Following is a thread on SandhyA Vandanam and why it is done. If there are any errors, please pardon me and if there is anything that is missing please add in the replies. Thank you all. 1/n

Hinduism is not just a religion; it is a way of life and code of behavior.There is so much synergy between Science and Spirituality in many Vedic traditions. Both Science& Spirituality seek the truth in their own unique ways.Per Science,Sun is a star that powers life on earth 2/n

Per Vedas,Sun is ‘Pratyaksha Devata’,the visible God.Just as how solar energy is harvested to charge batteries, during twilight(there is a significant shift in Sun’s energy &that shifting)energy is leveraged to recharge the body &mind through special physical&mental routines. 3/n

The main objective of is to avail the solar energy to the benefit of the worshipper, namely healthy mind and body, high intellect, memory and emotional intelligence. 4/n

SandhyA, The Half Light

technically refers to the times of the day when light in sky is soft and sun is below the horizon, either from daybreak to sunrise or from sunset to nightfall. The earth spins on its axis as it goes around the sun. This causes day and night. 5/n

At any given instant of time, there is sunrise at one place and sunset at another. Per Vedas, such times with striking shift in energy are to be specially reserved for worship.

SandhyA Vandanam is to be done three times in a day, namely dawn, midday and dusk. 6/n

The ‘PrAthah SandhyA’ (dawn routine) is to be done before sunrise, the Madhyanhikam (noon routine) at Noon when the Sun’s rays are straight and the SAyam SandhyA (dusk routine) before sunset. 7/n

Emotional and physiological benefits

Doing SandhyA Vandanam thrice a day in itself sets a rhythm and trains for mental discipline. In the ancient times it used to be religiously done at dawn and dusk outside in a calm place in knee deep waters. 8/n

Sunlight has UV, IR and visible light rays. Dawn and dusk are the times when Sunlight is tender, the harmful UV rays are minimal, and sunbathing is of immense benefit to the body. This provides a daily dose of vitamin D essential for bone and brain development. 9/n

Besides, standing in water helps practitioners to calm their emotions and temperament.

"Arghya”, offering water to the Sun, is the procedure that initiates the worship. Offering water to the Sun god during sunrise time causes sunlight to split into rainbow like a prism. 10/n

The dispersed light enters the body, illuminates and calms the mind and the senses and keeps them in control.

‘Acamanam’ is the act of sipping water from the base of the thumb while reciting 21 different names of Vishnu. 11/n

Spiritually this act purifies the performer of the three types of flaws namely physical (kAya), verbal (vAcha) and mental (manasA) while scientifically it invigorates brain and improves cognitive thinking. 12/n

‘Angavandanam’ is a set sequence of exercises touching various parts of the face and body with specific fingers while reciting names of Vishnu. This mental exercise requires coordination between mind and body and trains the brain to bring focus and concentration. 13/n

MadhyAhnikam” the noon ritual involves looking at the sun with a special mudra called the “vyOma MudrA”. 14/n

This is a special hand mudra i.e. a special finger window arrangement to create an aperture to look at the Sun for a very short period of time (NOT looking into the Sun directly which will damage the eye). “vyOma” means the sky, the temple where the Sun God resides. 15/n

This mudra helps to absorb solar energy into the body to activate pineal glands and boosts mood and metabolism without hurting the eyes.

‘Pranayama’, the routine of regulated breathing consists repeated iterations of inhalation, retention and exhalation. 16/n

Inhalation fills the lungs with fresh air; retention raises the internal temperature and plays an important part in increasing the absorption of oxygen & exhalation causes the air that is full of toxins and impurities is forced out. 17/n

The diaphragm, intercostal muscles of the ribs and abdominal muscles are massaged and toned up. Due to the proper functions of these organs, vital energy flows to all the systems, releasing energy blocks and thereby restoring health to the individual. 18/n

By regulating breath, the entire physiological system is regulated.

Finally, the routine ends with a humble request to the god to accept and pardon the sins and mistakes and let Him decide the authenticity and outcomes of the prayer. 19/n

Thus, this ancient ritual of Sandhya Vandanam is a celebration of nature and a wonderful spiritual prescription for a healthy and happy life.

Unfortunately many see it as mumbo jumbo or even mock who perform sandhya. Vr too influenced by the west that we forget our traditions