Monday, July 1, 2013

PART III SAAYAM SANDHYAAVANDANAM (EVENING PRAYER)

PART III  SAAYAM SANDHYAA-VANDANAM, EVENING PRAYER


1.  Wash your feet, rinse your mouth, have kumkum or namam on forehead   and sit down to pray facing East. Then Chant the following: “Apavitrah pavitroe vaa sarva avasthaam angatoe-pivaa | Yas smaret pundareeka-akshaam sabaahyaabhyantarah   suchih”
[Under all circumstances performer of the ritual gets purified however impure he may be by recalling the name of the lotus eyed Lord]

Some schools of thought mention of facing north, the path to heaven as it is dark. But Sun is ever present and earth misses Sun at certain places due to its own rotation.

2. Do Aachamanam (sip the water after chanting each mantra)—Keep the right hand in a cup form; hold water poured from the spoon from left hand; drink after chanting each mantra (3 mantras)—a) Om Achyutaaya Namah (sip) b) Om Anantaaya Namah (sip)  c) Om Govindaaya Namah (sip).  Then touch the various parts of the body with the fingers chanting each mantra as indicated: “ A) Om Kesavaaya Namah (right cheek with the thumb); B) Om Narayanaaya  Namah (left cheek with the thumb); C) Om Maadhavaaya  Namah (right eye with ring finger);  D) Om Govindaaya Namah (left eye with the ring finger); E) Om Vishnave Namah (right nose with index finger);  F) Om Madhusoodanaaya Namah (left nose with index finger);  G) Om Trivikramaaya Namah (right ear with little finger);  H) Om Vaamanaaya  Namah (left ear with little finger) ;  I) Om Sridharaaya Namah  (right shoulder with middle finger); J) Om Hrisheekesaaya Namah (left shoulder with middle finger) K) Om Padmanaabhaaya Namah (belly button with four fingers leaving the thumb) L) Om Daamoedaraaya Namah (top of head with all fingers).
[These are obeisance to twelve emanations of Vishnu]

3. Do Praanaayaama: This is breathing exercise and chanting. Close the left nostril with little finger and ring finger and release the breathe (exhale); then close the right nostril   firmly with thumb; breath in from the left nostril. Close both the nostrils and hold the breathe, close the mouth and chant the following mantra—“Om  Bhuh, Om Bhuvah, Om Suvah, Om Mahah, Om Janah, Om Tapah, Ogum Satyam, Om Tatsavitur Varenyam, Bhargoe Devasya Dheemahi Dheeyoe Yoe Nah Prachoedayaat Om Aapoe Jyoetee Rasoe Amritam Brahma Bhoor Bhuvas Suvaroem”. (Please remember this mantra and Aachamana mantra as these will be repeated many times). 

[Om is Earth.  Om is Sky.  Om is Heaven. Om is Middle region. Om is Place of Birth. Om is Mansion of the Blessed. Om is Abode of Truth. May we meditate on the adorable Light of that Generator (OM) who quickens our thinking power.. Om is water, light, flavor, ambrosia, and also the three worlds Bhooh, Bhuvah and Suvah. He who is denoted by Pranava(OM) is all the above.]

4. Sankalpa (Religious resolution to do the ritual)—“Sri Bhagavad aajnyayaa Sri bhagavad kainkarya roopam Sriman Narayana preetyartham saayam Sandhyaam Upaasishye. (This is for evening prayer).

[As ordained by the Lord I undertake to perform my evening prayers in Lord’s service and to the pleasure of the Supreme Lord Narayana.]

5. Please chant and with your right hand sprinkle water from the vessel on head: “Om aapoehishthaa mayoebhuvah—taana oorje dadhaatana—maheranaaya chakshase-yoe vas-sivatamoe rasah || tasya bhaajayate ha nah—usateeriva maatarah—tasmaa aranga maamavah”.  Next chant the following sprinkling water on the feet “yasyaa kshayaaya jinvatha”. (what juice you seek to be immortal). Then chant the following sprinkling water on body: “aapoe jana yathaa cha nah” (Oh water deity! Make us worthy of birth to be good) and “Om bhoor bhuvahs suvah”. (The three worlds Bhooh,  Bhuvah and Suvah  are Brahman alone!)

[Oh Water Deities! You are enchanting, great and keepers of health in every individual. Please keep us food to radiate our vital forces. Please make the same Lord, who is auspicious and blissful to you be friendly towards us in this very life. Oh Water Divines! We are craving to attain that Supreme Principle whom you adore. Oh Water Divines make us worthy of attaining the knowledge of that Brahman! Water is essential for life on earth. The subtle part of the body is life’s vital forces called PanchaPraanas. Oh Lord! with the auspicious fluid flush us out  of all impurities and purify our body and soul!]

6. Then hold a spoonful of water in the right hand cup and chant: “Agnischa maamanyuscha  manyu patayascha manyu kritebhyah | Paapebhyoe rakshantaam—yadahna paapa makaarsham—manasaa vaachaa hastaabhyaam–padbhyaam udarena sisnaa—ahas tada valumpatu—yat kincha duritam mayi-idamaham maamruta yoenow |  satyae jyoetisha juhomi swaahaa || (so chanting drink the water).

[May Fire, Anger, Guardians of Anger guard me from the sins arising out of Anger!  May the day efface completely whatever sin I have committed on this day by thought, word, hands, feet, stomach and genital organ. Further, whatever sinful deed has been committed by me all that and myself I offer as an oblation into the Self-luminous Truth, the source of immortality. Hail to Lord Agni! Both Sun and Agni are aggregates (Vyaahriti)  of Brahman. In invoking Surya or Agni we are invoking that invisible Supreme Light, the light of all lights only.]

7.  Do Aachamana as in 2.

8. Chant the following: “Dadhikraavannoe akaarisham-jishnoer asvasya vaajinah-Surabhinoe mukhaakarat-prana aayoogamshi taarishat—aapoehishthaa mayoebhuvah—tana soorje dadhaatana-maheranaaya chakshase | yoevas sivatamoe rasah | tasya bhaajayateha nah—maheranaaya chakshase | tasma arangamaamavo yasya kshayaaya jinvatha | aapoejana yathaacha nah” and sprinkle the water on body as before. Then sprinkle water on body chanting: “Om Bhoor bhuvahs suvah”. Then take water in the cup of the right hand and chant: “drupadaadiva munchatu drupadaadi venmu-muchaanah-svinna-snaatvee-malaadiva | pootam-pavitrena eva-vaajyam | aapas-suddhantu mainasah” so chanting leave the water in your hand on the right side on the floor. (this last  mantra is omitted by many)

[I offer my prayers to the Supreme Lord who is always victorious, moves fast, Omni-present, ever interested in protecting his devotees and occupying the entire Universe. Please purify our faces meaning give us trouble free long life.]

[It is customary to offer curds as oblation to Fire God (Agni). Therefore Agni is known as Dadhikrava. Agni is an aggregate (Vyaahriti) of Brahman. So, Agni is worshipped as visible light that derives its power from that invisible light--Light of all lights.]

[Just as we are released from the log of wood to which our legs are tethered, just as we are relieved of the sweat from the body and purified and just as Ghee for oblation is purified by the sacred Kusa grass we pray to you to burn off all the impurities from within our body to get purified. This mantra is omitted by some.]

9. Arghyam (water oblation)--Do Praanaayaama as in 3 and get up. Arghyam and Japam in the evening is done facing west. Then Join both the hands and hold water in both the hands and chant Gayatri mantra: “Om Bhoor Bhuvas Suvah, Om Tatsavitur Varenyam, Bhargoe Devasya Dheemahi, Dheeyoe Yoe Nah Prachoedayaat”. Then release the water downwards looking at the Sun. (To hold water on both hands first pour water from left hand holding the vessel on to  the right hand cup maximum it can hold,  then keep the vessel down and join the left with the right; then evenly distribute the water to both cups of hands. (In old days they used to stand in the river and get water to both hands from the river or tank. By this act you are offering your prayers through the medium of water). This has to be done three times. If you are late to do your evening prayers you have to do this fourth time as indicated in 10 below.

