Skip to main content

Gayatri Mantra as Panchamukhi: Get it right or let it go

Most people do not understand the importance of chanting the Gayatri mantra because they are not aware of its power. It is only when I began to read Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings that I learned how sacred and powerful the chanting of the Gayatri mantra is.  

The Vedas represent the breath of God. The Gayatri mantra is the very basis of the Vedas. Try not to undertake chanting the Gayatri mantra as a light endeavor or as a hobby. It has to be chanted with faith, discipline and purity of mind and body. Be steady with your sadhana if you want to reap the spiritual dividend associated with the Gayatri mantra  and never once hesitate once you decide to do it. 

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that the Gayatri Mantra is referred to as Pancha Mukhi, the Goddess with five faces that represent the five pranas or life forces. Here's more on it.



Chant the Gayatri Mantra correctly: Pause Five Times
Here are some important things to keep in mind while chanting the Gayatri mantra:

1. When we recite the Gayatri mantra, we pause five times and take five breaths representing the five pranas. The five pranas comprise of the Panchabhuthas (Akasa, Vayu, Agni, Jala and Prithvi) and the Panchakosas or the five sheaths of the body.

The pause should be as given below and with understanding that it represents the five pranas:
Aum (pause)
Bhur Bhuvah Suvah (pause)
Tat Savitur Varenyam (pause)
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi (pause)
Dhiyo yo nah prachodhayat (pause)

2. The Gayatri mantra must be chanted with faith and enthusiasm thrice a day at dawn, noon and dusk. This is called 'Trikala sandhya' because it is a mantra that purifies all the karma done by a person during the day i.e. karmendriyas. You should chant it when having a bath, before eating food and so on. The Gayatri mantra can be repeated at any time by one who practices it regularly and with devotion. 

3.  Traditionally, the Gayatri mantra must be chanted 108 times. But Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says that when a target is fixed, the tendency of the mind is to repeat it mechanically. So,  you shouldn't fix a target to tame the mind. You can chant the Gayatri mantra three, nine or eleven times or more based on your level of concentration and interest. Stick to odd number recitation - that is the right way.

4. Women worry whether they can chant the Gayatri mantra when they are having their periods. Spiritual masters say that women can chant any mantra at any time. There is no restriction on it. Whatever restrictions have been placed are artificial and not valid from a spiritual perspective. 

5. Teach children how to chant the Gayatri mantra at the earliest. You should make sure that they understand the meaning before they learn to chant the mantra. This will boost their concentration power, their memory and illumine their intellect at gross and subtle level. The energy field that they will be able to create for themselves by chanting the Gayatri mantra will protect them from disease and danger at the most critical times.  

6. While chanting the Gayatri mantra, every word should be clear as crystal. Don't mumble it or rush through it. Enjoy it slowly as you would eat a delicious pastry, experiencing its texture as it crumbles on your tongue.  [READ: Maha Ganapati Manasa Smarami]

May the Divine Mother bless you all!

Comments

Mélange said…
Thanks a lot Swapna.Since I have taught my 7 yr old daughter,and since it's her favorite mantra so far,this write up was such a blessing to give her.Crisp and clear.Just taken the print out.Thanks once again,
God Bless you too !
Asha said…
Many young boys are initiated into this mantra thorugh yagno paveeth in many traditional hindu families. The mantra also has the effect on the pituitary and parathyroid glands. Many traditional practices of yore are looked down upon by the sandwich generation of today. Gayatri mantra is more relevant to today's times especially when young children of today are so stressed.
and yes your 6th point is truly said. The sanskrit mantras have to be recited properly.

