GAYATRI

MANTRA

A HUMBLE OFFERING

HUMBLE SALUTATIONS TO BHARAT MATA

HUMBLE SALUTATIONS TO GAYATRI MATA

HUMBLE SALUTATIONS TO PARENTS SHIVA-SHAKTI

AND THEIR EMBODIMENT AS SAI

ART WORK OF DIVINE GAYATRI MATA ON COVER PAGE DRAWN BY BELOVED

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INDEX

CONTENTS

PAGES

PREFACE

4-7

EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE AND LOVE

MODERN SCIENTIFIC VIEWS ON GAYATRI MANTRA

INTRODUCTION TO GAYATRI MANTRA

10 - 11

MYTHS REGARDING GAYATRI MANTRA

12

IMPORTANCE DURING PREGNANCY AND TO MOTHERS

13

BENEFITS OF GAYATRI MANTRA

14-18

HOW TO CHANT THE GAYATRI?

19-22

MEANING OF THE MANTRA

REFERENCES

23-26
27

This booklet emphasises on the eminent Mantra- Gayatri Mantra.Compilation of various

instructions about this mantra has been packaged here.The method of chanting ,rules,dos and
donts are expressed in this booklet in detail. Now,What does Mantra even mean?
Ma means Manana ( contemplation) and tra means saving.So,the mantra means that
which can save you if you meditate on it.The mantra will save you from being caught up in the
coils of this worldly life,which is infested with death,grief and pain ( Sai Baba,SS,4/96,p.108)
The subtle effect of mantras (mystic formulae) mentioned in the Vedas cannot be seen or
heard by the senses; they have to be experienced in and through the inner consciousness, the
Anthahkarana. The sound of these mantras has the power to transform the impulses and
tendencies. The word mantra means that which saves when turned over in the mind.
Repeating the mantra constantly in the mind will keep off wild talk, purposeless
conversation, aimless gossip and scandal. - Sri Sathya Sai Baba
The most revered and the most popular mantra (prayer clothed in a ritual formula) in the
Vedas is the Gayatri.It seeks the grace of the Source of all Lights to foster ones
intelligence. ( Sai Baba,SSS,Vol. VII,edition : 1980,p.8 )
Many would have been already aware of the potency of the Gayatri Mantra.However,how
many us implement and make use of this gift properly today ? How many are protecting and
reviving our own cultural heritage? We have been gifted with priceless cultural treasure but
most fail to recognise and bring them close to heart.We give excuses such as lack of time and
hectic schedule.Nevertheless, we always have time for unnecessary activities.The point to be
noted here is that it is not business that hinders our progress in spirituality but our
attitude.Over time,many have put spiritual transformation as the last aspect in their to-dos
list.Tailing this,the great spiritual sciences nurtured from ancient times are taken for granted
and taken lightly,like a test game.Remember that you gain benefits from your sadhana
according to your attitude,faith and involvement you put into it.The great sage Vishwamitra
could summon powerful weapons by chanting the Gayatri Mantra.How unfortunate that
people today neglect spirituality and use it as an insurance. Spiritual transformation must be
put as the most crucial aspect in everyones life.
In ancient times,kids were initiated into the Gayatri Mantra at a very young age.In our
Vedic tradition,kids are initiated into the Gayatri Mantra before the age of 7.This omnipotent
Mantra built them to such a powerful level,producing powerful bharateeyas ( of those from
the land of Bharata,known as India today ) of great character,virtue,spiritual realisation and
intelligence.The prowess of our vedic culture can be easily identified from the contribution it
has given to the world.Take at our traditional marvels that modern society drops jaw at.
Architectural wonders that even modern technology would fail to produce.Great sciences in
every inch of our traditional practices. Unfortunately,our gurukul education system and
Indian culture was weakened and partially destroyed by the British Invaders systematically.
The following image would put this in a
4

nutshell.

Image courtesy: http://www.gandhitopia.org/forum/topics/india-in-1835-before-gandhi

In the olden days,the first words a child was taught at school were 'OM NAMAH
SIVAYA ( the five letter Divine Mantra ) or " OM NAMO NARAYANA" .Today,during the
sacred ritual of initiating,a child is taught a nursery rhyme like ,' Baa baa Black Sheep,', or
' Ding Dong bell,pussy in the well'.Is this kind of stuff that should be taught to our
children???? What should be implanted in our hearts of our children are sacred names like
Rama and Krishna.'
-

Sai baba

The effect of the invasion still persists even today.Parents,thinking themselves to be

superior than their ancestors,neglect imparting vedic culture onto their children and nurture
the disastrous westernisation.And later,when these kids turn into moralless and virtueless
youths, they weep and cry.What is the use then ? There are some parents who chant mantras
and devote themselves to spirituality so that their children achieve some grades in
school,without even building this love for tradition and spirituality in their kids
themselves.How is this going to impart or reveal the potent of our culture to the kids ?How
will it inspire these kids to pass on these cultural treasure to their offspring ? This way,the
parents are just moulding kids into materialistic achievers,totally neglecting their spiritual
wellbeing,which is causing a tremendous downfall in society today.So called successful
people are in a total mess inside today.Is this what we want? At other instances,people chant
mantras with no care.They do it for the sake of it.No faith or devotion and love is put into
their act.They put in haste and rush in chanting.They do it hoping to get some desire
5

fulfilled.They do it with no faith in the mantra.How is this ever helping ? Is this the way to
chant?
Westernisation today has greatly veiled us from our own cultural strength.
The whole of the Western world is on a volcano which may burst tomorrow, go to pieces
tomorrow
-

Swami Vivekananda.

Know that our cultural gift has the potent to overcome any misery or problem in life.Why,this
Gayatri Mantra itself can solve so many problems which people crack their heads today
addiction,health,wealth,food,education etc.It is said that there is nothing that cannot be
accomplished through the Gayatri Mantra.But today,we resort to malicious so called
modern ways of treatment and end up in worse miseries.Is our vedic heritage and culture
that poor that we need to resort to these western means wholly ? Why are we not considering
the use and adherence to our own culture?
The debt which the world owes to our Motherland is immense.Taking country with
country,there is not one race on this earth which owes so much as to the patient Hindu,the
mild Hindu
-

Swami Vivekananda.

