Tri Vedi Sandhya VandanamIntroductionSandhya Vandanam literally means either Salutation to the goddess of Dawn anddusk or the prayers done during dawn and dusk. Hindus considered the period justbefore dawn and just after dusk as well as the exact period of noon, as extremelysuitable for meditation. All Brahmins after Upanayanam (prescribed to be done atthe age of seven), were required to do these prayers without fail. Essentially theseprayers are offering oblations to the devas (arghya pradanam), doing breathingexercises (pranayamam) and then meditating on Gayathri by chanting the king ofall manthras Gayathri. This Manthra is taught to every boy by his own fatherduring the ceremony of brahmopadesam. After learning Gayathri every boy issupposed to have taken a second birth and is entitled to be called Dwija. Ourscriptures attach lot of importance to Sandhya Vandanam. They prescribe that adwija should do it without fail every day. They also say that the knowledgeableBrahmin who salutes the Sun god daily thrice would attain whatever he wants.They further say that one who does not do sandhyavandanam is a sinner and is noteligible for any Vedic duties. What is given below is the Sandhya Vandanamprocedure prescribed for Yajur Vedis. But the manthras to be chanted by followersof the other Vedas is also mentioned wherever there is a difference. All people arerequested to do the Sandhya Vandanam initially for a few times under theguidance of their "Guru" and use the procedure and manthras given below later.This is requested because English being not a very phonetic language is inadequateto transliterate Sanskrit slokas and that too those written in the Vedic Sanskrit. Asummary meaning of all the manthras chanted is appended at the end.Sandhya Vandhanam - Part-I - Argya PradhanamSandhya Vandhana has two parts, the first one normally to be done either standingin a river or sitting with hunched legs on the feet outside the house and the secondpart is done by sitting on firm ground using the lotus pose. (Padmasana). It isnormally done facing east during dawn and noon and facing west during dusk..1. Perform AchamanamTake small quantities of water (just sufficient to soak one grain of black gram)three times in the right hand and take it with the following manthra:Om Achyuthaya Namah, Om Ananthaya Namah, Om Govindaya NamahThenTouch with thumb both cheeks saying Kesava - NarayanaTouch with ring finger both eyes saying Madhava - GovindaTouch with the first finger both sides of nose saying Vishno - MadhusoodanaTouch with little finger both ears saying Trivikrama - VamanaTouch with the middle finger both shoulders saying Sreedhara - HrishikesaTouch with all fingers the belly button saying PadmanabhaTouch with all fingers the head saying Damodara2. Ganapathi Dhyanam*:Recite the following manthra slowly hitting the forehead with both fists together:Shuklambaradharam Vishnum Sasi Varnam ChathurBhujam,Prasanna Vadanam Dyayeth Sarva Vigna Upa Santhaye.*This prayer is not recited by Vaishnavas. They are requested to go to the nextsection.3. Do Pranayamam:Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands andrecite the following Manthra:Om BhooOm BhuvaOgum SuvaOm MahaOm JanaOm ThapaOgum SathyamOm Tat savithur varenyam Bargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yona prachodayathOm ApaJyothj rasaAmrutham brahmaBhoorbuvasuvaromTouch the ears three times sayingOm, Om, Om4. SankalpamKeep the right palm inside the left palm and keep the palms on the right thigh andrecite the following manthra:Mamo partha samastha duritha kshaya dwara, Sri Parameshwara preethyartham*,pratha sandhyam upasishye (for madhyannikam instead tell "madhyaynikamkarishye" and for evening sandhya vandhanam tell "sayam sandhyam upasishye")*Vaishnavas may instead tell "shri bhagavadaagnaayaa shriimannaaraayanapriityartham"5. MarjanamSri Kesavaya Namah (write OM in water with the ring finger)Recite the following ten manthras. While reciting the first seven sprinkle water onthe head, while reciting the eighth touch the feet, nine again sprinkle on the headand complete by reciting the tenth with Take little water on your right palm andthrow around your head in clockwise direction like pradakshinam:Aapo hishta mayo bhuva (1) thana oorje dadha thana (2) Mahe ranaaya chakshase(3) Yova shiva thamo rasa (4) Thasya bhajaya thehana (5) usatheeriva mathara (6)Thasma aranga mamava (7)Yasya kshayaya jinwadha (8)Aapo janayadha jana (9)Om bhorbuvassuva (10)6. PraasanamTake in the hand small quantity of water in the palm (just sufficient to immerse onegrain) recites the following manthra and drink it while telling "swaha".Morning (Pratha Sandhya)For Rig Vedis and Yajur vedisSooryascha ma manyuscha manyu patayascha manyukruthebhya.Paapebhyo rakshanthamYad rathrya papa ma karshamManasa vacha hasthabhyam padbhyam udarena sisnaaRathri sthadha valumbathuYad kincha duritham mayiIdham aham mam amrutha yonauSoorya jyothishi juhomi swahaFor Sama VedisAhascha maa adithyascha