Brahma Muhurtha

Research & Reviews: Journal of AYUSH
Volume 1, Issue 3, December 2012, Pages 1-9

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ISSN: 22782214 STM Journals 2012. All Rights Reserved
Page 1
Appraisal Essay on Sacred Clip: Brahma Muhurtha

Dr. Kashinath Samagandi*, Dr. J agriti Sharma Samagandi
Dept. of Swasthavritta, National Institute of Ayurveda Jorawar Singh Gate, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
*Author for CorrespondenceE-mail: vd.kashisri@gmail.com

1. INTRODUCTION

Ayurveda, the ancient holistic science,
emphasizes the importance of a healthy
lifestyle which has been broadly dealt under
the headings of Swasthavritta, and also in
precluding diseases which is evident from its
primary objective, i.e., Swasthasya swasthya
rakshanam[ 1]. Paripalana of Swasthavritta
as an ideal lifestyle includes following
fundamentals, viz., Dinacharya [2],
Rutucharya [1], Sadvritta [2] all of which are
instruments in the prevention of disease and
promotion of positive health. Knowing these
concepts allows one to understand the rhythm
of ones own body. Acceptance of these
measures allows in maintaining homeostasis of
the body physiology, which is ultimately
essential in leading a healthy lifestyle. Because
of urbanization and industrialization, humans
started adapting to the changing lifestyle in
terms of diet and regimen which pose the
burden over the medical fraternity in the form
of lifestyle diseases. The need of the hour is
conversion of defective sedentary lifestyle to
an active, healthy and disease-free lifestyle.

2. SWASTHAVRITTA PALANA

Etymology of Swasthavritta is derived by
three words (1) Swa - refers to self, own,
myself, Prakriti, Prakrita Avastha of Dosha,
Dathu and Mala, (2) Stha - refers to existence,
staying, presence, and (3) Vritta - refers to
routine work, daily/seasonal regimens. Routine
work (daily/seasonal) which helps to maintain
the normalcy of self/Prakriti/Prakrita Avastha
of Dosha, Dathu and Mala are defined as
Swasthavritta. Swasthavritta incorporates
Dinacharya, Ritucharya and Sadvritta which
ABSTRACT

Life of an individual depends on adaptation and surrendering. Aachaara labathe ayu indicates that
adapting to wholesome adds up to the wellness, and giving up of unwholesome perturbs the health.
Preservation of an individuals health depends on the acceptability of the principles elaborated in
Ayurveda. Swasthavritta is an integral part and parcel of Ayurveda which primly emphasizes on
Dinacharya, Ritucharya and Sadvritta Palana. Implementation of these principles helps in prevention,
preservation and promotion of positive health. Time is an essential factor which gives the required scope
to practice all the principles of Dinacharya. Early to bed and early to rise is a proverb which
advocates regulation of day-to-day activities in a methodical manner. Early waking up is described in
classics as Brahma Muhurtha. This enables an individual to get sufficient time to practice the entire
Dinacharya regimen without hindrances and omission. It is also considered as the best time to gain
knowledge. Exact time specification and scientific justification of Brahma Muhurtha is a matter of
concern in the present era. Here an attempt is made to focus on this specific aspect.

Keywords: Brahma Muhurtha, Swasthavritta, Dinacharya, dawn, twilight
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help an individual to lead a healthy ideal
lifestyle. Regimens described under
Dinacharya are as follows:
1. Brahma Muhurtha - Uttiste (Wake up just
before Sun-rise)
2. Darpanena Mukhasayavalokana (To see
the mirror image of self)
3. Malotsarga (Bowel movements)
4. Achamana (Washing of hands)
5. Danta-Dhavana (Tooth-brushing)
6. Jihva-Nirlekhana (Tongue scrapping)
7. Sneha Gandusha Dharana (Retaining oil
in mouth)
8. Mukha-Netra Prakshalana (Washing of
face and eyes)
9. Sugandhita Dravya Dharana and Tambula
Sevana (Use of mouth freshener
substances)
10. Anjana (Application of collyrium)
11. Nasya (Oily nasal drops)
12. Dhumapana (Inhalation of medicated
smoke)
13. Vyayama (Physical exercise)
14. Kshaura-Karma (Regular cutting of hair,
nail, etc.)
15. Abhayanga (Body massage with oil)
16. Sharir-Parimarjana (Body cleansing)

