Hinduism on the Concept of ‘New Day’
The idea of a ‘new day’ is widely understood by modern people, with the 24 hour day beginning at 12am and ending at 11:59pm. Hinduism however, has a different concept of a ‘new day’ depending on which category of Hindi scripture is referred to. According to the Ṛgveda, one of the earliest Hindu scriptures, the new day began at sunrise, the time at which the sun rises first appears above the horizon, and ended at sunset. This would have been important from an agricultural perspective, since sunrise and sunset both were two times in the day that could be used to make accurate predictions.
The 2000 year old ancient Hindu medical text, known as the Caraka-Saṃhitā, also tells us that the new day began at sunrise. It states that the beginning of a new day is called Pratipada, meaning ‘first’. Therefore, the concept of a ‘new day’ in Hinduism has been around since antiquity.
Nowadays, with superstores and malls open 24 hours, people barely feel that their day has started and ended. Hinduism however, still follows the ancient Vedic new day concept and this has been celebrated throughout the ages. The new day is celebrated by people of all ages and faiths throughout India, with many Hindu festivals, such as Diwali or Holi, being celebrated and welcomed on a new day.
A number of Hindu scriptures state that the day begins before the sun rises at sunrise. These works describe the period of time from the first light of the morning to sunrise as Pratah Kal, the Day-Time. This is a period of spiritual unity, when the sun is still rising and the entire world is filled with a sense of loss, beauty, and peace. It is believed that this is the time when the soul is closest to its innermost self and is the most suitable time for people to start a new day.
According to Hinduism, a new day doesn’t end when the sun sets, but when the stars come out. This period is known as Sandhya, or the time before nightfall. During this period, Hindus often perform rituals and chant mantras, with the intention of purifying their souls and drawing closer to the supreme power. It is believed that the new day has ended when the constellations, or nakshatras, appear in the night sky.
Meaning of Good Vedic Times
Good Vedic times, also known as shubh muhurats, are essential in Hinduism and are used to mark the ideal times to begin a new day. These include specific auspicious times of the day and night when Hindus begin their various activities. Good Vedic times are believed to bring success, luck and prosperity if activities begin during them. The times of sunrise and sunset are also considered to be auspicious and a new day is thought to be blessed with grace and goodwill if it begins during one of these times.
In Hinduism, many religious activities are scheduled according to these times of day and night. Activities such as weddings, housewarming ceremonies, starts of business, or any kind of auspicious events, commence at these times. This is because Hindus believe that activities done at these times are blessed and have a better chance at success.
Another important aspect of Hinduism is the concept of omens. Hindus believe that certain supernatural omens, such as a flock of birds screeching or any strange sighting, can also signal the beginning of a new day. These omens are considered as signs from higher powers that the new day will be auspicious.
Effect of New Day on Indian Mythology
The concept of a “new day” is deeply rooted in Indian mythology. In the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, the five Pandavas declared the chaturdashi of the lunar month to be their new day, beginning at midnight and ending the next day at sunset. This idea has continued in Hinduism, as many Hindus begin their day on the chaturdashi, or the fourteenth day of the lunar month. This is often considered inauspicious, since this day usually marks the end of a month’s fast.
In addition to this, the idea of a “new day” has also become intertwined with Indian mythology and folklore. In Hinduism, a new day was often believed to mean the coming of a new era. In Hindu mythology, there are stories of gods and goddesses proclaiming the start of a new age on particular days, such as in the story of the Coronation of Krishna.
Ascertaining When the Day Ended
As mentioned before, to ascertain when a day had ended, Hindu priests, who were expert astrologers, used to observe the night sky and observe the different stars, constellations and planets. They measured their positions against the rising and setting of the sun, and if any of these heavenly bodies were in conjunction with the sunrise position, they would declare the day had ended.
This practice of astrological observation would typically be done at temples dedicated to specific gods and goddesses, as they were believed to spread good will and prosperity through their observations. For example, Lord Shiva was once believed to have declared a new era in Hindu mythology by appearing in the night sky of Ujjain and pronouncing the day has ended.
Effect of Calendar on Determining the Start of a New Day
In modern times, calendars have been introduced to determining when a day begins, and when the day changes. Indians typically use the Hindu calendar, or Panchang, to determine the times for auspicious rituals and festivals. This calendar divides the month into lunar days, which are known as Vishusth Puny Dina, or auspicious days. It also indicates the times when religious activities should be performed and when the day should be taken to begin or end.
This calendar system is used in Hinduism to identify auspicious days, hoping that activities performed at the right time will provide the best chance of success. It is also used to determine when a new day begins and ends.
How New Day Affects the Indian Economy
In India, the concept of a ‘new day’ is deeply embedded into the economic system. Businesses often begin their day according to the Hindu calendar, with much of the country’s population relying on it to determine the timing of their work. Many financial institutions and stock markets also depend on the Hindu calendar to determine the opening and closing of trading.
The concept of a new day also affects many aspects of the Indian economy. It is often used to oppose changes to traditional practices, as well as to oppose foreign interventions. In India, the concept of a ‘new day’ is often seen as a way to maintain cultural integrity and preserve the country’s distinctive identity.
Astrology’s Role in Understanding the Start of a New Day
In Hinduism, astrology is a prominent method of understanding the start of a new day. They believe that planets and the stars have an influence on determining the timings of auspicious events, and that activities should be timed correctly to ensure the best chances of success or prosperity.
In order to carry out religious rituals and begin activities at the right time, astrologers consult different books which show the precise results of stars and planets on particular days. These are then compared to the Hindu-Lunar calendar, and activities are started or ended accordingly.
Significance of Start of a New Day in Hinduism
The idea of a ‘new day’ is deeply embedded in Hinduism, and has been celebrated for centuries. The notion of a ‘new day’ helps to create a sense of unity, since Hindus around the world are able to connect through their shared celebration of a new day.
It is believed that when a new day begins at the right time, a special grace is bestowed upon all activities, as the right timing yields the best chance at success. For this reason, Hindus often try to sync their activities to the various times of day, such as sunrise and sunset, in order to promote peace and prosperity. Thus, understanding when the new day begins and ends is essential in Hinduism.