punathu swahaNoon (Madhyahnika)Aapa punanthu prithweem, prithwee pootha punathu maamPunanthu brahmanaspathir brahma pootha punathu maamYad uchishta mabhojyam yadhwa ducharitham mamaSarvam punanthu mamopa asatham cha prathigraham swahaEvening (Sayam Sandhya)For Yajur and Rik VedisAgnischa ma manyuscha manyu pathayascha manyu kruthebhyaPapebhyo rakshanthamYadahna papama karshamManasa vaacha hasthabhyamPadbhyam udarena sisnaAhasthada valumbathuYad kinchid duritham mayiIdamaham maam amrutha yonauSathye jyothishi juhomi swahaFor Sama VedisRathrischa ma varunascha punathu swaha.7. AchamanamUse the same manthras and action as given in "1" above8. Punar MarjanamRecite the following fourteen manthras. While reciting the first eleven-sprinklewater on the head, while reciting the twelfth touch the feet, thirteen again sprinkleon the head and complete by reciting the fourteenth with Take little water on yourright palm and throw around your head in clockwise direction like pradakshinam:Dadhi kravinno akarisham (1) Jishno raswasya vajina (2) surabhino mukha karaath(3) Prana ayugumshi tharishath (4) Aapo hishta mayo bhuva (5) Thana oorje dadhaThana (6) Mahe ranaaya chakshase (7) Yova shiva thamo rasa (8) Thasya bhajayathehana (9) usatheeriva mathara (10) Thasma aranga mamava (11)Yasya kshayaya jinwadha (12)Aapo janayadha jana (13)Om bhorbuvassuva (14)Some Rik vedis after doing this punar marjanam recite the following manthra withlittle water in hand, smell the water and pour it in southwesterly direction.Ruthancha sathyancha thapasodyadha thadho rathri jayatha thada samudhroarnavaaSamudhradarnavaa dadhi samvadvaro ajayatha.Aho rathraani vidhathat viswasya mishadho vasi.Soorya chandrama sow dhatha yadha poorva magalpayath.Divancha prithweem santharishmatho Suva.9. Argya PradhanamJoin both hands together and take hand full of water taking care not to join boththumbs with other fingers (facing east during Pratha Sandhya, facing north duringMadyannikam, and facing west during Sayam Sandhya) repeat the followingmanthra and pour it, thrice during pratha sandhya, twice during Madhyannikamand twice during Sayam sandhya:Om Bhorbuvassuva. Tatsa vithur varenyam bhargo devasya deemahi. Dhiyo yonaprachodayathRik vedis in all the three times offer three argyas always standing.10. Prayaschitha ArgyamDo Pranayama (refer S. No. 3 above)Then offer one more Argyam in a similar fashion as above. This is a Prayaschitha(atonement) for doing the argya pradhanam late. Take small quantity of water inthe right hand and rotate it above ones own head saying (this is called Athmaparishechanam)Om BhorbuvassuvaRik and Sama Vedis use a different manthra for this prayachithargyam:Morning (Pratha Sandhya)Om yadathya gacha vruthrahan. Udayaa abhisoorya sarvaan dathindra they vache.Noon (Madyannikam)Om uthkedthbhi sruthamagam vrushabham naryabasimAstharameshi sooryaEvening (Sayam Sandhya)Om na thasya maya yachanaRipureeseetha marthya yo agnaye dathacha havyadathaye (Rik vedis end it ashavyadathibhi)11. IkyaanusandhanamWith both hands touch the middle of the chest. close the eyes, meditate and chantAsaavadhityo brahma. BrahamaivahamasmiThen do Achamanam.12. Deva TharpanamSit facing east during pratha sandhya, facing north during madhyannikam, andfacing east during sayam sandhya, take water in the hand and pour it out throughits tips after each manthra.Take care to take water separately each time.Aadithyam tharpayamiSomam tharpayamiAngarakam tharpayamiBudham tharpayamiBrahaspathim tharpayamiShukram tharpayamiSanaiswaram tharpayamiRahum tharpayamiKethum tharpayamiKesavam tharpayamiNarayanam tharpayamiMadhavam tharpayamiGovindam tharpayamiVishnum tharpayamiMadhusoodhanam tharpayamiTrivikramam tharpayamiVamanam tharpayamiSreedharam tharpayamiHrishikesam tharpayamiPadmanabham tharpayamiDamodharam tharpayamiThen do aachamanamThus ends the first part of Sandhya VandanaSandhyavandhanam - Part-II - JapamThis is done sitting cross-legged or in the Padmasana pose, sitting on a mat orwooden Palagai placed on the floor either on the shores of the river or inside thehouse. This is done facing east during pratha sandhya, facing north duringmadyannikam and facing west during sayam sandhya.1. Japa SankalpamRecite the following manthra slowly hitting the forehead with both fists together:Shuklambaradharam Vishunum Sasi Varnam ChathurBhujam,Prasanna Vadanam Dyayeth Sarva Vigna Upa Santhaye.*This prayer is not recited by Vaishnavas.They are requested to go to the nextsection.Do Pranayamam.Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands andrecite the following Manthra:Om BhooOm BhuvaOgum SuvaOm MahaOm JanaOm ThapaOgum SathyamOm Tat savithur varenyam Bargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yona prachodayathOm ApaJyothj rasaAmrutham brahmaBhoorbuvasuvaromTouch the ears three times sayingOm, Om, OmKeep the right palm inside the left palm and keep the palms on the right thigh andrecite the following manthra:Mamo partha samastha duritha kshaya dwara, Sri Parameshwara preethyartham*,pratha sandhya gayathri maha manthra japam karishye (for madhyannikam insteadtell "madhyaynika gayathri maha manthra japam karishye" and for evening sandhyavandhanam tell "sayam sandhya gayathri maha manthra japam karishye")*Vaishnavas may instead tell "shri bhagavadaagyayaa shriimannaaraayanapriityartham"2. Pranava JapamPranavasya Rishi Brahma (touch the forehead with fingers), Devi gayathri Chanda(touch below the nose), Paramathma devatha (touch the middle of the chest)Bhooradhi saptha vyahrudeenam athri - brugu - kuthsa - vasishta - gowthama -kasyapa - aangeerasa rishaya (touch forhead)Gayathree - ushnig - anushtup - brahathi - pankthi- trushtup- jagathi - chandamsi(touch below the nose)Agni - vayu - arka - vageesa - varuna - indra - viswe deva - devatha (touch themiddle of the chest.)Do pranayama as given below ten times:Hold both Nostrils with Thumb and the little and third finger of the hands andrecite the following Manthra:Om BhooOm BhuvaOgum SuvaOm MahaOm JanaOm ThapaOgum SathyamOm Tat savithur varenyam Bargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yona prachodayathOm ApaJyothj rasaAmrutham brahmaBhoorbuvasuvaromTouch the ears three times sayingOm, Om, Om3. Gayathri AvahanamAayadithya anuvagasya vamadeva rishi (touch head), Anushtup chanda (touchbelow nose), Gayathri devatha (touch the middle of the chest)Aayathu varada devi aksharam brahma samhitham.Gayathri chandasam mathedam brahma jushaswana.Oojosi, sahosi,balamasi, brajosi, devaanaam dhama naamaasi. viswamasi,viswayu sarvamasi, sarvayu abhipoorom, Gayathrim avahayami, Savithrimavahayami, saraswathim avahayami (while reciting the last three manthras, afteravahayami, keep both the palms together with little fingers touching and thenslowly take the fingers towards oneself, and bring it back to original position afterone rotation)For Rik VedisOm ithyekaksharam brahma. Agnir devatha brahma. IthyarshamGayathram chandam paramathmam swaroopam Sayjyam viniyogamAayathu varada devi akshatram brahma samhitham.Gayathri chandasam mathedam brahma jushaswana.Oojosi, sahosi,balamasi, brajosi,devaanaam dhama naamaasi. viswamasi,viswayu sarvamasi, sarvayu abhipoorom, Gayathrim avahayami, Savithrimavahayamisaraswathim avahayami, chanda rishinaam avahayami, Sriyam avahayami,Gayathrya gayathrischando viswamithra rishi (touch forehead), savitha devatha(touch below nose), Agnir mugam brahma, siro Vishnu, hrudaya Rudra, shikaapruthvi, yoni prana apana vyano dana samano sapranaa, Swetha varna,sankhyayana sagothra, gayathri cha dur visathyakshara tripada shadrushi panchaseershopanayane viniyoga.4. Gayathri NyasamSavithrya rishi brahma (touch the forehead), nichrud gayathri chanda (touch belowthe nose), savitha devatha (touch the middle of the chest)5. Gayathri JapamRepeat 108 times the Gayathri facing east in the morning, west in the evening :ॐ भूर्भुवस्वः ।तत् सवितुर्वरेण्यं ।भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि ।धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥Om Bhur Vhuvah SvahTat Savitur VarenyamBhargo Devasya DheemahiDhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat[take care that the manthra is not heard to any one and if possible without the lipsmoving. The counting is done by using japa mala or counting 10 with using thethumb the ten phalanges except the bottom two of the ring finger. Some peopleinsist that the counting should not be known to others and cover the counting handwith towel.]Some people repeat Gayathri manthra only 54 times during madhayannikam.6. Gayathri UpasthanamDo pranayamam and then stand up and chantFacing the same direction:Pratha sandhyam upasthanam karishye (during pratha sandhya)Adithyam upasthanam karishye (during madyannikam)Sayam sandhyaupasthanam karishye (during sayam sandhya)Then repeatUthame shikare devi, bhoomyam parvatha vardhini,Brahmanebhyo anugnanam, gacha devi yada sukham.7. Surya UpasthanamDuring morning (Pratha Sandhya)For Yajur VedisMithrasya charshanee drutha sravo devasya saanaseem,Sathyam chithra sravasthamamMithro janan yathayathi prajanan mithro dhadhara prithveem udadhyam.Mithra krushti ranimisha bichashte sathyaya havyam krudavath vidhemaPrasa mithra martho aasthu prayaswan yastha adithya sikshathi vrathenaNa hanyathe na jeeyathe thwotho naina manho asnoth yanthitho na doorathFor Rik VedisMithrasya charshani drutho aavo devasya sanaasiDyumNamah chitra sravasthamamMithro janan yathayathi bruvaano mithro dathaara prithveem udathyamMithra srushtir nimishaa abhishte mithraaya havyam gruthava jjuhodhaPrasamithra martho asthu prayaswaan yastha adhithya sikshathi vruthenaNa hanyathe, na jeeyathe dwotho sanNamah aho asnodhyanthitho na doorathJatha vedase sunavaama soma marathi yadho nitha hadhi vedaSa na parshathathi durgaani viswaa naaveva sindhum durithath yagniPisanga brushti mam brunam pisasi mindra sam mrunaSarvam raksho nibarhaya (rotate hand over face)Badhram karnobhi srunyama devaBadhram pasye makmaa akshabir yajathraaSthirai