Nice post.
Melange, I am so happy to hear that your daughter is chanting the mantra so early. That is blessed and wonderful. Encourage her to teach other children too. When you teach a mantra to others, your own spiritual energy field is multiplied and it is stored in your own spiritual repository. God's grace reaches you when your spiritual repository is full and abundant. You can draw on it anytime you want because you have worked hard for it. My best wishes to your 7 year old and hope she continues with the sadhana.
Hi Asha, yes, you are absolutely right. Chanting of the Gayatri has so many unimaginable benefits for those who practice it with faith.
R. Ramesh said…
good one swapna ji..thanks for sharing..hi to fmly...
Hey Rameshji, thank you so much. My warm wishes to the family. Hope all of you are gearing up for the New Year.
Ajith said…
very informative post. trying to do it myself and my 6 yr old after reading ur previous post and this one is even more inspiring... One q, do we need it to chant it loudly or silent chanting is fine?
Ajith JI, thanks for reading this post. We could begin with chanting loudly esp for the 6 year old you have, that would be best for helping the mind to focus on the sound with clarity. As you chant more frequently and more comfortably, you can slowly ease into silent chanting - it is considered ideal for spiritual seekers. But first, I'd say chanting loudly would be a good start for your kid especially. Thanks for asking. That was a good question.
Anonymous said…
I am a married woman and I want to chant mantra regularly. But I read somewhere that people having regular sexual activities shouldn't chant gayatri matram. Is it true?? I am newly married and we have sex regularly. Please reply me.
Unknown said…
hi swapna,im seetharam, i incompleted my BE degree then i was depressed, one day i read in a book about gayatri mantra, i started to chant gayatri mantra now 3years ago, i have gained hope and happy life, and some strange experience in my dreams. but one should not eat non veg who are on chanting gayatri mantra,tats mandatory. because we are praying and asking the help of gayatri, a universal radiant energy to show us righteous path and enlighten our minds, if this is case if persons eats non veg and chants gayatri mantra his actions and prays do not match. he harms animals and ask gayatri to englighten our minds, how can this be possible?. if one chants gayatri mantra he gets spirirtual guidance by mahagurus. that is 1000% paka. thanks for ur post swapna. i used to love nonveg esp fish, but now 3years ago i did even eat nonveg. everyday i read gayatri stotras written by sage vashista.
Unknown said…
hi sir, u can chant gayatri mantra, sex is part and parcel of life, even sage brahmarishi vishwamitra was in relationship with menaka, they had daughter called shakuntala. but should not eat nonveg thats mandatory. while chanting gayatri mantra dont think of sexual activities that is very very dangerous. have a happy life by bless of gayatri mata. sorry swapna i replied him.. if im wrong correct me.

@Ram Rishi: It's interesting to read how chanting the Gayatri mantra has transformed your life and I am very happy that you shared the experience here with other bloggers. Thank you for sharing your Opinion here. I appreciate it.
It's totally fine for you to reply when the words come from your heart and with the strength of your beliefs backing you.
Anonymous said…
The woman is advised not to chant this mantra during the menstrual period because it inhibits her physiological function.
Anonymous said…

http://shanti-phula.net/intl/mg/purify-gayatri-mantra/

The woman is advised not to chant this mantra during the menstrual period because it inhibits her physiological function.

Unknown said…
thank you swapna.....:), felt happy by your reply.
@Anonymous: I am afraid that is incorrect. As per great spiritual masters including Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda, Sarada Mata, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and many others, women can chant the Gayatri mantra at anytime including during menstrual periods. There is no Vedic restriction on women.
Radeep Sharma said…
"Jai Gayatri Mata Ji"

I chant this mantra while walking, doing routine work i.e. driving, siting some where alone and more...I guess I am not doing anything wrong or am I???

And can I chant it by taking it as meditation?? I mean can I meditate while chanting gayatri mantra??
Unknown said…
hi swapna... how r u? spiritual masters are the way to know the radiant enegry. you know this month on aug 11th i had dream early in the morning, an old man wearing white clothes and come to me with book in a hand, he asking to read this that sai chaitre, this dream came two times. he also said me that im coming up from samadhi to teach you. At that same day my brother was way to shirdi.. in dream i said to that old man that i need your blessing he was just smiling, whenever i used talk with him he used just give a smiley face... from that time i have started reading sai chaitra everyday each chapter..
i like to tel you another thing that i was reading a book about bhagwan sadguru sridhara swami(student of samarath sri ramadasa of sanjanagad). he has wirtten how to love love god and preach god. its completely different approach. i felt very much happy by reading that. everyone should approach in that manner.
rite now im going totally a great experince with spiritual masters. that power of gayatri mantra.
Anonymous said…
First time ever, Gayatri Mantra Lekhan online,simply register,write and seek the Devine blessings.
Log on to www.gayatri-mantra.in
Powerastroguru said…
It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing. vashikaran mantra to control any girl
Vivek said…
Hi.. I happened to stumble upon your blog via a long traversal of interesting posts from various linked blogs. It gives me immense pleasure to read about the Gayathri mantra. I was initiated to the mantra at the age of 9 and had an up and down relationship with it.

