One must perform Datana (brushing their teeth) sitting in one place. Smruti strictly forbids any other way of brushing: Na Tishtam Brajan Kuryan Na Svapan Dantdhavan - ‘One should never brush their teeth while standing, walking or lying down.’ One must also perform Datana whilst observing ‘Moun Vrata’ - vow of silence. Datana should be performed using water and the famed sticks of wood. Vishnu explains such famed piece of wood: ‘A stick of wood which has thaws and milk-like juice should be used. It should be twelve finger widths in length and one finger in width. One end should be made into free bristles at a depth of half a finger.’
Skanda Purana explains, ‘According to their caste, all should perform Datana with a stick of wood which is shorter by one finger length.’ Thus Shudras should use a twelve finger-width length Datana, Vaishyas an eleven length Datana etc. Vashishta writes, ‘One should not perform Datana on days of Upavaas (fasting) and Shraadh (ancestral offering).’ This is forbidden due to the use of wood. Vyaas explains, ‘On days of Upavaas or days on which Datana cannot be found, one should wash their mouth with water twelve times.’ Krutyachinamani explains, ‘Samavedis (Brahmins) should use Datana of eight finger-widths.’
After Datana one should bath using pure water. Padma Purana explains what ‘pure’ water means: ‘Bathing daily in the cold water of a sea, river, stream or a well is considered the best.’ Bathing in cold water is considered to be better but obviously those who cannot through old age or illness may bathe using warm water. Manu strictly forbid the use of hot water for bathing in many instances: ‘One should not bathe using hot water when there is a death in a family, a birth, period of astrological transition (Sankranti), during Shraadh - the time of ancestral offerings, one’s own birthday and after an eclipse of the sun or moon.’
Katyayan informs us of the way in which bathing is to be performed: Praataha Shankshepataha Snaanam Madhyena Tu Savistaram - ‘One should bathe in short (Shankshepa) at daybreak (Praatahakala) and then in full (extensively) at noon. Those who do not act in this way never receive the intended fruits of acts of sacrifices (Yagnas) etc.’
In Mitakshara, Shatatap Muni explains the consequences of not bathing at daybreak: Praataha Snaanam Vini Nityan Dwijo Bhavati Sutaki - they are forever Sutaki - an untouchable and impure. Skanda Purana explains the merits of bathing at daybreak: ‘Those who bathe at daybreak satiate their ancestors and the Gods. Their actions become pure and worthwhile.’ Therefore it is important that ‘Snaan Vidhi’ is carried out properly and a level of cleanliness is maintained which is acceptable.
After bathing, one should wear a piece of cloth around the waist (usually a Dhoti for men) and one around the upper body (Sala). These articles of clothing should be washed and clean. Dharma Pradeep explains that such articles of clothing are not considered to be pure and clean if washed by a woman, hence such clothings for this purpose must be washed by the individuals themselves. Smruti Sangraha explains the deeper meaning of ‘pure’ clothes and hence, that which is considered as unclean, ‘A cotton garment worn around the waist, a silk cloth worn whist eating and any dirty garments are all ready to be washed.’
The specification regarding size etc. of the garment to be worn are now given: The cloth for the lower part of the body should be seven or eight arm lengths long and a quarter of that wide. The garment should be relatively new made from white linen. The upper body cloth should be half that of the lower in length.
In this way two garments should be used: Vasasi Paridhaniyamutriyam Cheti Dve Vastre Paridharye - one which is worn and one which is used to cover says Hari Harkarikama. To use only one cloth is unacceptable as such use is considered to be comparable to being naked. In addition Brahmcharis, Brahmins etc. should wear a loincloth and Janoi (sacred thread).
In Krutyachintamani, Jatukarnya Muni explains: ‘Those who wear dirty clothes, a loin cloth on its own, does not wear a loin cloth, does not wear an upper cloth, who wears the red Bhagwa clothing, a wet garment, sticky clothing and a sewn garment, are considered as naked.’
Jatukarnya Muni forbids eating with only one clothing worn. Similarly acts such as Japa, Daan and Yagnas do not provide the fruits which one expects if only one garment is worn.
These Shlokas are for the good of man. The Nitya Karmas are there for personal purification and so it is important that from the time we make up in the morning, we keep our mind focused for the act of purification. It should be concentrated upon God. Many have a habit of waking up first thing in the morning and watching television. He then casually goes into the bathroom whenever he feels up to it. Many sing songs in the bath.
We must realise that the morning is to be dedicated to God and these other things should be far from one’s mind. When waking, we should meditate upon God for few minutes and then go to the bathroom to see to morning duties. Whilst bathing, we should sing the Lord’s name, chant his glorious name or sing Kirtans and remember and chant the great rivers of India. Surely these acts will be more beneficial than singing other songs.
If you need to listen to something in the morning then listen to Katha of God or Bhajans and not Hindi film songs. It is important that the morning ritual, involving remembrance of the Lord is taught to the young so that they can practice it form an early age. Those children who follow such an ethical code become virtuous and respected throughout their lives. Those who do not have any discipline like this are defamed and inevitably face difficulties in their life. Only those who remember God daily in this way are themselves remembered by God and ultimately his choicest blessings are showered upon such pure devotees of God. Lord Swaminarayan now explains the Pooja Vidhi.