rangaisdushtuvaangsathaubhiVyasema deva hitham yadayu (touch ears)Kesya agnim kesee visham kesi pibarthi rodaniKesi viswam swarduche keseetham jyothi ruchyathe (touch hair)For Sama VedisYaso aham bhavami brahmananaam yaso ragnam yaso visaamYasa sathyasya bhavamiBhavami yasasaam yasaAdithya naava maroksham poornamparipadinimAchithram bharayishnaveem satharithraam swasthye om Namah adithyayaUdyantham dwa aadithyanu deeyasamDuring Noon (Madyaneekam)For Yajur VedisAasathyena rajasa varthamano nivesayan amrutham marthyanchaHiranyena savitha rathena aaadevo yathi bhuvana vipasyamUdvayam thamasaparee pasyantho jyothirutharamDevam devathra soorya maganma jyothiruthamamUduthyam jatha vedasam devam vahanthi kethavaDruse viswaya sooryaChithram devaana mudagaa daneekam chakshu mithrasya varunasyagneAa praa dyaava pruthvi aanthareeksha soorya aathma jagathasthushachaTachakshur deva hitham purasthath chakra mucharathFor Rik VedisAakrushno na rajasa varthamano nivesayan amrutham marthyanchaHiranyayena savitha ratheno devo yadhi bhuvanani pasyanThachakshur devahitham purasthaschakra mucharathPasyema sarada sathamJeevema sarada sathamHamsa suchishath vasur anathreeksha sath hotha vedishadathir drona sathNrushatvarasath ruthasath vyomaasa thabja koja ruthaja adrija rutham bruhathUduthyam jatha vedasam devam vahanthi kethavaDruse viswaya sooryamApathye dayavo yada nakshatrayandyakthubhiSooraaya viswa chakshaseChithran devanam udagadaneekam chakshur mithrasya varunasyagneAapradyava pruthvee anthareeksha soorya athma jagatha sthas dushachaThat sooryasya devathvam than mahithwamMadhya karthor vidhatham sancha bharaYadeda yuktha haridas sadasthathAadrathri vasa sthanu they simasmaiThan mithrasya varunasya abhi chaksheSooryo roopam grunuthe dyo roopastheFor Sama VedisAadhithya navamaroksham poorna maparipaddhineemAcchithram bharayishnaveem sadarithraam swasthayeOm Namah adithyaya, Namah adhithyaya, Namah adhithyayaUduthyam jatha vedasam devam vahanthi kethavaDruse viswaya sooryamChithram devaanam udaganeekam chakshur mithrasya varunasyagneAa pra dyava pruthvi anthareeksha soorya athma jagadas tha dushachaThachkshur deva hitham purasthac chukramussarthOm bhorbuvaswaromSoorya iva druse bhooyasam agneeriva thejasa, vayuriva pranena, soma ivaganthena, brahaspathher iva budhya, aswina iva roopena, indragni iva balena,brahma bhaga evaham bhooyasam paap mabhaga me dwishantha.During Evening (Sayam Sandhya)For Yajur VedisImam me varuna sruthi hava Madhya cha mrudayaThvaam mavsyu rachakeTathwayami brahmana vandamanas thadhasaasthe yajamano havirbhiAhedamano varuneha bhodyurusa sa maa na aayu pramoshiYacchidithe visho yadha pradheva varuna vrathamMinimasi dyavi dyaviYat kinchedam varuna daivye jane abhidroham manushyascharamasiAchithee yath thava dharma yoyopima maa nasthasma thenaso deva reerishaKitha vaso yad riripur na dheevi yad vagha Sathya muthayanna vidhmaSarvaa thaa vishya sithireva devathaa the syama varuna priyasaFor Rik VedisImam me varuna sruthi hava Madhya cha mrudayaThvaam mavsyu rachakeTathwayami brahmana vandamanas thadhasaasthe yajamano havirbhiAhedamano varuneha bhodyurusa sa maa na aayu pramoshiYacchidithe visho yadha pradheva varuna vrathamMinimasi dyavi dyaviYat kinchedam varuna daivye jane abhidroham manushyascharamasiAchithee yath thava dharma yoyopima maa nasthasma thenaso deva reerishaKitha vaso yad riripur na dheevi yad vagha Sathya muthayanna vidhmaSarvaa thaa vishya sithireva devathaa the syama varuna priyasaJatha vedis sunavaama soma maarathi yadho nitha hadhi VedaSa na parshathathi durgaani viswaa naaveva sindhum durithath yagniPisanga brushti mam brunam pisasi mindra sam mrunaSarvam raksho nibarhaya (rotate hand over face)Badhram karnobhi srunyama devaBadhram pasye makmaa akshabir yajathraaSthirai rangai sdushtuvaan sasathaubhiVyasema deva hitham yadayu (touch ears)Kesya agnim kesee visham kesi pibarthi rodaniKesi viswam swarduche keseetham jyothi ruchyathe (touch hair)For Sama VedisYaso aham bhavami brahmananaam yaso ragnam yaso visaamYasa sathyasya bhavamiBhavami yasasaam yasaAdithya naava maroksham poornamparipadinimAchithram bharayishnaveem satharithraam swasthye om Namah adithyaya, Namahadhithyaya, Namah adithyayaPrathi thishtantham thavar adhithya anu prathi thishtassam.8. Samashti AbhivadanamStarting from the direction facing which the japa was done after each manthra turn90 degrees to the right. Say the next manthra and so on.Sandhyayai NamahSavithryai NamahGaythryai NamahSaraswathyai NamahThen chant with folded hands facing the same directionSarvebhyo devathabhyo namo NamahThen chant facing the same directionKamo karshed manyura karshed namo Namah.Then touch with both hands the ears slightly bow and chantAbhivadaye (tell your rishis) (tell number) Risheya(tell your pravara) pravaranvitha(tell your Gothra) gothra(tell your Suthra) suthra(tell your Veda) adhyaySri (tell your name) sarmanam aham asmibhoAfter this touch your feet with both hands and do Namahskaram.Some examples of Pravara RishisGothra pravara rishayaAthreya