Though I can't claim regular chanting , I do make sure to chant correctly and with utmost pleasure and devotion. The effects of even 15 minutes of chanting is refreshing.

I could feel each and every cell from the tips of my fingers to the tip of my hair react in unison to this great calling.

I thank you for bringing out such a useful article about greatest of them all.. made my day..

and as the name goes.. "Gayantham thraaayathi, saa Gayathri".. "She who protects those who sing of her, is Gayathri"
Anonymous said…
Meaning from http://hinduism.about.com/od/prayersmantras/a/The-Gayatri-Mantra.htm

First Word Om (Aum)

It is also called Pranav because its sound emanates from the Prana (vital vibration), which feels the Universe. The scripture says "Aum Iti Ek Akshara Brahman" (Aum that one syllable is Brahman).
When you pronounce AUM:
A - emerges from the throat, originating in the region of the navel
U - rolls over the tongue
M - ends on the lips
A - waking, U - dreaming, M - sleeping
It is the sum and substance of all the words that can emanate from the human throat. It is the primordial fundamental sound symbolic of the Universal Absolute.
Tat simply means "that" because it defies description through speech or language, the "Ultimate Reality."
Savitur means "Divine Sun" (the ultimate light of wisdom) not to be confused with the ordinary sun.
Varenium means "adore"
Bhargo means "illumination"
Devasya means "Divine Grace"
Dheemahi means "we contemplate"
Dhi means intellect
Yo means "who"
Nah means "ours"
Prachodayat means "requesting / urging / praying"
Avni said…
Thanks for sharing this peaceful mantra .very knowledge able blog. while chanting the gaytri mantra every word should be clear as crystal. these mantra `s word is very sacred . every one want jape this mantra .it can provide you a positive thing.
Thanks, dear friends, for reading this post and sharing your positive energy here.

@Avni - You are right. Every word has to be clear as crystal while chanting this mantra.
Anonymous said…
Hi swapna

I am chanting gayathri manthra regularly at 5.30am when I am doing my morning walk is there any problem doing this pls advice...
Ajith said…
btw ,An interesting post about Lalitha sahrasra namam - http://www.hindulegacy.org/search/label/lalitha%20sahasranam
Ajith said…
How about article on Hanuman Chalisa?that will be great to read with your writing style..
Thanks for sharing this peaceful mantra .very knowledge able blog. while chanting the gaytri mantra every word should be clear as crystal. these mantra `s word is very sacred . every one want jape this mantra .it can provide you a positive thing.

vashikaran mantra
Gaytri mantra is normally we use to success in our life. Its also use to get back your love etc.

get lost love back
mantra is the internal power of Indian astrology.
Bhaamini Umisha said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Hi swapna...

after long back im visting your Blogg... all these years things have changed alot to me and i guess it same for you!!!... i will start sharing how things changed in my life. with that great mantra.
Unknown said…
Thank you fir the crystal clear explanations on the Gayathri Mantra.it help dispel certain myths especially that part on women chanting.God bless!
Unknown said…
Thank you fir the crystal clear explanations on the Gayathri Mantra.it help dispel certain myths especially that part on women chanting.God bless!
Unknown said…
Hi.....

