Gayatri Mantra a sacred hymn to the glory of mankind and the universe

Gayatri Mantra wallpaper. Image: hdwallpapersdownloadz.com

The Hindus all over the world must know the Gayatri Mantra as a sacred chant, sung repeatedly, for example, three times or nine times, or even more. This is an ancient Hindu prayer can be regarded as a basic prayer of the Hindus, before they start any other prayer or when Hindus wanted meditation. 

Gayatri Mantra can also be done before doing a day-to-day activities. The meaning and the purpose is to find the sense of calm for spiritual and physical, and of course the happiness and well-being.

The Gāyatrī Mantra (Sanskrit: गायत्री मन्त्र) is a highly revered mantra of the Vedic tradition. It is sometimes called 'Mahā Manŧra'. Mahā means 'great'. This beautiful Mantra has been chronicled in the Rig Veda, which was written in Sanskrit about 2500 to 3500 years ago, and the mantra may have been chanted for many centuries before that. The Gayatri Mantra consists of twenty-four syllables - three lines of eight syllables each. The first line (Aum Bhur Bhuvah Swah) is considered an invocation.

Gayatri Mantra is also referred to as a Vedic poetic meter of 24 syllables or any hymn composed in this matter. As the verse can be interpreted to invoke the deva Savitr, it is often called Sāvitrī mantra.[2] Depending on how Savitri is interpreted, this mantra can be seen as connected to Sun Worship, Yoga, Tantra and Mother Goddess.

The beautiful and soothing ancient sounds, the flowing rhythmic patterns, and the powerful intent make the Gayatri Mantra a wonderful part of one’s daily spiritual practice. Gāyaŧrī Manŧra is the most popular Sanskṛiŧ shlok/a (verse) of the Veđ/as. Hinđū/s love to chant this sacred religious shlok as manŧra.

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः

तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं ।

भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि

धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥

Om Bhuur-Bhuvah Svah

Tat-Savitur-Varennyam |

Bhargo Devasya Dhiimahi

Dhiyo Yo Nah Pracodayaat ||

Meaning:

1: Om, that (Divine Illumination) which Pervades the Bhu Loka (Physical Plane), Bhuvar Loka (Antariksha Loka or the Astral Plane) and Suvar Loka (Swarga Loka or the Celestial Plane),

2: That Savitr (Divine Illumination) which is the Most Adorable,

3: On that Divine Radiance we Meditate,

4: May that Enlighten Our Intellect and Awaken our Spiritual Wisdom.

There are variations/differences in the interpretations of the Gāyaŧrī Manŧra by various scholars. But all of them agree that it is a great prayer.

By Đayānanđ Sarasvaŧī:

'O God, You are the giver of life, the remover of pain & sorrow, the giver of happiness; O Creator of the universe, may we receive Your supreme sin-destroying light; may You guide our intellect in the right direction.'

By Max Muller:

Let us obtain (meditate on) the adorable splendour of Saviŧrī (Sun God), may He arouse our minds.

Some scholars say 'भूर्भुवः॒ स्वः॒' is a V'yāhṛiŧi. A typical translation of this manŧra slightly indicates that this is for praying in a group! Oh, Excuse me for writing the following translations of the manŧra. Words written in round brackets - '(' & ')' (aka parentheses) are not to be pronounced. You may or may not pronounce words written in square brackets - '[' & ']'.

The Gayatri Mantra inspires wisdom in us.  In very basic but beautiful language, it says "May the divine light of the Supreme Being illuminate our intellect, to lead us along a path of righteousness". 

The Vedas say:

To chant the Gayatri Mantra

purifies the chanter.

To listen to the Gayatri Mantra

purifies the listener.

A basic translation can be given as...

Oh God, the Protector, the basis of all life, Who is self-existent, Who is free from all pains and Whose contact frees the soul from all troubles, Who pervades the Universe and sustains all, the Creator and Energizer of the whole Universe, the Giver of happiness, Who is worthy of acceptance, the most excellent, Who is Pure and the Purifier of all, let us embrace that very God, so that He may direct our mental faculties in the right direction.

Another meaning:

 

Symbol of Almighty God. Image: 1stposter.com

“We meditate on that most adorable, desirable and enchanting luster and brilliance of our Supreme Being, our Source Energy, our Collective Consciousness….who is our creator, inspirer and source of eternal Joy.  May this warm and loving Light inspire and guide our mind and open our hearts.”

Isn’t that awe inspiring?

There are still many other interpretations, but it always has the same meaning, which is to worship God Almighty. You can say and sing the Gayatri Mantra every day, for example, in the morning, noon and night. If you're pursue yoga and meditation, then sing this mantra before activity Yoga, it will make you more focused and get the true benefits of yoga and meditation.

By the way, You can get a beautiful sacred songs CD or download it on the Internet, so you can live a more calm and happy.

This article is excerpted from various sources such as: omgayatri.com, en.wikipedia.org, greenmesg.org, eaglespace.com, and magicofgayatri.com