Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most potent mantra in Hinduism. It was written in Sanskrit about 2500 years ago, and is believed to have been chanted for many generations before that.
To be initiated into this sacred mantra is a great privilege. Therefore, the Gayatri Mantra is often referred to as “Veda Matha” (the Mother of four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Saam and Atharvana). Vedas are widely considered to be the source of all true knowledge. In addition, the Mantra is also a prayer to the sun; Savitri and Saraswati are the other two names of Gayatri Mantra.
AUM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT
Oh! Creator of the Universe, May we receive thy supreme sin-destroying light, May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.
In simpler form, it means “O Divine mother, our hearts are filled with darkness. Please diminish the darkness and promote illumination within us”.
Rishis (great sages) selected the words of the Gayatri Mantra and had it inscribed to create specific power of righteous wisdom through their utterance. The syllables of the Mantra are said to positively affect all the chakras (energy centres). Hence, proper pronunciation and enunciation are very important.
The ideal times for chanting the Mantra are three times a day – dawn, midday, and dusk. These times are known as the three sandhyas – morning, midday and evening. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra removes all obstacles in our life to increase wisdom and spiritual growth and development.
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