Sandhyaopasana : Worship at the Junction of Time

Sandhyopasana saNdhya upaasana literally means ‘worship at the junctions of time.’ It is a prayer and worship
offered to the Lord at the junction (Sandhi) of night and morning, forenoon and afternoon and at the junction of
evening and night. The Arghyapradana to the sun and the meditation on and recitation of Gayatri, form the heart
of the worship. Properly understood, the whole Sandhya is an earnest prayer addressed to the Lord to forgive all
one’s sins committed during one’s routine, daily activities and to bestow illumination and grace.
Sandhyopasana must be performed at the proper Sandhyas. Then only the performer can derive much merit. There
is a special manifestation of force at Sandhyas. This force disappears when the Sandhya is past.
For Whom 
Sandhyopasana is the daily religious practice of the Hindus whose investiture with the holy thread has been
performed. Sandhya is a Nitya Karma or an action that is to be done daily. Sandhya is an obligatory duty to be
performed daily for self-purification and self-improvement. Sandhya should be performed by all followers of the
Sanatana Dharma. Every Brahmachari and every householdermust perform it every day. If he fails to perform
it, there is Pratyavaya Dosha or the sin of omission. He loses his Brahma-Tejas.
According to the Hindu Sastras, a Brahmana, a Kshatriya and a Vaisya will get hell, if they do not perform three
times Sandhyopasana (Traikalika Sandhya) daily. It is for the purpose of Sandhya only, the law of Yajnopavita-
Samskara is laid down in the Yajnavalkya Smriti which says: “The Brahmana in his eighth year, the Kshatriya in
his eleventh year and the Vaisya in his twelfth year are fit to be given Yajnopavita.” Because, only after this
particular Samskara, they are supposed to be worthy to worship Sandhya and take to Vedic rites. They should keep
themselves pure internally and externally. They can nicely understand the sacred glory of this divine science.
Benefits of Sandhya Upasana
Sandhya is a combination of Japa, Upasana, Svadhyaya, meditation, concentration, Asana, Pranayama, etc.
He who does Sandhya daily has Brahma-Tejas or spiritual lustre, in his face. A man who performs his daily
Sandhya, according to the prescribed rules, at the appointed time as laid down in the scriptures, attains purity and
success in his every effort. He becomes powerful as well as calm. Regular Sandhya cuts the chain of old Samskaras
and changes everybody’s old situation entirely. It brings purity, Atma-Bhava, devotion and sincerity.
Chief elements of ‘Sandhya’
It consists of ten disciplines viz.

1. Sankalpa (Resolve)

2. Aasan Shodhan

3. Aachman

4. Pranayam

5. Nitya Paapa Khshamaarth Apaasmupshprsha

6. Avamirtha

7. Agharshan

8. Surya-Arghya

9. Suryopasthaan and

10. Gayatari Japa

‘Sandhyopasana’-Procedure, Meaning and Interpretation

While taking bath for purification before ‘Sandhyopasana’ a devotee may

recite the following Mantra: 
Gangecha Yamunechaiva Godavari Saraswathi, 
Narmadey Sindhu Kaveri Jalosmin sannidhim kuru/ 
Pushkaraadyaani Tirthaani Gangaadyaah Saritastatha, 
Aagacchhantu Mahaabhaagaah Snaana kaaley sadaa mama/ 
Ayodhya Mathuraa Maayaa Kaashi Kaanchihyavantika, 
Puri Dwaravati Jneyaah Saptaitaa Moksha –daayikaah/
(May the waters flowing in the Rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari,
Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri be present in the waters that I am
bathing in. May Pushkara and other Tirthas as well as the Sacred Rivers like
Ganga be present here. May also the Seven Sacred Kshetras of Ayodhya,
Mathura, Maya (Haridwar), Kashi, Kanchi, Avanti (Ujjain) and Dwaravati as
renowned be also present.) After bath, ‘Arghya’ (Water) / Dhyana
(meditation) are offered to Surya Deva; the devotee would then wear clean,
two white robes, settle down on a ‘kushasana’(mat) facing ‘Ishana’(North-
East) direction, commence ‘Achamana’ with Harih Om and Pavitra
Mantra viz. 
Apavitrah pavitrova sarvaavasthaangatopivaa, 
yasmaret Pundareekaaksham sa Baahyaantarah suchih 
(Let me remember the name of ‘Pundarikaaksha’always-whether physically
clean or otherwise-with cleanliness from within or without); while doing
‘Achamana’or sipping spoonfuls of water thrice with Gayatri Mantra, utter the
Mantras viz. 
Om Rutamcha Satyam cha abheedaat tapasodhyajaayata, 
tato Ratrasya Jaayata tatassamudro Arnavah 
(Even before meditation, the Self-illuminated Para Brahma created the
authentic Truth and from that Truth generated darkness which created the
waters of the Oceans);

