After Ganesha and my favorite divine, it’s time to seek the permission of Gayatri Devi. To honor this deity, I will answer a question about the Gayatri Mantra.
Which god does the Gayatri Mantra praise? The Sun or Gayatri Devi?
Savitur Gayatri
Gayatri is the name of a poetic meter, and the most powerful chant in that meter is Gayatri Mantra. This highly popular chant is attributed to Sage Vishvamitra (or Kaushika).
This chant was first found in the Rig Veda (Mandala 3 Hymn 62 Line 10). This scripture attributes the mantra to Savitur, the deity of light. Hence, this mantra is known as Savitur Gayatri. It goes as follows:
tatsaviturvareṇyaṃ
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt ॥
Gayatri Mantra
Tradition adds an opening line oṃ bhūr-bhuvaḥ svaḥ to the Savitur Gayatri. This new version is attributed to Gayatri Devi, the presiding deity of the Vedas.
Gayatri Devi personifies the Divine Energy denoted by the mantra or symbol Om. The Divine Energy is the illuminator of this creation.
The Gayatri Mantra invokes:
- OM: Divine Energy, in this context, personified as Gayatri Devi. The illuminator of this creation.
- BHUR: Sun. The illuminator of this physical world.
- BHUVAH: Sarasvati, the goddess of wisdom. The illuminator of our inner world (mind & its faculties).
- SVAHA: Divine Energy, the same energy of creation found in each of us. The illuminator of our spiritual world.
Gayatri Mantra & Meaning
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः
oṃ bhūr-bhuvaḥ svaḥ
Divine Energy, Illuminator of this Creation,
Sun, Illuminator of the Physical World,
Sarasvati, Illuminator of the Inner World,
Divine Energy, Illuminator of our Spiritual World.
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
tatsaviturvareṇyaṃ
That Savitur-The Deity of Light,
Worthy of Adoration,
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
Your Divine Radiance,
I Meditate Upon,
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt ॥
For That Spiritual Intelligence
Of Ours To Awaken.
A Call for Action
The Gayatri Mantra is open for all to chant after the Gayatri Sadhana. Regardless of your gender, community, caste, creed, etc., I recommend each one of you to chant it.
I have personally experienced the power and magic of the Gayatri Mantra.
It awakens the Divine Energy that is dormant in you, which boosts your creativity.
In addition to spiritual transformation, this chant can also improve your physical and mental health. So, please don’t overlook it.
Love,
Sri Devi Om
