Is the Narayana Ashtakshara Mantra japa prescribed only during Pratah Sandhyavandanam and not after the Gayatri japa in Madhyahnika and Sayam Sandhyavandanam?

Pt. Shri. Pramodachar Vattangad

Japa and Parayana

If we properly understand the procedure, all doubts will be cleared.

The rule given is “Triguna” —
👉 The Narayana Mantra must be chanted three times the count of the Gayatri Mantra.

From this, one important point is clear:
Gayatri Japa comes first.

Some may ask:
“If I chant Gayatri three times a day during Sandhyavandana, should Narayana Mantra be chanted separately in the evening?”

No — that is not the method.

Proper Method (Example)

Suppose you chant Gayatri 100 times in each Sandhyavandana:

Morning Sandhyavandana

Gayatri – 100

(Narayana Mantra not immediately done here)

Afternoon Sandhyavandana

Gayatri – 100

Then chant Narayana Mantra 300 times (Triguna of morning Gayatri)

Evening Sandhyavandana

Gayatri – 100

Then chant Narayana Mantra 300 times (Triguna of afternoon Gayatri)

After Evening Sandhyavandana

Chant Narayana Mantra 300 times (Triguna of evening Gayatri)