Samudraarnavaat Adhi Samamvatsaro Ajaayata, 

Ahoraatraani vidadhat Vishvashya mishato vashee/ 
(Days/ nights as also Years and the concept of Time got  materialized only
after the waters of Oceans were generated and Paramatma held the
Universe in His full control); 

Suryaa Chandra masow Dhaata Yathaa purvamakalpayat, 

Divamcha Prithiveem chaaantariksha mathosvah/
(As in the past, Dhata (Paramatma) created Surya Chandras, Celestial
Region including Heaven, besides the Sky and Earth).Then the devotee
performing Sandhya Vandana sips water by way of ‘Achamana’once again.
Thereafter, the devotee is to spraywater in all the directions as also on the
self. Then, he readies himself to do ‘Praanaayaam’ and recites Pranava
while proposing the seven ‘Vyahritis’(relevant expressions of Gayatri) viz.
Om Bhuh, Om Bhuvah, Om Suvah, Om Mahah, Om Janah, Om Tapah,
Om Satyam, Om tatsavatir varenyam bhargo devasya dheermahi dhiyo
yonah prachodayaat, Om Apo Jyoti  rasomritam Bharma
Bhurbhuvatswarom/ simultaneously sprinkle drops of water on one’s own
head. Pranayama (Control of Prana) is performed by  touching the nose by
the thumb and  second finger and air must be taken in slowly through the left
nostril and sent out by the right nostril; inhalation is known as ‘Puraka’,
retaining is ‘Kumbhaka’ and exhalation is Rechaka, the three tasks done by
1:3:2 ratio, completing one Pranayama. 
The ‘Viniyogas’ or attributions of Gayatri / Shiro Mantras are as follows: 
Gayatri Mantra –
Omkaarasya Brahma Rishih, Devi Gayatri Chhandah, 
Paramaatmaa Devataa, 
Sapta Vyahriteenaam Prajaapatirrishih Gayatri ushnik anushtup Brihati
Pankti trishtup  jagatyah chhandaamsya
 AgnirVaayu Surya Brihaspati Varunendra Vishvadeva
Devatah/                                    
(PraanaayamaViniyogah)                                                  
Shiro Mantra –
Tatsavituriti Vishwamitra Rishih Gayatri chaandah Savitaa Devataa
Apojyotiriti Sirasah Pajapatirishi yajuschhando BrahmagniVaayu
Suryaa Devataah/
(Praanaayaamey Viniyoga. After the Pranayaama Viniyoga, the devotee has
to perform Kara Nyasa and Anga Nyasa as follows: Kara Nyasa: Om
Angushthaabhyaam Namah (Touch both the thumbs); Om Bhuh
Tarjanibhyam namah (Touch both thumbs with both fore-fingers); Om
Bhuvah Madhyamaabhyaam Namah (Touch both thumbs with both middle
fingers); Om Swaha Anaamikaabhyaam Namah (Touch the thumbs with ring
wearing finger); Om Bhur bhuvah kanishtikaabhyaam namah (Touch the
thumbs with little fingers) and Om Bhur bhuvah swah karatala
hastaabhyaam namah (Touch both the back sides of the
palms) Anganyasa:: Om Hridayaa Namah (Touch the heart with right hand);
Om Bhu Sirasey swaha (Touch the head); Om Bhuvah Shikhaya vashat
(Touch the tuft); Om Swah kavachaaya hum (Touch shoulders with both the
hands); Om Bhurbhuvaha  netraa -bhyaam voushat (Touch the eyes with
respective hand-fingers); Om Bhurbhuvah swaha Astraya phat ( take the
right hand behind the back and clap to rest it on left palm). After Pranayama
as above, then Gayatri Avahana Sankalpa states: Mamopaattha Samasta
duritakshaya dwara Shri Parameswara preetyartham Praatah
Sandhyaamupaasishy/ or Maadhyaahnikam Karishey/ or Saayam
Sandhyaamupaasishey (May I begin to worship Goddess Sandhya in the
morning/afternoon/evening by destroying all of my sins by the grace of
Parameswara). In the morning Gayatri is in the form of ‘Tryaikshari’, Veda
Maataa and Brahma Vaadini: 
Aaagachha varade Devi Tryaiksharey Brahma Vaadini, 
Gayatricchandasaam Maata Brahmayoney Namostutey; 

