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Sri Uttaradi Math: Trikala Sandhyavandana
Sri Uttaradi Math: Trikala Sandhyavandana
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Venue
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?
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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.
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.
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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).
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.
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
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).
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.
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Where to perform?
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Section 2: Procedure
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.
Preparing Yourself
Physical Preparation:
Sit in an upright position with your back straight throughout the Sandhya process.
Mental Preparation:
Close your eyes for few seconds before you start the process.
Vacate your mind. Dont 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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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Apavitrah Pavithro va Sarvavastam gatopiva |
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".
Mantra
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
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?
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
1. Pleasant Mind
2. Cleanliness
3. Silence
5. Concentration
6. Non-lethargy
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?
,
,
"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:
The inertness is not in the deities, it is only in man.
Arghyam
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.
2.
5. 3.
6.
1.
4.
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.
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Goddess Sarasvati is called Gayatri. She is the Abimanini of this Chandas. Sage
Vishwamitra is its seer.
Narayana) = all pervading = worshippable = the divine light which bestows Life,
Knowledge and Bliss = we meditate.
Each letter of the Gaytri Mantra conveys one of the 24 forms of the Lord. The
detail is as follows
-
- -
- -
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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
(
)
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.
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.
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
Gayatri Mantra
..
Marjana mantra
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Aghamarshana Mantra
..
..
..
Upasthana Mantra
..
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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.
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.
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Appendix 3: Dig Namaskara Dieties Upasya Roopa
Eastern
South-Eastern
Southern
South-Western
West
North-West
Northern
North-Eastern
Upper
Lower ,
Space -
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