What is Sandhya Vandanam - A Comprehensive Guide to understand the science and significance of this ancient practice to deepen your spiritual growth🌅✨

The saying “Spirituality begins where science ends” suggests that there are aspects of existence that transcend the physical and material realms. One way to connect with this spiritual dimension is through the practice of sandyavandane, which involves reverence for the natural elements. The simple aspects of air, water, earth, sky, and ether can serve as powerful tools for spiritual growth:

• Air represents the breath and the vital life force.
• Water symbolizes the flow of emotions and the cleansing power of the divine.
• Earth represents stability, grounding, and the physical manifestation of the divine.
• The sky’s vastness and ever-changing nature inspire a sense of wonder and connection to the cosmos.
• Ether, or akasha, is the subtle, pervasive element that underlies all creation.

By engaging with these natural elements through practices like sandyavandane, individuals can deepen their spiritual understanding and connection to the divine, recognizing the sacred within the physical world.

Table of contents

1. Defination

The word “sandhya” means “twilight” in Sanskrit. “Vandanam” means “salutation” or “worship.” So, sandhyavandanam literally means “salutation to the twilight.” However, it is also used to refer to the prayers that are done during dawn and dusk. Sandhya Vandanam is an ancient Hindu ritual performed by followers of vedic traditions. It holds immense spiritual significance and involves offering prayers and salutations to the divine during the transition periods of the day. This post aims to explore the essence of Sandhya Vandanam, its importance, and provide a simple meaning on the mantras chanted during this ritual.

1.1 Steps and significance

With my limited understanding of this vast subject, I endeavor to present the fundamental elements and their significance of each steps involved in performing Sandhya Vandanam as outlined below.

2. Detailed steps, translations & meanings

In this section we will try to explore each & every process involved. We’ll look at translations, contextiual meaning of associated mantras & how to practie them in deatils.

2.1 Achamana

The literal translation of “Achamana” is “sipping water”. The process involves sipping water from the cupped palms 3 times while reciting following mantras which are representation of twenty-four manifestations of the deity Vishnu. The detailed aspects of Chaturvimshatimurti be found in this link🡕. Furthermore, Kanaka Dasaru wrote a popular poem called Keshava nama🡕 in Kannada that’s considered a masterpiece. The poem beautifully & devotionally written around each of these twenty-four names.

om keśavāya svaha| narayanaya svaha| mādhavāya svāhã| govimdãya namah| visnave namah| madhusūdanāya namah| trivikramāya namah| vāmanāya namah| śrīdharāya namah| hrsīkeśāya namah| padmanābhãya namah| dâmodarāya namah| samkarşaņāya namah| vāsudevãya namah| pradyumnãya namah| aniruddhãya namah| purusottamāya namah| adhokşajāya namah| nārasimhâya namah| acyutaya namah| janārdanãya namah| upemdraya namah| haraye namah| śrīkrsnāya oamah|

om keśavāya svaha - sipping water
narayanaya svaha - sipping water
mādhavāya svāhã - sipping water
govimdãya namah - wash palms
visnave namah - wash palms
madhusūdanāya namah - recite by touching right index finger to tip of nose
trivikramāya namah - recite by touching right index finger to tip of mouth
vāmanāya namah - recite by touching right index finger to right cheek
śrīdharāya namah - recite by touching right index finger to left cheek
hrsīkeśāya namah - prayer hands
padmanābhãya namah - recite by touching feets
dâmodarāya namah - recite by touching head
samkarşaņāya namah - recite by touching tip of nose
vāsudevãya namah - recite by touching right index finger to tip of right nostril
pradyumnãya namah - recite by touching right index finger to tip of left nostril
aniruddhãya namah - recite by touching right middle finger to right eyes
purusottamāya namah - recite by touching right middle finger to left eyes
adhokşajāya namah - recite by touching right ring finger to right ears
nārasimhâya namah - recite by touching right ring finger to left ears
acyutaya namah - recite by touching right tiny finger to navel
janārdanãya namah - recite by touching right palm to heart
upemdraya namah - recite by touching right palm to head
haraye namah - recite by touching right palm to right sholder
śrīkrsnāya oamah - recite by touching right palm to left sholder

2.2 Pranayama

The process of pranayama is a controlled breathing exercises to regulate vital energy (prana) and focus the mind by chanting Gayatri mantra

praņavasya parabrahma rishihi| paramātmā devatā| daivī gãyatrī chamdah| saptānām vyāhrtīnām viśvāmitra-jamadagni- bharadvāja-gautama-atri-vasistha-kaśyapā risayah| agni-vāyu-āditya-brhaspati-varuna-imdra- viśvedevā devatāh| gãyatrī-uşnik-anustup-brhatī-parkti-tristup- jagatyah chamdãmsi| gãyatrī śirasah prajāpatih rsih| brahma-agni-vāyum-ādityā devatāh yajuh chamdah| prānāyāme viniyogah|

om bhũh| om bhuvah| ogm svah| om mahah| om janah| om tapah| om satyam| om| tatrsaviturvarenyam| bhargp devasya dhīmahi| dhiyo yo nah pracodayāt|

om āpo jvotī rasomrtam brahma bhūrbhuy

Continue reciting first part of the mantra and for the second and third part as mentioned above, exhale fully and take a deep breath to retain it. While holding the breath & covering nose with your right hand fingers, recite the remaining mantra in your mind, followed by a complete exhalation.

