The Gaayatri Mantra is well known by most Hindus; however, information on the Devi referred to as Gaayatri Maataa is not as widespread. According to the scriptural text, the Devi Bhagavat, the name Gaayatri means ‘she who protects’. Gaayatri Devi is another name of the Divine Mother. Among her 1,008 names, some of the more popular ones are: Veda Maataa – Mother of the Vedas, Agni Mukha – the burning power of fire, Amritaa – giver of immortality, Savitri – the energy in the Sun, Saraswati – Goddess of wisdom, Aditi – Mother of all Devtas and Prithivi Devi – Goddess of Earth.
Gaayatri Devi is described in the Devi Bhagavat as follows. She wears red clothes and has a ‘jap mala’, which is also red. She holds the Rig Veda and is engaged in the study of the sacred text. She sits on the swan. Her four feet are representative of the four Vedas. She is represented as the controller of the eight cardinal directions. She has seven heads representing grammar, learning, imagination, understanding, horoscope, history and knowledge of God as taught by the Guru. Gaayatri Devi has Vishnu Bhagavan as her conscience, Agni Devta as her power of fulfilling ‘yagyas’ and Rudraji as her guiding power of intellect.
The worship of Devi
Gaayatri Devi can be worshipped on any day. The recommended times are morning, noon and evening. In the worship of this form of Devi, it is advisable that these mentioned representations should be incorporated into one’s meditation. The mantra to Gaayatri, as with all mantras, begins with ‘Om’. In addition, the following is recommended to be recited before chanting the Gaayatri mantra – “Hari Om Tat Sat”. This should be repeated three times as a form of purification; then one can begin the Gaayatri ‘jap’.
The Gaayatri Mantra
The Gaayatri Mantra, also known as the Savitri Mantra, is a verse taken from the Rig Veda (3.62.10) and is addressed to the Sun. The metre in which this mantra was composed is the Gaayatri metre and hence its name. The Gaayatri metre is said to be the base or mother of all metres.
The Gaayatri mantra is one of the oldest mantras and generally considered to be among the highest and most powerful mantras of all. This mantra is therefore often referred to as the Mother of the Vedas. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna had proclaimed to Arjuna: “Among all the mantras, I am the Gaayatri.”
The mantra can be repeated in any spot. However the Devi Bhagavat has mentioned some places where greater benefits accrue. These are: under a peepal tree, in a cowshed, under any holy tree, in a temple, on the banks of any sacred river or any spot designated for ‘poojaa’ only, for example, a ‘pooja’ room in our homes.
By reciting the Gaayatri mantra, the four fruits of life are attained. Regardless of the sect one belongs to in Hinduism, all believe in the power of Gaayatri! The Gaayatri Mantra is an extremely powerful weapon against evil. One can keep it as personal protection or place on the walls of one’s home for peace and protection. This is the secret as stated in the Devi Bhagavat on the power of Gaayatri Devi.
Gaayatri Mantra
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayaat
