Why is sandhya-vandanam so important ? how did it start ,,its method of doing it ?

Question

i know only a little bit ,,,,,but i will be glad if someone explains it to me ,,,

thankxx in advance

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Number of good answers are here.

1) Why is sandhya vandanam so important?

All vedic scriptures have given great importance to sandyavandanam. It is said that one who does not perform Sandyavandanam and Madhyaniham for more than three days, becomes impure and is thus rendered unfit to perform the vedic rites - the Nitya (daily) or Naimithica (occasional) duties prescribed in the scriptures.

2) How did it start?

Scriptural Authority (Pramanam):

There are references in the vedas regarding Sandyavandanam. A reference occurs in "Second prasna, Second Anuvaka of Thaithria Aranyaka (Yajur Veda)", explaining procedure of worship. The procedure of worship indicated is by offering "Arghya" (water in the palms of both hands thrown up), at the time of sunrise and sunset, meditating on Aditya (Sun).

Verses 15 & 16 of Ishvashya upanishad of Shukla Yajurveda also refers to Sun worship as above at sunrise and sunset.

Chandogya upanisad (Chapter 2 Section ix) discusses "Aditya vidya" explaining the importance of meditation of Sun or Aditya at sunrise and sunset, bringing out also the points mentioned above. Chapter 3, Section xii, of this upanishad explains meditation of aditya through gayatri. It also explains that the sun in the horizon outside and the sun element inside us are one and the same and there is no difference. The identity should be kept in mind while meditating through gayatri. This is the meaning of "Asavadityao brahma" recited during sandyavandanam.

These views are also echoed in Aditya Hridaya of the Yuddakanda of Ramayan. Agasthya explains to Sri Rama, the merits of worshipping Aditya. Aditya protects everyone, helps them in their duties, gives lustre, removes ignorance and provides happiness. He is friend of water and resides in every living thing.

Various Rishis set the procedures. Variations are there in Rig, Yajur and Sama Santhyavanthanam and Madhyaniham procedures. Various Sutras difined various procedures. Apastamba, Boudhayana, Parasara and Yajnvalkya sutras are some of them.

3) Methods of doing it, Yajur Veda Sandhyavandanam / Madhyanigam Procedure:

Purification:- Achamanam, pranayanam
Statement of purpose:- Sankalpah
Surrender and dedication:- Satvika Tyaga
Purification;- Prokshanam, Prasanam, Achamanam, Punya Prokshanam
Getting rid of demons:- Arghyam
Purification:- pranayanam
Apology for any delay:- Prayaschita Arghyam (skip this for Madhyanigam)
Purification:- achamanam
Thanks for benefits received:- Kesavadi Tarpanam
Purification:- Achamanam, japa vidhih
Preparation for gayatri:- Pranayaman mantra japa, gayatri aavahanam
Bringing in the Lord for protection:- Gayatri Japam
Purification:- Pranayamam
Realization of the the presence of the Lord:- upastanam
Salutations to the sandya gods:- sandyadi devata vandanam
Expression of one's lineage:- Abhivadanam
Salutations to the directional gods:- Dikvandanam
Expression of one's lineage:- Abhivadanam
Surrender and dedication:- satvika tyaga
Getting rid of demons:- arghyam

4) Meaning and Philosophical significance:

Aditya represents pure sattwa characteristics and He is bright (prakasa) and light (laghu). He is entrusted with the portfolio of health of souls (chetanas) in our planet as per the distribution of duties during the evolution of the universe. Our human body contains every element of the universe and they get subdued or become invisible due to the character (Rajoguna and tamoguna) of the individuals.

However, it is possible to culture any of the elements of the universe present within himself by providing suitable environment. Worship through Arghyam is a process by which the element of Aditya within us can be cultured and in turn acquire the qualities of Aditya - namely lustrous and health preserving quality of the body and mind., light body, high intellect with grasping power, high intuition, memory and many other qualities.

The arghya should be offered seeing the sun in the horizon and meditating (through gayatri) on aditya.

The Arghyas delivered skyward from the palms of the worshipper serve as missiles to destroy demons known as Mantehars attacking the sun. This statement in the vedas has a great significance. Vedas are also referred to as Thrayi - that is the statements have three meanings (external, internal and philosophical).

The philosophical meaning of this statement is important. The element of sun in our body is clouded by our "Rajoguna" and "Tamoguna". The Arghyams offerred as worship to Sun or Aditya at sunrise and sunset will help free the sun element in us. The word Manteha also means body, therefore the word mantehars refers to the devils in our body.