Meaning:

This passage explains that Parabrahma is the sage of the sacred syllable OM (Pranava), and Paramātmā is the supreme soul. The deity Gayatri is related to rhythm and is linked to seven great sages: Visvamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadvaja, Gautama, Atri, Vasishtha, and Kashyapa. Deities like Agni, Vayu, Aditya, Brihaspati, Varuna, and Indra are connected to Vyāhrtīs and various meters such as Gāyatrī, Uṣṇik, Anuṣṭup, Brhatī, Parkti, Tristup, and Jagatyah. The Gāyatrī mantra is associated with Prajapati and deities like Brahma, Agni, Vayu, and Aditya, as mentioned in the Yajurveda. Pranayama, or breath control, involves reciting the Gāyatrī mantra while holding one’s breath and covering the nose with fingers.

2.3 Sankalpa

A sincere pledge to self prior to commencing the ritual. Sankalpa aligns the practitioner’s actions with cosmic order by acknowledging one’s presence in space and time according to Hindu calendar system.. This very beautifully explained by Bannanje Govindacharya in this video interview 🡕 It helps establish dharmic framework and seek blessings for righteous conduct.

Mantra:

śrīgovinda govinda, śrī vişno śrīmadbhagavato mahāpuruşasya| vişņorājňayā pravartamānasya| ādyabrahmaņah dvitīyaparārdhe| ŚrIśvetavarähakalpe| vaivasvatamanvamtare| kaliyuge| prathamacaraņe| bharatavarse| bharatakhamde| jambudvipe| damdakāranye| deśe godāvaryāh dakşiņe tīre| śālivāhanaśake| bauddhāvatāre| rāmakşetre| asmin vartamāne| cāmdramānena| __samvatsare| __ayane| __rtau| __mäse| __pakse| __tithau| __vasare| __nakşatre| __yoge| __karane| evamguņa viśeşaņaviśişțãyām| Šubhatithau Śrīmukhyaprāņāmtargata| śrīvişnupreranayā_ śrīvisnuprītyartham| prātahsamdhyopāstim karişye||

Meaning:

śrīgovinda govinda śrī vişno
śrīmadbhagavato mahāpuruşasya
vişņorājňayā pravartamānasya
(expressing devotion and surrender to Lord Vishnu, recognizing Him as the great personality and the supreme authority)

ādyabrahmaņah dvitīyaparārdhe, (Origin/First of life/soul, in the second half of his lifespan)

ŚrI śvetavarähakalpe,
(1 Kalpa = 4.32 billion human years. During the cosmic era when Lord Vishnu incarnated as the White Boar)
vaivasvatamanvamtare - Vaivasvata Manu as knows Shraddhadeva and Satyavrata, is the current Manu - 7th one out of 14 Manus(1 kalpa = 14 manvantra, 1 manvantara = 71 maha yugas. Currently we are in 28th Kali yuga of 71 mahayugas),

kaliyuge (432,000 years),
prathamacaraņe (1st step out of 4 steps of kali yuga),

bharatavarse,
bharatakhande,
(The region ruled by Bharata)

jambudvipe,(continent/island of the Jambu trees)

dandakāranye,(surrounded by forests)

deśhe godāvaryāh dakşiņe tīre,(On the south banks of River Godavari)

śālivāhanaśake,(Reffers to King Shalivahana calendar/age)

bauddhāvatāre,(land of incarnation of Buddha)

rāmakşetre( Region of Sri Rama),

asmin vartamāne,(In this moment of time & based on above cosmic identifications)

cāmdramānena(in relation to moon),

____samvatsare,(1 of 60 samvatsara. Each one is of 60 years)

____ayane, (uttara/dakshina - Summer/Winter solstice)

____rtau, (season - 1 of 6 rtu - Vasanta, Grishma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemanta, Shishira)

____mäse, (month - 1 of 12 months)

____pakse, (Krishna/Shukla - Newmoon phase & Full moon Phase)

____tithau, (date - 1 to 15 lunar days)

____vasare, (weekday - 1 to 7 days)

____nakşatre, (nakshatra - 1 of 27/28 star constellations)

____yoge, (1 of the 9 yoga based on planetary positions)

____karane, (1 of the 11 karana based on lunar mansion)

evamguņa viśeşaņaviśişțãyām,
Šubhatithau Śrīmukhyaprāņāmtargata
śrīvişnupreranayā_ śrīvisnuprītyartham
prātahsamdhyopāstim karişye
(In this way, with special attributes,
On this auspicious day, dedicated to the Supreme,
With the inspiration of Lord Vishnu,
I shall perform the morning ritual)