10. Late performance-Do one Praanaayaama. Then chant Sri bhagavad aajnyayaa sri bhagavat kainkarya roopam Sriman naaraayana preetyartham kaalaateeta praayaschitta artham tureeya arghya pradaanam karishye’’ so saying repeat the Arghya as in 9 above.  

[As per the command of the Lord and in His service to the  pleasure  of Narayana I offer the fourth additional water oblation for not keeping up to the time schedule (repentance for being late).  

11. Tarpana—chanting the Mantra “Asaavaadityo Brahma” sprinkle water on your body. Then Make a cup on your right hand, pour water from a vessel from your left hand each time and release water from right hand chanting each mantra after the word “Tarpayaami”—Kesavam tarpayaami (release water); Naaraayanam tarpayaami; Maadhavam tarpayami; Govindam tarpayami; Vishnum tarpayaami; Madhsoodanam tarpayaami; Trivikramam tarpayaami; Vaamanam tarpayaami; Sreedharam tarpayaami; Hrisheekesam tarpayaami; Padmanaabham tarpayaami; Daamodaram tarpayaami. (These are the twelve names you chanted in Sankalpa above). Tarpana means satisfying. The deities are bening satisfied with water oblation called Tarpana.

{“Asavadityo brahma—This Lord Soorya is Brahman alone! May I be that Brahman! That Brahman is alone Truth!]

12. Gaayatri Japam—Do one Praanaanaayamya as in 3. Then chant “Aaasana mantrasya prithuvyaah Meruprishtha rishih sutalam chandah sri koormoe devata--koormaasane viniyogah | pruthvi tvayaa dhrutaa loekaa devi tvam vishnunaa dhrutaa | tvam cha dhaaraya maam devi pavitram kurucha aasanam ||”. (with this mantra you offer seat to Gayatree Deity with sacred grass invoking Lord Koorma)

Then sprinkle water on the seat and sit down for prayer.  Do three Praanaayamya as in 3 and say: “Sri bhagavad aajnyayaa bhagavat kainkarya roopam  sriman naaraayana preetyartham saayam sandhya Gayatreemantra japam karishye” “Pranavasya rishi brahma devee gaayatree chandah paramaatmaa devataa anushtup chandah |” atha dhyaanam; Fold your hands and say: Arka mandala madhyastham sooryakoti samaprabham | brahmaadi sevya paadaabjam naumi brahma ramaa sakham” . After this do Gayatree pranayama as in 3 for 10 times.  Then chant: aayaatvitviti anuvaakasya vaamadeva rishih  anushtup chandah Gayatree devata, Gayatree Aavaahane viniyogah |(By this mantra you are inviting the Goddess Gayatri and others). Then with folded hands chant: “Aaayaatu varadaa devee aksharam brahma samitam | gayatreem chandasaam maatedam brahma jushasva nah || Oejoeci, sahoeci, balamaci, bhraajoeci, devaanaam dhaama naamaaci, visvamaci, visvaayuh, sarvamaci, sarvasayuh, abhi bhoorome Gaayatreem aavaahayami, Savitreem aavaahayaami, Sarasvateem aavaahayaami || “saavitryaah rishih visvaamitrah gayatree chandah savitaa devata” “yoe devas savitaa asmaakam dhiyoe dharmaadi gocharah| Prerayet tasya yad bhargah tad varenyam upaasmahe || “Gayatri japa Mantra: Om bhoor bhuvahs suvah, om tat savitur varenyam, bhargoe devasya dheemahi, dheeyoe yoe nah prachoedayaat—Close your eyes and chant this mantra 10 or 28 or 108 times as time permits. This is the main Mantra.

[Oh Goddess Gaayatree!  Thou art the essence of strength.  Thou art patience or the subduing power. Thou art physical capacity. Thou art splendor. Thou art the abode of gods. Thou art their celebrated name.  Thou art the insentient universe. Thou art the full span of life or the Lord of all.  Thou art every living thing. Thou art the life span of all. Thou art the vanquisher of all that is hostile to us. Thou art Truth denoted by Pranava, I invoke Gaayatree into my heart. I invoke Saavitree. I invoke the prosodies (Chandas). I invoke Rishis and the gods. I invoke the splendor of all gods. Of Gaayatree the meter is gaayatree, the sage or rishi is Viswamitra and the Deity is Savitr. Please come and receive our prayers.]

13. Do Praanaayaama as in 3 once. “Sri bhagavad aajnyayaa sri bhagavat kainkarya roopam sriman Naaraayana preetyartham saayam sandhya upasthaanam karishye”--(This is farewell to Gayatri Goddess). Stand up and with folded hands chant: “Uttame sikhare devi bhoomyaam parvata moordhani | brahmanebhyoe hyanu jnaanam gaccha devi yatha sukahm”.

[Oh Resplendent Gaayatree, please bid good bye to those Brahmins who constantly worship you! Then depart from the top of the sacred hills as per your convenience and comfort.]

“Imam may varuna srudheehavamadyaa cha mridhaya| tvaamasyuraachake | tatvaayaami brahmanaa vandamaanah tadaasaaste yajamaanoe  | ahedamaanoe varuneha bodhi urusagam samaana aayuh pramoesheeh | yacchchiddhite visoe yathaa pradeva varuna vratam | minee ma sidyavidyavi | yatkinchitedam varuna  daivyae janebhi droeham manushyaascharaamaci | achittee yattava dharmaayayopima maanas-tasmaadenasoe devareerishah | kitavaasoe yadri ripuh nadeevi yadvaaghaa satyamuta yanna vidma |  sarvathaa vishya sithirevan devaathaa te syaama varunah priyaasah ||

[OhVarunaa! Please listen to my prayer! I make you satisfied. For my self-protection I seek refuge in you who is praised by Veda mantras. Those who perform fire sacrifice seek eight-fold success from fagots offered. Oh Lord!  Please do understand us and without anger protect us! Oh Lord you are venerated by everybody you are reputed for your great fame, please do not shorten our lives! Make us serve you! You are always sportive; we often spoil with our ignorance even the one daily worship ritual directed to you.  Please forgive us for our lapses! Oh Lord! With our ignorance we do lot of harm to all the Divines; we commit lot of sins; we spoil all the acts of Dharma—please do not punish us for our sins! As hypocrites we often indulge in prohibited acts like your enemies with or without our knowledge. Please destroy those sin in bits and pieces and  then please welcome us according to your will and give us happiness.]


 14. Then offer a series of salutations with folded hands: “Sandhyaayai namah; Saavitryai namah; Gaayatrai namah, Sarasvatyai namah, sarvaabhyoe devataabhyoe namoe namah, kaamoekarsheen namoe namah”

 [We pray our obeisance to various deities mentioned in the Mantra]

15. You are standing facing  East . So salute the deity guards of all directions, space sky, earth, starting with east  “Praachyai disae namah (East) Dakshinaayai   disae  namah (North), Prateechayi disae namah (West ), Udeechyaii disae namah(North), Oordhvaaya  namah (Above), Adharaaya namah(Below), Antarikshaaya namah (Sky), Bhoomyai namah (Mother Earth), Vishnave (Lord) namah”

16. “Sankha chakra gadhaa paane dvaarakaa nilayachyuta | Govinda pundaree-kaaksha raksha maam saranaagatam”-- chanting this mantra do namaskaram prostrating on floor touching all parts of the body and then say your abhivaadana mantram.

