GAYATRI MANTRA
Gayatri
word composed of two words: “Gayat”
means sin, and “tri” means deliverance,
thus Gayatri means “deliverance from sin”. Gayatri Devi blessed the mankind by giving the
"Gayatri Mantra", also
known as the "Guru Mantra"
or the "Savitri Mantra". Practice of Gayatri Mantra is the essence of all Vedas. Goddess Gayatri
is also called "Veda-Mata"
or the Mother of the Vedas. Lord
Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva
mediate and perform Jap of this mantra. Gayatri Mantra
is said to be the food of Gods. This
is the mantra that transforms human being to original nature by annihilating
ignorance. The self (soul) is nothing but God but it has lost its identity
because of ignorance. When ignorance is eliminated, we resume to our original
nature. Gayatari Mantra is also considered
as a prayer to the "giver of light
and life" – The Sun (Savitur).
In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 10: Verse 35), Lord Krishna had proclaimed to Arjuna:
"Among all the mantras, I am the Gayatri".
The Mantra
Aum
Bhur Bhuvah Swaha
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
~ The Rig Veda (10:16:3)
The Meaning:
"O thou
existence Absolute, Creator of the three dimensions, we contemplate upon thy
divine light. May He stimulate our intellect and bestow upon us true
knowledge."
Or
"O Divine mother,
our hearts are filled with darkness. Please make this darkness distant from us
and promote illumination within us."
Or
"May the
Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path."
Words of the Gayatri Mantra:
The first nine words contains
description of the Ultimate Reality:
|
||
AUM
|
The
Symbol of Brahman. Absolute reality.
|
|
BHUR
|
The
Earth, The Past, Tamas Mode of Nature
|
|
BHUVAH
|
The
Atmosphere, The Present, Rajas Mode
of Nature
|
|
SWAHA
|
The
Heaven, (Swarga), The Future, Sattava Mode of Nature
|
|
TAT
|
The
Ultimate Reality is simply
referred to as THAT.
|
|
SAVITUR
|
Stands
for the Divine Savitri, equated
with the power contained within the Sun, (not to be
confused with the ordinary sun).
|
|
VARENYAM
|
Most
excellent, Adore
|
|
BHARGO
|
Radiance,
Illumination; Destroyer of obstacles
|
|
DEVASYA
|
Divine
Radiance or Grace
|
|
The Remaining words constitutes
the PRAYER, for ultimate liberation through the awakening of our true
intelligence
|
||
DHEEMAHI
|
We contemplate or
meditate upon ; We think
|
|
DHIYO
|
The Intellect,
Understanding
|
|
YO
|
Who
|
|
NAH
|
Our
|
|
PRACHODAYATH
|
Requesting, Urging,
Praying; May enlighten
|
|
The "Vyahrities": Bhur, Bhuvah & Svah:
The three
words of the Gayatri, which literally means "past,"
"present," and "future," are called Vyahrities. Vyahriti is one
which gives knowledge of entire cosmos.
Thus, by uttering these three words, the chanter thinks the Glory of God that
illumines the three worlds
Benefits of Gayatri Mantra
·
- Chanting of Gayatri Mantra removes all obstacles in our path to increased wisdom and spiritual growth and development. The teachings and powers incorporated in the Gayatri Mantra fulfill this purpose. Righteous wisdom starts emerging soon after Japa (recitation) of the Gayatri Mantra is performed.
- Gayatri is Annapoorani. In the home where she is worshipped, the family will not cry for food or shelter.
- Gayatri grants 'santana bhagyam', the good fortune of children in the family.
- Peace and prosperity, health and wealth are obtained in the home.
Note: Benefits are only for this,
who recite Gaytari Mantra spiritually and with firm belief.