2.4 Marjana

Purification Ritual by sprinkling water and praising the sacredness of water as a way to purify yourself

Mantra:

Om Apo hi stheti trcasya āmbarīsah| simdhudvipa rsih| ãpo devatā| devi gãyatrī chamdah| mārjane viniyogah | om āpo hi șthā mayo bhuvah tāna ūrje dadhātana| mahe raņāya cakşase| yo vah śivatamo rasah | tasya bhājayateha nah | uśatīriva mātarah | tasmã aramga māma vah| yasya kşayäya jinvatha| āpo janayathã ca nah ||

Meaning:

Water sustains the earth and the celestial realm. It is the essence of life. We offer our prayers to the divine power of water, represented by the goddess Gayatri. Water purifies and cleanses. It nourishes us and grants us strength. It is the most soothing and cherished element. We praise its abundant and benevolent qualities. Just as a mother cares for her children, water nurtures and protects. I seek its divine grace so that it may provide us with sustenance and bring prosperity. Water gives life and ensures our well-being.

2.5 Mantrachanam

Recitation of specific mantras seeking protection from the divine forces represented by Surya, Manu, and the Lords of anger process & to remove sins

Mantra:

sūryaśceti mamtrasya| hiraņyagarbha rşih | sūrya-manyu- manyupati-rātrayo devatäh| prakrtih chamdah| mamtrācamane viniyogah | om sŪryaśca mā manyuśca manyupatayaśca| manyukrtebhyah| papebhyo raksamtam| yadrātriyā pāpamakārşam manasā vācā hastābhyãm| padbhyāmudareņa śiśnā| rātristadavalumpatul yatkimca duritam mayi | idamaham māmamrtayonau | sūrye jyotişi juhomi svãhã ||

Meaning:

This mantra, guided by Sage Hiranyagarbha, is a prayer to Surya (the sun), Manyu, Manyupati, and the night. It’s in the Prakriti meter and is used during rituals.The mantra is an invocation to protect against sins committed during the night through thoughts, words, or actions, and it seeks the blessings of Surya.

2.6 Dvitiya Marjanam

Secondary cleansing ritual reinforcing purity by sprinkling water and praising the divine power of water

Mantra:

dadhikrāvņa ityasya vāmadeva rsih| viśvedevā devatāh anuștup chamdah| punarmārjane viniyogah | om dadhikrāvņo akārişam jişnņoraśvasya vājinah| surabhino mukhākaratpraņa ãyugm șitārişat | om ãpo hi sthã mayo bhuvah| tā na ūrje dadhātana| mahe raņãya cakşase| yo vah śivatamo rasah| tasya bhâjayate ha nah | uśatīriva mātarah| tasmā aram gamāma vah| yasya kşayāya jinvatha āpo janayathã ca nah | hiraņyavarnāh śucayah pāvakā yāsu jātah kaśyapo yāsvimdrah| agnim yā garbham dadhire virūpāstā na apah śagm syonā bhavamtu | yāsãgm rājā varuņo yāti madhye satyänite ava paśyamjanānām | madhuścutaþ śucayo yāh_pāvakāstānə.āpah śaam švonā bhavamtu| yāsām devā divi krņvamti bhakşam yā amtarikşe bahudhã bhavamti | yāh prthivīm payasomdamti Śukrāstā na ãpah śagm syonā bhavamtu | śivena mā caksusā paśyatā”pah śivayā tanuvopa sprśata tvacam me| sarvagm agnigm rapsusado huve VO mayi balamojõ,nidhatta||

Meaning:

This section is repetation of Marjana and the mantra is in the Prakriti chandaah (meter). This mantra is a beautiful hymn that expresses reverence for water, its divine aspects, and its significance in sustaining life and promoting purity. It seeks blessings from various deities associated with water and fire, emphasizing their positive qualities.

2.7 Aghamarshana

Ritualistic cleansing of sins and impurities using purifying power of water to purify oneself & seeking forgiveness

Mantra:

drupadādiva mumicatu| drupadādivenmumũcānah| svinnah snātvī malādiva | pũtam pavitreņaivājyam| āpah śumdhamtu mainasah ||

Meaning:

A wish or prayer for something to be purified, cleansed, or released, similar to how impurities or unwanted substances flow away or are washed away, and for the waters to be pure and auspicious.