[Obeisance to Lord of Dwaaraka who reveals to us carrying his weapons of distinction  conch, disc and mace; obeisance to that lotus eyed Govinda!]




ABHIVAADANA MANTRAM
Abhivaadaye Aatreya Archanaanasa Syaavaasva trayaarsheya pravaranvitah Aatreya Gotrah aapasthambha sootrah Yajus saakaaha-adhyaayee sri Vijay saraman naamaaham asmi bhoh”.  

[I Vijay is a descendant of the three sages, Aatreya, Aarchanaanasa and Syaavasva; I belong to the lineage of Atreya; I am student of Aapasthambasootra of Yajurveda. The devote thus declares his lineage giving his name.  The example given is for one who hails from Aatreya Gotra. Each one should know his Abhivaadanam as given at the time of Thread Ceremony or Upanayanam.]


FINAL SALUTATION
Then do aachamanam twice as in 2 and say “sarvam sri Krishnaarpanam astu”. Go round in circum-ambulation chanting: “Sriranga mangala manim karunaa nivaasam sri venkatadri sikharaalaya kaala megham | sri hasti saila sikharoejvala paarijaatam srisam namaami sirasaa yadusaila deepam”.

[Whatever deeds I have done knowingly or unknowingly I place all of them at the feet of  Lord Krishna. Then conclude the worship by final salutation to Lord Vishnu who is represented by none other than Ranganatha of Srirangam and Venkateswara of Tirupati.]



REFERENCES


·        Praacheena Samskrita Granthaprakatana Viswa Samsthe, Sandhyaavandana, Coronation Press, Mysore, India.(Kannada)
·        Lakshninarasimhacharya, Nityaanushtaana Kramam, The Little Flower Company, Chennai 600017, India. (Tamil)
·        Varadaraja Tirumale, Veda Maarga, Sri Lakshmi Hayagreeva Sevaa Trust, Bengluru 560010, India.(Kannada)
·        Ananta Rangacharya, Mahaa Naaraayana Upanishad, Bengaluru, India.
·        Anudinam.org, Internet.
·        Swami Vimalananda, Mahaanaaraayana Upanishad, Ramakrishna Math, Chennai,
India
·         Ramachandra Rao, S.K., Vishnu Kosha, Kalpataru Research Academy, Shankarmutt,
Sharada peetham,  Bengaluru 560004, India. 

·        Jagadguru Chandrasekharannda Sarswati, Dharma, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai, India


           



PART-II MADHYAAHNEEKAM (MID[DAY PRAYER)



PART II---MAADHYAAHNEEKAM (MID-DAY PRAYER)



1. Wash your feet, rinse your mouth, have kumkum or namam on forehead and stand to pray facing east. Then Chant the following: “apavitrah pavitroe vaa sarva avasthaam gatoepivaa  yassmaret   pundareekaakshaam sabaahyaa-bhyantarah suchihi”

[Individuals get purified internally as well as externally by meditating on the lotus eyed Lord at all times however pure or impure they may be.]

2. Do Aachamanam (sipping the water after chanting Mantra)—Keep the right hand in a cup form; hold water poured from the spoon from left hand; drink after chanting each mantra (3 mantras)—a) Om Achyutaaya Namah (sip) b) Om Anantaaya Namah (sip)  c) Om Govindaaya Namah (sip).   Touch the various parts of the body with the fingers chanting each mantra as indicated : “ A) Om Kesavaaya Namah (right cheek with the thumb); B) Om Narayanaaya  Namah (left cheek with the thumb); C) Om Maadhavaaya  Namah (right eye with ring finger);  D) Om Govindaaya Namah (left eye with the ring finger); E) Om Vishnave Namah (right nose with index finger);  F) Om Madhusoodanaaya Namah (left nose with index finger);  G) Om Trivikramaaya Namah (right ear with little finger);  H) Om Vaamanaaya  Namah (left ear with little finger) ;  I) Om Sridharaaya Namah  (right shoulder with middle finger); J) Om Hrisheekesaaya Namah (left shoulder with middle finger) K) Om Padmanaabhaaya Namah (belly button with four fingers leaving the thumb) L) Om Daamodaraaya Namah (top of head with all fingers).
[These are obeisance to 12 Vishnu emanations.  Various vital nerve points Nadis) are electrified by the touch with mantra, paying at the same time obeisance to all emanations of Vishnu]

3. Do Praanaayaama: This is breathing exercise and chanting. Close the left nostril with little finger and ring finger and release the breath (exhale); then close the right nostril   firmly with thumb; breathe in from the left nostril. Close both the nostrils and hold the breath, close the mouth and chant the following mantra—“Om  Bhuh, Om Bhuvah, Om Suvah, Om Mahah, Om Janah, Om Tapah, Ogum Satyam, Om Tatsavitur Varenyam, Bhargoe Devasya Dheemahi Dheeyoe Yoe Nah Prachoedayaat Om Aapoe Jyoetee Rasoe Amritam Brahma Bhoor Bhuvas Suvaroem”. (Please remember this mantra and Aachamana mantra as these will be repeated many times).

[The Earth (Bhooloka) is having Supreme Lord (Brahman) as inner controller. The Sky (Bhuvah), Heavens (Suvah), Middle Region (Mahah), Place of  birth (Janah), The Abode of the Bleessed ( Tapah) and the Abode of Truth (Satyam) are all having Brahman (OM) as their inner controller (Antaryaamin).  May we meditate on that Adorable Light (Savitar) of that Divine Generator who inspires our understandings (Intellect).  Brahman is water, light, flavor, ambrosia, and also the three worlds, Bhooh, Bhuvah and Suvah. He who is denoted by Pranava (OM) is all these.]
[Systematic breathing exercise by Praanaayaama promotes long life and healthy living curing diseases and purifying mind for meditation]

4. Sankalpa (Religious resolution to do the ritual)—“Sri Bhagavad aajnyayaa Sri bhagavad kainkarya roopam Sriman Narayana preetyarthamm Madhyaahnika Sandhyaam Upaasishye. (This is for the mid-day prayer).
[As ordained by the Lord I undertake to offer my morning prayers in Lord’s (Savitar) service and to the pleasure of the Supreme Lord Naraayana]

5. Please chant and with your right hand sprinkle water on head: “Om aapoehishthaa mayoebhuvah—taana oorje dadhaatana—maheranaaya chakshase—yoe vas sivatamoe rasah || tasya bhaajayate ha nah—usateeriva maatarah—tasmaa arangamaamavah”.  Next chant the following sprinkling water on the feet “yasya kshayaaya jinvatha”. Then chant the following sprinkling water on the body: “aapoe jana yathaa cha nah” and “Om bhoor bhuvahs suvah”.

[Oh Water Divines!  You are enchanting and are great keepers of health in every individual. Please give us food to radiate our vital forces.  Please make the same Lord Who is auspicious and blissful to you, friendly towards us in this very life. Oh Water Divines! We are craving for attaining that Supreme whom you adore. Oh Water Divines, make us worthy of attaining the knowledge of Brahman. Without water there is no life on earth. The subtle part of water are the Praanas or Life’s vital forces. The prayer seeks this auspicious liquid to shower benefits to the physical and subtle body] 

6.  Then hold   a spoonful of water in the right hand cup and chant: “Aaapah punantu prithiveem prithvee pootaa punaatu maam || yaduchchishtham abhoejyam yadvaa duscaharitaam   mama sarvam punantu maamaapoe asataam cha pratigrahagam swaahaa || (so chanting drink the water)
[May this water cleanse my physical body that is made of earthy matter! Thus purified, may the earthy body purify me, the Self (Soul) within! May the purified Vedas taught by the purified teacher purify me! (Or may the water purified by Supreme purify me!). My defilement, repast on prohibited food and misconduct if any, and the sin accruing from the acceptance of gifts from persons disapproved by the scriptures—from all these may I be absolved! May the waters purify me! Hail unto the Water Divines!]

