Affluent Savvy
Photo by Ann H Pexels Logo Photo: Ann H

What does Gayatri Mantra mean?

A general translation of the mantra is: O Divine mother, may your pure divine light illuminate all realms (physical, mental and spiritual) of our being. Please expel any darkness from our hearts and bestow upon us the true knowledge.

Can your birthstone protect you?
Can your birthstone protect you?

Some people wear it to prevent nightmares, and others think it can help against natural catastrophes. Although these theories aren't proven,...

Read More »
What bird is the Holy Spirit?
What bird is the Holy Spirit?

Dove The Holy Spirit as a Dove Perhaps the most powerful avian symbol is the dove representing the Holy Spirit, which can be found throughout the...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

What Sanskrit verse has been chanted daily for nearly 4,000 years and entered into pop culture by the Battlestar Galactica series and Cher? If you answered the Gayatri mantra, familiar to yogis and fans of kirtan singer Deva Premal, you’d be right. This mantra is said to contain all the knowledge of the universe, so obviously its fullest meaning and proper invocation takes time, devotion, and practice to understand and master. If you are a fan of mantra chanting, then it is worth exploring this verse in more detail to learn its meaning, benefits, and history.

What is the Gayatri Mantra?

The Gayatri Mantra is a Sanskrit mantra that has been chanted for thousands of years. It was written down during the Vedic period (1500-500 BCE) and is considered to be one of the oldest known and most powerful mantras. It is said to contain all the knowledge of the universe.

Viewing ads supports YogaBasics. Remove ads with a membership. Thanks!

The mantra is an expression of gratitude and praise to the powers of transformation, inner growth, and self realization provided by the radiant light of the divine. Meditating on this spiritual light purifies the heart chakra and opens it up to receive higher vibrations of love, wisdom, and bliss.

The Gayatri mantra

The Gayatri has 24 syllables, and is listed below with phonetic pronunciation in brackets:

Om bhuh, bhuvah, swaha (Aumm Bhoor Bhoo-va Su-va-ha)

Tat savitur varenyam (Tat Sa-vee-toor Var-ayn-yam)

Bhargo devasya dhimahi (Bar-go Day-vas-ya Dhee-ma-hee)

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat (Dhee-yo Yo Nah Pra-cho-da-yaat)

The meaning of the Gayatri Mantra

A general translation of the mantra is:

O Divine mother, may your pure divine light illuminate all realms (physical, mental and spiritual) of our being. Please expel any darkness from our hearts and bestow upon us the true knowledge. Translations vary, but Vyaas Houston’s is among the most accessible : “Earth, atmosphere, heavens. We meditate on the sacred light of the effulgent source. Let that inspire our thoughts.” Stuck on the word “effulgent”? Merriam-Webster’s defines it as “radiant splendor,” but in a yogic sense, it refers to the all-pervading light of the celestial realms.

A word-for-word translation is:

Om: The primeval sound

What Zodiacs are the mean girls?
What Zodiacs are the mean girls?

Which Mean Girls Character Shares Your Zodiac Sign? Regina George: Capricorn (November 12, 1987) ... Cady Heron: Aquarius (January 21, 1988) ......

Read More »
What number brings money?
What number brings money?

Money number 6 in numerology Considered to be the money attracting number, people falling under this will have the most luck when it comes to...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Bhur: The human body, earth, physical realm, existence

Bhuvah: The vital energies, heaven, consciousness

Suvah: The soul, inner space, spiritual realm, bliss

Tat: That

Savitur: The Sun, solar powers

Varenyam: To choose, the best, adore

Bhargo: Effulgence, self-luminous, divine light

Devasya: The divine, radiant

Dhimahi Dhiyo: the intellect

Yo: Which

Nah: Our, of us

Prachodayat: Illuminate, inspire

A mantra of power, knowledge and light

Across cultures and throughout time, the sun symbolized spiritual light. The word “savitur” refers to Savitri, the Vedic sun deity . The mantra, considered the essence of all mantras, is personified as the resplendent Gayatri, the power behind the sun and the mother of the universe. As we chant her mantra, we tune into the frequencies of universal light and bring it down to the earth plane (bhuh) and ourselves. The mantra is personified by the goddess Gayatri Devi, who is the bestower of knowledge and is referred to as “the mother of the Vedas.” She is often depicted as having 5 heads and 10 arms, and she rides upon a swan. The five faces symbolize the five pranas and the five elements of the universe. Gayatri Devi represents the combined strength of the three Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali. Her divine powers are protection, wisdom, and strength.

