Brahmins and Trikal Sandhya (त्रिकाल संध्या)/(Three times Worship).
Brahmin & Sandhya
The Brahmin stands, a sacred tree,
Its roots enwrapped in mystery.
The Sandhya, rooted firm below,
Feeds life and strength that upward grow.
From roots, the Vedic truths ascend,
In branches spreading without end,
And leaves, like duties we uphold,
In ancient whispers, truths retold.
Should Sandhya, source of life and prayer,
Be left alone, deprived of care,
The branches might still touch the skies,
But soon would wither, fade, and die.
Guard well the root, respect its place,
Its quiet strength, its silent grace,
For through its power, the branches rise,
And leaves find purpose under skies.
The renowned scriptures emphasize repeatedly. "विप्रो वृक्षस्तस्य मूलं च सन्ध्या वेदः शाखा धर्म कर्माणि पत्रम् | तस्मात्मूलं यत्नतो रक्षणीयं छिन्ने मूले नैव शाखा न पत्रम् ॥
ब्राह्मण एक वृक्ष के समान है। उसकी जड़ संध्या है, वेद उसकी शाखाएं हैं, और धर्मकार्य (सदाचार और धार्मिक कर्म) उसके पत्ते हैं। इसलिए, पूरी कोशिश करके उसकी जड़ की रक्षा करनी चाहिए, क्योंकि जड़ कट जाने पर न शाखाएं बचेंगी और न ही पत्ते।
The verse can be translated into English as follows:
"The Brahmin is like a tree; its root is the Sandhya (ritual), the Vedas are its branches, and duties (karmas) are its leaves. Therefore, the root must be diligently protected, for if the root is severed, neither the branches nor the leaves survive."
Essence:
This verse teaches that the sustenance of values, knowledge, and virtuous actions depends on nurturing foundational practices and principles. Without them, the entire system collapses.
Considering the information provided, it is suggested that devout Brahmins incorporate Trikal Sandhya (performing Sandhya three times a day) into their daily religious practices.
Brahmins and Trikal Sandhya (त्रिकाल संध्या) / (Three times Worship).
"Trikal Sandhya" which is also called "Trisandhya" refers to the practice of performing the Sandhya Vandanam. Sandhya Vandanam is usually done three times a day, during the morning, afternoon, and evening. Before performing Trikaal Sandhya or Tri Sandhya, devout individuals meditate upon the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). During Trikaal Sandhya, deities, goddesses, Gandharvas, and devout individuals engage in prayers and perform puja dedicated to Supreme Soul, who is revered as the creator of countless universes. He is also known as Paramatma.
In the practice of Sandhya Vandanam, individuals commonly chant a series of mantras, beginning with the sacred Om (ॐ) mantra. This ritual includes the recitation of other significant mantras such as Gayatri/ Savitri mantra, Narayan Stuti, and Narayani Stuti, Lakshmi Vandana, Bhudevi Vandana, Shiva mantra, Guru Vandana, among others. These mantras hold significant importance in Hindu rituals and are chanted during the performance of Sandhya Vandanam. The Hindu Shastras enumerate the advantages of engaging in Sandhya Vandanam /Trikal Sandhya.
This prayer is said to fulfill desires and the alleviate sorrow of life, provide spiritual healing, and awaken dormant energies within individuals. It not only enhances human intellect but also contributes to a brighter and more successful life. Additionally, the worship of Trikal Sandhya is believed to harmonize the body, mind, and soul with the Universe, and it is said to have the power to eradicate sins committed unknowingly.
Sandhya-vandana is considered the foundational step for all subsequent rituals, with Dharmaśāstra underscoring that the rituals performed without completing this practice are deemed fruitless.
In this context, it is emphasized that those who, with focused concentration, recall the Tridev (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), Devi Lakshmi, Anantadev, Surya Deva, Chandra Deva, Agni Deva, the ten avatars of Lord Maha Vishnu, and the celestial realms like Kshira Sagara and Shwet Dweep during dawn, are liberated from sin.-- Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam- canto 8,chapter 9.
According to the 23rd chapter of the 5th Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam, daily silent meditation and recitation of the mantra in the evening while focusing on the Sisumara Chakra in the sky can destroy sins. Many devotees regularly worship the Sisumara planetary system with sacred hearts and minds to achieve their goals.
