Gayatri Mantra - A Universal Prayer - Meaning & Significance

The Power of Gayatri

Gayatri Mantra Universal Explaintion

 
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The Gayatri Mantra does not belong to any particular sect of worship, or it is not restricted to any certain community. It is universal, for the whole world. It contains in it the culture not of any particular society, but the culture of humanity. The Gayatri Mantra is a treasure and heritage that belongs to the whole of humanity without exclusion.

The Gayatri mantra is central to Yoga, Vedanta, Ayurveda and Vedic astrology. For Yoga it sets in motion the Divine will toward transformation, stimulating the Kundalini force. For Vedanta it grants Self-knowledge, knowledge of the solar Self. For Ayurveda it gives the power of the cosmic prana that is born of the sun. For Jyotish it gives knowledge of the movements of the heavenly bodies ruled by the cosmic sun.   top

The Gayatri Mantra is one of the holiest mantras in the Sanskrit language. Here we present it in Sanskrit, Gujarati and English scripts.
English Script
Aum bhu-bhva svah tat sevitr varay niyem bargoh de vas ya dhi ma hi diyeo yo na prachodayat

English Translation
"O Lord, Thou are the protector of life and of breath, dispeller of miseries and bestower of happiness. Thou are the creator and the most acceptable intelligence, possessing eternal qualities. May Thine qualities and Thy inspiration pass to us."

Sanskrit
Hindi Translation
Sarvrakshak Pransvarup Dukho Ko Dur Karnay Valay Atyant Grahan Yogya Shudh Vigyan Svarup Sarvgun Sampannan Ko Prem Bhakti Se Apnay Atma Me Dharon Karo Jissay Hamari Sabki Prayrit Ho

Word for Word Meaning of the Mantra
Aum = Brahma ; bhoor = embodiment of vital spiritual energy(pran) ; bhuwah = destroyer of sufferings ; swaha = embodiment of happiness ; tat = that ; savitur = bright like sun ; varenyam = best choicest ; bhargo = destroyer of sins ; devasya = divine ; dheemahi = may imbibe ; dhiyo = intellect ; yo = who ; naha = our ; prachodayat = may inspire      
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Meaning of Gayatri Mantra
Rishis selected the words of various Mantras and arranged them so that they not only convey meaning but also create specific power through their utterance. Gayatri Mantra inspires wisdom. Its meaning is that "May the Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path". All the problems of a person are solved if he/she is endowed with the gift of righteous wisdom. Once endowed with far-sighted wisdom, a man is neither entangled in calamity nor does he tread the wrong path. A wise man finds solution to all outstanding problems. Only those persons who do not think correctly find difficulty and take wrong steps due to foolishness. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra removes this deficiency. The teachings and powers incorporated in the Gayatri Mantra fulfill this purpose. Righteous wisdom starts emerging soon after Jap(recitation) of this Mantra is performed.

Extracted from "The Great Science and Philosophy of Gayatri" by Shree Ram Sharma Acharya, Shanti Kunj, Hardwaar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

GAYATRI MANTRA
THE UNRIVALLED DIVINE FORCE
The Twenty-four Letters of Gayatri Mantra

Brahma conceived the Gayatri mantra consisting of 24 letters before he crested the gross world. Each letter in the mantra has hid in itself, a great potential force, which when released, branches off into the four Vedas with their sub-branches just as a vast tree is hidden in its seed. The pipal seed sprouts , it grows into an extensive tree with many branches and give out leaves, fruits, flowers, etc. The tree expands so much-lakhs and lakhs of time more the size of seed. After sprouting, the mantra takes the form of the four Vedas.

Philology (the science of language i.e., sound) was born of the 14 sounds. With these 14 sounds that vibrated and emanated when Lord Shiv, in his happier mood, played on his favourite damaru (a percussion instrument ). With these 14 sounds (sutras) as the basis , Panini- the greatest grammarian, wrote his Astadhyayi (or Maha Vyakarana), the greatest and the most important compilation on Sanskrit grammar. Many scholars have commented on his work and such commentaries alone are enough to constitute a large library. Similarly, all literature in various forms is the outcome of the 24 letters of Gayatri mantra only. While the Gayatri mantra is the sutra, the compilations with their branches and sub-branches are its extensive commentaries.

