Gayatri mantra is one of the most powerful Vedic sacred formulas. The impossible can be achieved by using the Gayatri mantra, which purifies the soul and body, and leads to rescue. What does Gayatri mantra mean? What is its sacred meaning and benefits? How do you practice it? In this article, I’ll answer these and many other questions about this mantra.
Gayatri Mantra Is a Great Tool For Karma Purification
Karma is a sequential series of events arising from the actions committed by a person but how can you protect yourself from the negative influence of karma? The solution is the Gayatri mantra!
It is believed that with the daily practice of Gayatri mantra you can get rid of the rebirth circle and remove yourself from the wheel of Samsara.
What does the liberation from rebirth provide to us? According to the Vedas, we find ourselves in a completely different world from the earthly one. Gayatri mantra is so powerful that the practitioner affects the reality in the way that all objects and space around him become purified.
During the practice of Gayatri mantra, you can refer directly to the goddess Gayatri, who is the wife of Brahma. This mantra is chanted in Sanskrit, the sacred language of the Vedas. You cannot perform this mantra in any other languages (translated) since the rhythm of sacred sounds would be lost.
Who Is Gayatri?
Gayatri is the Mother of the Vedas, who is present everywhere where Her mantra is practiced. The vibrations of Gayatri fill the spiritual body of the practitioner, changing and enlightening it. Gayatri enlightens and opens the spiritual mind and shows the path to the divine truth and bliss. This is the divine power that gives breath to all that exists and animates it. It is the embodiment of the Divine Power that protects people.
Gayatri has three names that exist in the human soul:
If one reaches harmony in his thoughts (intention), speech and actions, there are three types of divine energy that live within him — Gayatri, Saraswati, and Savitri.
The Gayatri mantra consists of three parts:
- deity worship;
- meditation;
- prayer.
The initial words of the Holy text refer to the worship of the divine. The word “dhīmahi” denotes a meditative state. The remaining 4 words express a prayerful appeal to God with a request for the gift of spiritual abilities and insight.
The constant practice of Gayatri mantra brings concrete results:
- getting rid of ailments;
- protection from evil and troubles;
- dreams come true;
- the awakening of the spiritual mind.
If you practice Gayatri with faith, you can get all the spiritual and physical benefits.
Gayatri Mantra: Meaning and Translation
The sacred text of Gayatri mantra is:
oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt
– Rigveda 3.62.10
There are several translations of Gayatri mantra. Consider the translation and the meaning below as one of the versions:
Oṃ is the source of creation, the Parabrahman;
Bhūr – the physical world;
Bhuvaḥ – the middle world, the astral plane;
Svaḥ – the celestial world;
Tat – Brahman, God;
Savitur – from which the creation came;
Vareṇyaṃ – venerable;
Bhargo – divine radiance;
Devasya – the highest reality (divine);
Dhīmahi is the meditation on the deity;
Dhiyo – allowing to realize the Supreme truth;
Yo – who;
Naḥ – our;
Prachodayāt – instructs on the true path.
Each syllable of Gayatri mantra represents a certain part of the human body, so it completely cleanses from bodily ailments:
sa – left eye, courage, Narasimha
vi – right eye, maintenance, Vishnu
tur – left ear, wellbeing, Shiva
va – right ear, yoga power, Krishna
re – nose, love, Radha
ṇy – mouth, money energy, Lakshmi
aṃ – chin, shine and radiance, Agni
bhar – throat, protection, Indra
go – left shoulder, intellect, buddhi, Saraswati
de – right breast, suppression, asceticism, Durga
va – left breast, devotion, Hanuman
dhī – right shoulder, prana, Surya
ma – self-restriction, Rama
hi – below the navel, Tapas, Sita
dhi – the left side of your body, foresight, Chandra
dhiyo yo – left elbow, the awakening of consciousness, Yama, Brahma
naḥ – right elbow, sweetness, Varuna
pra – right wrist, ideal, Narayana
cho – left wrist, courage, Hayagriva
da – left palm, wisdom, Hamsa
yāt – right palm, service, Tulsi
Gayatri Mantra Practice
How Do You Start Gayatri Mantra practice?
To properly pronounce the mantra, you must first listen to the recording, for example, performed by Deva Premal. The performance of this dedicated European woman fills the soul with bliss emanating from heaven. The first time you can just listen to the recording and feel how the sounds touch your body and soul. Then try to repeat this mantra together with the singer. By doing this, be aware of the meaning of every sacred syllable.
It is the best to chant the mantra in the Lotus position with a straight spine. You cannot sit or stand with your back bent, because it is through the spine that the divine energy flows through the top of the head from the Universe. Watch your spine always, because it is the root of life. A straight back is a guarantee of physical and spiritual health!
At first, try to practice alone, without any interference. Criticism of others or their curiosity will have a negative impact on the results of your practice. You can listen with headphones and repeat the words in your mind. However, when it is spoken aloud that mantra will have the greatest effect — vibrations in the body connect it with cosmic energy. In this case, the physical body becomes a receiver of divine energies.
Repetition in the mind also has its positive effect, but if you need healing you should consider chanting the mantra aloud. If you decided to start your Gayatri mantra practice with listening then imagine how sacred sounds penetrate into every cell of your body and heal it while listening. Try not to be distracted during this meditation.
What time is the best for Gayatri mantra practice?
The best time to practice is considered to be the transition hours — sunrise, noon, sunset. These hours are considered to be the most favorable for spiritual practice and meditation. However, you can chant this mantra at any time, but during these particular hours, it is possible to achieve a greater effect.
An important rule for the proper Gayatri mantra practice is pure heart and mind. It is unacceptable to treat Gayatri frivolously, it is necessary to feel the sanctity of each pronounced syllable. The practitioner should eschew evil, not to participate in evil deeds and to help others. Moreover, if you started Gayatri mantra practice you cannot use profanity, say bad words, swear, and quarrel anymore. It is necessary to strive for purity in everything – thoughts, words, and actions.
Yoga is advised to practice Gayatri mantra during water cleansing – in the shower or during bath rituals. The power of water together with the purifying power of the mantra will free your body and mind from all impure. Also, you can practice the mantra before going to bed, after waking up and before eating. After finishing Gayatri mantra chanting pronounce the word “Shanti” 3 times.
Pay attention! Incorrect Gayatri mantra practice will lead to the opposite result!
The more you repeat the sacred words, the more benefits you will attract into your life.
What else do you need to know for the proper Gayatri mantra practice?
It is necessary to free your mind from vain thoughts and concentrate on the area of the third eye. During this practice, you should forget about the surrounding reality for a while and immerse yourself in the sound of sacred sounds that connect you with the Cosmic Consciousness.
How many times should you chant Gayatri mantra?
It is necessary to devote to Gayatri mantra practice every morning, repeating the mantra 108 times. The rest of the time you can chant this mantra 3, 12, or 27 times.