What is a mantra?
Mantra is a word or phrase, frequently in Sanskrit, is chanted during meditation or japa. This term comprises two syllables - 'man' representing mind and 'tra' meaning protection. Therefore, it functions as a safeguard for our mind, preserving its tranquility, focus, and integrity.
Our ancient scriptures contain many mantras, with some of them being:
Om Namah Shivae ओम नम: शिवाए
Tat tvam Asi तत त्वम असि
Aham Brihasmi अहं ब्रह्ष्मि
Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram hare hare हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna krishna hare hare हरे कृष्णा हरे कृष्णा कृष्णा कृष्णा हरे हरे
Om Vasudevae Namah ओम् वासुदेवाए नम:
However, the Gayatri Mantra is considered the most powerful. Below is the mantra presented in Sanskrit and English, along with its meaning and significance.
In Sanskrit:
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि। धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात॥
In English:
Aum Bhur Bhuvah Svah Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yo nah Prachodayat
Gayatri Mantra Meaning
The Gayatri Mantra was first mentioned in the Rig Veda (Mandala 3.62.10), an ancient Vedic text dating back to 1100 to 1700 BCE. The Upanishads describe it as a significant ritual and the Bhagavad Gita refers to it as the divine poem. People believe that chanting the Gayatri Mantra helps stabilize the mind and leads one to fulfill their destined path, resulting in a life filled with joy and happiness.
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.
Meaning of Gayatri Mantra In simpler terms:
O Divine mother, our hearts are filled with darkness. Please make this darkness distant from us and promote illumination within us.
The First Word “OM”–ॐ
Pranav is another name for it because the sound of ‘Om’ or ‘AUM’ originates from Prana (Vital Vibration), which permeates the Universe. According to scripture, “Aum Iti Ek Akshara Brahman” (Aum, that one syllable, is Brahman). It represents the essence of all words that can be produced by the human voice. This primordial fundamental sound symbolizes the Universal Absolute.
The Vyahrities – Bhur, Bhuvah, Svah
The three words "past," "present," and "future" in the Gayatri are referred to as Vyahrities. Vyahriti is the term used to describe that which imparts a knowledge of the entire cosmos or "ahriti." According to scripture, it is stated: "Visheshenh Aahritih sarva viraat, praahlaanam prakashokaranh vyahritih." Therefore, when these three words are recited, the individual meditates on the divine splendor that enlightens the three worlds or realms of experience.
The Remaining Words
Here are the individual meanings of the rest of the words from the mantra:
Tat–In simpler term, it means “that”, because it stated description of speech or language, the “Ultimate Reality.”
Savitur – “Divine Sun” (The ultimate light of wisdom)
Varenium – “Adore”
Bhargo – “Illumination”
Devasya – “Divine Grace”
Dheemahi – “We Contemplate”
Dhi – “Intellect”
Yo – “Who”
Nah – “Ours”
Prachodayat – “Requesting/Urging/Praying”
The prayer for ultimate liberation is composed of the final five words, which signify the awakening of our genuine intelligence.
Gayatri Mantra Benefits
Chanting the Gayatri mantra has many advantages. Here are some of the favorable outcomes of reciting the Gayatri Mantra.
It increases learning power.
It increases concentration.
It brings prosperity.
It gives people eternal power.
It is very useful for peace.
It is the first step to go to the way of the spiritual road.
It is something profoundly related to God.
It strengthens the mind and improves the health condition.
It improves the rhythmic pattern of breathing.
It keeps our hearts healthy.
It protects the devotee from all the dangers and guides towards the Divine by intuition.
It improves our family life.
How to Chant Gayatri Mantra?
Chanting the Gayatri Mantra offers many benefits, but it requires a specific method. It is recommended that individuals adhere to particular guidelines when reciting the Gayatri Mantra. During the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, it is important to close your eyes, focus on each word, and comprehend their meanings. Pronounce each word and sound accurately. While you can recite the mantra anytime, it is advisable to chant it in the morning and before bedtime.
In the end, the mantra acknowledges and gives thanks to both the life-giving Sun and the Divine. This perspective encourages the devotee to embrace the mantra with a heart-centered focus. The feeling it evokes is more important than the exact words. It serves as a gesture of gratitude, a means to welcome grace and motivate oneself.
some portion sourced from vedicfeed.com
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