In the afternoon she arrives as Savitri by a vrishabha (bull) with white robes
as Rudra Vaadini: 
Madhyaahney Vrishabha aruudhaam Savitreem Rudra yonim
chaavaahayerudravaadineem;
 in the evening Gayatri appears mounted on Garuda as Sarasvati with
crimson robes as VishnuVaadini : 
Saayamtu Garudhaarudhaam Peetaambharasamaavitaam, Sarasvatim 
Vishnuyoni maahvayed Vishnu Vaadineem/ 
After the Sankalpa follows Maarjanam by the Mantra : 
Aapohishta mayo bhuvah, tana oorje dadhaatana/ 
maheranaaya chakshase, yo vah Shiva tamo rasah/ 
tasya bhajayateha nah/Usiteeravah Matarah, 
Tasma arangamama vah, yasya kshayaya jinvath/ 
Apo janaa yahta cha nah/ Om bhurbhuva suvah/ 
(Aapohishtha: The Goddesses of Water indeed; Mayo bhuvah: are the
causes of granting happiness; tah nah: Such Goddesses; Mahe Ramaaya
chakshasey : are Great and charming to view; oorje dadhaatana :provide
nourishment ; sivatamo rasah: most propitious bliss; Usitih Matara iva: like
loving mothers; Bhajayateha yasya kshayaaya: make us worthy of that bliss;
Jinvatha tasmaa vah aram gamaamah :we go in for that bliss with great
eagerness; Apo janaayata: may we be born in rebirth with pure knowledge. 
Pratah Sandhya (Morning) Mantra Sandhya states: 
Suryascha ma manyuscha manyupatayascha manukriteebhyah/ Paapebhyo
rakshantaam/ Yadraatriya paapamakaarsham/ manasaa vaachaa
hastaabhyaam/ Padhmyamudarena sisna/ Raatristadavalumpatu/ yat
kimcha duritam mayi idamaham mamaamritayanau/ Surye Jyotishi Juhomi
swaha
 (Protect me from sins committed due to rage and temper as also by the Sun
and the Deity of Fury apart from the wrongdoings by my mind, conversation,
limbs, stomach and sex; once such sins are excused, may the Great
Radiance of Sun God make me worthy of Salvation).By so saying, sip water
from the hollow of right palm. 
Madhyaahna Sandhya (Noon time) Mantra : 
Apah punantu Prithivim Prithivi puta punatumaam, 
Punatu Brahmanaspatih Brahma puta punatu maam, 
Yaduchhistam abhojam yadva duscharitam mama, 
Sarvam punatu maamaposatam chapratigrahagg swaha 
( Let the Deity of Water clean up the Earth, me and my Guru who is a
depository of Vedas and let Vedas sanctify me. May the wrong food that I
consumed, the questionable deeds that I did or the dubious presents that I
received from doubtful characters be all mollified, as I propose myself to get
purified by the flames of the Swaha or Paramatma.) After this Mantra, the
devotee should sip water signifying it as a vow.  
Sayamkala Sandhya (Evening) Mantra states: 
Agnischa ma manyuscha manyupatayascha manyu kritebhyah Paapebhyo
rakshantaam yadanha paapamakaarsham, Manasa vaachaa hastaabhyam
Padbyaam udarena sishnaa Ahastadalumpatu, yat kincha duritam mayi
idamaham maamamritayonau satye jyothishi juhomi swaha/ 
( Let all the Deities of Fire, fury and ferocity safeguard me from their attack
on me due to the unpardonable sins perpetrated by me by the day by my
mind, stomach, sex organ; may I be purified me of despicable deeds and
qualify me to proceed on the path of Moksha.Achamana-Punarmarjana and
Marjana be followed with the Mantra viz. 
Dadhikravinno akaarisham jishnorasvasya vajinah, 
surabhi no mukha karat prana Aagumshi tarishat/     
(May the Lord who is the Sustainer, Administrator and Evaluator in the form
of Hayagriva the Victorious and the Seat of knowledge be worshipped to
facilitate our Life without any obstacle). This Mantra may be followed by the
afore-mentioned Mantra Aapo hi shtha while sprinkling water on the head of
the devotee and touching the feet and thereafter recite Apo janayata cha
nah while water is thrown round the head. 
Arghya pradaanam: Recite the Gayatri Mantra pour water thrice to the East
in the morning, face north and pour water twice in standing position and face
west in sitting posture as follows: 
Om Bhurbhuvassavah, Tat Saviturvarenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi, 
dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat/ 
Praanaayama should be done there after. 
Deva Tarpana:Adityam Tapayami, Somam Tarpayami, Angaarakam
Tarpayami, Budham Tarpayami, Brihaspatim Tarpayami, Sukram
Tarpayami,Shanaischaram Tarpayami, Rahum Tarpayami, Ketu
Tarpayami//  Keshavam Tarpayami, Narayanam Tarpayami, Govindam
Tarpayami, Vishnum Tarpayami, Madhusudanam Tarpayami, Trivikramam
Tarpayami, Vaamanam Tarpayami, Shridharam Tarpayami, Hrishikesham
Tarpayami, Damodaram Tarpayami. 
   Gayatri Avahaana: Omityekaaksaram Brahma, Agnirdevata Bhrahma
ityaarsham Gayatreem Chhandam Paramaatmam Swarupam, Sayujyam
viniyogam/
(The unique word AUM is of Parabrahma form, Agni is Main Devata,
Brahma is related to Rishi, Gayatri is related to Chhanda, Paramaatma is all-
pervasive and the terminal point of Moksha); 
Aayaatu varada Devi Akhsharam Brahmasammitam, 
Gayarimchhandasaam Maatedam Brahma jushaswa me 
(May I  humbly request Gayati to guide me about Brahma); 
Yadannaatkurutey paapam tadhanaat pratimuchyatey, 
Yadraatrikurutey paapam tadraatriyat pratimuchyateyi
( Let the sins committed during the day be destroyed in the day itself; let the
sins done during the night be destroyed on the same night) 
Sarva varney Mahadevi Sandhya vidyey Sarasvati, 
Ojosi Sahosi Balamasi Bhraajosi Devaanaam Dhaamanaamasi
 Vishvamasi Vishvaayuhu sarvamasi Sarvaaurabhibhuurom 
Gayatriimaavaayahayaami Savitreemaavaahayami
Saraswateemaavaahayayami,
 Shriya maavaahayaami, Balamaavaayaha yaami 
( Sarva Varna! Sandhya Vidya! Sarasvati! Maha Gayatri! You are the
embodiment of Radiance, the Grip Holder and of the Strength; the Shakti of
Devatas, the Life of the World, the Veritable Universe and the Totality! May I
invoke You Omkara Swarupa Savitri! May I invoke Chhandasas, Rishis and
Lakshmi!); 
Gayatryah Gayaree Chhandah Vishwamitra Rishih, Savitaa Devataa,
Agnirmukham, Brahma Shiro,Vishnur hridayam, Radrah Sikhaah, Prithivi
Yonih, Praanaa paana vyaanodaana samaanaa sa praanaa swetavarnaa
saamkhyaayana sa gotra Gayatree Chaturvimsatyaksharaa Tripadaa
Shatkukshih, Panchaseershopanayaney viniyogah 
(I invoke Gayatri, whose Chhanda is Gayatri, Rishi is Vishwamitra, Agni is
Face, Brahma is head,Vishnu is heart, Rudra is the tuft, Prithi is the
generator as also Gayatri with Five Praanaas viz. Praana, Apana, Vyana,
Udana and Samaana; white coloured; with the Gotra of Rishi Samkhyayana;
with twenty four Alphabet Letters; Three feet; six bellied; five heads and the
main deity of ‘Upanayana’). 
Gayatri Karanyaasah: Om tatsavituh Angushthabhyaam namah, Om
varenyam tarjanee –bhyam namah, Om bhargo Devasya
Madhyamaabhyam namah, Om Dheemahi Anamikabhyam namah, Om
Dhiyoyonah kanishthikabhyaanamah, and Om Prachodayaat
Karatalaprishthaabhyaam namah. Gaytri Anganyasah: Om tatsavituh
hridayaayanamah; Om Varenyam Sirasey Swaaha; Om Bhargo Devasya
Shikhaayavoushat; Om dheemahi kavachaayahum; Om dhiyoyonah
netratrayaaya voushat; Om prachodayaat Astraaya phat; Om
Bhurbhuvassurom iti dikbhandhayah. 
Dhyaanam : 
   Muktaa vidruma hema neela dhavala cchaayair mukhyai stryakshanair 
yuktaamindu nibaddha ratna makutaam tatvaartha varnaatmikaam, 
Gayatreem varadaa -bhayamkusa kasaa shrubhram kapaalam gadaam 
shankham chakra madaara vinda –ugalaam hastairvaham teem bhajey/ 
(I pray to Gayatri who has five faces with the colours of Pearl, coral, golden,
blue and white; three Aksharas or Letters, Moon-ornamented headgear,
tatwas and varnaas, seated on kusha grass mat denoting purity and also
possessing Kapaalam or skull, Gada or mace, Shankham or conchshell,
chakram or wheel and two lotuses).In the morning Gayatri is of Rigveda
Swarupa as a baby Girl with Brahma Shakti possessing four faces, seated
on a soft hamsa (swan) and with shining jewellery; in the afternoon she is
called Savitri as a grown-up youth with Rudra Shakti, three eyes, tiger skin,
having Mudras of khatvanga (cut-limbed), trishula, Aksha valaya and