7.   Do Aachamana as in 2.

8. Chant the following: “Dadhikraavannoe akaarisham-jishnoer asvasya vaajinah-surabhinoe mukhaakarat-prana aayoogamshi taarishat—aapoehishthaa mayoe bhuvah—tana oorje dadhaatana-maheranaaya chakshase | yoevas sivatamoe rasah | tasya bhaajayateha nah—maheranaaya chakshase | tasma arangamaamavo yasya kshayaaya jinvatha | aapoejana yathaachanah” and sprinkle the water on body as before. Then sprinkle water on body chanting: “Om Bhoor bhuvahs suvah”. Then take water in the cup of the hand and chant: “drupadaadiva munchatu drupadaadi venmu-muchaanah-svinna- snaatvee-malaadiva  | pootam-pavitrena-eva aajyam | aapas-suddhantu mainasah || so chanting leave the water in your hand on the right side on the floor. (This last mantra is omitted by many.)
[I offer my prayers to the Supreme Lord who is ever victorious, moves fast, Omni-present, always interested in protecting devotees and who pervades the entire Universe. Please purify our faces meaning give us trouble free long life!]

Dadhi-krā is the name of a divine horse, personification of the morning Sun, addressed in the Rigveda, hymns RV 4.38-40, RV 7.44, RV 3.20, RV 10.101. He is invoked in the morning along with AgniUshas and the Asvins. Although the etymological origin is not certain, it has been suggested that the name is derived from dadhi meaning thickened milk and kri meaning to scatter. This could alluded to the effect of the morning sun on dew or hoar frost (Wikipedia). Sun is often equated with Agni both being vyahritis of Brahman. Sandhyavandhana in the mornings and evenings are directed to Soorya while evening to Agni. Soorya and Agni are synonyms. It is therefore likely  that Agni gets the name from the offering of Dahi and its scattering in fire and so in turn Soorya also gets that name.

[It is customary to pour yogurt as oblation to fire. Therefore Agni (Fire God) is known as dadhikrava. So Agni, an aggregate (vyaahriti) of Brahman the invisible source of all visible lights, is symbolically worshiped.]

[Just as the tethered log of wood is released with which an individual is bonded, just as the sweat is released from the body by bathing and just as the melted butter (ghee) is purified by the sacred  Kusa grass, we pray to the Supreme Lord to get rid of  the impurities from within.}

9. Arghyam (water oblation)--Do _Praanaayaama as in 3 and get up. Then join both the hands and hold water in both the hands and chant Gayatri mantra: “Om Bhoor Bhuvas Suvah, Om Tatsavitur Varenyam, Bhargoe Devasya Dheemahi, Dheeyoe Yoe Nah Prachoedayaat”.  Then release the water downwards looking at the Sun. (To hold water on both hands first pour water from left hand holding the vessel  on to  the right hand cup maximum it can hold,  then keep the vessel down and join the left with the right; then evenly distribute the water to both cups of hands. (In olden days they used to stand in the river and get water to both hands from the river or tank). By this act you are offering your prayers through the medium of water to Sun. This has to be done three times. If you are late to do your morning prayers you have to do this fourth time as indicated in 10 below.

10. Late performance-Do one Praanaayaama. Then chant Sri bhagavad aajnyayaa sri bhagavat kainkarya roopam Sriman naaraayana preetyartham kaalaateeta praayaschitta-artham tureeya arghya pradaanam karishye’’ so saying repeat the Arghya as done in 9 above.

[As per the command of the Lord (Savitar) and in His service as well as  to the pleasure of the Supreme Lord Narayana,  I offer this fourth additional water oblation (tarpana) for not keeping up to the time  schedule (repentance for being late)].

11. Tarpana—chanting the mantra “Asaavaadityo Brahma”, sprinkle water on your body. Then Make a cup on your right hand, pour water from a vessel from your left hand each time and release water from right hand chanting each mantra after the word “Tarpayaami”—Kesavam tarpayaami (Release water); Narayanam tarpayaami; Maadhavam tarpayaami; Govindam tarpayaami; Vishnum tarpayaami; Madhsoodanam tarpayaami; Trivikramam tarpayaami; Vaamanam tarpayaami; Sreedharam tarpayaami; Hrusheekesam tarpayaami; Padmanaabham tarpayaami; Daamodaram tarpayaami.

[These are the same twelve names of Vishnu (emanations of Vishnu) you chanted for Aachamana to whom water oblations are offered.  Tarpana means to satisfy somebody. We satisfy the deities with water oblation. The Lord Soorya is Brahman! May I be that Brahman (as we try to merge with that Supreme by our meditation!). That Brahman alone is Truth!]

12. Gaayatri Japam—Do one Praanaanaayamya as in 3 sitting. Then chant “Aaasana mantrasya prithuvyaah Meruprishtha rishih sutalam chandah sri koormoe devata--koormaasane viniyogah | pruthvi tvayaa dhrutaa lokaa devi tvam vishnunaa dhrutaa | tvam cha dhaaraya maam devi pavitram kurucha aasanam ||”.

(With this mantra you offer seat to Gaayatree Deity on spread out sacred grass invoking Lord Koorma who offerd  his back to Mount Meru in Puraanas).

Then sprinkle water on the seat and sit down for prayer.  Do three Praanaayamya as in 3 and say: “Sri bhagavad aajnyayaa bhagavat kainkarya roopam  sriman naaraayana preetyartham pratah sandya Gayatreemantra japam karishye” “Pranavasya rishibrahma devee gaayatree chandah paramaatma devata anushtup chandah |” atha dhyaanam; Fold your hands and say: “Arka mandala madhyastham sooryakoti samaprabham | brahmaadi sevya paadaabjam naumi brahma ramaa sakham”. After this do Gayatri pranayama as in 3 for 10 times.  Then chant: “aayaatvitviti anuvaakasya vaamadeva rishih  anushtup chandah Gayatree devata, Gayatree aavaahane viniyogah ||” (By this mantra you are inviting the Goddess Gayatri and others). Then with folded hands chant: “Aaayaatu varadaa devee aksharam brahma samitam | gayatreem chandasaam maatedam brahma jushasva nah || Oejoeci, sahoeci, balamaci, bhraajoeci, devaanaam dhaama naamaaci, visvamaci, visvaayuh, sarvamaci, sarvasayuh, abhi bhoorome gaayatreem aavaahayami, savitreem aavaahayaami, sarasvateem aavaahayaami || “saavitryaah rishih visvaamitrah gaayatree chandah savitaa devata” “yoe devas savitaa asmaakam dhiyoe dharmaadi gocharah | Prerayet tasya yad bhargah tad varenyam upaasmahe ||Gayatri japa Mantra: Om bhoor bhuvahs suvah, om tat savitur varenyam, bhargoe devasya dheemahi, dheeyoe yoe nah prachoedayaat—Close your eyes and chant this mantra 10 or 28 or 108 times as time permits holding the knot of the holy thread with your thumb and index finger. This is the main Mantra.

[Oh Goddess Gaayatree!  Thou art the essence of strength.  Thou art patience or the subduing power. Thou art physical capacity. Thou art splendor. Thou art the abode of gods and their name.  Thou art the insentient universe. Thou art the full span of life or the Lord of all.  Thou art every living thing. Thou art the life span of all. Thou art the vanquisher of all that is hostile to us. Thou art Truth denoted by Pranava, I invoke Gaayatree into my heart. I invoke Saavitree. I invoke the prosodies (Chandas). I invoke Rishis and the gods. I invoke the splendor of all gods.  Please come and receive our prayers. Of Gaayatree the meter is gaayatree, the rishi or sage is Viswamitra and the deity is savitar.  They are responsible for our inspiration and intelligence.]

