Sacred Mantra · Savitri (Solar deity / Universal consciousness)
Gayatri Mantra
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah | Tat Savitur Varenyam | Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi | Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
Deity
Savitri
Author
Rig Veda (3.62.10)
Type
Vedic Mantra
Syllables
24
Significance: Wisdom, intellect, spiritual illumination
Benefits
- ◆Enhances intellect and wisdom
- ◆Purifies the mind and removes negative thoughts
- ◆Brings spiritual awakening and clarity
- ◆Protects the chanter from evil forces
- ◆Improves concentration and memory
- ◆Connects the individual consciousness to universal consciousness
When to Recite
Brahma Muhurta (4–6 AM at sunrise), noon, and sunset — the three Sandhya periods
Repetitions: 108 times per session using a tulsi or rudraksha mala
How to Chant
- 1
Sit in Padmasana or Sukhasana facing East (at sunrise) or North
- 2
Perform Achamana (sipping water three times for purification)
- 3
Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and bring your awareness inward
- 4
Chant the mantra aloud or as a whisper (Upanshu) — not mentally for beginners
- 5
On completing the japa, sit quietly for a few minutes in contemplation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gayatri Mantra?
The Gayatri Mantra is a 24-syllable Vedic hymn from Rig Veda (3.62.10), addressed to Savitri, the solar deity representing universal consciousness. It is a prayer for illumination of the intellect. It is considered the most sacred of all Vedic mantras and is chanted during the three Sandhya (twilight) periods.
How many times should Gayatri Mantra be chanted?
The standard practice is 108 times per session using a mala (rosary). For Sandhya Vandana (the traditional Brahmin ritual), 10 times in the morning, 10 times at noon, and 10 times at sunset is the minimum. More dedicated practitioners chant 1,008 times daily.
Can anyone chant the Gayatri Mantra?
Yes. While traditionally the Gayatri was given only at Upanayana (sacred thread ceremony) to Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya males, many modern spiritual traditions including those of Ramakrishna Mission, Sri Aurobindo, and Anandamayi Ma affirm that the Gayatri can be chanted by anyone seeking spiritual illumination.
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