But mark you,if you give up that spirituality,leaving it aside to go after the materialising
civilisation of the West,the result will be that in three generations you will be an extinct
race;because the backbone of the nation will be broken,the foundation upon which the nation
edifice has been built will be undermined,and the result will be annihilation all round - Swami
Vivekananda.
Dear Bharateeyas,take the words of our hero Swami Vivekananda to your hearts.We make
banners of Him,claim pride under His name,lift our noses high when the west holds eminent
respect for Him,but how many of us follow his ideals ? How many of us have the enthusiasm
and love for our culture and heritage like He did? How many are sacrificing to protect and
revive the vedic tradition that has fed and kept our ancestral identity for ages? Today,not only
that some people dont bother reviving their own heritage,but discourage those who are
attempting to !Our tradition is the tradition that has survived and flourished despite attacks
from myriads of invasion-which if was to happen to any other civilisation,it would have
certainly been swept out of the global map.How many of us are grateful and loving to this
tradition ? This vedic tradition is our Mother.The land of Bharata is our mother.And we are
her children.To what degree is the responsibility youths hold today for their mother? This has
to transform.We need to revive our vedic traditions and cultural heritage urgently.For
this,everyone must hold responsibility.Parents should especially exercise the formation of
their children into true Bharateeyas.To what extend can present day Macaulay ( modern )
education do ? Dont we see parents beating their chests in grief,seeing their own children
materialistically capable,having in possession a good career and societal position, but neglect
their own parents and dump them.This is happening today ! This is the outcome of failure in
imparting traditional customs and cultural richness to children.
6

Many of us,if track the life history of our grandparents,would realise how powerfully they
had lived.Self sympathy and self-pity, two big, big ,big mistake people make today,was
absent from their dictionary.They would be as healthy and strong like a horse even at the age
of 120 + .No vaccination,antibiotics,pills were needed to sustain their life.Our culture itself
was so rich-from the way we eat,the spiritual practices we were involved in,the yogic
sciences we practiced,the devotion we built,the way we start our day,the way we greet one
another.... basically everything from the vedic culture had contributed to marvels ! So much
have we taught the world for ages.And today,it is terribly disappointing to see many,devoid
and ignorant about their own strength,believing themselves to be slaves,and continue
destroying themselves.
With all my love for India,and with all my patriotism and veneration for the ancients,I
cannot but think that we have to learn many things from other nations...We cannot do
without the world outside India;it was our foolishness that we thought we could,and we
have paid the penalty by about thousand years of slavery.That we did not go out to compare
things with other nations,did not mark the workings that have been all around us,has been
one of the great cause of this degradation of the Indian mind.We have paid the penalty;let
us do it no more.
-

Swami Vivekananda

Many incarnations and masters have emphasised on our culture and heritage.Great
scientists have put in their gratitude to Bharata and her culture.Think people,we put posters of
these beloved masters,sing glories about them ,but fail to partake in their missions and
words.Do we expect incarnations after incarnations to descend and spoonfeed us ? We must
take them as examples and inspirations,and express our divinity from within.
Hope that further insights on our culture and tradition will be expressed in future volumes
by the divine grace. This first volume of booklet is particularly in emphasis of the Gayatri
Mantra,with sincere hope that everyone sincerely adheres themselves to this Mantra.With a
strong motive that everyone works to spread this Mantra throughout.With the wish that
parents infuse this mantra into children at a young age.To sincerely wish youths to
extensively recite and indulge in this Mantra with faith and love.Many today do chant,but
they more of gamble with divinity,hence not producing the effect needed.Put your whole
being into this ritual.The mantra should not be taken lightly.Full love and faith must be
present.Mere mechanical chanting is not enough.I sincerely hope everyone takes
responsibility in sparking inspirations to protect and revive our vedic culture.May the
goodness in this booklet widespread and benefit the world.

Expressions of Gratitude and Love.

Requesting readers to take some time and shower their gratitude and love.
Expressing gratitude is a very powerful transformation.Simply thank.Thank.Thank.Thank.Be
thankful for waking up,be thankful for being able to eat.See how you transform.Never take
things for granted.
-

Let us bow and shower gratitude and love to Mother Bharata.

Let us thank Mother Earth.
Let us bow and shower gratitude and love to the Vedic tradition.
Let us bow and shower gratitude and love to all
Gods,gurus,incarnations,masters,spiritual leaders,yogis,lightworkers,sadhus and great
beings.
Let us bow and shower gratitude and love to Mother Gayatri and the Gayatri Mantra.
Let us bow and shower gratitude to the science that has enabled easy communication
for priceless messages to be passed wordwide.
Let us bow and shower gratitude and love to all the bharateeyas who sacrifice for the
protection of sanatana dharma and vedic tradition. - Bow and shower Gratitude and
love to yourself.

Bharat mata ki jai (Photo courtesy :

http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00routesdata/1800_1899/congress/bharatmata
/flashing.gif )

Brief modern scientific views on Gayatri Mantra:

-The famous Scientist J.B.S.Haldane writes: "The Gayatri mantra should be carved on the
doors of every laboratory in the world".

-Dr.Howard Steingeril, an American scientist, collected Mantras, Hymns and invocations from
all over the world and tested their strength in his Physiology Laboratory.Hindus' Gayatri
Mantra produced 110,000 sound waves /second.This was the highest and was found to be the
most powerful hymn in the world. Through the combination of sound or sound waves of a
particular frequency, this Mantra is claimed to be capable of developing specific spiritual
potentialities.
The Hamburg University initiated research into the efficacy of the Gayatri Mantra both on the
mental and physical plane of CREATION.The GAYATRI MANTRA is broadcasted daily for
15 minutes from 7 P.M. onwards over Radio Paramaribo, Surinam, South America for the past
two years, and in Amsterdam, Holland for the last six months. The Gayatri Mantra is now being
broadcast daily for 15 minutes from 7 P.M. onwards over Radio Paramaribo, Surinam for the
past two years, and also in Amsterdam,Holland for the past six months. (Courtesy:
http://www.shrigaayatrimandir.org/Lesson_27.html)
- Westerners have investigated the vibrations produced by this ( Gayatri Mantra ) and have
found that when it is recited with correct accent as laid down in the Vedas,the atmosphere
around becomes visibly illumined.