An Auto-suggestion, Suryopasthanam at noon:

"Pasyema saradassatam jivema saradassatam
Nandama saradassatam, modama saradassatam
Bhavama saradassatam, srinavama saradassatam
Prabravama saradassatam ajitasyama
Saradassatam jyok cha suryandrise

Ya udaganmahato arnavadvibhrajamanah
Sarirasya madhyat sama vrishabho lohitaksassuryo
Vipascvin manasa punatu"

'May we see and adore for a hundred years that orb of the Sun which rises in the east and looks after the welfare of the celestials like an eye. May we live thus for a hundred years. May we rejoice with our kith and kin for a hundred years. May we live gloriously for a hundred years. May we speak sweetly for a hundred years. May we live for a hundred years undefeated by the forces of evil. We desire to enjoy gazing at the Sun for a hundred years.'

May my whole mind be sanctified by the Sun who bestows all our needs, whose eyes are red, who is omniscient and who rises from amidst the waters of the ocean illuminating all the quarters.'

Source(s):

http://www.ibiblio.org/sripedia/ebooks/s…
http://www.kuladevatha.gsb.in/Sandhyavan…
http://www.hinduwebsite.com/sacredscript…

Answer 2

Sandhya Vandanam: Daily prayers done at sunrise, noon and sunset.


What exactly is Sandhya? Sam means well and dhya is derived from dhyan and so Sandhya refers to the proper dhyana or intense meditation on the Lord. It means concentration on the Godhead. To fix the mind on God, the activities have to be controlled. For, success in that process of control one should overcome the handicaps of the Gunas, the Sathwa, the Rajas and the Thamas. When these faces of natural impulse predominate and try to direct along their channels, one must pray to God to negate their pull. That is the first duty of the man who strives towards God. It is the rule of nature, that the morning is the period of Sathwic quality, the "noon" of Rajasic nature and the "evening" hour of dusk of Thamasic nature. At dawn, the mind is awakened from the comfort of sleep liberated from agitations and depressions and so, the mind is calm and clear. At that time, in that mental condition, the dhyana of the Lord is very fruitful, as everyone knows. This is the reason why the Praathah-Sandhya is prescribed. But ignorant of the significance, men continue doing the ritual in a blind mechanical way, simply because the ancients have laid down the rule. The second duty of man is to perform the Sandhya-worship, after realizing the inner and deeper meaning of the same.

As day progresses, man is infused with the Rajoguna, the active effortful nature, and he enters the field of daily work and toll. Before he takes his noonday food, he is directed to meditate on the Lord again and to dedicate the work as well as the fruit derived through it, to the Lord Himself. He can start eating only after this act of devotion and grateful remembrance. This is the meaning of the Maadhyahnikam, the Noontime worship. By observing this ritual, Rajoguna is kept in check and it is overpowered by Sathwa nature. This is the third duty of all men.

Then, man is possessed by a third nature; the Thamas; when evening descends, he hurries home and eats his fill and sleep overpowers him. But, there is one duty still awaiting him. To eat and sleep is the fate of idlers and drones. When the worst of the gunas, the Thamas, threatens to rule, man must make a special effort to escape its coils by resorting to prayer, in the company of those who extol the Lord, reading about the glory of God, the cultivation of good virtues, and purposeful nursing of good rules of conduct. This is the evening Sandhya-vandanam, which is prescribed.

Therefore, the mind that emerges from the vacancy of sleep has to be properly trained and counseled; it must be made to feel that the bliss of Dhyana and the joy of being unaware of the outer world are much grander and more lasting than the comfort one gets by means of the daily dose of physical sleep. This bliss, this joy can be felt and realized by all; discrimination will bring this home to you. This is the fourth duty of man.

The man who, so long as he has life in him, observes the thrice a day Sandhya, is indeed of the highest type: he is ever glorious; he attains all that he desires. Above all, he is liberated, even while alive; he is jeevanmuktha

Source(s):

/// Sai Ram ///

Please Visit - http://www.saibaba.ws/teachings/powergay…

Answer 3

why is sandhya vandhanam important ? its method of doing ? how did it start ? To start sandhya vandhanam one should have Brammopadesam ...means sacred thread ceremony...if so, what is that ? please read first my answer what is '' brammopadesam '' this is the starting point to do sandhya vandhanam..
http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind…

The brahmmacharis alone eligible to perform sandhyavandhanam. so, we do brahmmopadesam to the boys. so, now we see sandhyavandhana and its proceedures...
Ref..http://www.srivaishnavam.com/stotras/pra…

so, one is eligible to do sandhya vandhanam after under going Brammopadesam. Brammopadesam or Upanayana marks the beginning of Brahmacharya Ashrama which is set apart for the study of Vedas; this stage is said to be the second birth for him. Mere wearing of a sacred thread initiated on the Upanayana day does not make him a real Brahmacharin. It is rather the study of Vedas, learning and chanting Vedic mantras including Gayathri and Sandhyavandhana which will qualify him to be a true Brahmacharin.

