What is Sandhya vandana ? What is its value or importance for a Hindu ? Who should do it ? What is Sandhya time? How is it performed ? What are the benefits of Sandhya Vandana ?
Warning of Shastra - A Hindu is no more a dwij , if he doesn't perform Sandhya vandana continuously for three days .
Sandhya vandana (Sanskrit: संध्यावन्दन, sandhyāvandana) is a mandatory religious ritual performed, traditionally, by Dvija communities of Hindus particularly those initiated through the sacred thread ceremony referred to as the Upanayanam and instructed in its execution by a Guru, in this case one qualified to teach Vedic ritual. The Sandhyāvandanam consists of recitation from the Vedas, accompanied by ritual. These rituals are performed three times a day - at morning (prātaḥsaṃdhyā), noon (mādhyāhnika) and evening (sāyaṃsaṃdhyā).
The Sandhyavandanam is the oldest extant liturgy in world religion. As a practice, it may be descended from the much older daily Agnihotra ritual.
Sandhyavandanam literally means "salutation to Sandhya". Sandhya, in turn, has traditionally been interpreted either as "the transition moments of the day" (namely the two twilights dawn and dusk), or as "the solar noon". Thus, Sandhyavandanam may be defined as the ritual "salutation to twilight or the solar noon".
The term sandhyā, when used by itself in the sense of "daily practice", may also refer to the performance of these rituals at the opening and closing of the day.
The steps in the Sandhyavandan always include the following essential components:
1-Ācamanaṃ and aṅga-vandanaṃ consists of Nama Sankirtana - taking the names of the Lord
2-Prāṇāyāma is the ritual purification of internals via breathing exercises
3-sūrya-upasthānaṃ ,
4-Mārjanaṃ and punar-mārjanaṃ is a ritual self-purification
5-Mantra Prōkṣaṇam is a prayer for atonement of sins
6-Āghamarṣaṇaṃ (performed by some schools, especially Rig Vedins) is a prayer for forgiveness of sins
7-Gāyatri japaṃ is meditation
8-Gāyatri Upasthānam is a prayer to the Hindu deities Mitra (performed during the morning prayer) and Varuna (performed during the evening prayer)
9-Abhivādana is a salutory introduction offered to all deities. It usually follows a prostration to the deities in each direction (dikpālakas)
Main components of the Sandhyavandanam
1- Poorvaangam- the preparatory:
1- Aachamanam - Sipping water three times for purging the mind of all thoughts of ‘I’, ‘My’, ‘Mine’ for contemplation of ‘Supreme Athman”. A vow is made with all senses and mind, renouncing all other thoughts and placing trust in ‘Him’.
2- Prāṇāyāma - (Prāṇā) Breathing (āyamaha) regulation. Done scientifically, pranayama improves oxygen supply, expels carbon dioxide, helps blood circulation, improves concentration, memory power and general health.
It involves (a) inhaling (b) holding the breath repeating savitri / gayatri mantra preceded by pranava and 7 vyahrtis followed by 'shiras' thrice and (c) exhaling. {Pranava = Aum, verily the Brahman; Vyahriti = Bhuh, Bhuvaha, Suvah ... etc. 7 vyahrtis represent 'Brahman' present in all creations of 7 worlds each above and below the earth; Savithree mantra = Tat savitur varenyam ... = May Savitha, all pervasive, supreme solar deity vivify and impel our intellect in the right direction ; Shiras = ‘Oum apo..” He is water, light, essence, nectar and also the three worlds i.e., earth, intervening space and heaven. They are all manifestations of “Brahman”} Should be learnt / practiced under expert guidance.
3- Bhasma and Gopichandana grahanam - This is done as a means of protection, purification, (Bhasma contains salts that have salutary effect on our body) progression and as a symbol of brahmanism. ‘Ida Nadi’ and ‘Pingala Nadi’ merge into ‘Sushumna Nadi’ in the forehead region between two eye- brows, just above the nose. This point is considered very central to the awakening of the thought process. Hence, kumkum, gandha and bhasma are applied here.