2.1. A Sacred Clip: Brahma Muhurtha
Acharya Vagbhata was influenced by the time
factor, so he elaborated Dinacharya concept
starting from Brahma Muhurtha (wake up just
before sunrise) Brahme muhurte utteste
Jeerana Jeerna nirupayam [3] whereas
Acharya Charaka elaborated from Anjana
Karma because he was organ specific
Chakshu: pradhanam sarvendriyanaam
vidurbhudhaa[4]. This does not mean that
Charaka ignored the importance of Kala, he
emphasizes the Brahma Muhurtha by the term
Usha Kala while describing the Adhyana
Kala in Vimana Sthana 8/7.

Brahma Muhurtha is the auspicious time to
acquire knowledge as what the etymology
communicates us. But it is something more
than that, how? For this, there is a need of
subtle citation of Ayurveda excellence.

It is the transition period from dim light to
bright light which is called dawn. Ancient
documents refer it as Arunodaya Kala (dim
light with visible sky) which occurs before
Suryodaya Kala (Sunrise bright light) [5].

In wider aspect, it preciously quotes to last
Yaama of the Ratri. Clear idea of this can be
drawn by brushing up the knowledge of Kala
(Time) and its classification from various
ancient texts.

2.2. Kala Vargikarana [5]
a. Akshinimesha (Blink of eyelids): 1 Matra :
16/9 s
b. 15 Matra: 1 Kasta
c. 30 Kasta: 1 Kala
d. 20-1/10

Kala: 1 Nadika
e. 2 Nadika: 1 Muhurtha
f. 3-3/4 Muhurtha: 1 Yama/Prahara
g. 4 Yama: 1 Dina
h. 4 Yama: 1 Ratri
i. 15 Dina Ratri: 1 Paksha
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Acharya Vagbhata delivers that single day and
night is considered as one Aahoratri,
comprising 8 Yama (or) Prahara, which is
divided equally into day and night.

Here, one Yama compares to 3-3/4th

of
Muhurtha and one Muhurtha is 48 min
(3 48 = 180 min). Like this totally one day
consists of 30 Muhurthas, 15 Muhurthas for
day and 15 Muhurthas for night respectively.
With the support of this knowledge, an attempt
is made to specify the time of Brahma
Muhurtha.

2.3. Time Specification

Halayuda Kosha describes Paschima Yama of
Ratri (last 3 hours of night) [6]

whereas
Jyothishya Shastra considers 26th Muhurtha,
i.e., 3:00 a. m. as the Brahma Muhurtha. In
broader sense it is from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Still more subtle specification of time is drawn
by citing various references, like
Ratreschaturdasho muhurtho brahma
Muhurtha [7]

Ratre paschime yaame muhurtho yastritiyaka
[8] Fourteenth Muhurtha of Ratri, i.e., 4:24
a.m. to 5:12 a.m. is considered as Brahma
Muhurtha, if the time of sunrise is 6:00 a.m.
[2].

The exact time of Brahma Muhurtha varies
from region to region as the time of sunrise is
not uniform throughout the world. It is
approximately two Muhurthas, i.e., 96 min
(almost 1- hr) before sunrise (starting of 14th
Muhurtha).

Sarvasmin kaale ratrisch chatughatika
avasheshe samutthanam karyamithi sthitham
[9].

According to Arunadatta, commentator of
Astanga Hridaya, states that Brahma
Muhurtha commences when there is
Avasheesha of 4 Naadi or Ghattika of Ratri
(24 min 4 = 96 min or 1- h before sunrise).
1 Muhurtha is 2 Naadi or Ghatika.
1 Naadi is equal to 24 min.

In Ancient science, we get a different name for
each Muhurtha [10] (Table I).

By considering above points, it is easily
concluded that Brahma Muhurtha is from
3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. in general and
specifically 4:24 a.m. to the 5:12a.m., when
the time of sunrise is 6:00 a.m.

