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Gayatri Mantra: Why chant it?

Gayatri mantra's mythological description is that it is the Mother of the Vedas and the source of infinite wisdom. We are familiar with it but do we know its spiritual significance? I'd say we don't really know. If we don't know the meaning of what we are chanting, why chant it at all?  ! [READ: Tantra and Tantric Practices: What does Tantric mean?] 
                                               [Image: Radio Sai]

Gayatri Mantra is 'Vedasara'
Many times, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Baba has said, "The Gayatri is considered as Vedasara, 'the essence of the Vedas.'" For the same reason, Bhagawan says that the Gayatri mantra should be practised with utmost care and discipline. 

The reason I wanted to share it here is because the Gayatri is extolled universally but we do not approach its practice with the discipline that is required in order for us to explore its full and absolute potential to harness our own spiritual growth. 

But first, it is important to understand the nature of the Gayatri mantra itself. Most of us chant the Gayatri without knowing its real significance. That is of little use. When one understands the meaning, the experience itself takes a different and more significant dimension. 

The following information is based on Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's various talks with His earliest devotees:

Gayatri Mantra & its 3 Parts

The Gayatri has three parts: 1) Praise 2)Meditation 3) Prayer

In the first aspect, the Divine aspect is praised, then it is meditated upon and then an appeal is made to the Divine to awaken, strengthen and illumine the intellect and discriminating faculty that is present in every human being.

Gayatri is Not Merely a Goddess 

Gayatri is not a goddess. Gayatri is the mother of the Vedas. Gayatri, however, has three names: Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati. These three are present in every one. Gayatri represents the master of the senses, Savitri is the master of Prana (life force) and Saraswati is the presiding deity of speech. The three represent purity in thought, word and deed, also known as 'thrikarana shuddhi." 

Power of the Gayatri mantra 

The power of the Gayatri mantra is tremendous. It will protect you from harm wherever you are. When chanted regularly, the Gayatri mantra protects your body, illumines your intellect and improves your power of concentration, speech and memory. That is why the Gayatri mantra is most important for children to chant. 

 Also read: Who can  chant Mahamrityunjaya mantra and what are its benefits? 
and POWER OF OM 

Gayatri Mantra: When to Chant it
One should chant it at least thrice daily and the ideal time is at 6 am, twelve o clock noon and 6 pm. Bhagawan says that when having a bath, it is ideal to chant the Gayatri mantra as it becomes equivalent to the holy abhisheka. Bhagawan also says that chanting the Gayatri mantra before eating food will sanctify the food and destroy all negative karma that is associated with its preparation as well. The evening recitation of the Gayatri will destroy all negative karma and sins that you may have incurred during the day.


Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says, "One who chants the Gayatri mantra with discipline and dedication need not chant any other mantra."

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Comments

Shilpa Garg said…
Never knew all this about Gayatri Mantra!! Very interesting and informative!! Will definitely try to practice it regularly! Thanks for sharing this!
May 9, 2012 at 11:54 AM
Chitra said…
First time here. Very useful posts.. My FIL chants this mantra daily & he used to tell me the benefits :)
May 9, 2012 at 6:40 PM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@Shilpa - Glad that this post inspires you to practice it regularly.

@Chitra - thanks, Chitra. Hats off to your FIL who is full of spiritual wisdom.
May 13, 2012 at 10:56 PM
Ajith said…
had been thought the mantra from childhood but never practiced it but after reading ur blog felt like doing it daily...very inspiring..also ll try to find out meaning of the mantra...
May 16, 2012 at 4:05 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
@Ajith - Great to hear u found it useful.
May 23, 2012 at 1:31 PM
Hari said…
This mantra can be approached with reverence like to one‘s own mother. Then the chanter as well as those in his surroundings will be hugely benefited. It is the power of this mantram that protected sanatana dharma also known as Hinduism through the ages.
August 7, 2012 at 12:51 AM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
Yes Hari, I totally agree with you. The Gayatri mantra purifies the person who chants it and the very environment in which it is chanted.
April 17, 2013 at 1:10 PM
Anonymous said…
I have been researching a lot of about this mantra lately. I think it is highly revered and I have been listening as well as chanting the mantra on a regular basis. It seriously clears my mind and brings me to peace. It has that magic effect that I have never felt before. To be honest, I have had bouts of depression, and when I chant this mantra my mind stays still and everything around me feels beautiful!
August 20, 2013 at 12:38 PM
IIT tutors said…
Nice information . I already chants Gayatri mantra regularly
October 23, 2013 at 5:08 AM
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