Brahmamuhurta (or Brahma Muhurtha) is a sacred period of time that occurs just before sunrise. It is believed to be a particularly auspicious time for practicing yoga and meditation, as the mind is naturally more still at this time. It is also considered a good time for religious practices and spiritual activities. According to tradition, spiritual activities performed during Brahmamuhurta are thought to have a greater impact than those performed at other times of the day.
Brahmamuhurta is the 14th muhurtha kala, or division of time, during the night. Each muhurtha lasts for 48 minutes, and there are 15 muhurthas in a single night. The exact time of Brahmamuhurta varies depending on the location and time of year, as it is based on the time of sunrise. For example, if sunrise is at 6:00 am, Brahmamuhurta would begin at 4:24 am and end at 5:12 am.
According to Ayurveda, the human body is made up of three doshas, or energies, called Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). The balance of these doshas is believed to be affected by the cycles of time. From sunrise until 10:00 am, the dominant dosha is Kapha; from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, it is Pitta; and from 2:00 pm until sunset, it is Vata. These times are believed to be important for maintaining balance and good health in the body.
During the evening, from 2:00 am until sunrise, the dominant dosha is Vata. Brahmamuhurta occurs during this time, and according to yoga masters, it is the best time to meditate. The mind is naturally more still at this time, making it easier to achieve a deeper meditative state. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, a famous yoga teacher, taught that one should meditate on God, the sun, or their parents during this time. Krishnamacharya followed the Vaishnavism tradition, which involves the worship of Bhagwan Vishnu, and was influenced by the teachings of Shiva, who is considered the first yogi. Many modern yogis also show reverence to the sun during Brahmamuhurta.
In the Kali Yuga, the current era in Hinduism, it is still possible to reach divinity through yoga, but the agitated state of mind associated with this era makes it necessary to practice yoga through Kriya, a type of yoga that focuses on physical postures (asanas). Many modern yogis whose lineage can be traced back to Tirumalai Krishnamacharya often practice the Suryanamaskara, or sun salutation, during Brahmamuhurta as a form of ritual cleansing. The Suryanamaskara is believed to align the mind with the “Vata” state, as described in Ayurveda and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. These states are considered closer to the divine, as they promote stillness of the mind, allowing the spirit to shine. The naturally stiller state of mind during Brahmamuhurta makes it easier to achieve meditative states.