1 | Page TRIKALA SANDHYAVANDANA A theoretical and practical workshop Ogranized By Sri Uttaradi Math On the occasion of the 17 TH 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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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.
What is Sandhyavandana? ............................................................................................................................ 5
What is Sandhya Kala? .................................................................................................................................. 6
Who can perform? ........................................................................................................................................ 7
When to perform? ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Where to perform? ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Things you need .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Devata, Rishi and Chandas .......................................................................................................................... 14
Recitation of Mantras ................................................................................................................................. 15
Significance of Japa? ................................................................................................................................... 15
Six factors for Successful Japa ..................................................................................................................... 16
Three types of Japa ..................................................................................................................................... 16
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
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
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:-
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
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