Introduction to Gayatri Mantra

O
A request to readers to propagate this Gayatri Mantra throughout,and ensure that the young
master them so that we can create a great generation in the future.The Gayatri Mantra is so
important that it cannot be forsaken.So readers,reach out to everyone you can and spread the
greatness of Gayatri Mantra.Jai Gayatri Mata.
Do make an attempt to chant at least 108 times per day ( 15 minutes )
The Vedas are the very breath of God and the Gayatri Mantra is at the very basis of the
Vedas.

In the Sukla Yajur Veda (XXVI - 2) it is urged to spread the beneficient words (Vaacham
Kalyaaniim) of the Vedas to all people without distinction of caste, creed or sex, even to
people of other religions.
Now the time has come, as declared by Swami Vivekananda in 1901 (Complete Works III pages 454-461 The Religion we are Born in) that the Vedas and the Gayatri Mantra must be
propagated among all, as before, irrespective of caste, creed, sex or religion. Women should
also perform Sandhya as in olden times.
"This Veda is our only authority, and everyone has the right to it."
Svami Mukhyananda

Q :Who is Gayatri?
A :Gayatri is the Mother of the Vedas -Gayatri Chandasaam Maathaa.

Q : Where is Gayatri present?

Gayatri is present wherever the Mantra is chanted. (SS 9/95-235)

Q : To whom is the Gayatri Mantra addressed?

A : The Gayatri Mantra is addressed to the Immanent and Transcendent Divinity.

Q : What is the Gayatri Mantra considered to be?

10

A : The Gayatri Mantra is considered to be the Essence of the Teaching of the Vedas - the
Veda Sara.

Q : Who discovered the Gayatri Mantra?

A :The Gayatri Mantra was discovered by Sage Viswamitra. It was the same Sage Viswamitra
who initiated Sri Rama into the mysteries of Sun worship, through the Mantra Aaditiya
Hrdayam. (Sathya Sai Vahini - 183, 184)
Aaditiya Hrdayam is chanted by many people as part of their Sadhana. Booklets on the
Aaditiya Hrdayam have been published by the Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madras 4 and by the
Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Bombay 72.
Q : What should the person chanting the Gayatri Mantra ensure at all times?
A : The person chanting the Gayatri Mantra should ensure that his heart is pure at all times.

Q :What did the Gayatri Mantra enable Sage Viswamitra to do?

A :The Gayatri Mantra enabled Sage Viswamitra to use rare weapons which bowed to his will
when the Mantra was repeated with faith. Through the powers he attained in this way,
Viswamitra was able to create a counterpart of this Cosmos. (Sathya Sai Vahini - 184)

Q : To whom is the Gayatri Mantra addressed?

A : The Gavatri Mantra is addressed to the energy of the Sun, Surya. (Sathya Sai Vahini 183)

Q : What is the potency of the Gayatri Mantra?

This Mantra has infinite potentiality.It is a vibrant formula.It has immense powers, powers
that are truly amazing, for the Sun is its presiding Deity. (Sathya Sai Vahini - 184)

11

Myths regarding Gayatri Mantra

Some say that the Gayatri Mantra cannot be chanted by everyone.Some say women should
not chant mantras.These are myths.
Correct understanding:
The Gayatri Mantra is a universal prayer that can be used by people of all climes,because it
calls upon the Glorious Power that pervades the sun and the three worlds to arouse,awaken
and strengthen the intelligence,so that it may lead to intense Sadhana ( spiritual practice
),and Sadhana ( spiritual practice ) may lead to success
(Sai Baba,SSS,Vol.III,p.242)
Women Have Equal Rights for Chanting OM (The Gayatri Mantra is the elaboration of
OM)
There are many who argue that the Pranava can be repeated by a few,and that others are not
entitled to it.This is wrong.This false conclusion has been arrived at since they do not know the
Truth.It springs from a mistaken belief.The Gita does not mention this group or that
group.Krishna declares whoever ( Gita VIII-12,13) without any qualifying words limiting it
to one class or sex
(Sai Baba, Geetha Vahini,p.143 )
Contemplate on the OM,symbol of the Inner Flame.For this adventure,women as well as men
are equal.Sex is but vesture worn by soul for the role of life on earth.It does not affect the life
of the spirit,which is eternal,and on a super-sensory plane.Man and woman have each to purify
the inner consciousness so that the Divine may reveal itself in all its glories therein.There are
some crude thinkers who declare that women are not entitled to pronounce the sacred syllable
OM,but this is a pernicious narrow doctrine.With one voice,these people revere the
mother,acclaiming the dictum Maatra-Devo Bhava (respect your mother) and with the
other,they disgrace the mother by denying her right to save herself.This is hypocrisy
( Sai Baba,SSS,Divine discourse,dated 22-11-1970,at All-India Conference of Sri Sathya Sai
Seva Organisation )
A common question by many:
Q: Can women have equal right to men regarding bakthi jnanam and vairgyam ?
Answer: How can women avoid or keep away from OM which is ever-present in the akasa (
atmosphere ) and which their breath is reciting every moment ? As a matter of fact,
Prakrithi,the feminine principle comes first and the Purush ( male ) is second.You say
SitaRam,Lakshmi-Narayana and Gauri-Shankara , not putting prakrithi in second
place.Women have equal rights to attain the Godhead. -Baba ( SSS:Vol.VII A;p.203 )

12

Importance During Pregnancy and to Mothers.