13. Do Praanaayaama as in 3 once. “Sri bhagavad aajnyayaa sri bhagavat kainkarya roopam sriman Narayana preetyartham Maadhyahnika Sandhya Aaadityoepasthaanam karishye”--(This is farewell to Sun God). Stand up and with folded hands chant: Uttame sikhare devi bhoomyam parvatamoordhani| Braahmanebhyoe  hyanujnaanam  gachcha devi yathaa sukham”  Then repeat the send off mantra to Soorya .as follows : “Asatyena rajasaa vartamanoe nivesayann-amartam martyan cha | hiranyayena savitaa rathenaa devoeyaati bhuvanaa-vi-pasyan || Udvayam tamasaspari pasyanoe jyoetiruttaram | devam devatraasoorya maganma-jyoetiruttamam |\ Udutyam jaatavedasam  devam vahanti ketavah \ drise visvaaya sooryam | chitram devaanaam udagaadaneekam chakshur-mitrasya varunasyaagneh | aapraa dyaavaa prithivee antariksham soorya aatmaa jagatasta-sthushascha tacchakshur-devahitam purastaat sukramuccharat ||  

[Oh resplendent Gaayatree! Please bid good bye to those Brahmins who constantly worship you. Then depart from the top of the sacred hills as per your convenience and comfort!]

[Let us fix our eyes on the Lord for a long time and watch before our eyes for ever being strong  healthy and wealthy,  him who is the exponent  of all scriptures, who imparts knowledge to all who is favorably disposed to all divines; let us enjoy his vision  with friends, progenies  and disciples; let us reach the pinnacle of happiness as we advance in age; let us hear his sacred stories; let us be indifferent to bad things; let us not be cowed down by atheists; let us be anxious to look at the dazzling Sun. That Lord who is clearly visible outwards though residing in the vast oceans and shines brilliantly shall we pray, who is the embodiment of Dharma, lotus eyed and Omniscient!] 

[The Lord resides in Vaikuntha and the Universe, ever playful, rides the chariot of Garuda that bestows liberation (Moksha) and worldly wealth; he is the one who provides all beings fruits of their Karma (action and reaction) they deserve. Sun travels on all corners of the world. He is the store house of brilliance, immanent, sportive, guardian of the divines. Gazing at him high in the sky we reach the Light of all Lights, the Supreme Principle beyond Nature (Prakriti).  Supreme Lord is reputed as Jaatavedasa and we with our prayers make his divine nature visible to all. Let us glorify by our prayers that great Lord; let us pray to him who gives strength to divines; He is the one who gave knowledge to Sun (Soorya), Varuna, Fire (Agni) and all other divines. He is the supreme lord of all beings; He fills all beings and the sky with him alone.   He is the Self-  luminous residing in all plant kingdoms too.]

13. Then with Yamapaasa mudra, an aperture to look at sun made with both the hands and fingers  (consult your parents or priest-- ) chant the mantra: Pasyema saradassatam | jeevema saradassatam | nandaama saradassatam |  moedaama saradassatam |  bhavaama saradassatam srinavaama saradssatam |  prabravaama saradssatam| ajeetaasyaama saradssatam jyoekcha-sooryam drise || ya udagaan-mahatoernavaat-vibhraajamaanah sarirasya-madhyaat samaa vrishabhoe roehitaakshah sooryoe vipaschin manasaa  punaatu ||  

[Let us live looking at Soorya for hundred years, let us live for hundred years, let us rejoice for hundred years let us enjoy for hundred years let us hear for hundred years!  May   Lord Soorya glowing like a fireball purify our mind]  

 14. Then do a series of salutations: “Sandhyaayai namah; Saavitryai namah; Gaayatryai namah, Sarasvatyai namah, sarvaabhyoe devataabhyoe namoe namah, kaamoekarsheen namoe namah”

[Obeisance to Goddess Sandhya, Saavitri, Gaayatri and all other deities including one responsible for our passions]

15. You are standing facing east. So salute the deity guards of all directions, space, sky, earth starting with East.“Praachyai  disae namah (East), Dakshinaayai  disae  namah (South), Prateechyai disae namah (West), Udeechyai  disae namah (North), Oordhvaaya  namah (Space), Adharaaya  namah (Below ground), Antarikshaaya namah (Sky), Bhoomyai namah (Mother Earth), Vishnave namah (Lord Vishnu)”

16. “Sankha chakra gadhaa paane dvaarakaa nilaya achyuta | Govinda pundaree-kaaksha raksha maam saranaagatam”-- chanting this mantra do namaskaram prostrating on floor touching all parts of the body and then say your abhivaadana mantram.

[Obeisance to the lotus eyed Lord of Dwaaraka Govinda who reveals himself with his weapons of conch, disc and mace.]

“Abhivaadaye Aatreya Archanaanasa Syaavaasva trayaarsheya pravaranvitah Aatreya gotrah Aapasthambha sootrah Yajus saakaaha-adhyaayee sri Vijay saraman naamaaham asmi bhoh”. Then do aachamanam twice as in 2 and say “sarvam sri Krishnaarpanam astu. Go round in circum-ambulation chanting: “Sriranga mangala manim karunaa nivaasam sri venkatadri sikharaalaya kaala megham | sri hasti saila sikharoejvala paarijaatam srisam namaami sirasaa yadusaila deepam”. (This is final salutation to Lord Vishnu. This sloka also says you are a descendent of three great sages Aatreya, Archanaanasa and Syaavaasva, you belong to Aatreya Gotra and you follow Yajurveda)


[For any commission or omission on my part in my discharge of my duties I request Lord Krishna to pardon me for I have laid everything at his feet. The prayer ends with obeisance to Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam and Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati and doing Abhivadanam, prostration with eight parts of the body touching the floor and announcing the lineage and Vedic educational status.]

SANDHYAAVANDANAM--- WORSHIP MEET

PRAATAH SANDHYAAVANDANAM--- MORNING WORSHIP MEET

(DISCOURSE BY N. R. SRINIVASAN, BRENTWOOD, TN, USA,  JUNE 2013)

Sandhyaa means meeting and Vandanam means worship. This is the meeting of the mind with the Sun. Snadhyaavandana therefore means worship-meet similar to music-meet, social-meet etc. Sandhyaa  Vandanams are morning and evening prayers to be performed by the twice-born (Dwija) every day. In the evening we do not see the Sun and so the prayer is offered to the visible brightest element Light (Agni).  Both Sun and Fire are brightest visible Light on sky and Earth but both of them draw their energy from the Invisible Light of all Lights, Brahman. This worship-meet consists mainly aacahamana (sipping of water for internal purification), Praanaayaama (breath control with meditation), maarjana (sprinkling oneself with water), offering of water oblation to the Sun (arghya), Gaayatree Japa (meditation on Lord Savitar or Supreme Principle), and Upasthaana (reciting of mantras directed to the worship of the Sun in the morning and worship of Agni in the evening).  Similar prayer offered in the midday to Sun is called Maadhyaahneeka. Sandhyaavandana has many benefits for lengthening life span, disease control, revitalizing nerve centers of human body and promoting peace of mind as confirmed by scientific studies. Looking at Sun with hand aperture will give clear eye-sight throughout one's life without any disease. When a body is touched with a particular finger with cold water it gives fresh energy. When you touch navel and crest of head with all ten fingers it imparts benefit to various nervous systems and through it to the body and mind.  Health   benefits of Praanaayama are well established by Yogasaastra based on scientific studies. 