2.8 Arghya Pradhana

A standing ritual is performed, with water being offered to the sun as an expression of respect and gratitude, while the Gayatri mantra is chanted x three times

Mantra:

praNavasya parabrahma RiShiH paramAtmA devatA| daiv gayatri ChaMdaH| agni-vAyu-sUryA devatAH| gAyatri uShNig anuShTu bhraspathiChaMdAMsi| gAyatyrA vishvAmitra RiShiH savitA devatA gAyatri ChaMdaH prAtararghyapradAne viniyogaH | oM| bhUrbhuvaHsvaH| tatsaviturvareNyaM| bhargo devasya dhlmahi| dhiyo yo naH prachodayAt | sUryanArAyaNAya idamarghyaM samarpayAmi dattaMnamama | oM| bhUrbhuvaHsvaH| tatsaviturvareNyaM| bhargo devasya dhlmahi| dhiyo yo naH prachodayAt || sUryanArAyaNAya idamarghyaM samarpayAmi dattaM na mama || oM| bhUrbhuvaHsvaH| tatsaviturvareNyaM| bhargo deyasya dhlmahi| dhiyo YO HaH prachodayAt| sUryanArAyaNAya idamarghyaM samarpayAmi dattaM na mama | hR|idayasthA tu gAyatri hR|idguhAmukhanissR|itA| hatVA hyAdityashatrUMshcha vishasva hR|idayaM mama | asAvAdityu braama||

Meaning:

The divine meter is Gayatri. The sage of the ‘Vyahrtis’ is Prajapati, and the deities associated with them are Agni, Vayu, and Surya.The Gayatri mantra is associated with the sage Vishvamitra, and its deity is Savita. It is in the Gayatri meter. This mantra is used during the morning offering. It is an offering to Surya Narayana (the Sun God). The mantra is repeated three times, each time offering the arghya (water oblation) to Surya Narayana.” In essence, this is a prayer invoking the Supreme Soul through the Gayatri mantra and offering water oblations to the Sun God, Surya Narayana, during the morning ritual.

2.9 Tarpana

Offering water with mantras to Vishnu & planets in our solar system & seeking their blessings

Mantra:

—To be receited during Shukla paksha

keshavaM tarpayAmi| nArAyaÑaM tarpayAmi| mAdhavaM tarpayAmi| goviMdaM tarpayAmi| viShNuM tarpayAmi | madhusUdanaM tarpayAmi| trivikramaM tarpayAmi | vAmanaM tarpayAmi | shrldharaM tarpayAmi | hR|iShlkeshaM tarpayAmi| padmanAbhaM tarpayAmi| dAmodaraM tarpayAmi ||

—To be receited during Krishna paksha

saMkarShaNaM tarpayAmi| VAsudevaM tarpayAmi| pradyumnaM tarpayAmi| aniruddhaM tarpayAmi | puruShottamaM tarpayAmi| adhokShajaM tarpayAmi| nArasiMhaM tarpayAmi| achyutaM tarpayAmi | janArdanaM tarpayAmi| upeMdraM tarpayAmi | hariM tarpayAmi | shrlkR|iShNaM tarpayAmi | sUryaM tarpayAmi | chaMdraM tarpayAmi| aMgArakaM tarpayAmi| budhaM tarpayAmi| bR|ihaspatiM tarpayAmi| shukraM tarpayAmi | shanaishcharaM tarpayAmi| rAhuM tarpayAmi | ketuM tarpayAmi |

2.10 Bhootochhatanam

Using hand gestures and mantras, you create a protective circle around yourself. It’s like making an invisible shield from negative energies

Mantra:

Om apasarpaMtvityasya VAmadevaH bhUtAnyanuShTup bhUtochchATane viniyogaH| apasarpaMtu te bhUtA ye bhUtA bhuvi saMsthitAH| ye bhUtA vighnakartAraste nashyaMtu shivAj-nayA | apakrAmaMtu ye bhUtAH krUrAshchaiva tu rAkShasAH| ye chAtra nivasaMtyeva devatA bhuvi saMtatam| teShAmapyavirodhena brahmakarma samArabhe||

Meaning:

“Om, let the beings not harm us. Vamadeva is the sage, Anushtubh is the meter, and Ucchatana is the purpose. This text is a prayer invoking protection from harmful beings and seeking the removal of obstacles. It calls upon divine forces to safeguard against harm and disturbances, with a reference to the divine actions of Lord Shiva.

2.11 Aasanam

Sitting posture, establishing stability and comfort for meditation

Mantra:

prithvlti maMtrasya merupRiShTha RiShiH kUrmo devatA| sutalaM ChaMdaHI| Asane viniyogaH | pR|ithvi tvayA dhR|itA lokA devi tvaM viShNunA dhR|itA| tvaM cha dhAraya mAM devi pavitraM kuru chA asanam mAM cha pUtaM kuru dhare nato asmi tVAM sureshvari| Asane somamaMDale kUrmaskaMdhe upaviShTo.asmi | anaMtAsanAya namaH|

Meaning:

Goddess, you uphold the world, and Lord Vishnu also upholds it through you. Please support me, make my seat pure, and purify me as well. I bow to you, O Goddess of the Gods. I sit on the seat within the Soma Mandala, on the back of Kurma (the tortoise). I bow to the endless seat.” This mantra invokes the Earth, represented as a divine entity, to provide support and purity while taking a seat. It acknowledges the role of the Goddess and Lord Vishnu in upholding the world.