It is very very important on how mothers keep their thoughts and actions when they are
pregnant.We know from our scriptures that Abhimanyu learnt the secrets of entering the
chakravyuh in the Kurushetra war from His father Arjuna who was explaining this secret to
his mother when he ( Abhimanyu ) was still in the womb.We also know that Prahlada's
mother when pregnant,received through her ears the name of ' Narayana' - thus making
Prahlada such a great being and a great devotee of Lord Narayana.
What is uncanny is that modern science today is confirming this.The foetus or child inside the
womb listens to whatever the mother hears/speaks and grasps it.This is why in ancient
times,pregnant mothers were kept in a very careful environment.Even the people a pregnant
mother met was monitored.
It is an ancient practice in Bharat to relate to pregnant women stories about heroes and saints
so that the child in the womb may be influenced by the vibrations produced by such sublime
stories and the thoughts produced in the mother. The ancient Rishis knew this truth. No
wonder that the children born under such conditions had noble nature and heroic virtues. It
was a common practice to relate stories of exemplary children like Markandeya, Dhruva and
Prahlada. They provided the inspiration and ideals for the children of those days. What do we
find today? Pregnant women are engaged in seeing Television, Cinemas and other deleterious
media which play up crime and sex. The result is the children who are born develop
undesirable tendencies.(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 18, Chapter 24 'Cultivation Of Love Is The
Greatest Need)
Therefore,this Gayatri Mantra will be a handy tool for mothers to mould model citizens who
would exhibit paramount qualities in character.

13

What Will Gayatri Mantra Do ? - Benefits of Gayatri Mantra

- If the Gayatri Mantra is chanted various kinds of powers will emerge in one. Hence the
Gayatri Mantra should not be treated casually. (SS 9/95-236)
-Gayathri will protect your body,make your intellect shine and improve your power of
speech.That is why Gayathri is considered to be very important for this second stage of your
life.
( Sai baba,SS 6/95,pp.166 & 167 )
-In ancient times,children were initiated into the Gayatri Mantra by the age of 6.This
made them grow into very intelligent and enlightened beings.Should we not awaken this
culture back ?
- The children by virtue of chanting this Mantra in the morning and in the evening, may they
be endowed with a rare Intelligence which will take care of their fortunes that will be
presiding over their destiny. They will become highly qualified. They will become model
citizens so that the future of the country will be safe in their hands."
- It (the Gayatri Mantra) is an essential requisite for the young, because it ensures a bright and
auspicious future for them." (SS 9/95-237)
- You may or you may not chant any other Mantra, but do remember that by chanting the
Gayatri Mantra, the benefits are there for you to see. By continuously chanting the Gayatri
Mantra you yourself will reach the state of fulfilment, a sense of feeling that you have
achieved something. But there is an inner meaning in this Gayatri Mantra being given to
young children. We have in this Mantra the concluding words - 'Dhi Yo YoNah Prachodayat'.
The meaning is this: Before you have been given this Mantra, you have been backward
intellectually, mentally a bit lazy and with a few negative points to your credit. But after you
have been given this Mantra, you have become sharper in Intellect, you have become more
zealous, more enthusiastic, and certainly qualified to get better marks, better rank and first
classe
-'Sarva-roganivaarini Gayatri' ; Gayathri is the reliever of ALL DISEASES.'Sarva dukha
parivaarini Gayatri '; Gayathri wards off all miseries.'Sarva-vaancha-phalashri Gayatri';
Gayatri is the fulfiller of all desires.Gayatri is the bestower of all that is beneficial.If the mantra
is chanted properly,various kinds of powers will emerge in one.
( Sai Baba,SS, 8/95, p.236 )
-If you chant the Gayathri Mantra whole-heartedly,you will never face difficulties or
hardships in life.Chant the divine name incessantly
( Sai Baba,SS 3/2000 , p.72 )

14

- It calls upon the Glorious Power that pervades the Sun and the Three Worlds to arouse,
awaken and strengthen the Intelligence, so that it may lead us through intense Sadhana to
success. (See also: SATHYA SAI SPEAKS - III - 242)
-It will protect you from harm wherever you are --traveling, working, or at home. The
Gayatri Mantra will protect us from harm wherever we are,whether in a bus or car,in a
railway train or in a plane,in a bazaar or on the road.Do we need any protection other than
what we can get by chanting the Gayatri Mantra? No.Sai Baba tells us that, ' The Gayatri
Mantra is enough to protect the person who chants it'. Why is the Gayatri Mantra enough to
protect the person who chants it? The Gayatri Mantra is enough to protect the person who
chants it because,the Gayatri Mantra embodies all Divine Potencies.
- If we chant the Gayatri Mantra while taking a bath,out bath gets sanctified.If we chant
it before taking our food,our food becomes an offering to the Divine.We should develop
heartfelt devotion to God.
( Sai Baba, SS , 9/95, p.238 )
-This Gayatri has the subtle power of removing evil tendencies and implanting virtuous
habits
-The Gayatri promotes the acquisition of Daivasakthi (God-power)
-Gayatri is the bestower of all that is beneficial
-Do not sing cheap and defiling film songs. Instead, recite the Gayatri. When you bathe, the
body is being cleansed; let your mind and intellect also be cleansed. Make it a point to repeat
it when you bathe as well as before every meal, when you wake from sleep, and when
you go to bed. And also repeat santhi thrice at the end, for that repetition will give santhi
or peace to three entities in you --body, mind, and soul.[Sai Baba, 20-6-1977]
- Gayatri mantra assures you a long life.
-It gives immediate relief from bites of poisonous insects and creatures (scorpion, snakes
etc.).
-Parents in many families (especially in India) are very much worried that the marriage of
their children (especially girls) is postponed for some reason or other (e.g. 'DOSHAM' information of stars as seen from the horoscope). Regular chanting of the Gayatri Mantra
dilutes the gloom in the family and throws light and new hopes and destroys all delusions and
thus belated marriages are settled
-Gayatri is 'Annapoorani'. In the home where She is worshiped, the family does not
require to wail for food or shelter.
-Gayatri mantra gives protection to those who have become prey of black magic, and
antieffects of demons instigated by black magic.
15