History of the Gayatri mantra

How the universal mantra came to be chanted here on earth is a rich story of anger, envy, lust, and forgiveness. It begins in ancient times, when King Vishwamitra and his army visited Sage Vashista , who was able to feed their numbers thanks to a wish-fulfilling cow. Vishwamitra wanted to take the cow with him, and Vashista’s refusal angered the king so much that he vowed to undertake austerities and meditate until his spiritual powers surpassed the sage’s. Each time Vishwamitra believed he was nearing success, however, he failed another test of ego. When Vishwatmitra at last recognized his shortcomings and begged Vashista’s forgiveness, he experienced spontaneous Samadhi and the gods gifted him with the words of the Gayatri. (The poses Vashistasana and Vishwamitrasana honor these sages.) Vishwamitra is among the authors of the Rig Veda , the oldest known source of the Gayatri. His tale teaches that enlightenment is possible for anyone who practices with dedication, and the Gayatri is recommended as a practice suited to people from all walks of life.

Benefits of chanting the Gayatri

Can any job make you a millionaire?
Can any job make you a millionaire?

There are several jobs that can lead to a millionaire's salary, such as becoming a popular actor, professional athlete, an attorney, or software...

Read More »
Why the blood of Jesus is so powerful?
Why the blood of Jesus is so powerful?

The blood of Christ not only offers forgiveness of sin, but also sanctification. Hebrews 13:12 tells us that “Jesus also suffered…in order to...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

It’s said that by regularly chanting the Gayatri mantra , you accumulate spiritual light, and that you will not only raise your own vibratory level but also the levels of those around you your family and friends, your circle of acquaintances, the entire global community. The sound of the Gayatri mantra brings us back to our own true nature, which is pure consciousness itself. It reminds us that we are already perfect beings, and that we have been given everything we need to manifest our highest potential. When we practice the Gayatri, we remember that we are divinely connected to the universe, and that we are blessed by its abundance. A regular meditation practice using this mantra can bring peace, joy, grace, and happiness prosperity. It is also said to strengthen concentration, heal the physical body, and protect against negativity, fear, anger, jealousy, hatred, greed, and envy. The ancient texts claim that chanting the Gayatri 10 times per day removes the bad karma in this lifetime, and chanting 108 times daily will dissolve the karma from previous lives.

How to chant the Gayatri mantra

Although it can be chanted at any time of the day, it is advisable to chant the mantra both early in the morning and at night before sleeping. Keep your mind focused on each word as you chant the mantra. Notice where you feel the vibration of the sacred sound in your head and chest. You may need to keep your eyes open to read the mantra at first, but eventually work on memorizing it so you can practice with your eyes closed. It will be most powerful to chant the mantra silently. When reciting the Gayatri Mantra, visualize the sun’s light as it enters your heart, radiating outward to bless the world.

Here are the nine steps to chanting the Gayatri mantra:

How to start real estate with no money?
How to start real estate with no money?

Purchasing Real Estate With No Money Down Borrow the Money. Probably the easiest way to purchase a property with no money down is by borrowing the...

Read More »
What age do you meet your soulmate?
What age do you meet your soulmate?

And, according to the findings, the average age you'll find your partner varies from gender to gender. That's right - the research found that the...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »
Who saw the finger of God?
Who saw the finger of God?

Hebrew Bible The magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, but they could not. There were gnats on both humans and animals. And the...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »
How do you get rich in 5 easy steps?
How do you get rich in 5 easy steps?

The 5 Fastest Ways To Become Rich, According to Experts Avoid (and Pay Down) Debt. Debt is not necessarily bad in all instances, but it is...

Read More »