2.13 Gayatri Avahana Vishesha

Invoking the Gayatri mantra, symbolizing divine universal wisdom and illumination

omityekAkSharaM brahma| agnirdevatA brahma ityArSham| gAyatraM ChaMdaM paramAtmaM sarUpam| sAyujyaM viniyogam | AyAtu varadA devi akSharaM brahmasammitam| gAyaXtrIM ChaMdasAM mAtedaM brahma| juShasva me | yadaXhnAt kurute pApaM tadaXhnAt| pratimuchyate| yadrAtrižyAt kurute pApaM tadrAtriXyAt| pratimuchyate| sarvavarNe mahAdevi saMdhyAvidye sarasvati| ojo asi, saho asi, balamasi, bhrAjo.asi devAnAM dhAma nAmAsi, vishvamasi vishvAyussarvamasi sarvAyurabhibhUroM | gAyatrimAVAhayAmi sAvitri AVAhayAmi sarasvatimAVAhayAmi ChaMdarShlnAvAhayAmi shriyamAVAhayAmi gAyatriyA gAyatri ChaMdo vishyAmitra RiShiH savitA devatA agnirmukhaM| brahmA shiraH viShNurhR|idayagM rudraH shikhA pRithivl yoniH| PrANApAna vyAnodAna samAnA saprANA shvetavarÑA sAMkhyAyanasagotrA gAyatri chaturvigMshatyakSharA tripadA ShaTkukS E| paMchashirShopanayane viniyogaH

Meaning:

Om is a single sound that represents Brahma. Agni is both a god and the sound of Brahma. The Gayatri meter symbolizes the Supreme Being and our connection with the divine. We ask the gracious goddess, linked to Brahma’s eternal sound and the Gayatri meter, to accept our offering. Sins committed during the day are forgiven by day, and the same for sins at night.

I invoke Gayatri, Savitri, Sarasvati, and Chandas. Vishwamitra is the sage, Savita the deity, Agni the mouth. Brahma is the head, Vishnu the heart, and Rudra the topknot. Earth is the origin, Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, and Samana are the life forces. White is the color, and Sankhyayana is the clan. Gayatri has twenty-four syllables, three feet, and six corners. With the five-syllable opening, we conclude

2.14 Karanyas

Touching specific body parts while reciting mantras to invoke divine energies

Mantra:

tatsavituH aMguShThAbhyAM namaH vareNyaM tarjanlbhyAM namaH bhargo devasya madhyamAbhyAM пamaH dhlmahi anAmikAbhyAM namaH| dhiyo yo naH kaniShThikAbhyAMnama| prachodayAt karatalakarapR|iShThAbhyAM namaH

Meanning:

We bow to the Supreme Divine, represented by the thumb. We bow to the Most Worthy, represented by the index finger. We meditate on the divine light, residing at the center. May it guide our thoughts, represented by the ring and little fingers. May it inspire us, represented by the open palm.

2.15 Anganyas

Similar to Karanyas, invoking deities through touch on different body parts

Mantra:

tatsavituH hR|idayAya namaHI vareNyaM shirase SVAhA bhargo devasya shikhAyai vaShaT I dhlmahi kavachAya hum, dhiyo yo naH netrAbhyAM vauShaT, prachodayAt asAya phaT, bhUrbhuvassvarom iti digbadhal

Meaning:

We salute the heart of that Savitar. We offer reverence to the Most Worthy with our head. We utter ‘Svaha’ to the divine light of the god with our tuft. We meditate upon the shield with ‘Hum.’ May the one who inspires our thoughts with our eyes, ‘VauShaT,’ guide us. Let ‘PhaT’ be the explosive sound, and ‘BhUrbhuvassvarom’ is the chant, like the quarters of the sky.

2.16 Aarahanam

The practitioner seeks the presence of the goddess and inviting deities to reside in the heart and mind, establishing a connection while singing, acknowledging her as Gayatriparts Mantra:

AgachCha varade devi jape me sannidhau bhava gAyaMtaM trAyase yasmAdgAyatrl tvaM tataH smR|itA | praÑavasya parabrahma RiShiH paramAtmA devatA daivl gayatri ChaMdaH| vyAhR|itlnAM prajApatiH RiShiH | agni-vAyu-sUryA devatAH gAyatri-uShNik-anuShTubhashChaMdAMsi gAyatryA vishvAmitra RiShiH savitA devatA| gAyatr ChaMdaH| jape viniyogaHIl

Meaning:

Devotionally Inviting the gracious goddes to be present in my chant. Pprotect those who sing and remember you. You are known as the Gayatri because you deliver from singing. The great syllable ‘Om’ is the supreme Brahman, the sage is ‘Prajapati,’ the deity is ‘Agni-Vayu-Surya.’ The meter is ‘Gayatri,’ ‘Ushnik,’ and ‘Anushtubh.’ The sage is ‘Vishvamitra,’ and the deity is ‘Savitri.’ This is the invocation for chanting Gayatri