-"Gayatri Chandasaam aham": In Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna proclaims that He is Gayatri
in Veda mantras.
-" It is essential to recite the Gayatri mantra at least three times during morning, noon, and
evening. This will serve to reduce the effects of the wrong acts one does every day. It is
like buying goods for cash, instead of getting them on credit. There is no accumulation of
karmic (result of action) debt, since each day's karma (action) is atoned for that day itself by
reciting the Gayatri mantra ( Sai Baba )
-"One who repeats the Mantra 108 times in each sitting will attain radiance soon.One who
repeats the Mantra 1008 times with sincerity and devotion in each sitting will attain
illumination in 40 days." (SATGURU SANT KESHAVADAS)
- Gayatri must be worshipped as a Mother.The Vedas proclaim Gayatri to be such a
Mother.The benefit we derive from the Gayatri Mantra is the cleansing of the mind - Chitta
suddhi. Even other Mantras have this ultimate purpose.However, Chitta suddhi is the
direct result of Gayatri Japa. (The Shankaracharya of Kaanchiipuram )
- All of the Vedas and all Mantras are represented when chanting the Gayatri
Mantra.And,their purpose and powers are included when the Gayatri Mantra is chanted.This
is why Gayatri Maa is called , the mother of the Vedas.
- All Gods and Goddesses are embodied within Mata Gayatri. ( Sai Baba )
- The Gayatri Mantra has been given to us as the Third Eye (the Ajna Chakra) - to reveal the
inner vision to us. By developing this inner vision, we may realise Brahman
- The Westerners have discovered that when the Gayatri Mantra is chanted with the correct
accent as laid down in the Vedas, the atmosphere around is visibly illumined by the
vibrations produced by the Gayatri Mantra. Bhagavan tells us: "The Sound of a Mantra is as
valuable as its Meaning". SADHANA - The Inward Path - 90, Prasanthi Nilayam. Also:
SATHYA SAI SPEAKS - III - 242
- The effulgence of Brahma - Brahmaprakasa, will descend on us, illumine our intellect and
light our spiritual path when we chant the Gayatri Mantra correctly as taught by Bhagavan.
- The regular repetition of a few Malas (one Mala consists of repeating the Gayatri Mantra
108 times) of Gayatri every day will bestow upon you all that is auspicious and benevolent to
you, herein and hereafter ( Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh )
- At least one Mala of Japa you must do daily without a break. It will guard you from all
dangers, give you infinite strength to overcome all obstacles, and take you to the very
pinnacle of splendour, power, peace and bliss. ( Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh )
- Gayatri is the Mother of the Vedas and the destroyer of all sins. There is nothing more
purifying on earth than the Gayatri Mantra. The Japa of Gayatri brings the same fruit as the
recitation of all the Vedas with the Angas. This single Mantra repeated sincerely and with a
16

clear conscience brings the Supreme Good, which is liberation or emancipation from the
wheel of birth and death. ( Swami Sivananda )
- At least on Sundays, all those who wear the sacred thread must do Gayatri Japa a thousand
times. They must take every care to see that their body is kept pure and fit to absorb the
Mantric power. ( The Sankarachaarya of Kanchipuram )
- Gayatri Mantra removes all fears.
- Gayatri Mantra is the best cure for all ills.
- Gayatri Mantra destroys karma and blesses us with liberation.
- This entire universe has emerged by the power of the Gayatri Mantra. Indeed all this is
nothing but the manifestation of the power of God.
- There is no Japa higher than the Gayatri Japa.
- There is no greater wealth than the Gayatri Mantra.
- The gayathri Mantra develops the Dhee Shakti ( intellectual power) or the power of
discrimination.So,its consequence will be the giving up of evil company and the seeking of
kindred souls.( Sai Baba , SSS, Vol.IV edition : 1981,p.407,Discourse on 26 April 1965 )
- The Gayatri promotes the acquisition of Daivi-shakti. If you intend to overcome the
delusion,you must establish yourself in God.The Bhrama ( delusion ) can be overcome only
by the attainment of Daivi-Shakti ( divine power ).
- Sage Manu lays special stress on Gayatri.He has declared that the gayatri is the very lifebreath of the Brahmin.It is not his declaration only;it is the truth.What is more efficient for
spiritual uplift than Dhyana ( meditation ) on the effulgence that illumines and feeds the
intellect of man ?What is more vitally fruitful than prayer,which pleads for saving the mind
from sin-ward tendencies ? For man,there is no better armour than the cultivation of
virtues.Manu states that the Brahmin will not lose his status as long as he holds on the
Gayatri and is inspired by its meaning.He says that if he is too weak to pursue the study of
the Vedas,he must at least recite the Gayatri Mantra and adhere to it till the very end.The
Smriti ( Manu-smriti) too says that there is no treasure richer than the Gayatri.
( Sai Baba,Dharma Vahini,Reprint 2001,pp.43 & 44 )
- There can be no fanaticism,no hatred,no rivalry,if the Gayatri is adhered to.Its Japa (
recitation ) will clarify the passions and promote love.( Sai Baba,SSS,Vol.VI,edition :
1982,p.114 )
''The regular repetition of a few Malas (one Mala consists of repeating the Gayatri Mantra
108 times) of Gayatri every day will bestow upon you all that is auspicious and benevolent to
you, herein and hereafter.'' -No driver of a car identifies himself with the car.Likewise,the
body is a car and the Atma is the driver.Forgetting one's true role as a driver,one is
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identifying one's self with the body,which is only a vehicle.This truth is emphatically brought
out by the Gayatri Mantra
- No driver of a car identifies himself with the car.Likewise,the body is a car and the Atma is
the driver.Forgetting one's true role as a driver,one is identifying one's self with the
body,which is only a vehicle.This truth is emphatically brought out by the Gayatri Mantra
(Sai Baba,SS,9/95.p.234 )
--Chanting of the gayatri mantra purifies the mind and confers devotion,detachment and
wisdom
( Sai Baba,SS, 3/2000, p/71 )
- If you chant the Gayathri Mantra whole-heartedly,you will never face difficulties or
hardships in life.Chant the divine name incessantly
( Sai Baba,SS 3/2000 , p.72 )
-The Gayatri Mantra enabled Sage Viswamitra to use rare weapons which bowed to his will
when the Mantra was repeated with faith. Through the powers he attained in this way,
Viswamitra was able to create a counterpart of this Cosmos. (Sathya Sai Vahini - 184)
- Bhagavan's advice to young people is that they should chant the Gayatri Mantra when
taking their bath.Bhagavan says that when we take our bath, we are cleansing our bodies.
Therefore, we should take this opportunity to cleanse our minds and intellects also at the
same time.
-The more one chants the Gayatri Mantra, the greater the benefit to the one who chants it.
- We should chant the Gayatri Mantra at least 108 times (One Mala) every morning. This will
take only 15 minutes.
-At least one Mala of Japa you must do daily without a break. It will guard you from all
dangers, give you infinite strength to overcome all obstacles, and take you to the very
pinnacle of splendour, power, peace and bliss.