Abhaya/ Protective Mudras; as mounted on a bull. In the evening, Gayatri
assumes the form of Saraswati with Vishnu Shakti wearing purple silk dress
exuding black colour as an elderly woman seated on a ‘Garud’. Visioning
Devi Gayatri according to the timings, the devotee would then commence
the recitation of Gayatri Mantra saying 
Mamopaattha samasta duritakshayadwara Sri Parameswara preetyartham :
Pratah Sandhya Gayatri Maha Mantra japam karishye/ Madhyahnika Gayatri
Maha Mantra Japam karishey/ Saayam Sandhya Maha Mantra japam
karishey viz. 
OM BHUHRBHUVASSAHA TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM  BHARGO
DEVASYA DHEEMAHI 
DHIYO YONA PRACHODAYAAT/ 
Each time, Gayatri Japa is best performed one thousand and eight times
which is reckoned as Uttama; one hundred and eight times as Madhyama or
fifty four /twenty eight  times as heena / minimum.
Gayatri Upasthaanam:  First perform Pranaayama and recite: 
Uttamey Shikhare Devi Bhumyaam parvata murdhani, 
Brahmanebhoy hyanujnaanam gahha devi yathhaa sukham/ 
( Devi Gayatri, You have the clearance to stay on top of the Meru Mountain
by Brahmanas); 
Stuta maya varadaa Vedamataa prachodayanti pavaney dwijaataa, 
Ayuh Prithivyam dravinam Brahma varchasam  mahyam datvaa prayaatum
Brahmalokam 
( As extolled by us Devi Gayatri! You are the bestower of our desires and
the epitome of Purity, Veda Rupa and of two forms; kindly bless me on Earth
to provide me long life, prosperity, Brahma Teja!)
Surya Upasthanam (Pratahkaala): 
Mitrasya charshani dhritah shravo devasya sanaasim/ Satyam
chitrasravastamam 
Mitro janaan yaayaati prajaanan Mitrodaadhara Prithvee –mutadyaam/ 
Mitra krishtee ranimishaabhichashte Satyaaya havyam ghritavadvidhema// 
pra sa Mitra marto Astu Payaswaan yasta Aditya sikshati vratena/ 
Na hanyatey na jeeyatey twoto nainama gumho Asnotyantito na dooraat
( Surya is omni-scient and supports earth, heaven and all Beings vigilantly.
May I offer my oblations of ghee to secure lasting blessings to that Supreme
God as he is the Univeral friend to sustain Dharma, to insulate us against
diseases, worldly difficulties and sins from far and near, as also to give us
longevity and happiness.) 
(Madhyahne): Aasatyena rajasa vartamano nivesayannamritam martyam
cha/ 
 Hiranyayena Savita rathenaa devo yaati bhuvna vipasyan 
(Surya travels all over the Universe by his golden chariot with a special eye
at the World and witnesess by the light of the souls of Gods and mortals of
each one of their activities); 
Mitrasya Varunasya Agneh Chakshuh Devaanaam chitram Aneekam
Jagatastasthushascha 
Atma Suryah Daivaa Prithiveem Antarihsham Aa Purasthat sukram ucharat
Devahitam 
chakshuh tat Saradassatam pasyama jeevama saradassatam Nandaamaa
saradassatam 
modaamaa saradassatam Bhaavanaa Saradassatam Shrunavaama
saradassatam 
Prabravaamaa saradassatam Ajeetah Saradassatam jyok cha Suryam
drsey 
(Let Surya who is the embodiment of Mitra, Varuna and Agnideva be
empowered to dominate the soul of all moving and non moving Beings on
Earth, Heaven and Atmosphere; May we vision and pray to him for hundred
years and enjoy life for that time; May we be blessed with fame, hear
pleasant things for hundred years, converse good words for hundred years,
be victorious for hundred years and be with Sun God for hundred years.) 
(Sayam kaale): 
Imam me Varuna shrudhee havamadyaa cha mridaya,
Tatvaamavasyuraachakey 
Tatva yaami Brahmanaa Vanda maanastadaasaastey Yajamaano havirbhih 
Ahedamaano Varuneha Bodhyurusagumsa maa na Ayuh pramosheeh// 
Yacchhiddhi te visho yataaa pradeva Varuna vratam/ 
mineemasi dyavidyavi/ Yat kinchedam Varuna daive janebhidroham
manushaascharaamasi/ 
Acchitte yattava dharma yuyopima maa nastamaadenaso Deva Risheeah/ 
Kitavaaso yadriripurna deevi yadvaaghaa satyamuta yanna vidma/ 
Sarvaa taa vishya stitireva devataa te syaama Varun priyasaah /

