Introduction

ब्राह्मे मुहूर्त्त उत्तिष्ठेत्स्वस्थो रक्षार्थमायुषः । (अ. ह. सू. 2/1)^[¹^]

(ब्रह्म - ज्ञानं, तदर्थंमध्ययनायपि ब्रह्म, तस्य योग्यो मुहूर्तों ब्राह्म:। किमर्थंमुत्तिष्ठेत् ? रक्षार्थमायुषो जीवितस्य । तदा श्रुत्तिष्ठतो व्याध्यलक्ष्म्याद्यभाव एवायुषो रक्षा भवति।)^[²^]

Brahman -knowledge, even for studying for that purpose, is Brahman in the moments worthy of it:

Why should he get up? To protect the life of the living. Then, since the Sruti remains, the absence of disease, wealth, etc., is the only protection of life.

रात्रेश्चतुर्दशो मुहूत्तो ब्राह्मो मुहूर्त:।। अरुणदत्त (अ. ह. सू.)^[³^]

The 14^th Muhurta of the night i.e., the last Prahara (Yama) of the night means 1 hour 36 minutes remaining from sunrise is Brahma Muhurta.

ब्राह्मे मुहूर्ते उत्तिष्ठेज्जीर्णाजीर्णे निरूपयन् । रक्षार्थमायुषः स्वस्थो जातवेगः समुत्सृजेत् ।।२।। (अ. सं. सू. 3/2)^[⁴^]

The healthy person, in order to protect his life, should get up from his sleep in Brahma Muhurta, after considering condition of digestion of food (of previous night) whether properly done or not. To protect his life, a healthy person should wake up in Brahma muhurta, considering whether dinner has been digested or not. If food has not been digested, he should not wake up. The time when three hours of night are remaining (3 - 6 am) is called Brahma Muhurta.^[5] Brahma means knowledge and God. The appropriate time for study of knowledge and for remembering God is Brahma Muhurta. One should wake up at this time and meditate on God and study. it is not advised for a sick person to wake up during Brahma Muhurta. Early morning has been called Amrit Vela. Pure air, pure water, pure land, abundant light and abundant sky are five nectars of nature. These five can be found in a clean and pollution free state only in the morning. People who give up this morning Panchamrit cannot be healthy, fortunate and knowledgeable.

रात्रेच्च पश्चिमे यामे सुदृत्ती त्रात उच्यते । (शब्दकल्पद्रुमः)^[6]

रात्रेः पश्चिमयामस्य मुहूत्तौ यस्तृतीयकः । अरुणोदयकाले ब्रह्ममुहूर्त्तः ।।

रात्रेषु निशाया: पश्चिमो यामो निश्चितः।।

Indu, the commentator says that the last Yama (the last three hours) of the night is known as Brahma Muhurta because it is the best time for obtaining Brahma or knowledge.

Acharya Dalhana written in Sushruta Samhita Sharir Astana 9/5

द्वाभ्यां स्वपिति, द्वाभ्यां प्रतिबुध्यते (सु.शा.9/5)^[⁹^]

द्वाभ्यां स्वपिति तमोविषयाभ्यां, (डल्हण)

सत्वविषयाभ्यां तु बुध्यते

Two upward arteries, one of which is related to Tama Vishaik which will bring sleep and the one related to Sattva Vishaik will wake up sleep.

Modern aspect of Brahma Muhurta

Pacemaker like mechanism in brain regulates sleep & wake cycle known as circadian cycle / rhythm.

This cycle includes sleep and wake timing body temperature, blood pressure, and releases of hormones in specific timings.

Controllers of sleep and wake cycle -

1. Melatonin by pineal gland
2. Core body temperature

Temperature - average adult human body temperature lowers to its min. at about 5:00 a.m.

Melatonin

A hormone produces by pineal gland in response to darkness signaling the body for sleep. As age increases melatonin secretion reduces due to calcification of pineal gland. Melatonin and serotonin play crucial roles in regulating the circadian cycle, which controls sleep-wake patterns and various physiological functions.