The author (the seers & sages) of the science of mantra say that whatever sound comes out from the mouth is the outcome of the interaction of various organ such ad the wide-pipe, thee tongue, the teeth, the lips etc. The different organs or parts of the mouth are interconnected with the various parts of the body through tubular organs known as nadi.

In those areas of the body wherever the nadis are (the six Chakras are related to the sushumna nadi) there are lots of ganglia (granthis), and the effect of vibrations of different parts of the mouth (place of sound organs) have a pressuring effect on these ganglia. If one’s talk is defective, it means that some of the ganglia are not functioning properly or effectively. Our body contains many ganglia of different sizes, some are seen and some of which are not seen. The spiritualists know what power is contained in each of the ganglia. Thew various sounds produced through the organs of the mouth have their effect on these ganglia; they cause the ganglia to activate and discharge their stored power. The wordings of the mantras are arranged on the basis of their sounds and intonations. The Gayatri mantra contains 24 letters, and all these 24 letters have a direct relation with the 24 ganglia in the human body. Our body can be compared to a sitar (a stringed musical instrument) with 24 strings. When the Ganglia are activated they energize those power that yield the right kind of knowledge. The repetition of Gayatri mantra (or japa) produces notes which mingle with similar sounds existing in Nature (prakriti). This is what one can expect from Gayatri sadhana.
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The ‘word’ (shabda) is compared to Brahma. When Brahma is inspired, his body quivers and the vibrations created by the movement of his body fall again on his body and take the form of Omkar (Pranava) which echoes seven times. Like the pendulum of a clock, this Omkar creates the movement or vibrations which in turn keeps Nature (prakriti) functioning. As a result of such functioning, the three gunas - sattwa, rajas and tamas – with their powers hrim, shrim and klim respectively flow and break off into different rivulets and streams and create the bija mantra. One should not underestimate the effect of the sound waves produce. Those well versed in the science of sound know what potency sound waves contain and what effects they produce. Sound works in it own sphere ad even controls Nature. Thus Nature functions through the power of the word-sound. Gayatri mantra is composed of selected sounds and due to their very order in the mantra a very powerful current or wave is produced and made to flow.      
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If one wishes to know what miracles the power of word-sound can create, one has to acquaint with the latest developments in science and technology. The Russians have devised what is known as the transducer, with which the aid of subtle sound waves can cut even thick iron and steel plates. From the cleansing of the sophisticated instruments to the working of the ordinary washing machine, all the work is now done by the aid of sound waves.

We read in history that the Dipak Rag was sung by Tansen, by the vibrations of the oil lamps, which had gone off glowed again. We know deer forgets its own self and the cows yield more milk when they hear enchanting music. Similarly, hearing the sound of cuckoo, a man’s sensuousness is said to be aroused. When battalions of soldiers in formation cross a bridge, it is said the soldiers are not expected to maintain the uniformity in steps, ass it is feared that when they keep uniformity in steps, due to the impact of the sound waves produced (known as resonance), the bridge, may collapse. Dr Huchisson of U.S.A., who has gained much popularity claims sure success in fighting certain diseases with the aid of sound waves. In all these cases, the vibrations mingle with similar sounds spread in subtle Nature (sukshma prakriti), revolve round and round and converge again on the place of their origin, thereby producing a kind of energy which produces the desired effect. In other words, many miraculous things happen due to the power of a mantra. The Gayatri spell also derives its force in the same fashion. While uttering the mantra whichever organs of the mouth come into play, activate their corresponding ganglia also. When the ganglia are activated thus, a musical (which is also spiritual) sound resembling the Vedic Mantra spreads in the air, returning to its base again carrying along with it a powerful force of similar sounds already spread in Nature to help achieve the desired end. The musical effect of the vibrations, or the current occasioned by the utterance of the mantra on the already existing current created by the five elements and the subtle soul force (atma shakti) created by the five elements-ether, air, fire, water and earth, the subtle soul-force created by the intensity of piety, sincerity and earnestness of the prayer offered, make the Gayatri forces powerful as a Divine Blessings.

