A traditional daily routine
- Wake early. Rise in Brahma muhurta, about an hour and a half before sunrise; look at your palms and say Karagre Vasate.
- Cleanse. Empty the bowels and bladder, brush the teeth, scrape the tongue, and rinse the mouth (some practise oil swishing, gandusha).
- Abhyanga. Massage the body with warm oil (sesame in most seasons), then bathe.
- Exercise. Moderate exercise, yoga or Surya Namaskar — to about half one's capacity, as the texts advise.
- Prayer and study. Sandhya, meditation or reading in the calm of the morning.
- Meals. Eat the main meal at midday, when digestion is strongest; a lighter meal in the early evening; eat only when the previous meal is digested.
- Sleep early. Wind down after sunset and sleep by about 10 pm.
Karagre vasate (on waking)
कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः करमध्ये सरस्वती ।
करमूले तु गोविन्दः प्रभाते करदर्शनम् ॥
karāgre vasate lakṣmīḥ karamadhye sarasvatī |
karamūle tu govindaḥ prabhāte karadarśanam ||
At the fingertips dwells Lakshmi, in the middle of the palm Saraswati, at the base Govinda — so look at your palms on waking.
Why routine matters
Ayurveda sees the body as part of nature's cycles. Regular times for waking, eating and sleeping keep the doshas and the digestive fire (agni) steady; irregularity is seen as a root of imbalance.
For general information only — not medical advice. Do not use it to diagnose or treat any condition, and do not stop prescribed medicine. Consult a qualified doctor or a registered Ayurvedic physician (BAMS) for health problems.
Frequently asked questions
What is dinacharya?
The Ayurvedic daily routine — waking early, cleansing, oil massage, exercise, regular meals and early sleep.
When should the main meal be eaten?
At midday, when Ayurveda considers digestion strongest.