Various mantras employed during these prayers are found in Vedas, mainly in Taittareeya and Mahaa Naaraayana Upanishads.  These mantras essentially focus on  repentance for the past sins, self-purification externally as well as internally, meditation and  devotion directed to Supreme Being (Brahman) through the medium of  Sun  God , Fire God  and Varuna who are the aggregates (vyaahritis) of Brahman. Those who do not perform Sandhyaavandanam can regularly chant the Vedic mantras contained therein for atonement, control breath with Gaayatree mantra and do Upaasana (Worship) with Upasthaana mantras.  These Mantras contained in Mahaa Naaraayana Upanishad  for chanting can be found in the discourse: "Some Vedic Mantras used in Hindu Worships and Rituals on the Blog (February 2012) with meaning and explanations.

Gayaatree can be derived in Sanskrit as follows: "Gaayantam  traayate yasmaat Gaayatree iti abhideeyate"--whosoever sings Gaayatree is protected. Sings is not used here in the sense of singing. It means intoning or chanting the mantra with affection and devotion. 'Gaayatreem Chandasaam maataa"-- Gaayatree is the mother of all Vedic Mantras. This Mantra is called “Tripaada Gaayatree". It is three feet of eight syllable mantras. Thus Gaayatree is the essence of the Rigveda, Saamaveda and Yajurveda. Atharvaveda has its own Gaayatree.

We sin with our mind, speech and body. These sins must be washed away by performing rites with the same mind, speech and body. In Sandhyaavandanam we mutter the mantras with our mouth and even as we respect the Gaayatree, we meditate on it with mind, and in such rites as maarjana (sprinkling of water) we acquire bodily purity. Sandhyaavandana is Karmayoga, Bhaktiyoga and Jnaanayoga combined. It unites the paths of Karma, devotion and Knowledge.

If we critically review these prayers you will find in aachamana mantra, repentance mantra arghya mantra, upaasana mantra etc., only the names of Vishnu (Vyaapyate iti, all pervading aspect of Supreme Principle) and Vedic gods are found. No-where you find any reference to   Puraaanic Siva or other Puraanic deitees.  But Sandhyavandana is practiced by all dwijas who are followers of Vishnu, Siva as well as Sakta of modern days though sectarians in outlook.  Why it is so? Do we mean to say that only Pancharaatra followers propagated these Nityakarmas and others accepted it with an open mind?   Prayer also ends with Krishnaarpanamastu and not Sivaarpanamastu.  Here Krishna does not refer to incarnation of Vishnu but addresses Supreme Principle as Krishna meaning one who delights the world—krishnena satabaahunaa--Mahaanaaraayana Upanishad (MNU). Satabaahuna means one who has hundred arms meaning countless. Thus this refers to Purusha mentioned in Purushasookta who has his hands everywhere and in all things or Krishna who revealed his original form in Viswaroopaa (cosmic person).

Sandhyavandana Mantras are intended for Brahmanas and Dwijas. That does not mean it is intended for only for those who claim their caste as Brahmins by birth and as males. This karma is also performed by all those who undergo Upanayana ceremony—Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and also some ladies even, as seen in Kerala today. Here by Brahmana we should understand who are Brahmopaasakas or those who meditate upon Supreme Being called Brahman. Dwija means those who have undergone Upanayana Samskara and follow the Saastric injunctions by the Samskaara.   

Sandhyavandana is universal in approach to all traditions.  Through this ritual we pray for sins, pray for self-purification and meditate on Supreme principle as Saguna Brahman (visible Form like Soorya Agni etc.) and Paraasakti (visible and realizable energy). Supreme Principle is addressed in the ritual by the twelve names of Kesava, Naraayana, Maadhava, Govinda, Vishnu, Madhusoodana, Trivikrama, Vaamana Sreedhara, Hrisheekesa, Padmanabha, Damoedara and Ananta, Soorya, Agni, and Varuna.  In Sankalpa we say Achyuta, Ananta and Govinda.  Ananta would mean all other names of Vishnu not mentioned. Paraasakti here refers to Bhoodevi (mother of all) who according to Sage Vasishta in Mahaanaaraayana Upanishad is Gayatree as well as Saavitree. The mantras essentially focus on Saguna Brahman and the Primordial Energy responsible for creation and the resulting five elements as His Vyaahritees (emanations). Sandhyaavandana is silent on the auspicious aspect (Siva) who is glorified later after creation. Saivites adopted this auspicious aspect of Supreme Brahman coming out of his form of Rudra (Rutaat traayate iti meaning one who relieves you from miseries) as Siva in Vyaktaavykta form (linga) and Vyakta form (human form as universal parent along with Parvati—Jagatah pitarau).   MNU mentions “sivoe may astu sadaasivoe”—I (Brahman) am the Sadaasiva described thus and denoted by Pranava (Om).

The central theme of Sandhyaavandana is Gaayatree Upaasana (Worship). It is believed each of the letters of the celebrated Gaayatree hymn consisting of 24 letters is represented by one of the twenty four forms of Vishnu (the aspect of Supreme Brahman responsible for our sustenance). While performing the daily ritual of Sandhya elaborately, it is customary to recite the names of these twenty-four forms and consecrate the twenty-four spots in the body (cf. Tantra-saara, 1, 43, 44). But in normal practice we restrict to first twelve names which come from the four Vyuhas (primary emanatory forms of Vishnu). Each  of the four Vyuhas or primary emanatory forms of Vishnu--Vaasudeva, Sankarshana, Aniruddha and Pradyumana) bring forth three other forms, which are regarded as Vyuhaantara or secondary emanations—Kesava, Naaraayana, Maadhava, Govinda, Vishnu, Madhusoodana,  Trivikrama, Vaamana, Sreedhara, Hrisheekesa, Padmanaabha, Daamoedara (These are the twelve names used  normally in  purification of the body and Arghya--offering water oblation, ritual). The four weapons of Vishnu symbolize the universal process relevant to the divinity; Lotus symbolizes Creation (srishti beejam tathaa padmam); discus   Preservation (Chakram sthiti-nibhandanam); Mace  symbolizes dissolution (gadaa samhaaram) and Conch emancipation of the soul from bondage (Sankham mukti nibhandanam).           

 The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited that is what the sage Viswaamitra conveys in his Gaayatree mantra by the word prachoedayaat. Let us all pray to the Lord so  that He will have mercy upon us,  so that the glow  of the mantras is never extinguished in us and that it will keep burning brighter and brighter sharpening our Intellect.  

[It is hoped that this introduction and following  explanations and approximate translation of Sanskrit Texts will help the young mind undergoing Upanayanam ceremony to realize the importance of these mantras which are spiritually focused with scientific significance for better health and calm mind prescribed under daily duties (nitya karmas). Those of you who know Tamil can be benefited by reading the elaborate description given in anudinam.org under Sandhyaavandanam. For those who do not undergo Upanayana ceremony this is a practical guide for Brahmoepaasana, meditation on Brahman, the Supreme principle.]


