Gayatri Mantra Has Its Origin In The Rig Veda
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most ancient and revered mantras in Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism. Derived from the Rig Veda, it is often considered the quintessence of the Vedic teachings or the Vedic philosophy in a nutshell.
The mantra is:
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः । तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं । भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि । धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
In IAST (International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration), this becomes:
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
The Meaning of The Gayatri Mantra
The common translation of the Gayatri Mantra is:
“We meditate on the glorious light of the divine Savitur (a form of the Sun deity), who may inspire our thoughts.”
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah: These are the Maha Vyahritis or the great utterances. “Om” is the primordial sound, the first vibration from which all creation emerged. “Bhur” refers to the physical plane of existence, “Bhuvah” to the mental plane, and “Svah” to the celestial plane. The chanting of these three elements represents a call for illumination in all three planes of existence.
Tat Savitur Varenyam: “Tat” translates to “That,” referring to the Supreme Reality beyond the perception of the senses. “Savitur” refers to the Sun deity, symbolizing the divine light of eternal wisdom. “Varenyam” means fit to be worshipped or revered, indicating that the Supreme Reality is the most worthy of reverence.
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi: “Bhargo” refers to divine radiance or illumination. “Devasya” is derived from “Deva,” which refers to a deity, a divine being, or the inherent quality of radiance and light. “Dhimahi” means we meditate upon or contemplate.
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat: “Dhiyo” refers to the intellect or understanding. “Yo Nah Prachodayat” translates to “who may stimulate or inspire.” This is a prayer that the Supreme Reality may illuminate our intellect and inspire our thoughts.
Sadhguru interprets this ancient mantra at the level of meaning and from the perspective of energy, sound, and vibration, which are fundamental aspects of yogic science.
He explains that uttering the Gayatri Mantra is not about asking for something or seeking to communicate with divine entities. Instead, it is about attuning oneself to a certain dimension of existence. The mantra itself, according to Sadhguru, is a key, a certain kind of key that can open up a whole new dimension of life if uttered properly.
Sadhguru emphasizes the importance of proper pronunciation and rhythm when uttering the mantra. He says, “If it is key, it is important to insert it into the keyhole in a certain way. It must be held, turned, and twisted in a certain way.” This highlights his approach, which emphasizes experiencing and becoming one with the cosmic reality instead of trying to understand it intellectually.
Sadhguru often stresses that the purpose of uttering the Gayatri Mantra is not to appeal to external forces or gods but to turn inward and perceive the source of creation within each of us. He emphasizes that the mantra can become a powerful tool for inner transformation if uttered with the necessary awareness and reverence.
A Challenge For The Uninitiated
According to Sadhguru, using the Gayatri mantra in its true form requires preparedness, attentiveness, and understanding of the science of mantras and sound. This can be quite challenging for most people, especially those not versed in yogic practices.
Mantras, including the Gayatri mantra, work based on the science of sound. As Sadhguru explains, sound is not just a means of communication but also a certain form of energy. Mantras are specific arrangements of sounds that, when uttered with the right pronunciation, pitch, rhythm, and intensity, can reverberate in a particular way and generate a specific energy pattern. This can have a profound impact on the one who utters the mantra as well as on the surrounding environment.
However, this science of sound is very intricate, and using mantras effectively requires a deep understanding. As Sadhguru often points out, a mantra is not something one can read from a book and start using. It requires initiation from a guru who understands the science and can properly guide the disciple in using the mantra.
Moreover, uttering the Gayatri mantra effectively requires a certain level of inner purity, attentiveness, and mental focus. It’s not just about mechanically repeating the sounds but about being fully present, with a certain awareness and reverence.
The Gayatri mantra is a powerful chant that seeks to inspire wisdom and enlightenment by stimulating our intellect and offering reverence to the supreme reality. The mantra’s universality lies in its broad appeal to invoke the divine light to guide one’s thought processes, a request that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
