Sankalpa is to be done as follows –

जाता (मतृा) शौ ननसमत्तां अर्धयाान्तां मानसीां सन्र्धयामुपासशष्ये ।

Due to the impurity on account of Birth(Death) of a family member, I perform the Sandhya Vandana

upto Arghya, silently without reciting any Mantra.

During Travel

During long distance travels one might not be able to perform Sandhya at prescribed times. In such

cases Sandhyavandana should be performed silently without uttering the Mantras upto Arghya as in the

case of Ashaucha. As practicing Sandhya requires utmost cleanliness, it is not recommended to perform

by reciting the Mantras during travel.

Missing Sandhya?

If due to inconvenience one fears that he cannot practice the Madhyanha Sandha, he can club it with

the morning Sandhya. In such case, the entire procedure needs to be repeated including the common

portions as if Sandhya is being done twice. No such allowance is given for morning or evening Sandhya.

One has to perform it at the stipulated time. If by any chance, one cannot practice at the stipulated

time, one can perform Late Sandhyavandana by offering extra Arghya as Prayaschitta.

Any shorter version?

The Sandhyavandanam format presented is the shortest version which is authentic and enjoys the

acceptance of the Scriptures. Though a minimum of 100 Gayatri Japa is essential to be effective, one can

reduce the count to 10 in case of emergencies. Apart from that, no other portions of the

Sandhyavandana can be cut short.

What if I don’t have time?

If there is enough interest and motivation, one can easily perform the Sandhya without fail every day

even in busy schedules. The entire routine takes hardly takes 15 min to perform. In fact, one has to set

aside that much time every day for the sake of sound physical and mental health. Tell yourself that you

want to do it. You will do it!

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Section 4: Appendices

Appendix 1: Some Sandhyavandana Mantras with Rig Vedic references

Gayatri Mantra

तत्सवितुिारेण्यां भगो देिसय धीमहह। चधयो यो नः प्र ोदयात॥् ३.०६२.१०

Marjana mantra

आपो हह ष्ठा मयोभुिसता न ऊज ेदधातन। महे रणाय क्षसे॥ १०.००९.०१

शां नो देिीरसभष्टय आपो भिन्तु पीतये। शां योरसभ स्रिन्तु नः॥ १०.००९.०४

ईशाना िायााणाां क्षयन्तीश् र्ाणीनाम।् अपो या ासम भेर्जम॥् १०.००९.०५

अप्स ुमे सोमो अब्रिीदन्तविाश्िानन भेर्जा। अत््नां विश्िशम्भुिम॥् १०.००९.०६

आपः पणृीत भेर्जां िरू ा्ं तन्िे मम। ज्योक् सूय ंदृशे॥ १०.००९.०७

इदमापः प्र िहत यत्त्कां दरुरतां मनय। यद्िाहमसभदरुोह यद्िा शेप उतानतृम॥् १०.००९.०८

आपो अद्यान्ि ाररर्ां रसेन समगसमहह। पयसिान्न आ गहह तां मा सां सजृ ि ासा॥ १०.००९.०९

Aghamarshana Mantra

ऋतां सत्यां ाभीद्धात्तपसोऽर्धयजायत। ततो रात्र्यजायत ततः समुरो अणािः॥ १०.१९०.०१

समुरादणािादचध सांित्सरो अजायत। अहोरात्राणण विदधद्विश्िसय समर्तो िशी॥ १०.१९०.०२

सूयाा न्रमसौ धाता य्ापूिामकल्पयत।् हदिां पचृ्िीां ान्तररक्षम्ो सिः॥ १०.१९०.०३

Upasthana Mantra

जातिेदसे सुनिाम सोममरातीयतो नन दहानत िेदः। स नः पर्ादनत दगुााणण विश्िा नािेि ससन्धुां दरुरतात्यत््नः॥ १.०९९.०१

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Appendix 2: Science, electricity and health

• There is a flow of electricity in the human body (this characteristic is used in ECG

electrocardiogram). This is referred to as bio-electricity. Electric currents pass

through10 sets of lines corresponding to 10 fingers and toes. Finger tips and top of

head constitute terminal points of these electric lines. Bio-electricity gets charged

through water, earth, ether etc.