PART I--PRAATAAH SANDHYAAVANDANAM
 (MORNING PRAYER)

 

1.      Wash your feet, rinse your mouth, have kumkum or namam on forehead and stand to pray facing East. Then  Chant the following: “ apavitrah pavitroe vaa sarva avastham gatoepivaa | Yas smaret pundareekaakshaam sabaahyaa-bhyantarahs suchihi”

[A person however pure or impure he may be in whatever situation he may be gets purified by meditating on the Lotus Eyed One]

2.      Do Aachamanam (sipping the water after chanting Mantra)—Keep the right hand in a cup form; hold water poured from the spoon from left hand; drink after chanting each mantra (3 mantras)—a) Om Achyutaaya Namah (sip) b) Om Anantaaya Namah (sip)  c) Om Govindaaya Namah (sip).   Touch the various parts of the body with the wet fingers chanting each mantra as indicated : “ A) Om Kesavaaya Namah (right cheek with the thumb); B) Om Narayanaaya  Namah (left cheek with the thumb); C) Om Maadhavaaya  Namah (right eye with ring finger);  D) Om Govindaaya Namah (left eye with the ring finger); E) Om Vishnave Namah (right nose with index finger);  F) Om Madhusoodanaaya Namah (left nose with index finger);  G) Om Trivikramaaya Namah (right ear with little finger);  H) Om Vaamanaaya  Namah (left ear with little finger) ;  I) Om Sridharaaya Namah  (right shoulder with middle finger); J) Om Hrisheekesaaya Namah (left shoulder with middle finger) K) Om Padmanaabhaaya Namah (belly button with four fingers leaving the thumb) L) Om Daamodaraaya Namah. (top of head with all fingers).
[Touching with fingers moistened with cold water electrifies various nerve centers (Nadis) in the body]

3.      Do Praanaayaama: This is breathing exercise and chanting. Close the left nostril with little finger and ring finger and release the breath (exhale); then close the right nostril   firmly with thumb; breathe in from the left nostril. Close both the nostrils and hold the breath, close the mouth and chant the following mantra—“Om  Bhuh, Om Bhuvah, Om Suvah, Om Mahah, Om Janah, Om Tapah, Ogum Satyam, Om Tatsavitur Varenyam, Bhargoe Devasya Dheemahi Dheeyoe Yoe Nah Prachoedayaat Om Aapoe Jyoetee Rasoe Amritam Brahma Bhoor Bhuvas Suvaroem”.
(Please remember this mantra and Aachamana mantra as these will be repeated many times).

[Earth (Bhooh) is having Supreme Lord (Brahman) as the inner controller of all beings. The six other spiritual worlds Bhuvah, Suvah, Mahah, Janah, Tapah and Satyam are also having Supreme Lord as inner controller. We meditate upon the worshipful prowess of Lord Savitr, the cause of this Universe. Savitr prompts our intellect. Water, light, the taste, the liberated souls are all nothing but Supreme Lord alone. The three Worlds Bhooh, Bhuvah and Suvah are also OM or The Supreme Lord Brahman.]

[Systematic breath control following Praanaayaama contributes towards long life and healthy living; it cures diseases and purifies mind.]

4.      Sankalpa (Religious resolution to do the ritual)—“Sri Bhagavad aajnyayaa Sri bhagavad kainkarya roopam Sriman Narayana preetyartham Praatha Sandhyaam Upaasishye. (This is for the morning prayer).,

[As ordained by the Lord I undertake to perform my morning prayer in Lord’s service, and to the  pleasure of the Supreme Lord Narayana}

5.      Please chant and with your right hand sprinkle water on head: “Om aapoehishthaa mayoebhuvah—taana oorje dadhaatana—maheranaaya chakshase—yoe vas sivatamoe rasah || tasya bhaajayate ha nah—usateeriva maatarah—tasmaa arangamaamavah”.  Next chant the following sprinkling water on the feet “yasya kshayaaya jinvatha”(what juice you seek to be imperishable). Then chant the following sprinkling water on body: “aapoe janayataa cha nah” (Oh! Water deity! Make us worthy of birth to be good!) and “Om bhoor bhuvahs suvah”.(the three worlds  are vyaahritis of Brahman.)

[Oh Deities of Waters!  You are enchanting, great and keepers of health in every individual.  Please give us food to radiate our life’s vital forces. Please make the same Lord who is auspicious and blissful towards you, friendly towards us in this very life. Oh Water divines! We are craving to attain that Supreme Principle whom you adore. Oh Divine Waters! Make us worthy of attaining the knowledge of that Brahman!  Food is essential for Gross body to nourish; Knowledge is essential for subtle body to nourish. With your auspicious liquid bestow all benefits for body and soul]

6.      Then hold a spoonful of water in the right hand cup and chant: “Sooryascha maamanyuscha  manyu patayascha manyu kritebhyah | paapebhyoe rakshantaam—yadraatryaa paapa makaarsham—manasaa vaachaa hastaabhyaam–padbhyaam udarena sisnaa—raatris tada valumpatu—yat kincha duritam mayi-idam aham maamruta yoenow |  sooryae jyoetisha juhomi swaahaa || (so chanting drink the water).

[May the Sun, Anger and the Guardians of Anger guard me from the sins resulting from anger! May the night efface completely whatever sin I have committed during the last night by thought, word, hands, feet, stomach, and the genital organ! Further, whatever sinful deed has been committed by me all that and myself I offer as an oblation into the Supreme Light represented by the Sun, the source of Immortality. Hail the Fire God!

7.      Do Aachamana as in 2.

8.      Chant the following: “Dadhikraavannoe akaarisham-jishnoer asvasya vaajinah-surabhinoe mukhaakarat-prana aayoogamshi taarishat—aapoehishthaa mayoe bhuvah—taana oorje dadhaatana-maheranaaya chakshase | yoevas sivatamoe rasah | tasya bhaajayateha nah—maheranaaya chakshase | tasmaa arangamaamavo yasya kshayaaya jinvatha | aapoejana yathaachanah” and sprinkle the water on body as before. Then sprinkle water on body chanting: “Om Bhoor bhuvahs suvah”. Then take water in the cup of the hand and chant: Drupadaadiva munchatu drupadaadi venmumuchaanah svinnasnaatve-malaadiva snaatvee-malaadiva | pootam-pavitrena-eva aajyam | aapas-suddhantu mainasah || so chanting releaase the water in your hand on the right side of the floor. (This last  mantra is omitted by many)

[I offer my prayers to the Supreme Lord who is always victorious, Omni-present, ever      interested in protecting his devotees and occupying the entire Universe. Please purify our faces meaning give us trouble free long life. It is customary to offer curds as oblation to fire in Vedic rites. For this Agni or God of Fire is propitiated as Brahman or Supreme principle. May that Lord make our faces pleasant and give us long life!]

[Just as one who is tethered to the log of wood is released from the bondage, just as the sweating body is relieved of sweat by waters, just as ghee is purified by the sacred Kusa grass (ring shaped grass called pavitram), we pray to you to relieve us from all impurities from within and purified. This mantra is omitted by some.]  

9.      Arghyam (water oblation)--Do Praanaayaama as in 3  and get up. Then join both the hands and hold water in both the hands and chant Gayatri mantra: “Om Bhoor Bhuvas Suvah, Om Tatsavitur Varenyam, Bhargoe Devasya Dheemahi, Dheeyoe Yoe Nah Prachoedayaat”.  Then release the water downwards looking at the Sun. (To hold water on both hands first pour water from left hand holding the vessel  on to  the right hand cup maximum it can hold,  then keep the vessel down and join the left with the right; then evenly distribute the water to both cups of hands. (In olden days they used to stand in the river and get water to both hands from the river or tank). By this act you are offering your prayers through the medium of water to Sun. This has to be done three times. If you are late to do your morning prayers you have to do this fourth time as indicated in 10 below.

10.  Late performance-Do one Praanaayaama. Then chant “Sri bhagavad aajnyayaa sri bhagavat kainkarya roopam Sriman naaraayana preetyartham kaalaateeta praayaschitta artham tureeya arghya pradaanam karishye’’ so saying repeat the Arghya as done in 9 above.
[As per the command of the Lord and in His service and to please Narayana, I offer this fourth additional water oblation for not keeping up to the time schedule (repentance for being late to the worship)]

11.  Tarpana—chanting the mantra “Asaavaadityo Brahma”* sprinkle water on your body. Then Make a cup on your right hand, pour water from a vessel from your left hand each time and release water from right hand chanting each mantra after the word “Tarpayaami”—Kesavam tarpayaami (Release water); Narayanam tarpayaami; Maadhavam tarpayaami; Govindam tarpayaami; Vishnum tarpayaami; Madhsoodanam tarpayaami; Trivikramam tarpayaami; Vaamanam tarpayaami; Sreedharam tarpayaami; Hrusheekesam tarpayaami; Padmanaabham tarpayaami; Daamodaram tarpayaami. (These are the same twelve names of Vishnu you chanted for Aachamana).