2.17 Dhyanam

The meditation involves visualization of different aspects of this form, attributing specific characteristics to different body parts and deities. The mantra, with twenty-four syllables, including references to Gayatri, Savitri, and Saraswati, is recited to please Lakshmi Narayana Mantra:

dhyeyassadA savitRi maMDala madhyavarti | nArAyaNa ssarasijA sanasanniviShTaH keyUravAn makarakuMDalavAn kirIT| hAri hiraNmayavapuH dhRitashaMkhachakraH | rakto varNaH agniH mukhaM, brahmA shiraH, viShNuH hR|idayaM rudro LalATaH, pRithivl kukShiH, trailokyaM charaNAH, prAÑApAnavyAnodAnasamAnA saprANA shvetavarNA, sAMkhyAyanasagotrA gAyatri sAvitrl sarasvatl chaturviMshatyakSharA, tripadA ShaTkukShiH, paMchashlrShopanayane viniyogaH | savitR|inAmaka shrllakShmlnArAyaNapreraNayA savitR|inAmaka shrllakShmInArAyaNaprltyarthaM yathAshakti aAvatrlmaMtraiapaM kariShve

Meaning:

I always meditate on Lord Savitar, who sits in the center of the sun, with a lotus seat, adorned with a crown, jewelry, and golden form, holding a conch and discus. He is red in color, with the face of Agni, the head of Brahma, the heart of Vishnu, the forehead of Rudra, the abdomen of the Earth, the feet in all three worlds, the life forces in Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, and Samana, white in color, with the clan of Sankhyayana, and has the Gayatri, Savitri, and Sarasvati as his 24-syllable, three-footed, and six-curved Chandas. This is the introduction for the Gayatri mantra. For the purpose of Lord Narayana, I shall now create this mantra with the inspiration of Lord Savitar, with utmost devotion and as best as I can.

2.18 Gayatri Japa

Repetition of the Gayatri mantra in the mind(10 times), seeking spiritual insight and transformation

Mantra:

oM | bhUrbhuvaHsvaH | tatsaviturvareÑyaM | bhargo devasya dhlmahi | dhiyo yo naH prachodayAt ||

Meaning:

Om. Earth, sky, heaven. We meditate on the divine light of the Supreme Being. May it guide our thoughts.

2.19 Sandhyopasthana

mitrasya, mitro janAn, prasamitra ityeteShAM gAyatri, triShTubhau, vishvedeVA R|iShayaH mitro devatA| sUryopasthAne viniyogaH I oM mitrasya charShaNldhR|itaH shravo devasya SAnasim satyaM chitrashravastamam I mitro janAnyAtayati prajAnan mitro dAdhAra pR|ithivlmuta dyAm| mitraH kR|iShTIranimiShAbhi chaShTe satyAya havyaM ghR|itavadvidhema| pra sa mitra marto astu prayasvAn yasta Aditya shikShati vratena| na hanyate na jlyate tvoto nainamagMho ashno tyaMtito na dUrAt || namo brahmaNa ityasya prajApatiH RiShiH vishvedeVA devatAH jagatl ChaMdaH pradakShiNe viniyogaH | oM namo brahmaNe namo astvagnaye namaH pR|ithivyai nama oShadhlbhyaH namo vAche namo vAchaspataye nama viShNave bR|ihate karomi || oM shẠMtiH shAMtiH shAMtiH

Meaning:

Mitra is the deity. This is the invocation for the presence of the sun.Om. May Mitra, the shelterer of all, the radiant, the truthful, the most praiseworthy, the one who uplifts people, the one who holds the earth and the heavens, the one who nourishes the earth with bountiful crops, the one who moves swiftly without winking, the one to whom we offer oblations with ghee, may he be our friend. May he who, as the Aditya, imparts wisdom, not be harmed, not be agitated, not be distant, nor too close. Salutations to Brahma. Prajapati is the sage. Vishvedevas are the deities. Jagat is the meter. This is for circumambulation. Om, Salutations to Brahma, Salutations to Agni, Salutations to the Earth,. Salutations to the herbs, Salutations to Speech, Salutations to the Lord of Speech and Salutations to Vishnu, the Great. I perform. Om. Peace, peace, peace.

2.19 Dikku Namaskara

Salutations to the cardinal directions - East, South, West, North, Sky (Facing East), Earth (Facing East), Inner (oneself-Facing East) by acknowledging divine presence everywhere Mantra:

