Gayatri Mantra holds high regard in Rig Veda. Gayatri Mantras or Savitri Mantra is dedicated to Savitri, also known as Vedmata. The verse is composed in the name of Goddess Gayatri of the Vedic Mantra. In our traditions, its recitation precedes by “om” and formula “bhur bhuvah swah “ which is a great expression. Maharishi Vishvamitra was the creator of this verse. The mantra holds high esteem in our Vedic and post-Vedic, classical Hindu texts such as “Bhagvat Gita”.The mantra and its associated metric kind were far-famed by Buddha, and in one Sanskrit literary text, Buddha is seen “expressing their appreciation” for the mantra. The mantra comprises twenty-four syllables which are organized inside a triplet of eight syllables. The mantra held in high regard in the Upanayana ceremony for young male members in Hindu culture. This mantra is being practiced among all the castes and is now very widespread because of the Modern Hindu Reform Movements.
Meaning
Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ
Tat-savitur Vareñyaṃ
Bhargo Devasya Dheemah
Dhiyo Yonaḥ Prachodayāt
General meaning
The Gayatri mantra lyrics are chanted to meditate on the most-loved Supreme Lord, the creator, whose radiancy (divine light) illumines all realms (physical, mental and spiritual). May this divine light illuminate our intellect.
Translation
Om bhur bhuvah suvah
Tatsaviturvarenyam
Bhargo devasyadhimahi
Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat
We meditate on the glory of the creator;
Who has created the universe;
Who is worthy of worship;
Who is the embodiment of knowledge and light;
Who is the remover of all sin and ignorance;
Why chant the Gayatri mantra?
It is truly believed that by chanting Gayatri Mantra one could enlighten himself and will also achieve success and happiness in his life. By making a habit of chanting this mantra on a regular basis one could firmly stabilize his mind. The verse appreciates the nurturing sun and the divine.
Benefits of chanting Gayatri Mantra?
- Meticulous chanting can improve one’s concentration level.
- It helps to reduce toxins from the body.
- It improves the functioning of the nervous system.
- It allays the negativity and keeps your heart healthy.
- Mantra also helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
When is the best time to chant the mantra?
In Vedas it is mentioned that time has three qualities: satva, rajas, and tamas.
- 4 am to 8 am and 4 pm to 8 pm have satvik qualities
- 8 am to 4 pm have rajasic qualities
- 8 pm to 4 am are tamasic.
But according to Vedas satvik is the best time to chant the Gayatri Mantra.
Significance of Gayatri Mantra
Ga-ya-tri – there are three sorts of wretchedness. We have three bodies, the net body, the unpretentious, and the causal body. And in all the three levels there’s misery. Human life needs to cross-over all three, which is what Gayatri implies. One who sings it, sails over the sea of wretchedness to go to bliss. It believed in purifying the direction of the divine sight, direction of the senses, and inspiring understanding and intellect. The mantra suggests that in order to praise him(creator) one should not expect any personal benefits in return. Prayer suggests that it should be a selfless practice. The holy word “om” is given to God with a very pure direction. Word “savitur” refers to God as the foundation of the universe. “Bhargo” is purifying the intellect, destroying all sins and afflictions. Oneness with him describes free from impurities in thought when united to him.