I am chanting maha mrityunjaya mantra 108 times a day.
Can I chant the maha mrityunjaya mantra after having non veg food?
Anonymous said…
It is believed that Lord Shiva is easy to please and often grants boons to his devotees. ... Similarly, chanting the mantra of Shiva – Mahamrityunjaya mantra daily will bestow you with good health, wealth, prosperity and long life. It generates positive vibes and protects against calamities. for more visit Maha Mritunjay Jap
Namaste Swapna Ji
Feeling Happy to have come across your article on Gayathri Mantra. One thing I was told while initiation is to pronounce the Word "Varenyam" as "Vareenyam" (e with a extension) so it forms the right 24 syllables of the Gayathri Mantra.
Would Appreciate if the blog text is updated with this suggestion.

Finally, here is a link of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba reciting the Mantra for someone who would like to hear it and practice.

http://www.sathyasai.org/gayatri#toc-0

Namaste
अहं ब्रह्मास्मि: Aham Brahmāsmi

Most Popular Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being born

How do you light Deepam at home?

How do you light deepam at home? As a child, I loved watching the ritual of my grandmother lighting the deepam or the traditional lamp at home in the evenings. A sense of serenity accompanied her frail figure as she would carefully straighten every wick, dip it into the tiny puddle of oil and light the lamp. As my grandmother would read out the scriptures and chant the prayers, the fragrance of incense sticks and flowers added depth to the experience. In many Hindu homes nowadays, the lighting of the lamp (or the nilavilakku, as Malayalis refer to the traditional lamp in their homes) is not a regular practice. A lot of people have many questions around how to light deepam at home and which oil to use and so on. An important point to keep in mind - Maintain physical cleanliness and hygiene while lighting the lamp. Wear clean clothes while lighting the lamp. Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting Deepam at Home Collating most queries related to how to light the deepam at home, I'v

Note of Thanks for the Honest Award

Thank you, Baba . I've run out of words to describe my happiness in getting this Award. A big, heart felt thank you to Faiza Ali for encouraging me with this Honest Award. It means so much to me because I'm an ardent admirer of her awesome blog, Faiza Ali's Kitchen. Requirements:- I must thank the person who gave me the award and list their blog and link it I must list 10 honest things about myself I must put a copy of Honest Scrap logo on my blog I must select atleast 7 other worthy bloggers and list their links I must notify the bloggers of the award and hopefully they will follow the above three requirements also. 10 Honest things about me:- 1. I am very proud of being an Indian. 2. I am very thankful and humbled by my parents', their unconditional love, sacrifices and amazing support and the way they brought me up. 3. Good books are my life. 4. I love my Twitter friends. 5. My favorite place is Puttaparthi. 6. I am a shopaholic. 7. I am a 'people person.&#

Saree Woes 2

Our earlier discussion on Saree Woes really perked up my spirits. A big thanks to all of you for pepping me up. Okay, here's the good news. There was an unexpected late night party that I had to attend in Gurgaon. To be honest, I haven't had the time or energy to attend any such parties after Adi was born. I was sure I wouldn't have the confidence to make conversation with the glitterati, let alone feel confident to carry off wearing a saree. This is one of those parties where you have to be dressed very formally. Well, at the end of a working woman's day, you hardly feel ready to attend one of these parties looking like a moron, right? So, with very little preparation and very few hours left, I called on all the gods in Heaven to help me look a little younger and prettier since I don't have the magic to look young all on my own. Although I was tempted to wear one of my awesome Kancheevaram treasures, I knew it would be very difficult to drape it without any h

"Parents are Love"

A few days of color, love and pampering, that's what October 2009 has been for me. In this city where dreams die and lose color, my parents brought all of it back. Seeing life through their eyes brings joy because they are so full of love and wisdom. All their life, they have believed in the goodness of people and that feeling of God and goodness have come more powerfully into my life again. Sometimes, you need those very solid ties to remind you of your dreams and focus again on making them come true. We hardly value the time we had with our parents or the sacrifices they have made for us when we live with them. At that time, we are so keen to break the rules and rebel or just lead our life to the brink of adventure, danger or rebellion, that power to say 'No' but now when we become independent, all we want to do is go back and be with them. I had a wonderful time with my parents. We had endless conversations about everything under the sun. We ate at home and went o