What is the significance of Sandhya vandanam? and what is Sandhyavandanam?

The term SANDHYAVANDANAM is a Sanskrit compound consisting of sandhya, meaning union, or more specifically the union or junctions of day and night which takes place in the morning or evening twilight, and vandanam meaning worship. In hinduism, it is mandatory for the brahmin boys and men to perform sandhyavandanam regularly after their UPANAYANAM Sacred Thread Ceremony which conducted at their odd number age

veda mantras are done in praise of sun god and gayathri devi.If done properly it does help the one who performs it both physically and mentaly to face the world fully charged up.Since part of sandhyavandanam also teaches discipline irrespective of how the weather is,He is capable of taking cold water bath in severe winter too and to this without taking aid of any warming equipment.which is what normal mortals look to....Sandhyavandanam

What are the benefits we get out of Sandhyavandanam?

Learning and chanting Vedic mantras including Gayathri and Sandhyavandhana will qualify a person to be a true Brahmacharin.Sandhyavandanam is an amalgamation of meditation and rituals. The principles of Yoga are the basis on which the rituals of Sandhyavandanam are designed. Being an integral ritual connected with Indian Culture in a very prominent manner, Sandhyavandanam reveals the cultural identity.

What is the significance of Sandhya vandanam?

Brammacharis are required to do these prayers without fail. They consists of Arghya, Pranayam and chanting of Gayatri Mantra followed by meditation....Prayers at Sandhya time are called "Sandhyavandanam" .The main objective of Sandhyavandanam is to avail benefits of Sandhya for an individual.

More details..

The Upanayana samskara becomes a purificatory rite also for the study of the scriptures because the scriptures are so holy that to study them, one must become holy.

Vedic discipline involves Karma. This Vedic karma is particularly classified into five Karmas,i.e. Nitha Karma - Compulsory regular acticity; Naimittika karma - compulsory but conditional Karma, (Grahana etc.); kaamya Karma - activities to fulfill desires; Nishiddha Karma - actions which are prohibited and therefore should be avoided; Prayaschitta Karma-rites prescribed for making amends.

Sandhyavandana is a prescribed ‘nityakarma’. It varies according to a person’s Varna and Veda. It is different for Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and Vaisyas.

What are the benefits we get out of Sandhyavandanam? According to Veda, Nityakarmas are to be done purely for the sake of spiritual upliftment. If done regularly, we will get spiritual progress - Chitta Suddhi, Bhagavad-anugraha and Chitta Visaradha. Even though we are not supposed to ask for material benefit, still there are many material benefits through Sandhyavandanam. In the prayers that form part of the Sandhyavandanam, we ask the Lord for long life, health and prosperity and ultimately, we ask for more jnana. All these are included in the mantra. The very performance itself gives the result.

The second benefit is, since Pranayama and Japam are involved, physical health is gained. It has been proved that Pranayama is very good for physical health. To-day Pranayama is taught as a therapy. The greatest problem is stress. Sandhyavandanam is the best method because Pranayama not only helps the physical system but also helps the mind. It is a relaxation exercise, a tension relieving exercise. But we are not supposed to do that for that purpose. Relaxation should be a by-product; the primary purpose should be spiritual benefit.

What is the meaning of the word Sandhyavandanam? Vandanam means worship. Both worship and meditation are involved in Sandhyavandanam. What is the meaning of Sandhya? Sandhya means the time of union. The time which relates to the union of two things, i.e. the time between the night and morning (first junction Dawn), between forenoon and afternoon (second junction Noon) and between afternoon and evening (third Jn. Dusk); Sandhya means dawn, noon and dusk. Sandhyavandanam means a ritual done at the time of three junctions, Dawn, Noon and Dusk.

Sandhyavandanam is a junction between the devotee and the Lord. Between Jeevathma and Paramathma.

Method to do sandhya vandhana

Sandhyavandanam is to be performed thrice daily. One during sunrise(when day proceeds from night), next during midday(which is the transition from ascending sun to descending sun) and during sunset(when night takes over from day).
Now i give you link. please read carefully where full mantras and other details are there. Hope this will help you and clear your doubts.

