THE GAYATRI MANTRA – A brief outline!

by Acharya Bankim Gossai

Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan – England

The word ‘Mantra’ is used frequently amongst Hindus world over. As we sit to do puja (worship), very important and sacred mantras are invoked. For example, mantras are given to Sheshyas on the occasion of Guru Dikshaa and mantras are common in all our rituals.

In this short and ‘shallow’ presentation, an attempt is made to define a Mantra and to focus in particular upon the Universal Gayatri Mantra – its meaning and various names, it’s application and benefit to the seeker of Truth.

What is a Mantra?

A Mantra is a combination of words which when reflected upon, protects that person. The highest meaning of “mantra” is that word or words that take man across the ocean of rebirth, if chanted with sincerity and faith. They are given  by Rishis, men of wisdom, who have realized the deep significance and importance of the Mantra.

One such universal mantra, par excellence of the Vedas is the Gayatri Mantra. It is described as universal because, it is a meditation on LIGHT through the SUN which is the same to the whole world. The Gayatri Mantra has been declared as one of the oldest available divine hymns, and although many revolutionary changes have taken place in our religious beliefs, the Gayatri Mantra continues to persist and has in present day a compelling charm of its own, to millions of Hindu-hearts.                                                                                        

Originated from the single-syllabled “OM” the sound of God, (Brahm), Gayatri is the highest point of knowledge, sustaining the human soul  to this day. Gayatri Mantra is an embodiment of of all forms of Godhead. It helps the higher man to be born in us all.

It does not belong to any individuals, caste or any orthodox set of people. It is universal in it’s scope and application and it is meant for all.

Sage Vishwamitra is the seer of the Gayatri Mantra.

What it means

Gaya = The Jiwa forms of individuals.

Tri = Protection, saving force and grace.

So Gayatri means: “That which protects and  fosters all Life Thoughts”

This very sacred Mantra could also be compared with the three sacred rivers (places of Tirathas) in India, where everyday millions of pilgrims converge for prayers and most importantly for Spiritual Cleansing.

Ga   =   Ganga>>>> Ya  =   Yamuna>>>> Tri   =   Triveni

So too, it is Spiritual Cleansing for devotees who, with, unflinching devotion and shraddha chant and meditate upon Gayatri.

The sacred Mantra is known by different names, five such names are listed hereunder:

1.  GAYATRI (Gayatritrayati) – that which protects and fosters all life thoughts.

2.  SAVITRI  meaning the source of all light that illumines  the world.

3.  GURU MANTRA  meaning the mantra to which God himself as Preceptor initiated  the Sages in the beginning of Creation. Therefore Gayatri implies Knowledge.

4.  VED MUKH  meaning the voice of the Vedas.

5.  VED MATA meaning the mother of the Vedas.

When one understands this mantra, and puts it into practice, that person then lives the teachings of the Vedas and succeeds in attaining the ultimate Brahman, which is the true object of man’s existence. Gayatri being the Mantra of the Brahman Himself, brings the soul in unison with God.

The Gayatri Mantra and it’s word for word meaning.

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
Aum Bhoor Bhu Wah Swah | Tat Savitur Varenyam

भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Bhargo Devasya  Dheemahi | Dhiyo Yo  Nah Prachodayaat | |

• AUM (The word that is God):
• BHOOR (represents Earth):
• BHUVAH (represents the region between earth and heaven) SWAH: (representing the Celestial region  (Heaven).
• AUM (Eternal God):
• TAT (That):
• SAVITUR (Lord Sun):
• VARENYAM (That Supreme God).
• BHARGO (Brilliance):
• DEVASYA (of that God):
• DHIMAHI (We meditate)
• DHIYO (Intellect):
• YO (Who):
• NAH: (Our):
• PRACHODAYAT(May (inspire) lead towards illumination)

Meaning intended:

Either

He, who is the Creator of the three worlds and gives impetus (driving force) to our intuition (the power of knowing), may I be in communion with His Supreme Luminosity (brightness).

Or

We meditate upon the auspicious Godly Light of the Lord Sun (Savitur); may that heavenly light illumine our thoughts flow in our intellect.

Benefits of Gayatri

1. When the UPANAYANA Samskara, also known as YAJNOPAVITA or the sacred thread ceremony (Janeo) is done, the mother being the first guru of the child, teaches her son as follows. “…………. engage your mind in studying the holy scriptures and meditate on the great Gayatri Mantra which will be imparted to you today. May universal Mother Gayatri protect you.

2. It guards and protects it’s votary. Removes all fears, and it is the best cure for all ill.                                                                                                                                                        

3. Gayatri Mantra transforms the devotee into the divine.

4. It endows the devotee with the brilliant light of the highest spiritual illumination.

5. It belongs to all mankind and not solely meant for any chosen class.

6. It will guard the votary from all dangers and give infinite strength to overcome all obstacles and take the aspirant to the very pinnacle of splendour, power, peace and bliss.

7. Humility,  non-possessiveness, spiritual insight, selfless service, sacrifice, understanding, forbearance, universal friendship, unflinching devotion to Truth, cosmic consciousness, and cosmic love and other divine virtues manifest themselves in man, by the practice of Gayatri Mantra.

8. Man commits errors and sins due to the darkness of ignorance. Gayatri blesses with the Light of Truth so that man cannot fall into the clutches of karma and rebirth.

9. By opening our third eye of wisdom, it reveals the past, present and future to us and leads us gently to the Blessed Abodes.

10. Transforming our energy into divine love and creativity, the light of Gayatri makes our whole life a divine life.

When should we meditate?

Gayatri meditation is also known as ‘SANDHYUPASANA’ or

‘SANDHYAVANDANA’ which means a meditation at dawn and dusk.

SANDHYA means the meeting period of day and night(dusk) and night and day(dawn).

According to Vedic literature our Rishis seemed to insist only upon early morning and evening worship. Generally morning prayers are done most profitably between 4.30 and 6.00am and evening prayers between 5.00 and 7.00pm.

Recommendation.

The devotee should :

1. Chant and Meditate on the Gayatri Mantra, daily, at least ten times in the morning and ten times in the evening.

2. Do so with your Ishta Devata foremost in your mind.

3. Do so with love, bhakti and shraddha, concentrating intensely on the Gayatri.

4. Be regular, be consistent and you will feel the power which is derived from this wonderful and sacred Gayatri.

In conclusion it is worth noting that although the Gayatri is intended for spiritual illumination, millions of devotees who pray for health, wealth, longevity, progeny (offspring), etc. have had those desires also fulfilled.

In the Vedas it is said ‘SAMANO MANTRA‘- let one mantra be common to all. Let this Gayatri Mantra be that common Mantra for all Mankind. Let us from today give further serious consideration to words of God that will brighten our paths as we proceed to His Abode.