Gayatri Mantra (Original)

The Gayatri Mantra from Rigveda 3.62.10 is universally regarded as the most sacred and powerful mantra in Hinduism. Attributed to the sage Vishwamitra, this mantra is addressed to Savitri — the divine creative force symbolized by the Sun — and is a prayer for the illumination of the intellect and the awakening of higher consciousness.

The mantra's significance cannot be overstated. It is called "Veda Mata" (Mother of the Vedas) because the entire wisdom of the Vedic corpus is said to be contained within its 24 syllables. The Manusmriti states that a Brahmin who chants only the Gayatri Mantra but chants it with full understanding and devotion attains the same merit as one who has studied all four Vedas. The Bhagavad Gita (10.35) records Lord Krishna declaring, "Among meters, I am Gayatri."

The mantra begins with the Mahavyahriti — Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah — which invokes the three planes of existence: the physical (Bhur/earth), the subtle or astral (Bhuvah/atmosphere), and the celestial or causal (Svah/heaven). These three words serve as a cosmic address, directing the prayer through all dimensions of reality.

The core mantra then unfolds in three lines that mirror the process of spiritual realization. "Tat Savitur Varenyam" acknowledges the supreme excellence of the divine creative force. "Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi" declares the act of meditating upon that divine radiance. "Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat" completes the prayer by asking that this divine light inspire and guide our intellect.

The sage Vishwamitra composed this mantra during an intense period of tapas (austerity) on the banks of the river Pushpabhadra. According to tradition, the mantra was not invented but revealed — it already existed as a cosmic vibration, and Vishwamitra's deep meditation allowed him to perceive and articulate it. This is why the sages who composed Vedic hymns are called "rishis" (seers) rather than "kartas" (creators).

For thousands of years, the Gayatri Mantra has been chanted at the three Sandhya (junction) times — dawn, noon, and dusk. These liminal moments are considered the most spiritually potent times of day, when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest. The practice of Sandhya Vandana (twilight worship) centered on the Gayatri remains one of the most important daily observances in Hindu life.

Modern scientific studies have validated many traditional claims about the Gayatri Mantra's effects. Research at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and other institutions has shown that regular chanting increases cerebral blood flow, enhances alpha and theta brainwave activity, reduces stress hormones, improves attention span, and boosts immune function. The specific rhythmic pattern of the 24-syllable meter appears to entrain neural oscillations in a way that promotes both relaxation and heightened alertness simultaneously.