The meaning of Gayatri mantra

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Gayatri mantra is one of the oldest and most powerful of sanskrit mantras. To find out what it means, read on!

gayatri mantra

Gayatri mantra is also known as the Maha mantra

For ages, Gayatri mantra was a well guarded secret and out of reach even for most Hindus. It is said that if the true meaning of this mantra is fully realised, an individual transcends all boundaries of consciousness and ultimately unites with God himself.

Since the mantra is considered so powerful, rishis kept this mantra a secret to maintain its sanctity. Today, it is chanted all over the world as a supreme prayer.

This Maha mantra, reads as:

OM BHUR, BHUVA, SWAHA
OM TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YONAHA PRACHODAYAT

The essence of the mantra

This mantra addresses the basic principle of human existence. Though it may take years to grasp the true essence of the mantra, in very basic language, it says, “May the divine light of the Supreme Being illuminate our intellect, to lead us along a path of righteousness”. It can be more elaborately translated as,

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 Sin and Ignorance;
May He open our hearts and enlighten our Intellect.

Click on Continue Reading to know what each word of the mantra signifies

gayatri mantra

The mantra, when chanted repeatedly, opens the doors of conciousness

Word by word meaning of the Gayatri mantra

Each word of Gayatri mantra, by itself, has a profound meaning. This is what makes it so intense.

Om = Brahma; The primeval sound of the Universe
bhur = embodiment of vital spiritual energy (pran)
bhuwah = destroyer of sufferings
swaha = realization of happiness
tat = that
savitur = bright like the sun
varenyam = choicest
bhargo = destroyer of sins
devasya = divine
dheemahi = may imbibe
dhiyo = intellect
yo = who
naha = our
prachodayat = may inspire

Highlights of the Maha mantra

  • Greatness of Gayatri mantra is that it does not speak about self-gain or self-empowerment. It is a request to the Lord to enlighten every being of the universe, so that all of his creation feels empowered.
  • It conveys more than what is hidden, than what is communicated. Hence, each word by itself is a prayer.
  • It is beyond the boundaries of religion, caste and ethnicity. The cycle of life is the Lord’s will, and the entire universe needs to be in tandem to function. It thus a request appealing for peace and divine wisdom for all.
  • In the Vedas, it is said that the more you chant this mantra with intensity, it opens up the seven chakras of the body, awakening your inner senses.

 

References: GayatriVeda, Magicofgayatri

 If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the Gayatri mantra, please share them in our Comment box below.

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Written by

Preeti Athri