• It must be appreciated that Sandhyavandana is not just reciting hymns or mantras,

but it includes certain actions like stance, touching or making contact of different

organs etc.

• All natural therapies are based on the principle that human body has a self-healing

property. Further if the flow of bio-electricity is normal the body remains fit and

healthy. Every person has a natural aura around him (an invisible body of charged

particles also called bioplasmic body). Flow of electricity within our body causes

emission of electrons which in turn causes the aura. This field has been

photographed through a process known as Kirilian photography. This was known in

ancient India and was used for health. The inner aura follows the contour of the

body while the outer aura is shaped like an inverted egg and may stretch away from

the body some 8-10 inches. Our sages have developed a science known as Vastu

shastra where by an environment conducive to this electromagnetic field will help in

better concentration, meditation etc. This ancient Indian science has been taken up

by modern scientists. A new subject known as Geo-biology based on the above

principles is being used in the design of factories etc. to improve efficiency. The best

application of this principle is in health which was also practiced in ancient India.

• The healing method is one of the naturopathy systems. Detailed investigations and

Kirilian photography have shown that any disease first enters the bio-plasmic body

and then our visible physical body. Hence the healing process attempts to rectify the

bio-plasmic body through induction of bio-energy at specific points of the body

known as chakras. Remedial measures also include use of energised water.

• Studies have shown that meditation has great influence on the bioplasmic body.

Brain cells are known to produce electric waves of different frequencies.

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• In ancient India, one more system of natural therapy i.e. acupressure therapy

existed. This system also recognizes the existence of electricity which is responsible

for our health. This system recognizes our palm and finger tips as control boards for

manipulation or alteration of bio-electricity. Healing is achieved by applying slight

pressure to specific points.

• In Vedic rites water is used for purification. Modern scientists by passing sound

waves through water have produced gas bubbles emitting blue light with very high

temperature inside. These studies indicate the capacity of sound waves to energize

water.

• A Vedic rite known as Udakashanti is performed in which water is kept in a copper

vessel and Vedic hymns are chanted by a group of Vedic scholars, some Vedic

scholars have found that the temperature of water in the vessel has gone up

substantially. Punyahavchanam is another Vedic rite where in water is energized

through Vedic hymns. This approach in a miniature has been used in

Sandhyavandana i.e. prokshanam, prasanam, achamanam etc. Hence while

performing these rituals sound waves must be produced emanating from the mouth.

• Vedic rituals like pranayanam or japam have impact on bioelectricity. Electro

cardiograms taking in a normal state, during pranayanam and during pranayanam

mantra japam have been taken and they indicate substabtial changes during

prnanayanam and japam confirming the fact that we absorb bio-electricity during

these rituals.

• Recent researches in Neuropsychology wing of NIMHANS, Bangalore have revealed

that the insular regions of the brain of people meditatively chanting Gayatri Mantra

is thicker than normal people. This is in tune with the Vedic saying that the Medhas

will increase upon chanting of the Gayatri Mantra.

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Appendix 3: Dig Namaskara – Dieties – Upasya Roopa

Eastern प्राच्याम ्– इन्रः – श ी श्रीिामनः

South-Eastern आ्नेय्याम ्– अत््नः सिाहा श्रीपरशुरामः

Southern दक्षक्षणसयाम ्– यमः श्यामला श्रीरामः

South-Western नैऋा त्याम ्– ननऋा नतः दीनघाका श्रीजनादानः

West प्रतीच्याम ्– िरुणः गांगा श्रीमत्सयः

North-West िायव्याम ्– िायुः प्रिाही श्रीहयग्रीिः

Northern उदीच्याम ्– सोमः रोहहणी श्रीकत्ल्कः

North-Eastern ईशान्याम ्– ईशः पािाती श्रीसांकर्ाणः

Upper ऊर्धिाायाम ्– इन्रकामौ तद्भाये ब्रह्मिायू तद्भाये श्रीप्रद्युम्नः

Lower अधरायाम ्– शेर्समत्रौ तद्भाये, कामशेर्ौ तद्भाये श्रीसांकर्ाणः

Space अिान्तरसयाम ्- विनायकादीन ् विश्िांभरः