The Illuminating Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri Mantra

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

Transliteration: Oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṃ bhargo devasya dhīmahi dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt

Breakdown

• Om: The primordial sound.
• Bhūr: The physical world.
• Bhuvaḥ: The intermediate space, the astral world.
• Svaḥ: The celestial world.
• Tat: That (referring to the Supreme).
• Savitur: Of the Sun or the Divine Creator.
• Vareṇyaṃ: Most excellent, worthy of adoration.
• Bhargo: Radiance, effulgence.
• Devasya: Of the Divine.
• Dhīmahi: We meditate upon.
• Dhiyo: Intellect, understanding.
• Yo: Who.
• Naḥ: Our.
• Prachodayāt: May inspire or illuminate.

The Mantra and Its Meaning

The Gayatri Mantra is a powerful prayer for enlightenment, invoking the Divine Light to illuminate our intellect and guide us towards truth.

Associated Deity

Savitr, the solar deity representing the Divine Creator.

Origin Story

The Gayatri Mantra is found in the Rigveda, one of the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. It is considered one of the most sacred and powerful mantras.

How and When to Chant

The Gayatri Mantra is traditionally chanted at sunrise, midday, and sunset. It can also be chanted at any time for inner peace and spiritual growth. Repeating it 108 times is considered auspicious.

Benefits

• Enhances intellect and wisdom.
• Promotes spiritual growth.
• Brings peace and tranquility.
• Purifies the mind and body.
• Protects from negativity.