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Chanting the Mantra - HOW TO CHANT IT ?

There are certain precautions and rules one must seriously exercise during the chanting of this
ominous Mantra. Please go through this section thoroughly. Many chant it defectively, hence
unable to derive the benefits and power satisfactorily. Note this crucial point:
If the Gayatri Mantra is not recited correctly,it has the opposite effect of enveloping the
person in darkness.But,if we recite it with Love,God will accept it. ( Sai baba )
Each word should be pronounced clearly and distinctly, without undue haste or hurry
(Sai Baba)
While chanting the Gayatri Mantra, we may be well advised to follow the Instruction that
Lord Krishna gave to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita V - 27 "Shutting out all sense
perceptions, and fixing the gaze between the eye-brows..."
We should chant the Gayatri Mantra at least 108 times (One Mala) every morning. This
will take only 15 minutes.
Important precaution for readers to learn the correct pronunciation and chanting of the
mantra through the provided links.Kindly consider some effort in ensuring proper chanting:
An online link has been created which compiles videos of Babas explanation and way of
chanting on the Gayatri Mantra.Kindly go through them.You can master the Gayatri Mantra
easily through the audio and videos presented in this link below.
The Link : www.maiyiliragu.blogspot.com/2014/11/link-to-gayatri-mantrarudram-andsarva.html
*When you type the above website,you might get a command asthis post does not exist.This
can happen due to unavoidable internet problems.But dont worry as the article is well
advertised in the blog.You can find it easily and access it.Alternatively you can visit
www.maiyiliragu.blogspot.com and assess this post.

Alternatively you can youtube some videos.

(1) Youtube Sathya Sai Baba chants the Gayatri
(2) Youtube Sai Baba teaches the Gayatri
You are also well advised to visit the websites mentioned in the reference section of this book
( last page ).

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Method of chanting ( pronunciation,attitude,posture etc... ) :

Gayatri Manta :
OOOMMM Bhur Bhuvah Svahaaaaa Tat Savitur Varenyammmm Bhargo Devasya
Dheemahi Dhiyo yo Nah Prachodayaaat.
- The mantra starts with a long OM, and not a short one.When Sai Baba chants, the Om
lasts to about 3 seconds..Remember that Om chanting includes the silence after the
mmmmm at the ending dissolves into silent chanting. How do you chant OM itself?
AUM must be recited slowly and with deliberation.It has a fading 'M sound that tapers into
silence - a silence that must be felt and experienced.
It has to be chanted in a rising crescendo as slowly as possible and coming down just as
slowly.Do not take it in two stages,arguing that breath will not hold out for so
long.Preserve,until you are enthralled by the upward sweep,the downward curve and the
subsequent slience.
The sound must be like that of an aircraft approaching from a distance,coming to the spot
where you are and then flying away into the distance- low at first, but gradually becoming
louder and louder,and then slowly relapsing into silence.This silence after each recitation
is as significant as the AUM itself.
(Baba,the breath of Sai, Grace J.McMartin,Sathya Sai Books and Publication Trust.)
-As for the Suvaha .. The ending should be prolonged.It is Suvahaaaaaaaaa ... the aaaa
chanting is prolonged ( as you can see how Sai Baba chants ) .
-The Varenyamm.The N In varenyam is a palatal N ( meaning, when you chant the N ,
the tongue must be touching the palate, see diagram below to know which is the palate).

The tongue should touch the area pointed in diagram( the palate )
when pronouncing the N in Varenyam.
(Image courtesy: http://www.pedsent.com/surgery/cleftpalate.htm )

