Sandhya Vandhanam and Madhyanhnikam

[Guest guest]

Dear Prapatti Group Members:

 

Recently, Rajiv Madabhushi wanted to know the significance of ThrikAla Sandhya

vandhanam. I would like to share a little of what I know, gathered from our

elders.

 

Sandhyavandhanam is derived from the word Sandhi which means joining or a

meeting point. When the day meets the night or the night meets the day, nature

quitens and a sense of tranquility prevails. We being a part of nature, our

minds have a like tendency to quiten itself, thus showing a inclination to

retire from its relentless wanderings. Our sages thought that this is the best

time to turn it inward and meditate on the Gayatri Mantra. Gayatri Japam is

the most important element of Sandhya Vandhanam. "Brahma Tejas", which Sage

Vashistha naturally possessed, was obtained by Sage Vishwamitra through

Gayatri-Japam. All other activities in the Sandhya Vandhanam is in preparation

for Gayatri-Japam. Thus our smrutis again and again proclaim that Sandhya

Vandhanam is a pre-requisite for all other spiritual sadhanas without which no

other Karma or Sadhana can bear any fruit. "Vipro Vrikshaha, Tasya Moola Hi

Sandhya....". There is no point in watering the leaves and branches of a

tree allowing the root (which is Sandhya Vandhanam) to go without nourishment.

 

Madhyandhina Sandhya is done during the mid-point of the day and usually

completed in much lesser time (28 Gayatri-Japam). It is done, immediately

after the Madhyanhika snanam and before the Bhaghavat ArAdhnam. The purpose is

similar, i.e. to shift the focus of the mind from circumference to the center

(where the Anthryami is seated) before doing the Bhaghavat ArAdhanam.

 

Vijayaraghavan

 

PS Mani I enjoyed your article on Thirupan Azwar's poem and Swami Desika's

commentary.