Athreya Archanaanasa, syavaaswa traya risheyaNaidruva kasyapa Kasyapa, Avathsara, Naidruva traya risheyaGargeya Aangeerasa, Chainya, Gargya traya risheya, Aangeerasa, Barhaspathya,Baradwaja, Chainya-Gargya pancharisheyaKoundinya Vasishta, Maithra varuna, Koundinya traya risheyaKoushika Vaiswamithra, Aagamarshana, Koushika traya risheyaGowthama Aangirasa-aayasya-gowthama traya risheyaBaradwaja Aangeerasa, Barhaspathya, Bharadwaja traya risheyaHaritha Aangeerasa, Ambareeksha, Younaswa trayarsheyaSounaka Garthsamadha EkarsheyaChandilya Kasyapa, Aavathsara, Naidruva, Reba, Saptha risheyaRaibha, Choundilya, Chandilya9. Dig Devatha VandhanamWith folded hands offer salutations to the different directions facing that direction:Pracyai dishe Namah (East)Dakshinayai dishe Namah (South)Pradeechai dishe Namah (West)Udichyai dishe Namah (North)Then again face the direction in which you were doing japa and continueOordwaya Namah (above)Adharaya Namah (below)Anthareekshaya Namah (straight)Bhoomyai Namah (earth)Brahmane NamahVishnave NamahMrutuyuve Namah10. Yama VandanamYamaya NamahYamaya dharma rajaya, mrutyuve cha anthakaya chaVaivaswathaya kalaya sarva bhootha kshayaya chaOudhumbharaya dhagnaya neelaya parameshtineVrukodharaya chithraya chithra gupthaya vai NamahChithra gupthaya vai Namah om Namah ithi11. Harihara VandhanamRuthagum sathyam para brahma purusham Krishna pingalam,Oordhwrethwam viroopaksham Viswa roopaya vai NamahViswa roopaya vai Namah om Namah ithi12. Soorya Narayana VandhanamNamah savithre jagadeka chakshushe,Jagat prasoothi sthithi naasa hethave,Trayin mayaya trigunathma dharineVirinchi Narayana sankara athmaneDyeya sada savithru mandala Madhya varthiNarayana sarasijasana sannivishtaKeyuravan makara kundalavaanKiriti haari hiranya vapur drutha sankha chakraSanka chakra gatha pane dwaraka nilayachytheGovinda pundarikaksha raksha maam sarana gathamAakasath pathitham thoyam,Yada gachathi sagaram,Sarva deva NamahskaraSri kesavam prathi gachathi,Sri kesavam prathi gachathi om na ithiSome families face the North after this and chant the following Sarpa RakshaManthram:Narmadayayi Namah-Prathar narmadayai namo nisiNamosthu narmadhe thubhyam trahi maam visha sarpathaApa sarpa sarpa bhadram the Dooram gacha maha yasaJanamejayasya yagnanthe aasthika vachanam smaranJarath karer Jarath karvam samuthpanno maha yasaAasthika Sathya santho maam pannagebhyo abhi rakshathu.Then do sashtanga pranamahm after reciting Abhivadaye as explained above.Vaishnavites recite the following manthra before Abhivadaye in addition:Namobrahmanya devaya Go brahmana hithaya cha,Jagathidaya krishnaya Govindaya namo NamahSree ranga mangala nidhim karuna nivasam Sree Venkadadri Shikaralaya kalamegamSree Hasthi saila Shikarojwala Parijatham Sreesam Namahmi sirasa yadu sailadeepam.13. SamarpanamTake a small quantity of water recite the following manthra and pour it on thegroundKaye na vacha manase indriyair vaBudhyathma nava prakruthai swabhavat.Karomi yadyat sakalam parasmai,Narayana yethi samarpayamiThen do aachamanam14. RakshaSprinkle some water on the place where japa was [performed reciting the manthrabelow, then touch the ground with ring finger and place it between the eyelids:Adhya no deva savitha praja vath saavee soubhagamPara duswapneeya suvaViswani deva savitha - durithani paraa suvaaYad bhadram thama asuvaSandhya Vandhanam - Part-I - Argya Pradhanam1. AachamanamThis is a preliminary purification ceremony. Gods Achyutha, Anantha and Govindaare saluted and then chanting the twelve names of Vishnu purifies the self.2. Ganapathi Dhyanam (this is not done by Vaishnavites)This is a prayer to the God Ganapathi who is supposed to remove all obstacles onour way in performance of any rite, in this case, "Tharpanam"Dressed in white thou art,Oh, all pervading one,And glowing with the colour of moon.With four arms, thou art, Vishnu.I meditate on thine ever-smiling face,And pray, "Remove all obstacles on my way".3. Pranayamam (Holy meditation )This manthra is a guide to a breathing exercise as also a prayer. While chanting Ombhoo,Om Bhuva, Ogum Suva, Om Maha, om jana, om thapa, ogum satyam we aresupposed to keep the left nostril closed and inhale through the right nostril. Whilechanting, "Om tat sa vithur varenyam bargo devasya dhee mahi, dhi yo yonaprachothayad", we are supposed to close both nostrils and hold the breath. Afterthis the left nostril is opened and air exhaled till the end of the manthra. Hindusbelieved that that there were six holy worlds above the earth. These along withearth are remembered in the first part. These worlds are bhooloka, bhuvarloka,suvarloka, maharloka, janaloka, thapaloka and satya loka. The second part is thefamous Gayathri manthram. It means "I meditate on that savitha (the sun or theenlightenment within ourselves) which helps us in our though process, that godwhich is within me and that all engulfing power."Or"I meditate on the most holy shining aspect of that God, who helps in brighteningour thought