Melatonin’s Role in the Circadian Cycle

Sleep Induction: As daylight fades, serotonin is converted into melatonin, which signals the body to prepare for sleep. Regulation by the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN): The SCN (body’s internal clock) controls melatonin release based on light-dark cycles. Peak at Night: Melatonin levels rise in the evening, promoting drowsiness, and peak during the night to maintain sleep. Suppression by Light: Artificial or natural light exposure at night inhibits melatonin production, disrupting sleep patterns.

Seratonin

Precursor of melatonin. Seratonin increases in this hormone neurotransmitters acts as brahma muhurta feel a sense of satisfaction.

Research indicates that meditation or mindfulness during this period boosts cognitive function and concentration.

Emotional Stability and Stress Relief

Early morning routines help reduce anxiety and support emotional balance. The peaceful atmosphere fosters inner tranquility and overall well-being. Improved Self-Discipline and Personal Development Waking up during Brahma Muhurta cultivates discipline and promotes self-improvement. This time allows for reflection on personal goals, intentions, and growth. Better Physical Health and Vitality Practicing yoga and pranayama enhances breath control and increases energy levels. Strengthens the immune system and contributes to overall wellbeing.

Scientific Perspectives on the Benefits of Brahma Muhurta

Research highlights the advantages of early morning practices, revealing that: Meditation and yoga enhance mental well-being while lowering cortisol, the stress hormone. Morning routines boost dopamine levels, fostering positive emotions and motivation. Aligning daily activities with natural circadian rhythms supports better sleep, digestion and metabolic health.

Brahma Muhurta in Ayurveda: Dinacharya and Swasthavritta Dinacharya (Daily Routine): Ayurveda recognizes Brahma Muhurta as a vital time for practices like meditation, yoga, and journaling, promoting mindfulness from the start of the day.

Swasthavritta (Holistic Health Practices): Waking up early aligns with Ayurvedic principles for maintaining optimal physical and mental well-being by harmonizing with the body’s natural energy cycles. Integrating Brahma Muhurta into Your Daily Routine Brahma Muhurta, the sacred period before sunrise, is considered an ideal time for self-reflection, spiritual practices, and setting a positive tone for the day. Incorporating this practice into your routine can enhance mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being. Here’s how you can gradually integrate Brahma Muhurta into your daily life:

1. Ease into the Practice transitioning into an early morning routine requires patience and consistency. Gradually adjust your bedtime to ensure you wake up earlier without sacrificing sleep.

Vedic Significance: This Sadhana is spoken of in mythological scriptures because of its ability to bring about positive effects. During this period, the mind is at the peak of clarity and concentration, making it ideal for meditation, Yoga and spiritual practices.

Discussion

Brahma Muhurat is considered an auspicious and spiritually beneficial time period in Hindu tradition. It occurs during the early hours of the morning, approximately one hour and 36 minutes (96 minutes) before sunrise, typically between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM. The term "Brahma Muhurat" translates to "the time of Brahma" or "the divine time," as it is believed to be the most spiritually potent period of the day when the atmosphere is calm, and the mind is clear. During this time, the vibrations in the environment are considered to be most conducive for meditation, prayer, study, and spiritual practices.

1. Spiritual Significance: It is believed that during Brahma Muhurat, the connection between the individual soul (Atma) and the Supreme soul (Brahman) is stronger, making it a great time for prayer, chanting, and spiritual growth. The silence and stillness of the early morning create an ideal environment for spiritual practices.

2. Mental Clarity and Energy: The mind is thought to be most peaceful and fresh during this period. The distractions of the day are not yet present, and the individual can engage in self-reflection or mantra chanting more effectively.

3. Health Benefits: Waking up during Brahma Muhurat and performing activities like Yoga, Pranayama (breathing exercises), or other physical practices is said to promote physical health, improve mental well-being, and boost overall energy levels throughout the day.

4. Connection to Nature: The natural world is calmer during this time, and it is believed that connecting with nature during Brahma Muhurat enhances one’s sense of peace and tranquility.

5. Cultural Tradition: The practice of waking up early to begin one's day in this spiritually charged atmosphere has been emphasized in many ancient texts and traditions, particularly in the context of worship and religious observance.