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-The M at the ending of Varenyam has to vibrate on the lips until it dissolves into silence.
- As for dheemahi, the dhee must be a strong one, as in saying in the word buddhi !
Lifestyle to be practiced in chanting Gayatri Mantra to obtain significant benefit :
-You need to cultivate the proper lifestyle to gain the benefits from this mantra properly.
-As with food,you must ensure the intake of only sattvik ( spiritually pure )
food.Nonvegetarian food is a big disadvantage here.Avoid meat,fish ( seafood )
,eggs,onions,garlic .
-If you want a spiritual life,you must even discard garlics,onions and spicy food.
-You need to be careful as to what is happening to your mind.The food that you take affects
the nature of your mind. Note that all diseases are caused by food and mind.
-You must also note the source from which the food is obtained.It should be from a good
source.The cook must be considered . The food must be cooked with love.The vessels from
which the food is cooked must also be considered- they must be pure,washed well etc..
-The money used to obtain the food must be derived from honest labour. Everything
attending to the process of consuming food must be made sure pure.
-While chanting,you need to sit up straight with spine erect. This is because when you are
chanting,the subtle positive vibrations are moving up and down your spinal cord.Strictly NO
leaning or bending body.Spine must be straight and erect.There should NOT be
restlessness.Put in your concentration and self into the chanting with full faith and devotion.
-When you chant the Gayatri Mantra in the morning,you face the east.You face the North
when you are chanting it at noon.And you face the west when you are chanting it in the
evening.In other words,you chant facing the direction of the Sun at all times.
-The Gayatri Mantra should be chanted unconditionally,asking nothing for ourselves.It
should not be done with ideas of greed of a desire and restlessness in mind.
( Adapted from Dr. Sase Narayanan Persauds speech based on Sai Babas instructions to him
on Gayatri Mantra teaching- Youtube Video : Sases view on chanting the Gayatri
Mantra )
-Full faith in the power and potency of the Gayatri Mantra will be generated only when the
seeker has developed the requisite degree of enthusiasm,reverence and love towards the
Mantra.Love and reverence for the Mantra and faith in its promised results are far more
important than mere mechanical repetition while the mind is wandering.
-The more one chants the Gayatri Mantra,the greater the benefit will be to the one who chants
it.To absorb the Mantric power,purity of life and an abstemious diet are essential.

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MEANING OF THE MANTRA.

Please take note to know the meaning of the mantra that you are chanting. This is very
important. You must chant with awareness of the meaning.
Fundamentally, The Gayatri Mantra is the elaboration of the Pranava Sabda or OM.
Now,let us understand the meaning of the Gayatri Mantra.
In brief,the Gayatri Mantra can be translated as :
Almighty God ( OM ) , we meditate ( Dheemahi ) upon your sublime spiritual effulgence (
Bhargo ) of that Adorable Supreme Divine Reality ( Savitur ) , the source of physical or
materialisation ( Bhur) and the astral region or vibration ( Bhuvah ) and Heavenly Sphere
of existence ( Svaha ).May that ( Tat ) Supreme Divine Power enlighten ( Prachodayaat )
which ( Yo ) our ( Nah ) our Budhi ( so that we may get liberation).
Now,let us look into the meaning of each word in the Mantra :
OM: Para Brahman.
Bhur : Bhu loka ( physical plane ) .It also refers to the body made up of the five Pancha
Bhootas ( five elements),materialisation.The five elements constitute Prakriti ( Nature).
Bhuvah : Bhuva Loka ( astral region ),the middle world.Bhuva is also Prana Shakti (
vibration) to animate the body.It is on this account that the Vedas have declared Prajnanam
Brahma ( Constant Integrated Awareness Is Brahman).
Suvah : Swarga Loka ( heaven,the land of Gods ). It also means radiation (Atma ) which
energizes the body and mind.
Tat: Stands for That.The ultimate reality is simply referred to as That because it defies
description through speech or language.
Savitur : From Savita ( sun,ever effulgent God ) from which all is born.
Varenyam : Adorable
Bhargo : Spiritual splendour,radiance,effulgence which confers wisdom.
Devasya : Of Deva ( divine entity )
Dheemahi : We meditate
Dhi: Buddhi (intellect)
Yo: Which
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Nah: Our
Prachodayaat : Enlighten.

Common Question : What Is meant by the three lokas ( physical plane, astral region and
heaven ) ?? Is the heaven a place where we go after we die ?
Answer :
Let us also be clear of what is meant by the three lokas ( Bhur , Bhuvah , Suvaha )
The spreading of Vishnu-tatwan ( the principle of all-pervasive divinity ) is known as
Trivikrama-tatwam ( Tatwam=the principle of Tri=triple Vikrama=pervasiveness ) . The
aspect of 'Trivikrama-tatwan is represented by the Gayathri Mantra,'Bhur Bhuvah Suvah'.The
Bhooloka,Bhuvahaloka and Svarloka constitute the Tri-vikrama-tatvam.
It is wrong to conceive these three Lokas as existing on top of the other and thus capable
of being reached by climbing a ladder,as it were.In fact,the three Lokas are interwined
with each other and one exists within the other.The real meaning of this kind of geometrical
configuration of the three Lokas is that the Pancha Indriya ( five senses ), Pancha Bhoota (
five elements ) and Pancha Kosha ( five sheaths ) , the aspects of man's body is Bhoo-Loka.
The aspect of Prana-shakti ( vital air ) or Manas-tatwam ( mental aspect ) is Burloka.The
microscopic state of Anandam ( bliss ) represents Suvarloka.So it can be said that the three
worlds - Bhooloka,Bhuvarloka and Suvarloka - are nothing but the dehatatwa ( physical state
) ,respectfully and the totality of these three represents the Trivikrama-tatwa.Again these
three aspects of Tri-vikrama-tatwa can be understood in terms of the three states of an
individual , viz, :
1. the one you think you are,
2. the one that others think you are.
3. the one what you really are.
Hence,only by proper Sadhana ( spiritual practice ) ,can one transcend from Bhoo-loka
through Bhuvar-loka to Suvar-loka.The attainment of Suvarloka is known as Moksha (
Liberation ) , and it represents the stage of complete mergence with the Lord.
(Sai baba, SSS, Vol.X, edition: 1980 , p.252 & 253)

- In the Gayatri Mantra,the first line is : Om Bhur-Bhuvas-suvah.This Mantra is assumed to

refer to three worlds- the earth,the middle world and heaven ( or Swarga,the land of the
gods). Bhu refers to the body.It is made up of the five elements ( Pancha Bhutas).These five
elements constitute nature ( Prakriti).There is an intimate relationship between the body and
nature.The same five elements that are in nature are also in the body. Bhuvah is the Life
Force that animates the body ( Praana-shakti).Even if the Life Force exists,without Jnana (
23

awareness ) the body will be of no use.It is on this account that the Vedas declared :
Prajnanam Brahma ( Constant Integrated Awareness is Brahman).It is by the presence of
Prajnana that Life Force is able to animate the body.The body represents the inert matter.The
Life Fore is able to animate the body.The body represents the inert matter.The Life Force
operates in the body as vibration.This vibration derives its power from Prajnana,which finds
its expression in radiation.
Therefore,the body,the Life Force and Prajnana are all within man.The entire cosmos is
present in miniature within man.It is because of these three constituents that we are able to
see the cosmos and experience many other things.Every type of potency is within us.The
external is reflection of the inner being
( Sai Baba,SS,8/95,p.235).