process." Then the third part means "Om is water, it is the light, it isthe earth which gives the food, it is the air which supports life, and it is the etherwhich is spread all around.It is also the holy seven worlds." By touching the nosethe hands are supposed to get polluted and this is removed by touching the earsthrice.4. Sankalpam (our reason for the action)This is a preliminary rite in every Vedic action. We tell why we are doing what wedo.We chant" To become dear to the Lord Parameshwara (in case of Vaishnavas it isLord Vishnu) and to destroy all the effects of sins committed by me, I pray theGoddess of dawn (noon, dusk)"5. Marjanam (Holy bath by sprinkling water)Salutations to Lord Kesava. It is well known that you Gods of water are the sourceof greatness in life. Please grant us the ethereal vision. Like the holy and dearmothers, grant us please the ultimate essence of happiness that you have. We arepraying you for that essence of happiness to posses, which you are personificationof pleasure. You gods of water should through knowledge help us to be born holyin the next birth.6. Prasanam (drinking water powered by Manthras)Morning (Really at dawn)Let the sun God, the anger that makes every one its slave and the powers of God,which control anger save me from the sins committed while being angry. Let theGod of night remove the sins done by me using my mind, my voice, my hands, mylegs, my belly and my penis and also any other sins that remain with me. I offermyself to the great light of sun, after the purifications of my sins as a result of thisprayer. Let this offering be done wellNoonLet the god of water purify the earth, which is its source, and let the earth thuspurified purify me. Let it also purify my teacher who is the source of Vedas to me.Let Vedas, which are ever holy, purify me. Let the god of water purify me of myaction in eating the remnants of food eaten by some one else, which are fit not tobe eaten and also my bad habits, which are within me. Let it also purify me of myaction in following the actions of bad people. I offer myself to thee God.Evening (really dusk)Let the God of fire, the anger that makes every one its slave and the powers ofGod, which control anger save me from the sins committed while being angry. Letthe God of day remove the sins done by me using my mind, my voice, my hands,my legs, my belly and my penis and also any other sins that remain with me. I offermyself to the great light, which gives Holy Communion with the ever shining, afterthe purifications of my sins as a result of this prayer. Let this offering be done well7. Aachamanam (same as 1)8. Punar Marjanam (repetition of the Holy bath by sprinkling water)I salute that great God who holds the earth, who rules the world, who measures theworld, who is victorious, and who has taken the form of Hayagreeva (a form ofHuman with horses head) who is the source of all knowledge and who is speedhimself. Let him make my face and all other organs smell good. Let him managemy life without problems.Salutations to Lord Kesava. It is well known that you Gods of water are the sourceof greatness in life. Please grant us the ethereal vision. Like the holy and dearmothers, grant us please the ultimate essence of happiness that you have. We arepraying you for that essence of happiness to posses, which you are personificationof pleasure. You gods of water should through knowledge help us to be born holyin the next birth.9. Argya Pradhanam (Offering of water)The God who is OM, I meditate on that glittering form of God who sharpens theintellect of those in the world of earth, the ether world of Bhuvar and the heavenSuvar and who has created all of us.10. Prayaschitha Argyam (same as 9 for offered for the delay)11. Ikkyanusandhanam (meditating on the oneness of truth)This Sun god, this Brahmam and myself are one and the same.12. Deva Tharpanam (satisfying the devas)I satisfy the sun, moon, mars, mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Kethu, Isatisfy Lord Kesava, Narayana, Madhava, Govinda, Vishnu, Madhusoodhana,Trivikrama, Vamana, Sreedhara, Hrishikesa, Padmanabha and Damodhara, whichare the different forms of Lord Vishnu. Ruling over the twelve different months.Sandhyavandhanam - Part-II - Japam1. Japa SankalpamDressed in white thou art,Oh, all pervading one,And glowing with the colour of moon.With four arms, thou art, Vishnu.I meditate on thine ever-smiling face,And pray, " Remove all obstacles on my way".PranayamamThis manthra is a guide to a breathing exercise as also a prayer. While chanting Ombhoo,Om Bhuva, Ogum Suva, Om Maha, om jana, om thapa, ogum satyam we aresupposed to keep the left nostril closed and inhale through the right nostril. Whilechanting, "Om tat sa vithur varenyam bargo devasya dhee mahi, dhi yo yonaprachothayad", we are supposed to close both nostrils and hold the breath. Afterthis the left nostril is opened and air exhaled till the end of the manthra.Hindus believed that that there were six holy