The Sisumara Chakra, or Sisumara System, is situated approximately 1,300,000 yojanas (10,400,000 miles) above the 'Great Bear'. High above shines the Pole Star and the Sisumara System, also known as the Great Machine, which comprises stars and planets arranged in a formation resembling a dolphin in water. This imaginary śiśumāra is another form of Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Importance of "ॐ" (Om) in Trikal Sandhya (त्रिकाल संध्या).- सही उच्चारण और जाप से ओम (ॐ), शारीरिक ऊर्जा को आध्यात्मिक और ब्रह्मांडीय ऊर्जा से जोड़कर व्यक्ति को परम आनंद का अनुभव कराता है।
The Om mantra holds significant importance in Trikal Sandhya (त्रिकाल संध्या) for the following reasons:
"ॐ" (Om) or Aum is the first sound that emerged from the mouth of the Supreme Being, the creator, which breathed life into the formation of this universe. Om consists of three syllables: A, U, and M, representing the three fundamental qualities of nature. A signifies Satva (सत्त्व), U signifies Rajas (रज), and M signifies Tamas (तम).
The dot above ("ॐ") Om symbolizes transcendence beyond or equality within the three qualities, indicating the attribute less or formless aspect of reality. When a practitioner chants Om with the understanding of its significance, they swiftly attain the state of transcendence beyond the worldly qualities.
The repetition or chanting (japa) of Om, with correct pronunciation, allows the transformation of physical energy into spiritual energy. This spiritual energy can then be connected to the universal energy of the cosmos, leading the individual towards the ultimate bliss of existence.
The relationship between Om or Aum and the Supreme Being is eternal, not symbolic. Symbolism implies a representation, but the connection between Om and the Divine is intrinsic and perpetual. In the early phases of creation, the first reverberation is represented by the sacred syllable "ॐ" (Om), known as Omkar. Subsequently, the emergence of seventy million mantras takes place. The Om mantra is also referred to as Brahma ēkākṣara mantra/the one-syllable mantra of Brahmha (Supreme Being).
For those unfamiliar with the rituals of Sanatan Dharma (Hindu Dharma), it is believed that chanting the Om mantra alone is sufficient to seek the blessings of Paramatma, also referred to as the supreme soul or ultimate reality.
In Chapter 8, Verse 13 of the Bhagavad Gita, it has been said
ओमित्येकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्याहरन्मामनुस्मरन्।
यः प्रयाति त्यजन्देहं स याति परमां गतिम् ॥
गीता-8.13-जो पुरुष ओऽम् इस एक अक्षर ब्रह्म का उच्चारण करता हुआ और मेरा स्मरण करता हुआ शरीर का त्याग करता है, वह परम गति को प्राप्त होता है।।
Translation:
"The One who remembers me at the time of leaving the body and chants the sacred syllable Om will attain the supreme goal".
In spiritual philosophy, it is believed that the entire universe is pervaded by vibrational energy, which manifests in two primary forms: sound (nada) and light (prakasha). According to this belief, these energies are inseparable and interdependent in the spiritual realm. It is understood that neither sound nor light can be fully active or experienced without the presence and influence of the other. This interconnectedness underscores the holistic nature of spiritual existence, where these energies work in harmony to create and sustain the cosmic order.
Ancient sages believed that the origin of creation occurred through "Nada" or primordial sound. They held that the essence of both the inert and conscious aspects of the universe is pervaded by this sound, and hence, it is also referred to as "Nada-Brahma" (the sound of the ultimate reality).
"Anadinidhanam Brahma shabdatavayadaksharam,
Vivartate arthabhavena prakriya jagatoyatah."
Let's break it down:
Anadinidhanam: Without beginning or end; refers to Brahman, which is eternal and unchanging.
Brahma shabdatavayadaksharam: Brahman is often described as "akshara" (imperishable or immutable), and here, Brahman is associated with the sound or word "Om" (Brahma-shabda).
Vivartate arthabhavena: Appears to change due to the modification of forms; even though Brahman is unchanging, the world appears to change because of the different forms it takes.
Prakriya jagatoyatah: The process or origin of the world; the world or jagat arises as an apparent modification (vivarta) of Brahman.
Translation and Meaning:
"Brahman, which is without beginning or end, is referred to by the imperishable sound (Om). The world appears to evolve (or change) because of the different forms it takes, though Brahman itself remains unchanged; it is the modification in forms that gives rise to the process or the appearance of the world."