Three parts Of the Gayatri Mantra :

The Gayatri may be considered as having three parts:
(1) Praise
(2) Meditation
(3) prayer
The first nine words of the Gayatri mantra ( OM , Bhur ,Bhuvah ,Suvah,Tat,Savitur
Varenyam,Bhargo,Devasya) correspond to the description ( praise ) of the Gayatri.
Dheemahi pertains to meditation. Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat is the prayer to God for
steady and pure intellect.The Divine is first praised and meditated upon and then an appeal is
made to awaken and strengthen the intellect ( Buddhi).So,first and foremost is that you
should extol God.But in what way ? You should extol Him with a feeling of intimacy.The son
will never shower lavish praise on his father when he asks for a new address.Instead,he
demands rightfully.A devotee has a similar right to demand from God
( Sai Baba,SS,11/98,p.297).
It ( Gayatri ) has three parts : Dhyana ( meditation ) on the glory of God as illumination
immanent in the three worlds-upper,middle and lower ( Om Bhu-Bhuva-Suvah,Tat Savitur
Varenyam).It has Smarana or picturisation of the ( Gods) Grace ( Bhargo Devasya
Dheemahi),and Praathana ( prayer) for compassion to attain liberation,through the awakening
of the intelligence that pervades the entire universe,not any particular Name or Form of that
intelligence.So,all can use it and be saved by it.There can be no fanaticism,no hatred ,no
rivalry,if the Gayathri is adhered to
( Sai Baba,SSS,Vol.VI,edition : 1982,p.114).

In a nutshell,
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-In the case of Gayatri,the meaning is easy and profound.It does not ask for mercy or
pardon.It asks for a clear intellect,so that truth may be reflected therein
correctly,without any disfigurement.
( Sai Baba, SSS,Vol.III,edition : 1981,p.242 )
- In the Gayatri Mantra,the unity of body,mind and soul is depicted in the first line as
Bhur-Bhuvah-Suvah.The next line Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi means throw away
the darkness. Dheeyo yo nah Prachodayaat means Let the effulgence of the Divine
dispel the darkness of ignorance ( to sharpen intelligence).
( Sai Baba,SS,6/95, p.165)
-We have in this mantra the concluding words- Dhi Yo Yo Nah Prachodayaat.The meaning
is this : before you have been given this Mantra,you have been backward
intellectually,mentally a bit lazy and with a few negative points to your credit.But after you
have been given this Mantra,you have become sharper in intellect;you have become more
zealous,more enthusiastic,and certainly qualified to get better marks,better rank and first
class. ( Sai Baba )

GAYATRI MATA:

Image courtesy :
http://www.festivalsofindia.in/GayatriJayanti/index.aspx
-Gayatri is said to have five faces and hence,it is called Panchamukhi.Is there anybody in
the world with five faces ? No.Gayatri is described as five faces.The five faces are : OM (
the Pranava) is the first face.The Pranava Principle represents eight different forms of wealth
( Ashta-Aishwarya).The second face : Bhur-bhuvas-suvah.The third is : Tat25

SaviturVarenyam.The fourth is : Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi. Dheeyo yo nah

prachodayaat is the fifth face.When the Gayatri Mantra is understood in this way,it will be
realised that all the five aspects of Gayatri are within each of us
( Sai Baba,SS,8/95,p.235 & 236 ) .

SYMBOLIC MEANING OF DIFFERENT COLOURS OF THE FIVE FACES OF

GAYATRI DEITYS IDOL.
1. PEARL COLOUR
- Pearls are collected from sea,from the bosom of snails.Snails come to the surface of the sea
with their eyes and mouth open.When it rains,the raindrops fall into their mouths.During that
time,if the snails see SWATI-NAKSHATRA (star) in the sky and absorb its radiation into
them,then raindrops are converted into original pearls ( as distinct from cultured
pearls).These original pearls are divine in nature.Thus,the first face of Gayatri is of pearl
colour,giving out lustre of pearl ( representing brilliance or intelligence)
2. CORAL COLOUR
- (i.e. pinkish,which is of one of the nine gems). The second face develops the principle of
Nishchala Tattwa ( the principle of still mind) in the aspirants minf.
3. GOLD COLOUR
- Very bright both in colour and quality.Merely seeing gold and exposing its lustre promotes
good quality and external charm in the aspirant.
4. BLUE COLOUR
- Represents the sky.Sky is blue in colour.(Sri Maha-Vishnu is also blue in colour (
Vishnutattwa).This face of Gayatri fosters the aspirant with all types of wealth and Divine
Grace from Lord Vishnu.Blue colour also symbolises infinity.Blue sky is fathomless.Ocean
which seems blue is very vast and deep.God is also fathomless.
5. WHITE FACE
- This face represents purity.It develops purity in the mind of the aspirants and also grants
divine grace from goddess Saraswati ( Goddess of Wisdom ).
( J.V.Krishnamurthi,Sarvadevi Swarupini Vedamatha Gayatri,pp.36 & 37 )

26

References
Books :
(1) Suresh C.Bhatnagar,Gayatri Archana ( Based on Sais Teachings
),sathyasaipublications.
Websites :
(1) http://www.sathyasai.org/devotion/prayers/gayatri.html
(2) http://scriptures.ru/gayatr_l.htm
(3) www.maiyiliragu.blogspot.com

Youtube :
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

Sases view on chanting the Gayatri Mantra

Sai Baba Teaches About The Gayatri Mantra
Sathya Sai Baba chanting the Gayatri
Making Clouds Disappear with Gayatri Mantra Chanting-Meditation

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