History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v2.c24.s1.159

v2.c24.s1.159

The word '*saṁdhyā*' literally means 'twilight', but also indicates the action of prayer performed in the morning and evening twilight. This act is generally styled '*saṁdhyopāsanā*' or '*saṁdhyāvandana*' or simply '*saṁdhyā*'.⁷⁴⁰ This act of adoration is sometimes prescribed as necessary thrice a day viz. at day-break, in the noon and at sun-set e.g. Atri⁷⁴¹ says 'a twice-born person possessed of the knowledge of the Self should perform three saṁdhyā adorations.' These are respectively named Gāyatrī (morning one), Sāvitrī (noon) and Sarasvatī (evening one) by Yoga-yājñavalkya. Generally however the saṁdhyā prayer is prescribed twice (Āśv. gṛ. III. 7, Āp. Dh. S. I. 11. 30. 8, Gaut. II. 17, Manu II. 101, Yāj. I. 24-25 &c).