Gayatri Mantra That Guides Us on the Right Path

Om bhoor bhuvah swah
Tat savitur varenyam
Bhargo devasya dheemahi
Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat

'O, embodiment of Sat, Chit, and Ananda, and Creator of the Universe – O Surya Deva, we meditate upon you. May you guide our intellect in the right direction.'

To make human life meaningful and joyful, two things are essential – faith in God and purity of intellect. Both are present in the Gayatri Mantra.

What does 'Gayatri' actually mean?

'Gaayah praanah taan traayate iti Gayatri' –
Gayatri is that which protects and nourishes life-force (praana). It increases our vitality and removes both physical and mental defects.

'Savitameans the Sun. Gayatri is a mantra of the Sun God. When you chant this mantra, the energy of the Sun enters your body, and the light of the Sun enters your intellect.

Chanting Gayatri creates Brahmavarchas – a spiritual brilliance. It helps you bring your mind and senses under control. That's the power of Brahmavarchas.

Gayatri Mantra has three parts:

1. Mahavyahrutis – 'Om bhoor bhuvah swah'
   These are symbols of the Supreme Being, who is pure existence (sat), consciousness (chit), and bliss (ananda). Our life goal is to reach that Supreme Being.
   
   
2. 'Tat savitur varenyam bhargo devasya dheemahi'
   This part is about meditating on the divine light of Surya Deva. It purifies our intellect and strengthens our faith in God.

Savituh – The one who gives birth to everything – through rain, seasons, and photosynthesis, the Sun creates and sustains all life.

Varenyam – The most excellent one. it’s pronounced 'vareniyam' when chanted for conforming to the chandas.

Bhargah – That which burns away impurities; purifier.

Dheemahi – We meditate upon.

1. 'Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat'
   This final part says – by meditating on Surya Deva, our intellect will be inspired and illuminated.

Prachodayat – May he inspire or guide us.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi