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
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.
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