Brahmamuhurtam is usually considered the most ideal time to wake up according to many Hindu traditional texts. The word roughly translates to ‘the time of Brahma’. The God, Brahma is associated with creation, hence this period is associated with an immense creative process and powerful manifestation. The 48 minutes of the night before the sunrise is usually considered as Brahmamuhutham. This time will vary everyday depending on the sunrise but it usually falls between 2 a.m to 4 a.m every day.
[pullquote]During Brahmamuhurtam it is believed that the ‘raga-dvesha’ currents have not entered in the mind deeply, thus making it easy to indulge in divine thoughts.[/pullquote]
How is Brahmamuhurtam calculated?
In ayurvedic traditions a day is calculated from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. the next day. A day is divided into 6 parts. Night time starts from 10 p.m. and extends till 6 a.m. which is divided into 2 parts (10 p.m-2 a.m. and 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.). Hence the last part of the night is called Brahmamuhurtam.
.Time division:
-6 a.m-10 a.m.
-10 a.m-2 p.m.
-2 p.m-6 p.m.
-6 p.m-10 p.m.
-10 p.m-2 a.m.
-2.am- 6 a.m.
A Muhuratam is a Hindu unit for the measuring time. One Muhuratam = 2 Ghadiyan or 48 minutes. So a 24 hour day will have 30 Muhuratams every day. In some traditions, Brahmamuhuratm is the second last Muhuratam before sunrise (1hr 36mins before sunrise).
Why is Brahmamuhurtam special?
The atmosphere consists of many layers which are composed of gases like Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Argon among others. These layers are said to provide energy to all living beings. They also help in reflecting light from the Sun to the Earth. The molecules in these layers help absorb energy and radiation. The radiation heats the layers causing it to move up considerably.
At night when the moon reflects its coolness, these layers become cooler and come down. During Brahmamuhurtham, these layers settle down and produce energy. People who wake up during this time are able to benefit from this energy in many ways.
During Brahmamuhurtam it is believed that the ‘raga-dvesha’ currents have not entered in the mind deeply, thus making it easy to indulge in divine thoughts. Yogis believe that the atmosphere is charged with powerful electromagnetic vibrations which travel in north-south direction. So, Yogis, Sanyasis, Rishis and Paramahamsas start their meditation during this time, spreading their vibrations and energy, so spiritual aspirants can benefit from this energy and achieve their sadhana quickly.
Why should I wake up during Brahmamuhurtam?
.Makes you feel active: Vata Dosha is active during this time which will help you activate your entire body and mind, keeping it energized throughout the day.
.Helps kapha disorders: It helps to keep away Kapha disorders like joint stiffness (as in case of rheumatoid arthritis), asthma, indigestion and allergic conditions.
.Sattva manifestation: This time period is supposed to manifest sattva in one’s own body which makes it an ideal time for reflection and meditation. Rajas is manifested after 6 a.m. and Tamas is manifested at night.
.Better focus: The Shushmana nadi flows easily during this hour, helping you focus better during meditation, yoga or academic studies making it a very effective period for students and spiritual aspirants.
.Advance spiritually: Many spiritual gurus also choose to meditate during this time, spiritual aspirants who meditate during this time get linked with the vibration of the gurus who can guide them in their sadhana making them advance faster spiritually.
.Better brain activity: Some hypothesize that the presence of certain ions present in the air during this time leads to better neuron stimulation in the brain.
.Less disturbance: Most people and animals are asleep during this time, so other beings vibration, energy or thoughts doesn’t affect people who are meditating during this time. The swapna-mana (dream mind) has no effect on the jagrath-mana (awake-mind), so the dreams of people who are asleep will not disturb the meditator.
.Increases satva guna: Meditation during this period increases the satva guna and decreases rajas and tamas guna which cause mental irritation, hyperactivity and lethargy.
.Feel healthier: Vata is pacified due to meditation, prana flows freely and one feels better organized mentally and energized physically.
.Helps get rid of mental attachments: People meditating in this hour regularly will be able to overcome Kama (Lust), Krodha(Rage), Lobha(Greed), Moha(Attachment) and Ahankaara(Ego) that hinder spiritual development.
What should I do once I wake up during Brahmamurtham?
.Offer a prayer and mentally cleanse yourself of any bad dreams or influences of your previous night’s sleep
.Finish your morning ablutions and other routines quickly.
.If you suffer from constipation or other digestive problems, skip the bathroom visit and just imagine taking bath in a holy river, repeating “I am an ever pure soul”
.If you want to take a bath, use cold water or Luke warm water. Cold water awakens your brain and your body. In winter months you can skip this step and just mentally cleanse yourself by repeating the above mantra.
.Sit in Sukha, Sidha or Padma asana and meditate facing north. You can also do pranayama and your daily yoga practice after finishing your meditation
.Sit in the opposite direction of the energy flow to meditate i.e. North (flow direction is north to south)
.Follow this routine daily by going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day
