Mandatory Daily Practices
Nitya-karma ('eternal/daily action') are mandatory religious duties that must be performed daily without exception. They are prescribed in the Vedas and Smṛtis and are considered a fundamental expression of varṇāśrama-dharma. Omission of nitya-karma incurs a religious fault requiring atonement (prāyaścitta).
Core Nitya-Karmas
Primary nitya-karmas include: (1) sandhyāvandana — the threefold prayer at dawn, noon, and dusk involving ācamana (purification), arghya (water-offering to the sun), and Gāyatrī japa; (2) brahma-yajña — daily recitation of Vedic passages; (3) tarpana — offerings of water to devas, ṛṣis, and ancestors; (4) tiruvaradhana — daily home worship of the family deity.
Relationship to Prapatti
For the prapanna, the theological question arises: if the Lord is the sole upāya and all karma is surrendered, does one still perform nitya-karma? Sri Vaishnava ācāryas clarify: yes. Nitya-karma is continued not as a means of liberation but as kaiṅkarya (service to the Lord) and to avoid dharma-lopa (abandonment of prescribed duty). The duties are now performed as offerings of love, not as means to an end.
Nityānuṣṭhāna
The broader concept of nityānuṣṭhāna in Sri Vaishnava practice also includes recitation of the Divya Prabandham, wearing the ūrdhvapuṇḍra tilaka, and observing Ekādaśī — all part of the daily regimen of a committed Sri Vaishnava.