[Tarpana means satisfying. Various deities mentioned in the Mantra are being satisfied with water oblation called Tarpana.]
[* This Lord Soorya is Brahma alone]

12.  Gaayatri Japam—Do one Praanaanaayamya as in 3 sitting. Then chant “Aaasana mantrasya prithuvyaah Meruprishtha rishih sutalam chandah sri koormoe devata--koormaasane viniyogah | pruthvi tvayaa dhrutaa lokaa devi tvam vishnunaa dhrutaa | tvam cha dhaaraya maam devi pavitram kurucha aasanam ||”.  

[With this mantra you offer seat to Gayatree on sacred grass spread out invoking Lord Koorma to provide the comfortable seat who offered seat to Mount Meru for ocean churning in the Puraanas]

Then sprinkle water on the seat and sit down for prayer.  Do three Praanaayamya as in 3 and say: “Sri bhagavad aajnyayaa bhagavat kainkarya roopam sriman naaraayana preetyartham pratah sandya Gayatreemantra japam karishye” “Pranavasya rishibrahma devee gaayatree chandah paramaatma devata anushtup chandah |” atha dhyaanam; Fold your hands and say: “Arka mandala madhyastham sooryakoti samaprabham | brahmaadi sevya paadaabjam naumi brahma ramaa sakham”. After this do Gayatri pranayama as in 3 for 10 times.  Then chant: “aayaatvitviti anuvaakasya vaamadeva rishih  anushtup chandah Gayatree devata, Gayatree aavaahane viniyogah ||” (By this mantra you are inviting the Goddess Gayatri and others). Then with folded hands chant: “Aaayaatu varadaa devee aksharam brahma samitam | gayatreem chandasaam maatedam brahma jushasva nah || Oejoeci, sahoeci, balamaci, bhraajoeci, devaanaam dhaama naamaaci, visvamaci, visvaayuh, sarvamaci, sarvasayuh, abhi bhoorome gaayatreem aavaahayami, savitreem aavaahayaami, sarasvateem aavaahayaami || “saavitryaah rishih visvaamitrah gaayatree chandah savitaa devata” “yoe devas savitaa asmaakam dhiyoe dharmaadi gocharah | Prerayet tasya yad bhargah tad varenyam upaasmahe ||

Gayatri Japa Mantra: Om bhoor bhuvahs suvah, om tat savitur varenyam, bhargoe devasya dheemahi, dheeyoe yoe nah prachoedayaat—Close your eyes and chant this mantra 10 or 28 or 108 times as time permits holding the knot of the holy thread with your thumb and index finger. This is the main Mantra.

[Oh Goddess Gaayatree!  Thou art the essence of strength.  Thou art patience or the subduing power. Thou art physical capacity. Thou art splendor. Thou art the abode of gods. Thou art the celebrated name.  Thou art the insentient universe. Thou art the full span of life or the Lord of all.  Thou art every living thing. Thou art the life span of all. Thou art the vanquisher of all that is hostile to us. Thou art Truth denoted by Pranava, I invoke Gaayatree into my heart. I invoke Saavitree. I invoke the prosodies (Chandas). I invoke Rishis and the gods. I invoke the splendor of all gods.  Please come and receive our prayers.]

13.  Do Praanaayaama as in 3 once. “Sri bhagavad aajnyayaa sri bhagavat kainkarya roopam sriman Narayana preetyartham praatah sandhya upasthaanam karishye”--(This is farewell to Gayatri Goddess). Stand up and with folded hands chant: “Uttame sikhare devi bhoomyaam parvata moordhani | brahmanebhyoe hyanu jnaanam gaccha devi yatha sukham”.

“Mitrasya charshanee-dritah snavoe devasya | saanasim satyam chitra-sravastamam | mitro janaan-yaatayati prajaanan mitoroe-daadhaara  prithaveemuta dyaam | mitrah –krishteera-nimishaabhi-chashte satyaaya havyam ghrita-vadvi-dhema |  prasa-mitra martoe astu pra-yasva-anyasta aaditya sikshati vratena | na hanyate na jeeyate tvoe toe nainamagam-hoe asnoety-antitoe na dooraat ||

[Oh ResplendentGaayatree! Please bid good-bye to those Brahmins who constantly worship you. Then depart from the top of the sacred hills as per your comfort and convenience]

[I sing the glory of the Lord, who protects the enlightened intellectuals, who is sportive, protects all, embodiment of Vedas, who gives happiness time in and time out. That Supreme Lord directs all souls according to their sins and virtues; He is responsible to give them knowledge and divine status indicated by the non-winking of the eyes and protects them. We offer the melted butter oblations to that Lord. During cataclysm He consumes everybody. Those who worship that Lord with fasting and rituals they are provided with plenty of food for thought (experience of Brahman) and wealth (bliss). Such blessed persons are not troubled by God of Death and are also not defeated by words etc. and enjoy the ever-lasting grace of the Lord.]


14.  Then do a series of salutations to various deities: “Sandhyaayai namah; Saavitryai namah; Gaayatryai namah, Sarasvatyai namah, sarvaabhyoe devataabhyoe namoe namah, kaamoekarsheen namoe namah”


15.  You are standing facing East. So salute the deity guards of all directions, space, sky, earth starting with East. “Praachyai  disae namah (East), Dakshinaayai  disae  nama (South), Prateechyai disae namah (West), Udeechyai  disae namah (North), Oordhvaaya  namah (Space), Adharaaya  namah (Below ground), Antarikshaaya namah (Sky), Bhoomyai namah (Mother Earth), Vishnave namah (Lord Vishnu)”

16.  “Sankha chakra gadhaa paane dvaarakaa nilaya achyuta | Govinda pundaree-kaaksha raksha maam saranaagatam”-- chanting this mantra do namaskaram prostrating on floor touching all parts of the body and then say your abhivaadana mantram.
[Obeisance to the Lord of Dwaraka who presents himself carrying his weapons of distinction conch, disc and mace; Obeisance to lotus eyed Lord Govinda.]

“Abhivaadaye Aatreya Archanaanasa Syaavaasva trayaarsheya pravaranvitah Aatreya gotrah Aapasthambha sootrah Yajus saakaaha-adhyaayee sri Vijay saraman naamaaham asmi bhoh”.

Then do aachamanam twice as in 2 and say “sarvam sri Krishnaarpanam astu” . Go round in circum-ambulation chanting: “Sriranga mangala manim karunaa nivaasam sri venkatadri sikharaalaya kaala megham | sri hasti saila sikharoejvala paarijaatam srisam namaami sirasaa yadusaila deepam”. (This is final salutation to Lord Vishnu whois represented by Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam and Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati.  Abhivaadana Mantra: “Abhivaadaye Aatreya, Aarchanaanasa Syaavaasva,  Trayaarsheya pravaraanvitah Aatreya gotrah Aaapastambha sootrah Yajussaakhaadhyaayee Srinivasa sarman naamaham asmibhoh”


[I am Srinivasan belonging to Aatreya Gotra, bowing to you; I follow Aaapasthambha sootra of Yajur veda. The devotee thus declares his lineage of three sages giving out his name. The example is for one who belongs to the lineage of Sage Atri. Each one should know his mantra as given at the time of Thread Ceremony, Upanayana.]