2.4. Importance of Brahma Muhurtha

Tridosha (humors) are said to be responsible
for the homeostasis in the body, and health is
nothing but a state of equilibrium of these
Tridoshas. Continuous fluctuations of these
Doshas are seen in a healthy body with respect
to age, day and night and food, but this
variation will be within the physiological
limits.

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Table I : Different name for Muhurtha.
S.No. Timing Name of Muhurtha
1 06:0006:48 Rudra
2 06:4807:36 hi
3 07:3608:24 Mitra
4 08:2409:12 Pit
5 09:1210:00 Vasu
6 10:0010:48 Vrh
7 10:4811:36 Vivadev
8 11:3612:24 Vidhi
9 12:2413:12 Satamukhi
10 13:1214:00 Puruhta
11 14:0014:48 Vhini
12 14:4815:36 Naktanakar
13 15:3616:24 Varua
14 16:2417:12 Aryam
15 17:1218:00 Bhaga
16 18:0018:48 Giria
17 18:4819:36 Ajapda
18 19:3620:24 Ahira Budhnya
19 20:2421:12 Pua
20 21:1222:00 Avin
21 22:0022:48 Yama
22 22:4823:36 Agni
23 23:3624:24 Vidht
24 24:2401:12 Kaa
25 01:1202:00 Aditi
26 02:0002:48 Jivamr ta
27 02:4803:36 Viu
28 03:2004:08 Yumigadyuti
29 04:0804:56 Brahma
30 04:5605:44 Samudrama
Reference of Muhurtha Chinthamani quotes
8th Muhurtha as Brahma, but it has no relation
to Brahma Muhurtha, whereas 14th Muhurtha
is Twastra which should be considered as
Brahma Muhurtha.

Vata is the dominant Dosha in last Yama of
night (approximately 3:00 a.m.6:00 a.m.)
[11] which is considered as the initiator of all
physiological and psychological activities.
Getting up from the bed at that time is
essential to begin our routines, starting from
bowel evacuation to other daily activities [12]
without any perturbation. And even
apprehensible of the cognitive works like
reading, writing, chanting, etc., will be easy
and speedy because of the Vata predominance
(ch. vim 8/98). Raja is the Manasika Dosha,
which is dominant and has functions similar to
that of Vata Dosha in initiating the activities.
Some authors quote this clip as Panchamrutha
Vela (time of five essences) because of
existence of essences like Shudha Vayu,
Shudha Jala, Shudha Bhumi, Vipula Aakasha,
and Vipula Praakasha.

Shudha Vayu denotes the pure form of air
which is essential for proper functioning of the
body. Brahma Muhurtha is an intermittent
duration between respiration and
photosynthesis in floral realm. During that
time, abundant amount of nascent oxygen is
present in the environment; in nature singlet
oxygen is commonly formed from water
during photosynthesis, using the energy of
sunlight [13]. It is also produced in the
troposphere by the photolysis of ozone by light
of short wavelength, which readily mixes up
with hemoglobin to form oxy-hemoglobin and
supplies required amount of nutrients by
reaching remote tissues and boosts the immune
system as oxygen-deficient bodies are highly
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prone to diseases. Nascent oxygen is the
singlet oxygen molecule or O
1
. Singlet oxygen
is exactly what improves and regularizes the
circulation which the body needs in order to
neutralize the gastrointestinal, respiratory and
metabolic toxic gases. Nascent oxygen binds
with other elements like ionic sodium to
biologically trans-mutate to potassium which
helps to maintain the delicate balance of pH up
to 7.365 [14]. Nascent oxygen absorbs
harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide and sulphur dioxide from the
environment, said Shyamkant Padoley, an
eminent botanist. Oxygen is also very
important for optimal performance of brain,
which utilizes 25% of the bodys oxygen,
whereas the nascent oxygen heightens
cognitive functioning and brain stamina,
nourishing the brain and keeping it youthful.

Even the activities of the entire world,
especially of the living beings are not yet
started fully, so an individual gets very good
amount of pollution-free (dust, fumes, toxic
gases from automobiles) oxygen in the air.
Good amount of moisture and mist in the early
morning makes heavy toxic elements and dust
(which have tendency to disperse) to get
settled down on the surface of the Earth by
adding up to their gravity.