(Varuna Deva! Kindly consider my request and provide me protection as I

seek shelter with Veda Mantras; do not ignore my appeal to reduce my life
span. I might have omitted my daily prayer knowingly or otherwise but do
save me of the sin of negligence. Hereafter, I should be careful). After the
‘Upasthana’ of Surya / Varuna there ought to be Samishtyabhivandanam or
collective salutation to Deities:Sandhyayai namah Saavitrainamah Gayatrai
namah Saraswatyai namah Sarvaabhyo devaatabhyo namo namah/ Kaamo
kaarsheen manyurakaarsheen namo namah/ (My prostration to the Deities
Sandhya, Savitri, Sarasvati and all others; do forgive my sins done under the
influence of passion and fury).                                                                                                                  

Devata Vandanam:
 Praachai namah, Dakshinayai namah, Praachai namah,Urthvayai namah,
Atharayai namah Antarikshayai namah, Bhumyai namah, Brahmaney
namah, Vishnavey namah Mrityavenamah/ 
(Salutationns to the Deities of East, South, West and North as also to those
in upper, lower and the Skies, to Earth, Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra). 
Aakaasaat Patitam toyam Yatha gachati Saagaram, 
Sarvadeva namaskarah Kesavam prati gacchati Om nanah iti// 
(Just as waters from Sky descend to Oceans, all salutations reach
Keshava);
Kayenavaachaa manaserviyairva buddhyaatmanaava prakriteh
swabhaavaat 
karomi yadat sakalamparasmai Naarayanayeti Samarpayami/ 
(I dedicate whatever has been done by body, speech, mind and senses to
Narayana).