Gayatri Mantra Meaning, Origin and Folklore

The Gayatri Mantra or the Savitri Mantra is one of the most powerful & sacred mantras from the Rig Veda that is devoted to Savitri, the goddess of 5 elements.

The verse is composed as per the ancient Vedic metre termed as Gayatri. The Mantra starts with OM and then ends with the great mystical utterance or the Mahavyahṛti i.e. bhur bhuvaḥ svaḥ.

It is believed that frequent recitation of the Mantra will bring happiness to your lives.

Gayatri mantra mp3 audio

The Mantra – Rig Veda (Mandala 3.62.10)

The Gayatri Mantra as per the Rig Veda;

Aum

Bhuh Bhuvah Svah

Tat Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi

Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

The Mantra - Rig Veda (Mandala 3.62.10)
The Mantra – Rig Veda (Mandala 3.62.10)

The Gayatri mantra in Devanagari:

ॐ भूर् भुवः सुवः ।

तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं

भर्गो॑ देवस्यधीमहि ।

धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥

Origin and History

The term “Gayatri” is originated from a Sanskrit phrase “Gayantam Triyate iti” which defines that the mantra will rescue the chanter from all the adversity and will lead the person towards the path of morality and wisdom.

Origin and History
Origin and History

The Gayatri mantra was composed by Vishvamitra and the name has been cited in various Hindu texts and religious books like;

  1. The Bhagavad Gita
  2. The Srauta Liturgy
  3. Harivamsa
  4. Manusmṛti

It often related to Goddess Gayatri that is also called as the Veda Mata which means the mother of all the Hindu Vedas.

The 4 Hindu Vedas that form the basis of reality between the true and the cognitive world.

The Gayatri mantra is composed of a metre also known as tripadhi, which have been given the name as the Gayatri Chhanda or the Gayatri Metre.

This ancient Vedic metre consists of 24 syllables that are arranged in a triplet of eight syllables each.

Buddha described the mantra and its association with the Vedic Metre as “expressing their appreciation” for the mantra.

In Hinduism, the mantra holds a special place for young males during the upanayana ceremony.

As per the traditional Hindu books and texts the Dvija men used this mantra since ages for their daily rituals.

In the 21st century, the use of this mantra is quite widespread as the practice has involved women and people from all the castes.

Meaning and Symbolism

The true meaning of the Mantra is captured in the following lines i.e.

“O thou existence Absolute, Creator of the three dimensions, we contemplate upon thy divine light.

May He stimulate our intellect and bestow upon us true knowledge.”

Meaning and Symbolism
Meaning and Symbolism

This could also be simply translated into the following words i.e.

“O Divine mother, our hearts are filled with darkness. Please make this darkness distant from us and promote illumination within us.”

The 1st word is Om or Aum is also called Pranav because its sound gets produced from the vital vibration or the Prana of humans.

The ancient Vedic books and text say that the one-syllable is Brahman i.e. Aum Iti Ek Akshara Brahman.

LetterPronunciationMeaning
AOriginates from the navel region and emerges from the throat.waking
UOriginates by rolling over the tongue softly.dreaming
MThe terms originate and end on the lips of humans.sleeping
Aum or Om Meaning and Significance

It is the primitive vital sound symbolizes the Universal Absolute and it is the absolute sum and substance of the words that can be produced from the human throat.

Bhuh, Bhuvah, and Svah also called the “Vyahrities” are derived from 3 words i.e. the past, the present and the future. It is the one that gives the knowledge and wisdom to the entire cosmos also known as Ahriti.

As per the ancient texts just by saying these 3 words one contemplates the Glory of God and enriches their experience of life. It is written as below;

“Visheshenh Aahritih Sarva viraat, praahlaanam prakashokaranh vyahritih”.

Now below is the meaning and the interpretation of all the words of the Hindu Hymn Gayatri Mantra i.e.

WordMeaningHindi Version
OmThe Universal Absolute
BhurThe physical worldभूर्
BhuvahThe mental worldभुवः
SvahaThe celestial or the spiritual worldस्वः
TatThe Transcendental Paramatmaतत्
SaviturDivine Sunसवितुर
VareniumAdoreवरेण्यं
BhargoIlluminationभर्गो
DevasyaDivine Graceदेवस्य
DheemahiWe contemplateधीमहि
DhiIntellectधियो
YoWho or understandingयो
NahOursनः
PrachodayatRequest, enlighten or guideप्रचोदयात्
Hindu Hymn Gayatri Mantra Meaning and Interpretation in Hindi

Usage of Gayatri Mantra

The mantra has found its usage even in the 21st century and is still the basis of many religious and technical findings.

Usage of Gayatri Mantra
Usage of Gaytri Mantra

Here we have listed some of the religious usages of the Mantra;

UsageSignificance
Brahmo SamajThe first divine workshop of the Brahmo Samaj used Gayatri mantra.
Hindu RevivalismIt spread due to various Hindu reforms in the 19th century.
Indonesian HinduismIt is uttered 3 times a day as per their culture and traditions.
Mantra RecitationIt has been used as a popular method in various Tantric prayers and ceremonies.
Upanayana RitualIt marks the beginning of the study of ancient Vedas by young Hindu men.
Benefits of Gaytri Mantra

Conclusion

Gayatri Mantra has enormous power, can be sung at any time and any place for peace, wisdom and happiness. The Savitri Mantra is one of the most influential and holy mantras from the Rig Veda.

It is devoted to Savitri, the deity of 5 ultimate elements. It is believed that recurrent recital of the Mantra will bring pleasure and joy to your lives.

Let us know in the comment, what are your views about this Hindu Hymn.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Who has composed the Gayatri Mantra?

The Gayatri mantra was composed by Vishvamitra and the name has been cited in various Hindu texts and religious books.

What is the benefit of listening to the Gayatri Mantra?

The Mantra improves the power to acquire wisdom and avoids all life miseries by fulfilling our wishes. It helps to improve mental and physical health by eradicating diseases and protecting us from danger. So, if you want to get free from the wheel of life and death then you must recite it daily.

What is the origin and history of Gayatri Mantra?

The term “Gayatri” is originated from a Sanskrit phrase “Gayantam Triyate iti” which defines that the mantra will rescue the chanter from all the adversity and will lead the person towards the path of morality and wisdom.