THE Process:
4 - Sankalpam - Taking the resolve - has the benefit of auto-suggestion (telling yourself that this is your focus for next 15 odd minutes).It should be always done after careful contemplation, in a calm and positive frame of mind mustering the will to act upon. Even when one is engaged in appeasing 'God', such act should be done with 'His' approval.
5 - Prokshanam - Marjanam This is a process of sanitizing and revitalizing body and mind. Mantras commonly used here adore water as a source of nourishment, medicines and energy ( agni, power). This awareness would encourage us to be frugal in its use & deter pollution.
6- Jalaprashanam - Internal purification so that one becomes spiritually fit to perform ritualistic act.This is a 'Jnana Yajna' where one introspects, repents for the sins committed and surrenders to the Lord.This is done wishfully.One offers water consecrated by mantras in the fire present in the mouth – contemplating that body, mind and heart have been cleansed.Sins specified include : Mental i.e. evil thoughts, anger, Oral i.e. lies, abuses and Physical i.e. theft, prohibited sexual act, consuming undesirable food, crushing creatures under the feet. Seek emancipation of sins committed during
the day / night.
7- Aghamarshanam - Intended to drive away evil thoughts. The thought of repeatedly eradicating the evil helps overpowering 'thamasa' and 'rajasa' gunas and strengthen 'satvik gunas.With a few drops of water in the hand, chant the mantra, mentally induce 'Papa Purusha' to come out through the nose into the water and it is put away.
9 - Arghya pradanam - Experience and adore the ecstasy, panorama & panache of sunrise / sunset and express our gratitude to Him - He is our life support. Give a standing ovation to the rising sun. Take water in two hands cupped together, standing with feet together, facing Sun-God. Recite savitri mantra and make the offer thrice.This is a form of oblation. Water is easily accessible, most valuable and complete offering one can normally be making.
10 - Gayatri japam -The stated objective here is complete emancipation of sins. Meditate upon the solar deity - Sooryanarayana- a visible form of divinity He is the absolute spirit settled in the lotus heart of all beings.He is the Parabrahma. He is the Paramathma. Repeat Savitri mantra at least 10 times (108 if possible), in complete faith and reverence, silently, concentrating on the meaning of the manthra : May Savitha, all - pervasive, supreme solar deity vivify and impel our intellect in the right direction.
11 - Upasthaanam - Attaining proximity to the Lord. Adoring Him. Being one with Him. Typical prayers are: (1) May Agnideva to whom we offer soma juice in the performance of Yajnas, destroy our internal enemies like anger, lust etc. Just as the boatsman takes us from one side of the river to the other safely, let Him help us cross over all difficulties. (2) May Rudra ( the one with three eyes, a celestial aura & the one who fortifies) release us from the cycle of rebirth and lead us to sublimity.
Dikdevata-vandanam - Prayers to Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirutha, Varuna, Vayu, Soma, Eeshana, Brahma and Vishnu. They are witnesses to all our deeds. The ideals represented by each of them will provide a direction to us in our march ahead.
12 - Abhivadanam -Touching ears is symbolic- they act as a gateway of knowledge. Expression of gratitude to the teachers (rishis) for transmitting divine wisdom to the next generation. It is customary to mention the name, gotra and pravara. This is an apt introduction too.
Samarpanam -Note that the entire process was undertaken with an intent to please Him as per His directions. The fruits of such act are also placed at His disposal. He distributes them equitably. A philosophy of total surrender to Him is embedded here. This can only mollify our pride and implant humility.
13 - Kshamapanam - Seek pardon for acts of omission / error that might have been committed by chanting three of His names thrice.Even with best of intentions and utmost care, inadequacies can creep in. It pays to look back, correct mistakes and strive to improvise.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
God . Dharma . Karma . Duty . Sins . Atonement. Essential ritual . Peace .Happiness. Awareness.
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