GAYATRI MANTRA

Gayatri Mantra is also known as Savitri Mantra and is dedicated to Sun, the source of light and life on universe. It is derived form Rig- Veda and Rishi Vishwamitra is considered the main channel for this Mantra. Gayatri mantra is considered the Maha Mantra owing to its benefits in the form of wisdom, guidance and prosperity to the meditator. It is considered one of the greatest Vedic Mantra.

SUMMARY OF THE MANTRA

Om bhur bhuvah swaha | Om tatsaviturvarneyam |
Bhargo devasya dhimahi | Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat || OM ||
“Gaya” - to Sing, “Trai” - to protect

The word Gayatri means - the chanting, the rhythm, the words, which protects the aspirant. Gayatri Manta is dedicated to the Sun, the source of light and life to the universe. This mantra is also dedicated to Goddess Gayatri, which means Shakti. It means “We welcome the God of three planes - The Earth Plane (The Nature : Tree - Peepal, Animal - Cow, Rivers - Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Mountain - Kailash Parvat. The elements : Prithivi, Agni, Jal, Vaayu, Aakash), The Astral Plane (Sun, Moon, Stars, Galaxies) and The Heavenly Plane (All the Gods and Goddesses). We surrender to that light, brilliance, splendor, aura of the Sun which is worthy of our prayer, which is the dispeller of darkness (of our karmas, of ignorance, unawareness, fear and phobias) and bestower of light (symbol of knowledge - which helps us to go beyond Trigunas - Sattava, Rajas and Tamas; raise beyond dualities - likes & dislikes, good
& bad, sorrow & happiness, pleasure & pain, life & death) so that it may guide our intellect (mind & attribute) towards the right direction (Aham Brahmasmi - I AM THAT). The best time for chanting this mantra is Brahma Mahurata (before Sunrise)/ evening (Dusk), sitting in meditative pose.

When to Chant: One can chant this mantra at three times of the day i.e. morning (dawn), afternoon and evening (dusk). In the morning it is dedicated to Lord Brahma and is called Gayatri, in the noon to Lord Vishnu and is called Savitri and in the evening to Lord Shiva and is called Saraswati.

 How to Chant: While chanting this Mantra naturally the breath is disciplined in the ratio 1:2:4:1 which is inhalation: retention: exhalation: retention. In this way this mantra is a natural Pranayam and hence increases the lung capacity ,lowers the blood pressure and heart beat to bring soothing effect on the nervous system, increases focus and concentration, increases blood supply to the brain and alms the mind. It is researched and proved that chanting the Gayatri Mantra once vibrates each cell of the body 2 lakh 25 thousand times thereby boosting the blood circulation and oxygen absorption in the body.

As per Mahanarayan Upanishad : The meaning as expressed in Mahanarayan Upanishad.

Explanation: Gayatri Mantra is divided in to three parts, the first part is dedicated to the seven worlds, the second part is the main body of the mantras and consists of 24 syllables, and the last part is the summary of the energies of the mantra.

First part:

Om Bhur! – Welcome to the powers of the earth plane or physical plane.
Om Bhuva! – Welcome to the powers of the atmospheric plane.
Om Svaha! – Welcome to the powers of the Astral/cosmic Plane/heavenly plane.
Om Mahah! - Welcome to the powers of the cosmic mind, realm of Dharma.
Om Janah! - Welcome the realm of creation or bliss.
Om Tapah! - Welcome the realm of consciousness.
Om Satyam! - Welcome the realm of absolute truth.

THE MAIN BODY FO THE MANTRA

Om
Tat: that
Savitur: of the God, of sun, of the creator
Varenyam: One who is worthy of prayers
Bhargo: the golden aura, the brilliance, the shine, splendor, effulgence
Devasya: of the dev or God
Dhimahi: We meditate upon, contemplate upon, we focus upon
Dhiyo: Mind, intelligence, intellect.
Yo: who
Nah: our
Pracho: Guide, redirect, channel.
Dayat: May do that

THE LAST PART OF THE MANTRA

Om- Welcome
Apo- Cosmic water
Jyoti- cosmic light, fire
Rasomritam- bliss in sync with immortal essence
Brahma- the absolute
Bhur- the physical or earth plane
Bhuvas- the mental or atmospheric plane
Swaha- the astral or cosmic plane
Om