OM namaH prAchyai dishe yAshcha devatA etasyAM prativasaMtyetAbhyashcha namaH | oM namo dakShiNAyai dishe yAshcha devatA etasyAM prativasaMtyetAbhyashcha namaH | oM namaH pratlchyai dishe yAshcha devatA etasyAM prativasaMtyetAbhyashcha namaH | oM nama udlchyai dishe yAshcha devatA etasyAM prativasaMtyetAbhyashcha namaH | oM nama UrdhvAyai dishe yAshcha devatA etasyAM prativasaMtyetAbhyashcha namaH | oM namo.adharAyai dishe yAshcha devatA etasyAM prativasaMtyetAbhyashcha namaH | oM namo.avAMtarAyai dishe yAshcha devatA etasyAM prativasaMtyetAbhyashcha namaH | oM namo gaMgAyamunayormadhye ye vasaMti te me prasannAtmAnashchiraM jlvitaM vardhayaMti namo namo gaMgAyamunayormunibhyashcha namo namo gaMgAyamunayormunibhyashcha namaH saMdhyAyai namaH, sÂvitryai namaH, gAyatryai namaH, sarasvatyai namaH, sarvAbhyo devatAbhyo namaH, dev|bhyo namaH, R|iShibhyo namaH, gurubhyo namaH, mAtR|ibhvo namaH. pitR|ibhvo namaH. Namaskara AchAryebhyo пamaH kAmokArShlnmanyurakArShlnnamo namaHI | pR|ithivyApastejovAyurAkAshebhyo namo паma oM namo bhagavate vAsudevAya | yAgM sadA sarvabhUtAni sthAvarANi charANi cha sAyaM prAtarnamasyaMti SA mA saMdhyA.abhirakShatu = SA mÀ saMdhyAbhirakShatvoM namo namaH | brahmaNyo devaklputro brahmaNyo madhusUdanaH brahmaNyaH puMDarlkAkSho brahmaNyo viShNurachyutaH = namo brahmaNyadevAya gobrAhmaNahitAya cha| jagaddhitAya kR|iShNAya goviMdAya namo паmaH kShlreNa snApite devi chaMdanena vilepite bilvapatrArchite devi durgeshaM sharaNaM gataH| shrldurge.ahaM sharaNaM gata oM namo namaHI| AkAshAtpatitaM toyaM yathA gachChați sAqaram sarvadevanamaskAal keshavaM prati gachChati |

Meaning:

Om, I bow to the deities of the eastern direction and pay my respects to them. Om, I bow to the deities of the southern direction and pay my respects to them. Om, I bow to the deities of the western direction and pay my respects to them. Om, I bow to the deities of the northern direction and pay my respects to them. Om, I bow to the deities of the upward direction and pay my respects to them. Om, I bow to the deities of the downward direction and pay my respects to them. Om, I bow to the deities residing between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, who grant long and prosperous life, again and again. I bow to the sages residing between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, again and again. Salutations to Sandhya, Savitri, Gayatri, Sarasvati, all the goddesses, gods, sages, and teachers. Salutations to the divine, the source of desire, anger, and pride. Salutations to the earth, water, fire, air, and space. Salutations to Lord Vasudeva. All beings always perform worship rituals, whether stationary or moving, during morning and evening, and I offer my respects to them. Salutations to the supreme Lord of the universe, who is always invoked in every worship. Salutations to the goddess Durga, who is bathed with water, smeared with sandalwood paste, and adorned with bilva leaves. I take refuge in you, O Durga. Om, I bow repeatedly.

2.20 Gayatri Dwasanam

Acknowledging the structure and composition of the Gayatri mantra and also seeking blessings and auspiciousness.

Meaning:

uttama ityasya vAmadeva RiShiH, gAyatri devatA, anuShTup ChaMdaH, gAyatryudvAsane viniyogaH - uttame shikhare jAte bhUmyAM parvatamUrdhani brAhmaNebhyo.abhyanuj~nAtA gachCha devi yathAsukham = gachCha devi yathAsukhamoM namo namaH ll stuto mayA varadA vedamAtA prachodayaMtl pavane dvijAtA| AyuH pR|ithivyAM draviNaM brahmavarchasaM mahyaM datvA prajAtuM brahmalokam | sarvatIrtheShu sarvatirtheShu yatphalam | tatphalaM samavApnoti stutVA devaM janArdanam | VAsanAdvAsudevo.asi VAsitaM te jagattrayam sarvabhUtanivAso.asi VAsudeva namo.astu te | namo.astvanaMtAya sahasramUrtaye sahasrapAdAkShishirorubAhave sahasranAmne puruShAya shAshvate sahasrakoTiyugadhAriNe пamaH | bhadraM_ na itvasva | iMdro vinladarShiH agnirdevatA virAT ChaMdaH shAMtyarthe jape viniygaHIl oM bhadraM no api vAtayamanal| oM shAMtiH shAMtiH shAMtiH | sarvAriShTashAMtirastu samastamaMgalAVAptirastu chatussAgaraparyaMtaM gobrAhmaNebhyaH shubhaM bhavatu | (gotramuchchArya)… gotrotpannaH,.sharmA ahaM yajurvedlya ApasthaMbhasUtrasya taittirlyashAkhAdhyAyl amukasharmA ahaM bho abhivAdaye yasya smR|ityA cha nAmoktyA tapassaMdhyAkriyAdiShu- nyUnaM saMpUrNatAM yAti sadyo vaMde tamachyutam - maMtrahlnaM kriyAhlnaM bhaktihlnaM ramApate yatkRitaM tu mayA deva paripUrNaM tadastu meanena prAtaHsaMdhyAvaMdanena bhagaVAn shrlmanmadhvAchAryANAM hR|itkamalamadhyanivAst anaMtakallyA NaguNagaNaparipUtNaH

Meaning:

Invocations to the sage Vamadeva, the deity is Gayatri, and the meter is Anushtubh. The application is at the end of Gayatri. You are born on the highest peak, in the land of mountains. I seek your permission to leave, O Goddess, as per your will. Go comfortably. I bow repeatedly.

