How to Chant the Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri Mantra, first referred to in the Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures, is a hymn to the Sun-God, the Goddess Gayatri and to the Mother-God who vitalizes all life. Consisting of four sentences, the sacred Gayatri Mantra is a powerful prayer for protection, which reveals the essential unity of all reality.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of the Gayatri Mantra
• Mala, if you wish
• Audio of Gayatri Mantra
• Image of Gayatri Devi

Instructions

1. 

   Understand the meaning of the lines in the Gayatri Mantra. Chant "OM Bhur-Bhuvah-Svah" OM is the immortal savior of everything. Bhur is the creator, who gives breath. Bhuvah is God who ends all sorrow. Svah is omnipresent God.

2. 

   Follow with the second and third lines, "Tat savitur varenyam bhargo devasva dhimahi": We meditate on the ever-present Supreme Lord who is the breath of life, who brings an end to sadness and offers happiness.

3. 

   Finish the Gayatri Mantra with the final line, "Dhiyo yo nah pracodayat," a loving request that the adoring Lord grant our minds with enlightenment and wisdom.

4. 

   Keep three concepts in mind while chanting: Recalling God's qualities, sitting close to God and prayer. Gayatri Mantra fulfills this requirement and is the only Vedic mantra that does so.

5. 

   Use mala beads if you wish. However, it also is taught that pranayama (breath control) is the body's own mala. Perform, according to the Samaveda, twice daily. You must learn this technique from an Acharya (guru).

Tips & Warnings

• Chant all four lines together: "OM Bhur-Bhuvah-Svah. Tat savitur varenyam bhargo devasva dhimahi. Dhiyo yo nah pracodayat."

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Gayatri
• The Gayatri Mantra
• Gayatri Devi
• Gayatri Lecture
• Gayatri Mantra Audio