Why is there a tradition of waking up during Brahma Muhurta?

 

**Why is there a tradition of waking up during Brahma Muhurta?**

The last phase of the night is called *Brahma Muhurta*. Our sages have described this time as extremely significant. According to them, it is the best time to give up sleep. Waking up during Brahma Muhurta brings beauty, strength, knowledge, intelligence, and good health. One should wake up about four *ghadis* (approximately 1.5 hours) before sunrise. Sleeping during this time is prohibited in the scriptures.

*“Brahma”* means the Supreme Reality or Ishwar, and *“Muhurta”* means an auspicious time. Thus, the last phase of the night—roughly from 4:00 AM to 5:30 AM—is called Brahma Muhurta.

**“Brahmamuhurte yā nidrā sā puṇyakṣayakāriṇī”**

(Sleep during Brahma Muhurta destroys merit.)

In scriptures, this time is beautifully called *“Amrit Vela”* (the ambrosial hour), which itself reflects its importance. It is considered the best time for devotion to God. Waking at this hour grants beauty, prosperity, wisdom, and health. The mind becomes calm and the body pure.

Waking during Brahma Muhurta is highly beneficial for life. It keeps the body healthy and maintains energy throughout the day. It is a formula for health and success that costs nothing—only the abandonment of laziness is required.

### **Valmiki Ramayana**

According to the *Valmiki Ramayana*, while searching for Mother Sita, Shri Hanuman reached Ashok Vatika during Brahma Muhurta, where he heard the chanting of mantras by those knowledgeable in the Vedas and Yajñas.

Scriptures also state:

**“Varṇam kīrtim matim lakṣmīm svāsthyam āyuśca vindati |

Brāhme muhūrte sañjāgṛcchī vā paṅkaja yathā ||”**

Meaning: One who rises during Brahma Muhurta attains beauty, fame, intelligence, prosperity, health, and long life. The body blossoms like a lotus.

### **Brahma Muhurta and Nature**

There is a deep connection between Brahma Muhurta and nature. At this time, birds and animals awaken and begin their melodious sounds. Lotus flowers bloom, and roosters crow. Nature itself becomes conscious and vibrant, symbolizing awakening and alertness. It sends a message for humans to rise as well.

### **Why it brings success and prosperity**

According to Ayurveda, walking in Brahma Muhurta energizes the body with vital life force. The air at this time is considered nectar-like. It is also the best time for study, as the body and mind are refreshed after rest. Temples open during this time, and worship is performed.

Understanding its religious and practical benefits, one should develop the habit of waking up at this auspicious hour.

A person who wakes early becomes successful, happy, and prosperous because they have ample time to plan and complete their tasks. Students perform better, employees satisfy their superiors, and businesspersons earn well. Health plays a crucial role in success—those who are healthy progress in their work.

### **Vedic References**

**Ṛgveda 1.125.1**

*Prātar ratnaṃ prātar iṣvā dadhāti taṃ cikītva pratigṛhya nidhatte |

Tena prajāṃ vardhayamāna āyū rāyaspoṣeṇa sacate suvīraḥ ||*

Meaning: One who rises before sunrise remains healthy. The wise do not waste this time. Such a person becomes strong, prosperous, and long-lived.

**Sāmaveda 35**

*Yadya sūra udito’nāgā mitro’ryamā |

Suvāti savitā bhagaḥ ||*

Meaning: One should complete cleansing and bathing before sunrise and then engage in worship. The pure morning air enhances health and prosperity.

**Atharvaveda 7.16.2**

*Udyant sūryam iva suptānāṃ dviṣatāṃ varca ādade*

Meaning: Those who remain asleep even after sunrise lose their vitality.

### **Practical Importance**

From a practical perspective, Brahma Muhurta is ideal for health, freshness, and energy. After a night’s rest, the mind is calm and stable, and the environment is clean. Activities like meditation, yoga, and prayer strengthen the body, mind, and intellect.

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## **Biological Clock and Daily Routine**

* **3–5 AM:** Vital energy is active in the lungs. Drink lukewarm water, walk in fresh air, and practice pranayama. Deep breathing enhances lung capacity and oxygen intake.

* **5–7 AM:** Energy is active in the intestines. This is the ideal time for elimination and bathing. Delay can lead to constipation and disease.

* **7–9 AM:** Energy is in the stomach. Best time for meals; digestion is strong.

* **11 AM–1 PM:** Energy is in the heart. Rest is recommended; avoid heavy meals.

* **1–3 PM:** Energy is in the small intestine; nutrients are absorbed. Avoid sleeping.

* **3–5 PM:** Energy is in the urinary bladder. Urination tendency increases.

* **5–7 PM:** Energy is in the kidneys. Take light meals; avoid eating at sunset.

* **7–9 PM:** Energy is in the brain. Good time for study and memory retention.

* **9–11 PM:** Energy is in the spinal cord. Sleep during this time provides maximum rest.

* **11 PM–1 AM:** Energy is in the gallbladder. Wakefulness causes disorders.

* **1–3 AM:** Energy is in the liver. Proper digestion occurs; staying awake harms health.

### **Additional Guidelines**

* Eat only when hungry.

* Sit on the ground in a comfortable posture while eating for better digestion.

* Avoid late-night meals.

* Sleep with your head toward the east or south for better rest.

* Sleep in darkness to maintain the body’s biological clock.

Most modern diseases are caused by an irregular lifestyle and improper diet. Aligning daily routine with the body’s natural clock ensures better health.

**May all be happy and free from disease.**

Dr. Vivek Arya