Lord Swaminarayan now begins his teachings upon ‘Nitya-Karma’ - those duties observed daily - Pratyaham. They span the next six Shlokas. Shatanand explains that the period of 55 Gadis (one Gadi = 24 minutes) after sunrise is called Ushakala. Thereafter, 57 Gadis is Arunadeyakala and 58 Gadis after that is Praatahakala. The remaining time (for sunrise) is called Suryodeyakala. The time before sunrise is called Brahmuhurta. It is this Brahmuhurta Kala which is of significance and is precisely the time when we are to wake up and perform prayers to Shree Krishna.
Acharmayukh explains, ‘Night time’s last Gadi and daytime’s first Gadi (2 Gadis in total) is known as Brahman.’ Prayogparijat explains, ‘Night time’s lasts Prahar (one Prahar = 3 hours) is called Brahmuhurta. Such time is for study of the Vedas and so one should remain awake for this duration of time.’ Smrutiratnavali explains the consequence of sleeping during Brahmuhurta - ‘By sleeping during Brahmuhurta, one destroys their Punya (fruits of righteous actions). Those who unintentionally sleep during such time should perform Pada-Kruchra Vrata (involving severe fasting). Brahmuhurta is for purpose of study of Vedas and devotion to God. It is the most purest and pious part of the day. It is said that those who tackle a problem during such time will surely succeed in finding a solution to their problem. Those who perform worship during this time receive endless more fruits for their action. Such is the greatness of Brahmuhurta Kala and for such reason, one should not sleep during this time of day and thus waste it in this way. After which one should meditate upon Shree Krishna, his Bhaktas and his Tirtha Sthanas - performing Shree Krishna Smaranam.
Shatanand says that those who have woken early should perform Smarana for one Gadi. Those awaken late shall perform Smarana for two Gadis and then go to answer the call of nature. It is ironic that we work opposite to this philosophy by reducing the time spent on Smarana/Pooja, the later we wake up!
Manu explains the cleansing procedure after answering the call of nature: ‘Using sand or mud (and water) one must cleanse their genitalia once, their knees thrice, their left hand ten times, both hands together seven times and their feet three times.’ Only after such rigorous procedure does one become truly cleansed. It is surprising that many people don’t even bother to wash their hands when going to answer the call of nature, never mind the rigorous procedure above. Shatanand forbids the use of various types of sand or mud - there are five in all: (1) that from a river etc., (2) from temples and other holy places, (3) from an underground burrow of a snake or anthill, (4) from a mouse’s burrow, (5) mud used by somebody else for the same purpose.
Shatanand explains that those who do not properly cleanse themselves after answering the call of nature are degenerates. Therefore all should make sure that they follow these principles. Not only is it a religious thing but it is also for purpose of personal hygiene and the prevention of disease.
Shatatap Muni explains, ‘Those who answer the call of nature in circumstances where there is no water to cleanse themselves should bathe once they have water, perform a special offering and drink a preparation of water and Ghee, purified with Gold. After which Bhaskacharya suggests further purification through fasting.
It is desirable that Bhaktas wake before sunrise and perform Pooja. This is rarely done these days. However this should not be used as an excuse to not perform Pooja or to in some way ridicule those who do perform Pooja. There are people in this world who will say to those who perform Pooja - ‘Your Pooja is futile as you perform it after sunrise - it will bear no fruits’. Fools who do not understand the greatness of Pooja speak such words. Yes, those performing Pooja before sunrise will receive endless more Punya for their act. Those who perform Pooja after sunrise may not receive as much Punya, but will still receive something for their labour and so such people should never give up their devotion.