You are praised, the bestower of boons, the mother of the Vedas, the one who guides me. You are the life on Earth, the wealth of Brahman, and by giving me Brahman’s brilliance, may you lead me to the world of Brahman. Whatever results are obtained in all pilgrimage sites, one attains the same result by praising Lord Janardana.

You are clothed, O Vasudeva, and you reside in all three worlds. You are the abode of all beings, O Vasudeva, I bow to you. O Infinite One, with a thousand forms, a thousand feet, a thousand heads, a thousand names, eternal and enduring, the one who upholds the universe with a thousand crores of eras, I bow to you. May auspiciousness be upon us. Let all misfortunes be removed, and let us attain all auspiciousness from this side of the ocean to the other, for the welfare of cows and Brahmins. (Mention your lineage)… Gotra-born Sharma, I salute with remembrance, recitation, and worship, with devotion in Sandhya and other rituals. May the Lord Achyuta, who is beyond chanting, and whose glories are endless, fulfill everything. By this mantra, I conclude my morning prayers, devotion, and worship.

2.21 Japastala Prokshanam

Sprinkling water while chanting mantra, purifying the space and mind & Invoke blessings from the deity Savita for prosperity and positive experiences. Also, In case of errors during practice, the practitioner seeks forgiveness by chanting the names ‘Achyuta,’ ‘Ananta,’ and ‘Govinda’

adyAna iti maMtrasya shyAvAshva AtreyaH savitA gAyatri japasthAnaprokShaNe viniyogaH | adyAno deva savitaH prajAvatsAvlH saubhagam parA duHsvapnyaM suva | vishvAni devasavitarduritAni parA suva yadbhadraM tanna A suva | yadakSharapadabhraShTaM mAtrAhInaM cha yadbhavet tatsarvaM kShamyatAM deva nArAyaNa namo.astu te | madhye madhye maMtrataMtrakarmalopapr AyashchittArthaM nAmatrayamaMtrajapaM kariShye | achyutAya namaH, anaMtAya namaH, goviMdAya пamaH achyutAya namaH, anaMtAya namaH, goviMdAya пamaH achyutAya namaH,anaMtAya namaH, goviMdAya патаH, achyutAnaMtagoviMdebhyonamonamal| nAhaM kartA hariH kartAtatpUjAkamm: Chakilam tathA.api matkR|iA pUjA tatprasAdena nA.anyathA | tadbhaktiH tatphalaM mahyaM tatprasAdaH рипаНpиnaH 1 karmanyAso harAvevaM viShNoH tR|iptikaraH sadA idaM j~nAnaM hareH pUjAharerevoditaM sadA haryadhlnaM cha sarvatretyevaM nyAso harau smR|itaH | iti yajurvedlyA prAtaHsaMdhyA saMpUrNA| shrlkRriShNAr-paNamasttHl

Meaning:

“Adyana” is the mantra. The sage is Shyavashva Atreya. The deity is Savita, and the meter is Gayatri. This is the invocation for the recitation of the Savitri Gayatri mantra. O Deva Savita, on this day, grant us auspiciousness and protect us from bad dreams. Illuminate all the worlds, O Deva Savitar, and remove all obstacles. May all that is fallen or without a mother be forgiven, O Lord Narayana, I bow to you.

In the middle of this practice, I will recite the three sacred names: Achyuta, Ananta, Govinda. I bow to Achyuta, Ananta, Govinda. I bow to Achyuta, Ananta, Govinda. May all impurities be washed away. I am not the doer; Hari is the true doer. This knowledge is always true. The worship of Hari is always recommended. The holy water is applied all over the body, and thus, the morning ritual is completed.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sandhya Vandanam, which translates to “salutation to the twilight,” is a sacred Sanathana dharma ritual that holds profound spiritual significance. This ancient practice involves a series of meticulously performed steps, each with its unique purpose and symbolism. From purification rituals to the recitation of powerful mantras, Sandhya Vandanam aligns the practitioner’s mind, body, and soul with the divine forces and the cosmic order. It serves as a daily reminder of our connection to the universe and our quest for spiritual insight and transformation. This practice, observed during the transitional periods of dawn and dusk, stands as a beautiful embodiment of devotion, mindfulness, and reverence for the divine.

Sandhya Vandanam isn’t just a routine; it’s like a cosmic connection. It’s your way of saying, “Hey universe, I’m here, and I’m ready to be in sync with your flow.” This isn’t just a morning or evening thing; it’s a daily reminder of how connected we are to the big cosmic picture. And in the midst of our busy lives, that reminder is truly invaluable.🌄💫