worlds above the earth. These alongwith earth are remembered in the first part. These worlds are bhooloka,bhuvarloka, suvarloka, maharloka, janaloka, thapaloka and satya loka. The secondpart is the famous Gayathri manthram. It means"I meditate on that savitha (the sun or the enlightenment within ourselves) whichhelps us in our though process, that god which is within me and that all engulfingpower."Or"I meditate on the most holy shining aspect of that God, who helps in brighteningour thought process." Then the third part means " Om is water, it is the light, it isthe earth which gives the food, it is the air which supports life, and it is the etherwhich is spread all around.It is also the holy seven worlds." By touching the nosethe hands are supposed to get polluted and this is removed by touching the earsthrice.SankalpamThis is a preliminary rite in every Vedic action. We tell why we are doing what wedo.We chant To become dear to the Lord Parameshwara (in case of Vaishnavas it isLord Vishnu) and to destroy all the effects of sins committed by me, I domeditation on Gayathri in the morning (noon, evening)2. Pranava Japam (Pranayamam as preliminary to meditation)For "Om", the sage is Lord Brahma himself, the meter is Gayathri, and the ultimateBrhman is its God.For the seven worlds, the rishis are Athri, Brugu, Kutsa, Vasishta, Gowthama,Kasyapa, Angeerasa and the corresponding meters are Gayathri, Ushnik, Anushtup,Bruhathi, Pankthi, Trushtup and Jagathi are the respective meters and Fire God,Wind God,, Sun God, God of words, God of Rain, God of Devas and God of theuniverse are Gods respectively.This is followed by Pranayamam whose meaning is given under sankalpam.3. Gayathri Avahanam (Requesting Goddess Gayhtri to come within us)For this Manthra starting with the word "Ayanthu", the sage is Vama Deva, meter isAnushtup and Goddess is Gayathri.The goddess Gayathri who can give all desired boons, who is ever permanent, whois known by Vedas and who is the mother of all meters should come in me. Let thismy prayer be granted.Hey mother Gayathri, you are the power of soul supporting air, you are the powerof all organs, You have power to win over all enemies, You are the resplendentlight, You are the brightness of all Gods, You are the universe, You are time - thesoul of the universe, You are soul of everything, You are victorious over all and SoI pray you who are the meaning of the word "Om". I request Gayathri to comewithin me, I request Savithri to come inside me, and I request Saraswathi to comeinside me.4. Gayathri Nyasam (Preliminary to Gayathri Japa)For The Savithri Manthra, the sage is Viswamithra, meter is Nichruth-Gayathri andthe God is Savitha5. Gayathri Japa (Chanting of Gayathri)We meditate on that resplendent form of God, who is the meaning of the word"OM"., Who sharpens our intellect, and who is the creator.6. Gayathri Upasthanam (Requesting Gayathri to go back)I am requesting the Goddess of Morning ( evening) to go back to her placeIn the noon, I am requesting the Sun God to go to his place.After blessing us who pray you, please be kind enough to bless us and go andoccupy your place, which is in the holy peak, and be ever happy.7. Soorya Upasthanam (asking the Sun God to go back)MorningI meditate on the greatness and fame of the Sun God who protects people, who isto be sung upon, who is forever and greatest among those who steal the mind. Heknows everything and guides people. He carries the earth and the heaven. He seesthe world without blinking his eye at any time and forever. To get results, whichare forever, I offer him this offering made of ghee.Oh Sun God who is Mithra., Let whosoever wants to worship you become fullycapable of holy deeds. He who is protected by you never becomes sick and sinswill not trouble hi, from far and near.NoonThe sun God who is resplendent in his light of the soul and who travels with hisvisible light which makes the people of earth and heaven do their allotted duties,travels in his golden chariot inspecting all the worlds,We who see the sun God, who rises daily after swallowing darkness and who withhis light protects the devas attain the glittering shine of the soul.His horses, which are his rays, carry the Sun God who is well known in the Vedasand who knows everything and travel round the sky so that we the people of earthcan all see him.The sun God who is like an eye to Mithra, Varuna and Agni and who ispersonification of all devas travels very high in the sky. The Sun god who is thesoul of those who are mobile and also to those who are immobile spreads throughout the heaven, earth and the atmosphere. Rising in the east and doing good to allthe gods the sun is like an eye. We will see him for hundred springs, WE wouldlive for hundred springs, We would enjoy life with all those who are dear forhundred springs, We would live with fame for hundred springs, We would hearsweet words for hundred springs, We would live without being won by bad deedsfor hundred springs, Like