A Mantra for Enlightenment

As we observe the occasion of Gayatri Jayanti on August 3, 2020, it is a most auspicious time to delve deeply into the Gayatri mantra and begin the spiritual discipline of reciting it daily.

Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah

Tat Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi

Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayaat

We meditate upon the effulgence of that adorable Supreme Divinity, the source of Truth, Consciousness and Bliss. May that Supreme Radiance be embodied within us, enlightening our intellect and inspiring us to realize the Supreme Truth.

The Gayatri mantra is a verse from the Rig Veda (3.62.10) and is addressed to the Sun. This mantra was composed in the Gayatri metre, hence its name. It is said to be the base of all metres.

This mantra is one of the oldest, and generally thought of as being 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 proclaimed to Arjuna: “Among all the mantras, I am the Gayatri.”

In the Gayatri mantra, the blessings of Soorya Bhagavan are invoked for inner illumination. Gayatri signifies the energy present in the orb of the Sun and it is with this dynamic energy that one ascends spiritually to the highest levels of consciousness.

The mantra itself is comprised of 24 syllables. The first two lines glorify the manifestation of light on the earth, astral region and the heavens. It is an adoration of the effulgence of the Solar Being. The third line is a request for inner illumination.

The mantra can be chanted at any time of the day but the most ideal times are at dawn, mid-day and at dusk, known as the three sandhyas. Chanting this mantra at dawn is an excellent way to begin the day since it glorifies the Sun without whom, no living being can exist. The mantra should be recited by everyone at least five times daily.

The Gayatri mantra possesses the power of purification. The words have been carefully selected and arranged so that they not only convey meaning but also create enlightenment. By reciting these lines, the intrinsic power of Mantra Shakti can be attained. The repeated and proper recitation of the Gayatri mantra, with belief and proper understanding of its meaning, is believed to be of the greatest benefit to the individual. One becomes imbued with inner illumination as levels of intelligence, intuition and awareness are heightened.

Here is an extended translation of the mantra:

Bhu: the earth, existence, the plane of truth

Bhuvah: the atmosphere, the plane of consciousness

Svah: heavens, blissful state

Tat: That, implying the ultimate reality

Savitur: derived from the word Savita, the source of light; the Ultimate light of wisdom

Varenyam: the most exalted one, the highest reality

Bhargo: illumination, radiance, effulgence

Devasya: the Absolute Personality, God

Dhimahi: meditate

Dhiyo: intellect

Yo: Who, That, the Divine

Nah: Our

Prachodayaat: illumine, pray.