The link..
http://lt-lt.facebook.com/note.php?note_…

@Edited...All gave very good answers. very nice to read. you are lucky for having an answer from shri srividya rajagopalan sir. i have to thank shri The Bull, because he made all to answer this question.

Source(s):

my view
http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind…
http://www.mypurohith.com/Rituals/Sandhy…

Answer 4

sri.Chiranjeev has talked about Two.In fact there are Three,Praathaha--Maathyaannika--Saayam..… is a synonym of Gaayatri--Saavitri-Sandhya-Gayatri-Saras… are all synonyms--worshipping Sandhya (a.k.a Gaayatri) is Sandhyaa Vandhanam. Savtru is the energy enlightening the Outer(Param) and the Inner(Igam) space.Savitru(Potential Energy) is masculine--Savitru's daughter Saavitri is femenine(Kinetic Energy)--the energy that flows from the Sun in the Outer space and from the Light" in the Inner space.Worshipping Sandhya improves Ojhas(immunity-?)--Balam(Strength (mental and physical)-Braajas(Aura) and the resulting Tejas--"Ojosi,Sahosi,Balamasi, Braajosi" is Krishna Yajur vedha Mantram. "Gayas Traayathe Ithi Gaayatri"--Gayas=The Panca Praanas(=(5 vital energies)--Praana-Apaana-Vyaana-Udhaana-… is Gaayatri.Worshipping sri.Gaayatri is to sustain,protect and improve One's OWN 5 Vital Energies--is it not important to do that.
According to Ayur veda--the Vital Energies described in Religious texts:-"Praanopaana Vyaanodhaana Samaana Sahpraana Setha varnaa Sangyaayana Sagothraa GAYATRI Chatur Vimsathyakshara sat Kukshihi" --is interpreted as--Panca Praanas or Panca Vaayus or Panca Vaadhas are:- Udhaana Vaayu=if a line is dran conncting the ey brows the Vital energy controlling the activities of all the parts above that line--cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla oblangata,Corpus collosum etc---Praana vaayu=the enrgy controlling the activities of all the parts from the "Eye-brow line" to the "Nipple line"--heat,lungs etc. Vyaana vaayu=--- form "Nipple line" to Umbilical line---Apaana vaayu=-----below Umbilical line---Saamaana Vayu=over all total control.So gaayatri Protects,sustains all these activities.In "Sandhya vandhanam"--Gaaytri Japam is Pradhaana Angam--it is preceded and succeeded byPoorvaanga and Uttataanga.The whole Sandhyavandhanam according to Aapasthamba Sutram--Aandra Sampradhaayam takes only about 18 minutes at reasonable speed.If one has not that much time one should atleast do Pradhaana Angam Gayatri mantra japam -24 to 108 times.Gatari mantram as revealed to sri.Visamitra Rishi is of 24 syllables -divided into one,two,three,four or No legs--"Ekapathi,dwipathi,Tripathi,Chatus… Pathaayase" --Usually in Gaayatram Chandas -other Chandas(Trishtup,Anushtup,Jagathi,Bangth… etc) can also be used'=="Gaayatri Yaa Agaayatri Chandho" is the recitation--In Aapasthamba Sutram, it is divided into 3 legs,each of 8 syllables in Gaayatram Chandas--The mantram was revealed to sri.Visamitra Rishi.The Hindus' "Magic number" 24 (Chatur vigum sathi) syllables--each syllable is a Mantram by itself and they have been carefully United(YOGAM) to constitute one Single Mantram.In Saastram ,it is said ""if a person performs even Dasa Asamedha Yaagam without reciting the "Routine" Gayatri Japam (Sandhya Vandhanam)--it is equivalent to ""starving one's own bilogical Mother and giving a grand feast to 1000s of suvasinis(Ladies) .

I have compiled quite a bit of Information on Sandhya from sri.Yaagjna Valkya's works.

