As per the Hindu scriptures, our body shares a divine connection with the universe. This belief manifests in several practices of Hindu culture. These practices or rituals are largely governed by the Pañcāṃga (Hindu Calendar) in Bhāratīya (Indian) tradition. The calculation of time in this calendar is based on the natural cycles or movement of celestial objects like the sun, moon, earth, planets and specific constellations. Therefore it is not surprising in Hindu tradition to be mindful about the timing of one’s actions in order to achieve divine coherence with the universe through the process of entrainment. Our increasing knowledge of ourselves, the universe and phenomenon of entrainment, is making us understand this connection even more now.
Among various concepts in measuring time in this system, one is Muhūrta. In Bhārat (India), it is quite common to see people consulting Jyotiṣī (experts of time calculation according to celestial movements) to determine the Śubha-Muhūrta” (most auspicious time) to carry out important tasks especially the important lifetime events. In a typical day there are 30 Muhūrtas (the equivalent of 24 hours). If we wish to draw equivalence to the contemporary time system, one Muhūrta would be of 48 minutes duration. “Brahma Muhūrta”, a common term in this school of thought is linked to the 96 minutes before sunrise. Sometimes there is a misconception about the Muhūrta which needs clarification: This Muhūrta cannot be affixed a standard time as per the time system, as it is linked with sunrise. The sunrise varies and therefore the timing of the Brahma Muhūrta varies too.
As per Hindu scriptures, a person should wake up at this time to do meditation and remember the Bhagavān (Divinity). This process of entrainment with natural or celestial rhythms can result in great benefits. Therefore waking up during Brahma Muhūrta, have been given great importance in Hindu scriptures. This feeling is very well articulated in the śloka (verse) below:
वर्णं कीर्तिं मतिं लक्ष्मीं स्वास्थ्यमायुश्च विन्दति।
ब्राह्मे मुहूर्ते सञ्जाग्रच्छ्रियम् वा पकजं यथा।। (भैषज्यसारः 63)
varṇaṃ kīrtiṃ matiṃ lakṣmīṃ svāsthyamāyuśca vindati।
brāhme muhūrte sañjāgracchriyam vā pakajaṃ yathā।। (Bhaiṣajyasāraḥ 63)
One who wakes up in the Brahma Muhūrta attains beauty, praise, intelligence, wealth, health and long age and prosperity like a lotus.
By getting up in the Brahma Muhūrta, one attains sound health, longevity and prosperity. The person can feel glow like a lotus flower. It could therefore also be the most favourable time for exploring the self, doing meditation, listening to the silence of nature and enjoying bliss.
Interestingly, thinkers and philosophers across the world have expressed similar thoughts about this importance. For instance, Aristotle said, “It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.” Ben Franklin said “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Even the recent medical evidence seems to concur with these thoughts.
It is worth mentioning here that the Muhūrta before sunrise indeed has benefits, but one has to understand one’s context well to fully realise these benefits. One needs to understand one’s physical condition, discipline, context of living and feasibility of being able to follow the Brahma Muhūrta rhythm for his or her daily spiritual practices.
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