The Gayatri Mantra: Illumination of the Intellect

The Mantra and Its Meaning

Original Text: ॐ भूर् भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्

Transliteration: Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

Breakdown:

• Om: The primordial sound.
• Bhur: The physical world.
• Bhuvah: The atmospheric world.
• Svah: The celestial world.
• Tat: That (the supreme reality).
• Savitur: Of the Sun.
• Varenyam: Worthy of adoration.
• Bhargo: Effulgence, brilliance.
• Devasya: Of the Divine.
• Dheemahi: We meditate upon.
• Dhiyo: Intellect.
• Yo: Which.
• Nah: Our.
• Prachodayat: May inspire.

Full Meaning: We meditate on the supreme radiance of the Divine Sun, may it illuminate our intellect.

Associated Deity: The Sun (Savitr)

Origin Story: The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most revered mantras in Hinduism, found in the Rigveda. It is considered the mother of all Vedas.

How and When to Chant: Chant the Gayatri Mantra during sunrise, midday, and sunset. It is best chanted with a clear mind and devotion. Recite it 108 times for maximum benefit.

Benefits:

• Enhances intellect
• Promotes wisdom
• Brings enlightenment
• Purifies the mind