Answer 5

sandhya vandanam as the word suggests is to be performed in two sandhyas , pratha:sandhya and sayam;sandhya
pratha;sandhya : the time deviding night to day and sayam;sandhya is the time seperating day to night

sandhya vandanam i worshipping supreme goddess mother gayathri

sandhya vandanam is done at the morning sandhya time resulting in release of energies .Similarly at Sun set there will be withdrawal of energies.


importance :The main objective of Sandhyavandanam is to avail benefits of Sandhya for an individual.
This sandhya is also considered to be beneficial for worship of 'Pithru Devatas' - that is devatas who are instrumental for one to get son , grandson , etc and also one to be a son or grandson , etc.
The real meaning of Gayatri

Well, what is the real meaning of the word Gayatri? Does anyone try to know it today? The word is taken to mean either a Goddess or a formula. Gayatri is that which protects (thra) the life breaths (gayas or pranas) or the senses (indriyas), beginning with speech. Besides, it is said, That which saves those who sing it, revere it, repeat it, or meditate on it is called Gayatri. Gaayantham thraayathe yasmaath Gayatri, thena kathyathe. That is to say, it is this sacred mantra that transformed a royal sage (rajarshi) like Viswamitra into a brahmanical sage (brahmarshi). The mother that is the Veda (Vedamatha) will confer all boons on all those who worship Her. That Goddess is described in glorious terms in the Brahmanas and in the texts on dharma (dharma-sutras); if you understand these clearly, you can realize it, unaided.

Dharma, imbued with such deep mysteries, is today rationalized and interpreted wilfully in various paltry senses. That is why the decline of dharma has come about. So, it is imperative to revive the eternal religion (sanathana dharma) and the principles of interpretation natural to the Atmic truth, which is the basis of dharma. Otherwise, the meaning will be changed out of all recognition, and the whims of individuals will prevail. Every act will be stamped as dharma, whatever its nature!


edit: bull thambee and sri ssrvj sirs
thanks for the correction and am sorry for the inadvertant mistake
i had somehow missed the madhyanikam , may be because the relavance /observence of madhyanikam is less now a days
in fact i had missed a point or two like above , because i was attending another work while answering this question

like upanayanam and guroopadesam both are a must for sandhya vandanam, but no upasana is required.
SURYA UPASTHANAM
Mitrasya charshani dhritah sravo devasya saanasim / Satyam Chitrasravastamam// Mitro janam yaatayati prajaanan Mitro daadhaara Prithivee mutadyaam / Mitrah krishtee - ranimishaabhichashte Satyaaya havyam ghritavadvidhema//

Pra Sa Mitra Marto Astu Payaswaan Yasta Aditya Sikshati Vratena / Na Hanyate Na Jeeyate Twoto Nainama-gumho Asnotyantito Na Dooraat//

surya upasthana:Sun is the Inspirer or the Antaryami in the Heart,
(surya is the only god whom you can see and he is known as timirahara)


reciting savitri/gayatri is worshipping SURYA " let us medidate on teh excallant devine glory of ,sun , may he enlighten our understandings"
one should imagine himself the oneness and himself with
the SUN and HIMSELF whoever is doing the Sandhya vandana
each and every mantra is important and should be done meticulously.

edit 2 : i have written what i have learnt / read /understood , and since my knowledge is limited i request my learned brothern to pl forgive me for any miss, wrongs /mistakes since gayatri is a very important and strong mantra , a must for all brahmins

Source(s):

http://www.carnatic.com/karmasaya/index.…
http://www.sathyasai.org/writings/dharma…

Answer 6

It is linking ourselves to the reality/divinity that is beyond our body-mind-intellect in the most precious time, twilight, morning, noon and evening - sandhya. It is an elaborate process consisting of asana/postures, mudrasigns, pranayamabreathing, dhyana/meditation and prayer. The detail ritual and its procedure is too long to be listed here. It can be obtained by web search or in sites like www.kamakoti.org...... etc.,

Answer 7

Mukund, The significance of Sandhyavandanam is so enormous. I leave it to the learned freternity over here.

But performing it differs from State to State, caste to caste, etc.

For example, its performance differs between Kannada Smarthas and Kannada Madhwas, from Aswalayana Sutra to Ap[asthamba Sutra, etc. In Tamil Nadu, Iyers doing it in a different way that of Iyengars.

I think you are a Maharashtrian. In Maharashtra also, it is performed in various ways by different sects.

But the ultimate goal is same, worshipping "Gayatri".

@@Chiranjeevi:-- Then what about ""Madhyanikam"" the mid-day one?? Please elaborate it which contains "Surya Upastana"".
@@Questioner(Asker):-- Mukund, Please extend the date. You can get more details, as I want to know more about it.

Answer 8

I have done sandya vandanam and samitadanam till my 15th birthday. But I find nothing important in it. Now I am 49. Nothing happened wrong after I stopped that rituals. People do religious rituals because of their ignorance.

Answer 9

Dear friend,

Whoh...What a wealth of Information by Stalwarts .

What can I add.I learnt some points.

Thanks for your question for making all know many things..

Answer 10

But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren.
And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ.
He who is greatest among you shall be your servant;
whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.