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Lyrics of Gayatri mantra – Gayatri Mantra first appears in the Rig Veda approx 5000 years ago, which is the oldest of the four Vedas. Gayatri Mantra is also mentioned in the Rig Veda in Chapter 3, Verse 62 and Line 10 = 03.62.10. Gayatri Mantra may also appear in other Vedas, such as the Yajur Veda.
In Sanskrit, there is a line: “Gayantam Trayatee iti Gayatri – गायंतम त्रायते इति गायत्री”. This line signifies that chanting the Gayatri Mantra leads to liberation. Most people believe that the word Trayte means protection, but that is not true, because the word Trayte or Taran (तारण) means protection, which means true liberation that goes beyond protection and is no longer tied to any form of dependency. Thus, Traite means “Taranhar” (तारणहार) = one who protects us without dependency and leads us to liberation.
The Gayatri Mantra is called the mother of all mantras because it follows all Chandas. Chanda simply means the verse or meter that scales the mantra according to text, grammar, music or other criteria. In Vedic culture and ancient times, it was a ritual to chant the Gayatri Mantra every morning, not because it was enjoyable to sing, but because singing was very meaningful and brought practical benefits.
Gayatri Mantra is an ancient dialogue between sages and Lord Brahma. It is a very serious dialogue and not just casual conversation. Hence, it creates strong vibrations in the body and the universe. It purifies the energy and connects us with our higher self.
Sanskrit Lyrics of Gayatri mantra:
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
English Lyrics of Gayatri mantra :
Om Bhur-Bhuvah Svah Tat-Savitur-Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat ||
Hindi Lyrics of Gayatri mantra :
“ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥”
Meaning of Gayatri mantra word by word.
ॐ – OM – The Universal – Primitive Sound
भू – BHU – The material – physical world or Earth
भुवः – BHUVA – The celestial world or sky
स्वः – SVAHA – The paradise – heaven
तत् – TAT – In simpler terms, TAT means “that”, because it states an indication through speech or language, the “Ultimate Reality.” That, God or Goddess;
सवितु – SAVITUR – Savitu, Savitri and Gayatri are names of Goddess of Energy
वरेण्यं – VARENYAM – Brilliant
भर्गो – BHARGO – Reputed
देवस्य – DEVASYA – Gods or Divine Entities
धीमहि – DHIMAHI – We meditate on or we contemplate
धियो यो – DHIYO YO – Intelligence or Mind
नः – NAH – Nah: our
प्रचोदयात् – PRACHODAYAT – Give Direction or Drive
Hindi Meaning of Gayatri mantra :
हम पृथ्वीलोक, भुवर्लोक और स्वर्लोक में व्याप्त उस सृष्टिकर्ता प्रकाशमान परमात्मा के तेज का ध्यान करते हैं। हमारी बुद्धि को सन्मार्ग की तरफ चलने के लिए परमात्मा का तेज प्रेरित करे।
English meaning of Gayatri mantra :
We meditate on the divine light that fills the whole universe. May this sacred light guide and inspire our minds with wisdom and clarity.
The First Word “OM” ( ॐ) :- The sound “Om” or “Aum” comes from Prana (the vibration of life) and is therefore known as the Pranav sound. Om is an ancient sound which represents the source of the universe and its expanse. Om is the beginning of Vedic mantras and most mantras originating from ancient practices begin with “Om”.
Bhu, Bhuvah, Svah :- Bhu means “earth”, the material world in which we live. “Bhu” also represents the root, foundation or source area of our body, called Muladhara Chakra (root). Bhuvah means “sky” or heaven where all the planets and galaxies reside. It also represents the chest, respiratory region and Anahata Chakra (heart).
Svaha means that which is beyond the material and celestial worlds, and is called Swarga Loka or heaven. It also represents the top of the head, which is the outer part of our energy/aura, and is called the Sahasrara or Crown Chakra.
Tat Savitur Varenyam :- The word Tat means “that”, someone or something that is far away or beyond. Savitur contains the conjunction “r”. Hence, Savithu is the name of Savitri or Gayatri. The word Varenyam means great. So Tat Savitur Varenyam means this glorious Gayatri (Goddess of Energy).
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi :- The word Bhargo simply means “respected,” i.e., one who enjoys great name or fame, Devashya means God, and Dhimahi means “to meditate.” Thus, we meditate on this Goddess of Energy (Devta), who enjoys great prestige among the gods.
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat :- Dhiyo Yo Nah means our minds or our intelligence. Parchodayat simply means to drive, to give direction, to propel, or to run. Therefore, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat means please drive our mind in a good direction.
How to Chant Gayatri Mantra
Find a quiet, distraction-free place and sit comfortably.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath, allowing your breathing to slow down. Focus on the sensation of your breath going in and out of your nose.
Begin saying the mantra out loud while paying attention to your breathing. Repeat the mantra in a whisper for two rounds, continuing to focus on your breathing.
Silently chant the mantra three times, focusing on your breathing. Chant the mantra 108 times or many times as you like.
After you have finished chanting the mantra, take a deep breath and feel its effects on your body, mind and emotions.
Practice the mantra regularly each day until you feel the uplifting energy of the mantra in your heart. This energy is highly esteemed among the gods (Devtas).
Benefits of chanting Gayatri Mantra
Chanting the Gayatri mantra regularly has a profound spiritual impact, elevating not only your own energy but also positively influencing our family, friends, and our community.
Below are the benefits of chanting Gayatri mantra :-
KEEPS DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AT BAY
Stress arises from life situations. Though the mantra does not directly change the life situations, it creates a more peaceful environment and makes stressful situations easier to deal with. If there is a calm environment in daily life, unnecessary hectic situations will not arise again. Regular chanting of this mantra helps a person to be stress-free and makes them more resilient. Many studies have shown that chanting the Gayatri mantra helps in stimulating the functioning of the vagus nerve, which is a common treatment for people with depression and epilepsy.
BRINGS CLARITY TO LIFE
our minds become dirty and dusty with the passage of time, the company we keep, the knowledge we acquire and our latent tendencies. By chanting the Gayatri Mantra, we thoroughly purify our minds and attain greater clarity in life. Through the mantra, one attains radiance both within and in the outer world.
IMPROVES LUNGS CAPACITY
When we chant the Gayatri Mantra, we automatically follow the breath control (Pranayama) and awareness of our breath. The mantra is designed to be chanted in one breath and then chanted while retaining the breath. In yogic life, retention of breath is the secret to calming the mind.
While chanting the mantra, we should take deep and rhythmic breaths which ultimately improves the functioning and capacity of the lungs. Deep breathing provides oxygen to the cells of the body and maintains the overall health of the body. It also helps reduce the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory diseases.
IMPROVES OTHER HORMONES
Regular chanting of Gayatri Mantra improves the flow of many important hormones. Modern science is still studying these ancient songs. Chanting Gayatri Mantra for a period of time improves the body’s immunity. This ensures that a person is protected from common diseases and infections. The powerful vibrations of this mantra stimulate the hypothalamus gland and help in strengthening the body’s immune system. The hypothalamus is responsible for producing hormones that regulate heart rate, body temperature, hunger, and sleep patterns.
CALMS THE MIND AND BODY
Research shows that chanting the Gayatri Mantra promotes the release of endorphins and other relaxing hormones. The sound of this mantra sends vibrations to the lips, tongue, palate, throat and skull, calming the mind. The vibrations of this mantra stimulate the chakras or extrasensory energy centres and the pineal gland. The vibrations of the Gayatri Mantra allow positive energy to flow in the body, naturally calming the mind.
SHARPENS THE MIND AND IMPROVE THE MEMORY
Studies have shown that people who chant the Gayatri Mantra have better concentration and improved memory. It has been found that when the mantra is chanted, the resulting vibrations first activate the upper chakras, Vishuddha, Ajna and Anahata. These three chakras sharpen the mind, improve memory and strengthen the connection with nature. The sacred syllables of the Gayatri Mantra are designed to help one focus the mind.
The Gayatri Mantra is one of positivity, so it gives positive priority to thoughts and when we are not busy with something, we usually enjoy it and do not ignore it. This is the secret to increasing your intelligence and your beautiful memory.
FAQ
Can I chant the Gayatri mantra everyday?
Yes, you can chant the Gayatri mantra everyday. It is very beneficial when practiced regularly.
What are the benefits of chanting the Gayatri mantra?
Regular chanting of the Gayatri Mantra has deep spiritual benefits and not only boosts our own energy but also positively impacts our family, friends and community.Through this practice, we can reawaken our divine connection with the Universe.
What is the meaning of the Gayatri mantra?
Oh, my Brilliant Goddess of Energy, reputed among Devta (Divine Entities), we meditate on you, drive our minds in good direction from the material world (Bhu) to the celestial world (Bhuva) to a higher level of existence (Svaha).
How long should I chant the Gayatri mantra?
You can chant the Gayatri mantra for as long as you wish to or 108 times.