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Significance of Gayatri Mantra: Can ladies chant the Gayatri mantra?

Significance of Gayatri Mantra for Women: The energy sounds that form the base of the Gayatri Mantra are believed to provide a powerful aura of protection to those who chant it regularly.  Now, it always amazes me when I get queries from women asking, ''Can ladies chant the Gayatri mantra?" and I can't help but ask, "Why do you think women can't chant the Gayatri mantra?" [Must Read: Significance of Surya Arghya]
                   Image Source: Radio Sai on Instagram

The next question that comes my way frequently is this, ''Can ladies chant the Gayatri mantra during their periods?" and my answer is the same, "Why can't they chant the Gayatri mantra during their periods?"


Over the years, I can now feel how the energy around me alters my thoughts and actions when I chant the Gayatri. For instance, I feel more positive, less forgetful and more energetic to take on challenges on the days I chant the Gayatri.

The Gayatri mantra is considered to be the most powerful mantra and the very basis of the Vedas. When this mantra is chanted with faith and awareness, you can feel the energy of the mantra travel with you, forming a protective aura around you.  [WHY CHANT GAYATRI MANTRA]

Several years ago, I went through a phase of mind-numbing pain - the kind of pain that makes you go numb to everything else. I continuously chanted the Sai Gayatri mantra. The pain didn't go away but the doctor told me, ''I have never seen anyone smile through something like this and come out serene enough to actually thank me for doing my job. I can't believe you just did that.'' Till he mentioned it, I hadn't even known that I was smiling or doing something extraordinary. The Sai Gayatri mantra is all I had. You can use the Gayatri mantra instead - it works out most powerfully too, because Swami says that it can be invoked into your body for speedy healing. 

What matters is that you have faith and a higher awareness. That works.

With daily practice, you will even begin to feel the sound of the mantra embrace and resonate around you, even when you have stopped chanting it. For the same reason, it is said that the Gayatri mantra is Universal Energy, beyond caste, religion, gender or community. Any person, who chants the Gayatri with faith and awareness, will benefit from it.

The only hurdle that stops you from chanting the Gayatri mantra is your own thoughts, nothing else.

No woman is stopped from praying or conducting spiritual activities in Prashanti Nilayam because she is having periods. Some of the early women devotees have documented that Swami used to gently scold them when they kept away from spiritual activities. Swami was always clear that women are born to lead on the path of spirituality.  

From my own experience, I can share one secret with you so that you understand that the Gayatri Mantra can be invoked into your body as a ''Shakti Mantra" as well. If you chant the Gayatri mantra while having your periods, you will find yourself calmer, less cranky and you know that yucky sick feeling and cramps, even that will feel less painful. Your body's inner and outer healing process will be much faster. Also read: 
In the sacred book titled 'Stories from the Nrsimha Purana', there is a talk that the young Prahlad shares with his school mates. These are Prahlad's words of profound wisdom to guide us:
"Only when one has the sense of devotion for the Lord does human life have meaning. Those who are completely devoid of devotion for the Lord  sink down into the most abominable species of life, birth after birth. Thereafter, my dear schoolmates, give up the passionate desire to enjoy this material world, imagining yourselves in positions of subordination to Lord Vishnu."

As a mother, I bow with absolute humility to great devotees such as Prahalad and pray that we too learn to tread the path of devotion with such purity. Om Namo Narayanaya.

Comments

MOHAN SUNDARAM said…
I knew one MUSLIM car driver who used to chant the Gayatri mantra. If Anuradha Paudwal can chant the Gayatri, why not other women ?
MOHAN SUNDARAM said…
Some people say that Rama, Krishna, Vishnu & Shiva mantras can be chanted even without taking bath, but GAYATRI must be chanted only after taking bath. I don't know how far this is true. Anyway heavens r not going to fall even if chant it whthout bahing.
MOHAN SUNDARAM said…
@ Swapnaji, If you go on chanting the Gayatri all the time, soon you will attain MANTRA SIDDHI & will become a JAPA YOGI(NI). BTW do you repeat Gayatri mentally or do you whisper ? Do u also chant Mahamrityunjaya mantra ?
MOHAN SUNDARAM said…
@ Swapnaji, If you go on chanting the Gayatri all the time, soon you will attain MANTRA SIDDHI & will become a JAPA YOGI(NI). BTW do you repeat Gayatri mentally or do you whisper ? Do u also chant Mahamrityunjaya mantra ?
MOHAN SUNDARAM said…
Swapnaji, Do you use a Desk Top, Laptop or a Tablet for posting on the net ? just curious. Please do not mistake me.
Hello @GoldenLion - I believe that everyone, irrespective of caste, gender, community, religion or nationality can chant the mantra, the only requirement is faith and sincerity.
MOHAN SUNDARAM said…
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