This philosophical idea (Advaita Vedanta) conveys that the sound aspect of Brahma is eternal, unchanging, and represents the fundamental creative force that gives rise to the diversity of the world through its transformative process. The initiation of this sound is symbolized by the sacred syllable 'Om' ('ॐ' in Sanskrit), which is considered the essence of the sound form of Brahma. According to the text Shatapatha Brahmana, understanding 'Shabdabrahma' (the sound aspect of Brahma) in its true form leads one to attain the knowledge of the ultimate reality, known as 'Brahma-tattva.'
प्राचीन महात्माओं ने माना है कि सृष्टि की उत्पत्ति नाद से हुई है। उनका मानना है कि ब्रह्माण्ड के सम्पूर्ण जड़-चेतन में नाद व्याप्त है, इसलिए उसे "नादब्रह्म" भी कहा जाता है।
अनादिनिधनं ब्रह्म शब्दतवायदक्षरम् ।
विवर्तते अर्थभावेन प्रक्रिया जगतोयतः॥
इसका अर्थ है कि शब्द रूपी ब्रह्म अनादि है, विनाश रहित है और अक्षर (नष्ट न होने वाला) है। जिस रूप में शब्द का आरम्भ हुआ, उसी स्थिति में वह अनन्तकाल तक बना रहेगा। इस आरम्भ को 'ओ़उम्' (शब्द) के रूप में माना जाता है, जिसे संक्षेप में 'ॐ' के रूप में लिखा जाता है। हिन्दू धर्मशास्त्रों में "ॐ" को एक अत्यंत पवित्र और महत्वपूर्ण ध्वनि माना गया है। "ॐ" को प्रणव मंत्र कहा जाता है और इसे ब्रह्म, ईश्वर का प्रतीक माना जाता है। श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता में भी "ॐ" को परमात्मा का प्रत्यक्ष स्वरूप बताया गया है। इसे "एकाक्षर ब्रह्म" के नाम से भी जाना जाता है क्योंकि यह एकमात्र ऐसा अक्षर है जो सम्पूर्ण ब्रह्मांड का प्रतीक है।
शास्त्रों के अनुसार, "ॐ" का उच्चारण ध्यान, योग और पूजा में किया जाता है और इसे सुनने या इसका जप करने से मानसिक शांति और आत्मिक उन्नति प्राप्त होती है। शतपथ ब्राह्मण के अनुसार, 'शब्दब्रह्म' को सही रूप से जानने वाला व्यक्ति 'ब्रह्म-तत्त्व' को प्राप्त करता है।
The renowned scriptures emphasize repeatedly. "विप्रो वृक्षस्तस्य मूलं च सन्ध्या वेदः शाखा धर्म कर्माणि पत्रम् । तस्मात्मूलं यत्नतो रक्षणीयं छिन्ने मूले नैव शाखा न पत्रम् ।।"
The verse can be translated into English as follows:
"The Brahmin is like a tree; its root is the Sandhya (ritual), the Vedas are its branches, and duties (karmas) are its leaves. Therefore, the root must be diligently protected, for if the root is severed, neither the branches nor the leaves survive." This verse emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the foundational practices represented by the root (Sandhya) for the preservation of the entire system of duties and knowledge symbolized by the branches (Vedas) and leaves (karmas).
Considering the information provided, it is suggested that devout Brahmins may choose to incorporate Trikal Sandhya into their religious routines. Nonetheless, it is essential to acknowledge that religious practices are deeply personal choices, and individuals vary in their interpretations and levels of commitment to these customs. In the sacred text Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, in Skandha 3, Chapter 13, Mother Earth is revered as the consort of Lord Vishnu. This underscores the importance for all adherents of Sanātana Dharma (Hinduism) to honor and respect Mother Earth.
In view of above, every devout individual upon waking from sleep and before setting foot on the ground should honor Mother Earth through chanting mantras or other rituals.
Mother Earth is a nurturing and protective figure, akin to a mother. Throughout history, various cultures have revered the Earth as a mother figure, attributing to it qualities of fertility, nourishment, and wisdom. This perspective often extends to the belief that humans have a responsibility to care for and protect and respect the Mother Earth, much like a child would honor and respect their mother. ॐ समुद्र-वसने देवी,पर्वत-स्तन-मंडिते। विष्णुपत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं,पाद-स्पर्शं क्षमस्व मे॥
I would like to conclude this article by extending my warm regards, best wishes, love, and gratitude to everyone. Thank you.
