HINDU ENCYCLOPEDIA

सनातन धर्म भूमिका

Meaning of "Sandhya"

Word

Sandhya

Sanskrit

सन्ध्या

IAST

sandhyā

In General

Morning or evening twilight are called Sandhya. It is the most auspicious time for prayers and other religious activities.

Sandhya was also personified as a lady in Purana. Dharmadeva married ten daughters of Daksa, Sandhya was one among them. Another story tells that she was a mind born daughter of Brahma.

Purana

A Puranic story tells that Sandhya was born from the passion of Brahma, the creator. As soon as she was born she grew up. Seeing her exquisite beauty the Prajapatis were filled with excitement. Even Brahma, her father, was some-what excited at her sight. Sandhya became ashamed of her father and prayed to Vishnu that the entire creature in the world may have sexual excitement only after they grow up and she may prefer only one husband and chastise in all her lives. She then burned herself in the Yajna fire of Madhatithi, son of Priyavrata and from the fire came out pratassandhya (dawn) Sayantana Sandhya (the evening twilight) and a child known as Arundhati. Arundhati married Vasistha and they become ideal couple for the entire humankind.

Related entries found !

Word Sanskrit IAST In General Veda Purana