Gayatri Mantra: meaning, word by word, and how to chant it

What the Gayatri Mantra is

The Gayatri Mantra is verse 10 of hymn 62 in the third book of the Rigveda, seen by the sage Vishvamitra. It is addressed to Savitri, the Sun as the power that stirs everything into life. It is called Gayatri after its metre: three lines of eight syllables. Because it is so central, the metre's name became the name of the mantra itself, and later of a goddess, Gayatri Mata, the mantra in visible form.

Before the verse, people say Om and the three vyahritis, bhur bhuvah svah: earth, the space between, and heaven. Together they mean “in all the worlds”. The prayer itself does not ask for wealth or protection. It asks that the light of the Divine wake up and guide the mind, which is why families teach it to children first and students recite it before study.

Word by word

• Om: the sacred syllable that begins every Vedic recitation.
• bhur, bhuvah, svah: the earth, the space between earth and sky, and heaven.
• tat: that.
• savituh: of Savitri, the Sun as the one who stirs and gives life.
• varenyam: most excellent, worth choosing and worshipping.
• bhargah: radiance, the light that burns away ignorance.
• devasya: of the god, of the shining one.
• dhimahi: we meditate on, we hold in the mind.
• dhiyah: minds, thoughts, understanding.
• yah: who.
• nah: our.
• prachodayat: may he inspire, urge forward, awaken.

How to chant it, step by step

No special items are needed. Three rounds take under a minute; a full mala of 108 takes about fifteen minutes.

1. Bathe or wash your hands and face, and sit facing east (towards the rising Sun) on a clean mat.
2. Sit with your back straight and take a few slow breaths.
3. Chant the mantra slowly and clearly, aloud, softly or in the mind. Keep the meaning in front of you: you are asking for a clear, awake mind.
4. Say it 3, 11 or 108 times. For 108, use a mala (rosary) of 108 beads and move one bead per recitation.
5. At the end sit quietly for a moment. If you like, offer water to the Sun from a copper pot (arghya) in the morning.

Traditionally it is chanted at the three junctions of the day (sandhya): sunrise, noon and sunset. Sunrise is the most common. Some families have their own customs about who may chant it; today it is taught openly in homes and schools, and anyone who wants to may chant it with respect.

Questions

How many times should the Gayatri Mantra be chanted?

Three times is the usual minimum, 11 or 21 is common, and 108 (one mala) is the traditional full round. A few times with attention is better than many in a hurry.

What is the best time to chant it?

Sunrise, facing east. Noon and sunset are the other two traditional times. Before study or any important work is also common.

Which god is the Gayatri Mantra addressed to?

To Savitri, the Sun as the life-giving power. Many also understand it as a prayer to the one Divine light, and later tradition sees the mantra itself as the goddess Gayatri.

Is “bhur bhuvah svah” part of the Rigveda verse?

No. The Rigveda verse begins at “tat savitur”. Om and the three vyahritis are placed before it in daily practice, as the Yajurveda and the sandhya manuals do.