Vipul Jala refers to the availability of clear and
purest form of water in Brahma Muhurtha. It
is possible to get contamination-free water
because of natural purification method which
happens by sedimentation of the pollutants at
the bottom of a vessel or a container [15].
Consumption of cold and pure water at that
time Usha Pana [16] helps to disengage the
bits and particles of food that adhere to the
walls of the intestines, along with gases, fecal
matters and other undigested materials by the
pressure of consumed water and these morbid
materials get dissolved into the inflowing
water and leave the body. In turn, this gives
the intestinal cells a new lease of life. Coolant
nature of water nourishes brain cells.

Vipul Prakaasha (Dawn) Transition time
from dim to bright light is named as Dawn; it
is the time which marks the beginning of the
twilight before sunrise. Twilight is the time
between dawn and sunrise or between sunset
and dusk. Twilight is defined according to the
solar elevation angle , which is the position
of the geometric center of the Sun relative to
the horizon. There are three established and
widely accepted subcategories of twilight:
civil twilight (brightest), nautical twilight, and
astronomical twilight (darkest) (Table II).

Civil twilight is the time which starts when the
geometric center of the Sun is 6 below the
horizon and ends up at sunrise. Venus which is
referred to as the morning star appears at that
time; even brightest stars are visible. Light
from the Sun is sufficient to carry out outdoor
activities. Sun takes approximately 30 min to
move from 6

below the horizon to sunrise at
the horizon.

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Table I I : Geometric Center of Sun relative to
Earths Horizon.
Definition Geometric Center of Sun
relative to Earths Horizon
Day
0
Suns lower
limb at horizon
= 0 15'
Center of Suns
disk at horizon
= 0
Suns upper
limb at horizon
= 0 15'
Solar twilight
0 < 6
Civil twilight
6 < 0
Nautical
twilight
12 < 6
Astronomical
twilight
18 < 12
Night
< 18

When the geometric center of the Sun is
between 6 and 12 below the horizon and
between 12 and 18 below the horizon then it
is called as nautical twilight and astronomical
twilight respectively. From the end of
astronomical twilight in the evening to the
beginning of astronomical twilight in the
morning, the sky is dark enough for all
astronomical observations.

The length of twilight after sunset and before
sunrise is heavily influenced by the latitude of
the observer.

Dawn [17] is recognized by the presence of
weak sunlight, while the Sun itself is still
below the horizon. It should not be confused
with sunrise, which is the moment when the
leading edge of the Sun itself appears above
the horizon. The duration of the twilight period
between dawn and sunrise varies greatly
depending on the observers latitude, from a
few minutes in equatorial regions to many
hours in Polar regions [18].

There are also more technical definitions of
dawn, including the following:
Astronomical dawn is the time at which the
geometric center of Sun is 18

below the
horizon of Earth; here sky is no longer
completely dark. Nautical dawn is the time at
which there is sufficient light from the Sun, for
the visualization and differentiation of
terrestrial objects over the horizon. Here the
geometric center of Sun is 12

below the
Earths horizon.

Civil dawn is the time where the geometric
center of Sun is 6 below the horizon and there
is enough light to distinguish the terrestrial
objects and to carry out the daily routine
outdoor activities and solar dawn is the time at
which the geometric center of Sun is zero
degree to the Earths horizon in the morning.

Fig. 1: Movement of Sun.
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So here, finally we can make out with the
above reference that each 6-degree movement
of Earth takes 30 min, 18 degrees takes 1-1/2 h
(180 min). So here astronomical dawn is the
stage where the Sun is 18 below the horizon
and solar dawn at the edge of the horizon. So
time duration between the astronomical dawn
and the solar dawn can be referred to as the
Brahma Muhurtha in broader form, in
precisely the astronomical dawn which
commences at 18 and ends at the end of
nautical dawn at 6 is taken as Brahma
Muhurtha (approximately 1 h).

This transition period stimulates a nerve
pathway from the retina in the eye to an area in
the brain called the hypothalamus. There, a
special center called the supra-chiasmatic
nucleus (SCN) initiates signals to other parts
of the brain that control hormones, body
temperature and other functions that play a
role in making us feel sleepy or wide awake.
Once exposed to the first light each day, the
clock in the SCN begins performing functions
like raising body temperature and releasing
stimulating hormones like cortisol (mood
elevator) and alertness. So it is considered as
the right time for Adhyayana, because of
increased concentration and alertness which in
turn helps an individual to grab knowledge.
Contrarily, late rising from the bed induces
lethargic mood throughout the day causing
inactivity.

