Nityakarma

Nityakarma, from Sanskrit nitya meaning daily or eternal and karma meaning action or duty, is a category of prescribed duties in Hindu dharma described in the dharma-shastra literature. It denotes the set of obligatory rites and practices to be performed regularly, as opposed to naimittika (occasional) or kamya (voluntary) karmas. Nitya karmas are meant to sustain spiritual discipline, ritual purity, and everyday harmony, and are typically associated with householders and students. The precise lists and observances vary across schools, regions, and sampradayas, reflecting differing ritual approaches and guru guidance.

Classical smriti texts acknowledge nitya karma but do not enforce a single universal code. Common examples cited include Sandhyavandanam (the tri-daily prayers at dawn, noon, and dusk), daily pūja (worship) at the family shrine, and japa or recitation of prescribed mantras (such as the Gayatri). Practices aimed at maintaining purity, regular study of sacred texts, and participation in household duties also appear in various traditions. The exact duties and their sequence can differ by sect, lineage, and local custom.

In contemporary practice, nitya karmas are often observed in a simplified form, with emphasis on morning and evening prayers, personal worship, temple visits, and daily spiritual study. The core idea remains to sustain dharma (duty) and spiritual growth through regular, disciplined practice, while the specific obligations adapt to tradition and personal circumstances.