ಋಗ್ವೇದ ಸಂಧ್ಯಾವಂದನೆ
Rigveda Sandhyavandane
The thrice-daily sandhya for Rigvedins — Ashvalayana tradition.
Shakha / sutra: Shakala shakha · Ashvalayana sutra
ಪ್ರಾತಃ ಸಂಧ್ಯಾ
When: At dawn — ideally before or as the sun rises.
Arghya: Offer arghya standing, facing east. If done after sunrise, an extra prayaschitta (atonement) arghya is added.
Meditation: Gayatri is meditated upon as the reddish morning form — Brahma-svarupa.
Step by step
1ಆಚಮನ
Achamana
Sip a small quantity of water thrice, uttering the names Keshava, Narayana, Madhava.
Why: Inner and outer purification before beginning worship.
2ಪ್ರಾಣಾಯಾಮ
Pranayama
Close the nostrils with the right thumb and ring finger and regulate the breath while mentally reciting the Gayatri with its vyahrtis and shiras.
Why: Steadies the breath and mind for the sandhya.
3ಸಂಕಲ್ಪ
Sankalpa
Place the right palm over the left on the right thigh and state the intention — the place, time (morning/noon/evening) and the resolve to perform sandhyavandane.
Why: A conscious resolve that gives the act its meaning.
4ಮಾರ್ಜನ
Marjana
Sprinkle water over the head and body with the fingertips, reciting the Aapohishtha (Āpo hi ṣṭhā…) purificatory mantras.
Why: Purifies the body with the blessing of the waters.
- 5
ಪ್ರಾಶನ / ಮಂತ್ರಾಚಮನ
Prashana
Sip water once for internal purification with the prescribed mantra (Sūrya-ca-mā / Agni-ca-mā form).
Why: Seeks freedom from the effects of wrong done during the day/night.
- 6
ಪುನರ್ಮಾರ್ಜನ
Punar-marjana
Sprinkle water again (Dadhikrāvṇo… and Aapohishtha).
Why: A second purification before offering arghya.
7ಅರ್ಘ್ಯ ಪ್ರದಾನ
Arghya pradana
Take water in both cupped hands and offer it towards the Sun while reciting the Gayatri. (See the time-specific note above for how and which direction.)
Why: Honouring Surya-Savita; symbolically restraining the demons of darkness.
8ಗಾಯತ್ರೀ ಜಪ
Gayatri Japa
After japa-sankalpa and pranayama, meditate on Gayatri and repeat the Gayatri mantra (108 / 28 / minimum 10 times) with a covered japa-mala or on the fingers.
Why: The heart of the sandhya — the core meditation of the twice-born.
ಓಂ ಭೂರ್ಭುವಃ ಸ್ವಃ ತತ್ಸವಿತುರ್ವರೇಣ್ಯಂ ಭರ್ಗೋ ದೇವಸ್ಯ ಧೀಮಹಿ ಧಿಯೋ ಯೋ ನಃ ಪ್ರಚೋದಯಾತ್॥
Om bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṃ bhargo devasya dhīmahi dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt
9ಸೂರ್ಯೋಪಸ್ಥಾನ
Surya Upasthana
Stand with folded hands facing the Sun and recite the upasthana mantras honouring Surya and the presiding devatas.
Why: Reverent salutation to the Sun and the sandhya devata.
- 10
ಅಭಿವಾದನ ಮತ್ತು ಸಮರ್ಪಣ
Abhivadana & Samarpana
Offer namaskara to the directions and devatas, state your abhivadana (rishi-gotra-sutra-shakha-name), and dedicate the act to the Lord.
Why: Salutation to elders and lineage; surrender of the fruit of the karma.
This is a learner's outline. Exact mantras and small variations differ by shakha, sutra and family custom — please learn the full procedure from your guru or purohith.