this we wish to see our dear Sun God for a long longtime.Let the Sun God who gives us all boons, who has reddish eyes, who knowseverything, who shines in all directions and who rises from the middle of the vastocean in the dawn make me holy with all his mind.EveningOh god Varuna, please hear now this my prayer. Make me happy just now for Ipray you beseeching for protection. I pray you using manthras of Vedas for thatpurpose and fall at your feet. One who does fire sacrifice with offerings to the fireis also requesting for the same thing. Of Famous God Varuna, without neglect bepleased to hear my prayer. Please never reduce my life span.Oh God Varuna, we might have neglected to worship you daily due tocarelessness. Without knowing we men might have deceived the devas in worship,we might have spoiled your good deeds. Oh God Varuna, please do not punish usfor these sins.We might have been defamed without basis by bad people like gamblers. We mighthave done sins fully knowing it. WE might have done sins without knowing it.Please destroy in to small pieces, all these without pain, Please keep me as onewho is very dear to you.8. Samashti Abhivadanam (Prayer to all)Salutations to the goddess of dawn and dusk.Salutations to Goddess SavithriSalutations to goddess gayathriSalutations to Goddess SaraswathiSalutations and salutations to all GodsThe crimes of passion and anger done by me were not done with full realization. Ibeseech you again and again to pardon all those sins, which were doneunknowingly by me.Oh great one, I am follower of the pravara rishis called -------------------- belongingto -------------------- Gothra(clan), following the -------------------- Suthra and astudent of -------------------- Veda and my name is -------------------- Sarma and I amfollowing at thine feet.9. Dig Devatha Vandanam (Salutations to the Gods of Directions)Salutation to the eastSalutation to the SouthSalutations to the westSalutations to the northSalutations to those Gods aboveSalutations to the Gods belowSalutations to the AtmosphereSalutations to the earthSalutations to the BrahmaSalutations to VishnuSalutations to God of death10. Yama Vandanam (Salutations to God of Death)Salutations to Yama, the God of deathMy salutations and salutationsTo Him who can keep in control his senses,To Him who is the king of justice.To him who destroys,To him who can put to an end,To Him who is the son of Sun God,To him who represents march of time,To him who causes death to all beings,To him who is supremely strong,To him who is called the universal giver,To him who has a bluish body,To him who is being worshipped by all,To him who has a huge belly,To him who is really peculiar,And to him who guards his secret.Guards his secret continued.11. Hari Hara VandanamI salute HimWho is the beauty in all things I see,Who is the truth in what I tell,Who is the ultimate Brahmam,Who is the soul of every being,Who is the amalgam of black (Vishnu) and Red (Shiva),Who sees up from energy,Who is the three eyed God,And who is personification of the universe.Salutation to personification of the universe continued12. Soorya Narayana VandanamMy salutations to Lord Surya Narayana who is like an eye to the universe, Who isthe cause of birth, upkeep and destruction of the worlds, Who is personification ofVedas and Who by his three qualities takes the form of the holy trinity of Brahma,Vishnu and Shiva, Lord Narayana is forever most suitable to be venerated for he isin the middle of the solar system, For he sits in the lotus pose, For he wears thecrown on the head, chain on his neck, wears anklets in his Arms and wears globalstuds in his ears, For he holds the Conch and the wheel in his hands and has theglittering colour of gold. Oh Lord who holds the conch and wheel in his hand,who forever lives in Dwaraka, Who never allows his devotees to fall, Who takescare f all beings of the earth and Who has lotus like eyes, please protect me whohas come and fallen at your feet. Like all the water that falls from the sky reachesthe sea, all salutations done to all gods reach Lord Narayana.Oh great one, I am follower of the pravara rishis called -------------------- belongingto -------------------- Gothra (clan), following the -------------------- Suthra and astudent of -------------------- Veda and my name is -------------------- Sarma and I amfollowing at thine feet.13. Samarpanam (Giving away)I give away To the Lord Narayana, all the actions done by me either by my body,or by my words, or by my mind, or by my organs, or my mind or by my intellect orby my soul or by my superior thought process or by my natural movements. Thendo the purificatory ceremony of Achamanam (see section 1)14. Raksha (Protective shield)Hey Lord Savitha (Sun), please rant good luck to me and my family. Please removethe ill effects of bad dreams. Please remove the punishment for all the sinscommitted by me. And please grant me what is great and good.
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