Absolute and firm faith in the divinity by the sadhak in rhea Gayatri spell yields a powerful subtle force. Psychologists are well aware of the power of such force. As a matter of fact, many people have been saved and resuscitated from untimely death by this force. Many might have perished due to lack of faith. The great saint Tulsidas, in one of his couplets, has compared faith and belief to Parvati (Shard) and Parameshwar (vishwas). Belief has the power of converting a piece of rope inn the dark into a snake, a tree into a spirit, and an idol into deity. Because of faith man spends his energy, money and even sacrifices his life. We can quote several people- Ekalavya and Kabir, for example, who were able to amass better knowledge(which otherwise had to be learnt at the feet of the tutor) on account off their faith and belief. If for instance a sadhak takes a sadhana of Gayatri with the supreme faith and belief, he gets an unparalleled siddhi because of the mingling of the sound force in Nature (prakiti) with the spiritual powers.

The following table gives the 24 letters of the Gayatri spell and its relation to the power.

  1.
  2.
  3.
  4.
  5.
  6.
  7.
  8.
  9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
tat
sa
vi
tur
va
re
ni
yam
bhar
go
de
va
sya
dhi
ma
hi
dhi
yo
yo
na
pra
cho
da
at
tapini
saphalata
visshwa
tushti
varada
revati
sukshma
jnana
bharga
gomati
devika
varahi
simhani
dhyana
maryada
sphutaa
medha
yogamaya
yogini
dhanin
prabhava
ushma
drishya
niranjana
fruitfulness
valour
perseverance
welfare
yoga
love
wealth
lustre
protection
wisdom
subjugation
allegiance
determination
life
time
penance
forecast
alertness
production
protection
idealism
adventure
discrimination
service

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The 24 powers of Gayatri mentioned above awaken in the sadhak certain qualities, and along with this awakening he starts getting success and prosperity i.e., siddhi. Many feel that these benefits are showered by some God or Goddess. They do not realise the development of the subtle force in themselves. If they are able to know the subtle force working in them, they will realise that such benefits do not accrue of their own accord and that all of them are the results of the interplay of spiritual forces in them. Gayatri sadhana or upasana is not blind faith, but a scientific process whose development and progress are sure to yield to desired fruits.  top

Gayatri is the adi shakti (the prime force). With this force both sentient and insentient worlds (life and matter) derive their movement (gati) or force or inspiration, and result is development and progress. Just as one can easily hear any broadcast from any station by just tuning a knob, similarly, one can establish one’s contact through one’s spiritual powers with the subtle, all pervading Gayatri. One can use one’s own spiritual power for attainment of all or a particular benefit-material, psychological or spiritual. This is sdhana.

A sincere devotee with a weak determination faces many odds; even the easiest course becomes very difficult for him. It is just like cold which enhances the strength of the strong but weakens the spirit of the weak and makes them suffer with pneumonia etc. In other words, the principal which becomes fatal to the weak, become energizing to the strong and determined. The weak sheep is devoured by the wild beasts and even eaten by men, but the lion is adored not only by the wild beast and animals but even by the strongest emperors who wear it as an insignia on their person.

A man suffers from sorrow for three reasons viz., lack of power or ability, greed for a thing, and ignorance or lack of knowledge. If he does not possess certain things, say food, clothing, water, shelter, land servants, friends wealth, medicine, books weapons, etc., he faces many difficulties and may feel depressed. Because, he fails to act at the right moment, he suffers endlessly and opportunities rarely to him.

Gayatri is the desire-yielding cow (kamadhenu) . One who recites Gayatri and engages one self in her sadhana is blessed by Mother Gayatri. He remains outside the purview of ignorance, incapacity and want of things and gets the desired things.

SOURCE: "Gayatri Pariwar Publication commemorating the AshwaMedha Maha Yagna of 1993."
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