The term "Din Ke Prahar" refers to the divided time segments of the day. In Indian tradition, the day is divided into eight prahars, each approximately three hours long. Each prahar has its own specific significance and usage.
The day is generally divided into eight
prahars, each lasting approximately three hours:
- Pratah (Pratahkal) प्रातः (प्रातःकाल) - 6 AM to 9 AM
- Purvahn पूर्वाह्न - 9 AM to 12 PM
- Madhyahna मध्याह्न - 12 PM to 3 PM
- Aparahn अपराह्न - 3 PM to 6 PM
- Sayam (Sayankal) सायं (सायंकाल) - 6 PM to 9 PM
- Prathama Ratri प्रथमा रात्रि - 9 PM to 12 AM
- Madhya Ratri मध्य रात्रि - 12 AM to 3 AM
- Uttara Ratri उत्तर
रात्रि - 3 AM to 6 AM
Here are the eight prahars of the day and
their meanings:
- Pratahkal (First Prahar): 6 AM
to 9 AM
- Meaning: This time is after
sunrise, symbolizing the beginning of a new day. It is used for yoga,
meditation, and prayer.
- Purvahn (Second Prahar): 9 AM
to 12 PM
- Meaning: This time is between
morning and noon. It is used for study, work, and other productive
activities.
- Madhyahna (Third Prahar): 12
PM to 3 PM
- Meaning: This is the middle of
the day when the sun is at its highest. It is considered lunchtime and
often used for rest.
- Aparahn (Fourth Prahar): 3 PM
to 6 PM
- Meaning: This time is after noon
and before evening. It is used for finishing work and other activities.
- Sayankal (Fifth Prahar): 6 PM
to 9 PM
- Meaning: This time is after
sunset. It is used for evening prayers, meals, and relaxation.
- Prathama Ratri (Sixth Prahar): 9 PM
to 12 AM
- Meaning: This time marks the
beginning of the night. It is considered suitable for rest and sleep.
- Madhya Ratri (Seventh Prahar): 12
AM to 3 AM
- Meaning: This is the middle of
the night. It is considered the time for deep sleep.
- Uttara Ratri (Eighth Prahar): 3 AM
to 6 AM
- Meaning: This time is before
sunrise. It is called Brahma Muhurta and is considered the most
auspicious time for meditation, yoga, and spiritual activities.
These prahar divisions provide guidance for
daily routines, religious rituals, and other activities.