A study conducted on eight healthy individuals
shows early morning transition from dim to
bright light suppressed melatonin secretion,
induced an immediate, greater than 50%
elevation of cortisol levels, and limited the
deterioration of alertness normally associated
with overnight sleep deprivation. Afternoon
exposure to bright light did not have any effect
on either hormonal or behavioral parameters.
The data unambiguously demonstrate the
effect of light on the cortico-tropic axis that is
dependent on time of the day.

The body prepares for waking up by secreting
several different hormones between 4:00 a.m.
to 6:30 a.m. It is called as dawn phenomenon.
Preferably, it secretes cortisol, epinephrine,
and nor-epinephrine hormones which are
involved in the fight or flight response. In
this case, their job is more benign, to provide
the energy to get up and move. Besides
delivering a burst of energy, these hormones
raise blood sugar. So after these stress
hormones are secreted, around 5:30 a.m. there
will be a drastic rise in plasma glucose which
in turn initiates the secretion of insulin in
normal human beings. Secreted insulin helps
in optimum uptake of glucose by cells for
energy production.
Shudha Bhumi Temperature is one of the
major factors which affect the psychology of
an individual. Extreme temperature acts as a
hurdle in doing routine chores. During day
time, Earths mass absorbs and retains heat.
Over a time, because of the high density of the
Earth, changes in the Earths temperature
occur slowly by releasing heat to surrounding
areas known as thermal lag, which perturbs
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Page 8
physical and mental normalcy. Eventually, in
Brahma Muhurtha most of the retained
temperature is expelled and provides an
optimum permissible environment (Vipul
Bhumi) to indulge in initiative and cognitive
activities.

Vipul Akasha refers to noise-free environment.
Because of less activity of human beings and
due to cease of automobiles, it makes us to get
noise-free zone, which affords us a suitable
time for gaining knowledge.

Like this finally we can conclude that Brahma
Muhurtha is a sacred clip which provides us
essential environmental factors to indulge in
our own daily regimens which are explained
under the Dinacharya concept without any
perturbation to prevent, preserve and promote
our positive health.

3. CONCLUSIONS

Brahma Muhurtha is the clip among thirty
clips in a day, which has been cited in
Ayurveda excellence and Astronomy.
Regarding the time consideration, between
3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. in general view and
precisely between 4.24 a.m. to 5.12 a.m. is
taken as Brahma Muhurtha when the Sun
rising time is 6:00 a.m. Even it can be
considered as time gap between the
astronomical dawn which commences at 18
and ends at the end of nautical dawn at 6
below the horizon.
This Muhurtha is auspicious, because of the
following prosperous effects:
Shudha Vayu: Purest form of oxygen
initiates the well-functioning of the every
cells of the body.
Shudha Jala: Contamination-free water is
wholesome for consumption.
Shudha Bhoomi: Optimum permissible
thermal environment for initiative and
cognitive activities is available.
Vipul Akasha: Noise-free ambience offers
qualified moment for cognitive work.
Vipul Prakaasha: This drives the secretion
of mood elevating hormones and supports
in accomplishing routine activities to the
optimum. Above these reason gives the
term as Panchamrutha Vela for Brahma
Muhurtha. So this event should be
assigned preferable to the activities
(cognitive and hygiene activities) which
favor healthy personal development
(physical, mental and spiritual) of an
individual.

REFERENCES

1. Caraka. Caraka Samhita. Commentary by
Cakrapani. Vaidya Jadavji Trikamji
Acarya (Ed.) Chaukambha Sanskrit
Sansthan. 1994 edn.
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translation by Prof. K. R. Srikantha
Murthy. Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.
1998 edn.
3. Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridaya.
Commentary by Arunadatta and Hemadri.
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Page 9
Harishastri Paradkar (Ed.). Krishnadas
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14. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen
15. http://www.greensandlean.com/Prodinfo/
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18. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn cited
on 23-04-2012.

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Volume 1, Issue 3, December 2012, Pages 1-9

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