The Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most sacred mantras of Sanatana Dharma. It is verse 10 of hymn 62 in the third mandala of the Rigveda. Its rishi (seer) is Vishvamitra, its deity is Savita (the inspiring aspect of the Sun), and its meter is gayatri — the mantra takes its name from the meter. Tradition honours it as Vedamata, the mother of the Vedas.
Gayatri Mantra — Lyrics
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
Word-by-word meaning
Om — the primordial sacred sound
Bhur — the earth, the physical realm
Bhuvah — the atmosphere, the mental realm
Svah — the heavens, the spiritual realm
Tat — that (the ultimate reality)
Savitur — of Savita, the Sun deity
Varenyam — most excellent, worthy of worship
Bhargah — divine radiance, effulgence
Devasya — of the divine
Dhimahi — we meditate upon
Dhiyah — (our) intellects
Yah — who
Nah — our
Prachodayat — may inspire, may guide
Overall meaning
We meditate upon the divine radiance of the most excellent Savita. May that divine power inspire our intellects in the right direction.
Significance and benefits
- It sharpens intellect, memory and concentration — traditionally considered especially beneficial for students.
- Regular chanting brings mental peace and spiritual awakening.
- Morning and evening chanting builds discipline and positivity into daily life.
- Tradition holds that it dissolves negativities and purifies the self.
How to chant
- Time: sunrise, noon and sunset (the three sandhyas). Morning is considered the best.
- Count: 108 times (one mala), using a rudraksha or tulsi mala.
- Direction: face east, ideally seated before the rising sun.
- Practice: after bathing, in clean clothes, seated in a quiet place, chant with a focused mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Gayatri Mantra?
A: It is the Rigveda (3.62.10) verse meditating on the radiance of Savita and praying for the right inspiration of the intellect.
Q: When should the Gayatri Mantra be chanted?
A: At sunrise, noon and sunset (trikala sandhya). Sunrise is considered ideal.
Q: How many times should it be chanted daily?
A: At least 108 times (one mala). Three or five malas may be done when time permits.
Q: Who is the deity of the Gayatri Mantra?
A: Savita — the inspiring, life-giving aspect of the Sun.
Q: Is it suitable for students?
A: Yes — tradition especially recommends it for students, as it is said to inspire intellect and concentration.