Gayatri Mantra

   Gayatri is a VEDIC MANTRA to the Sun; it is chanted each morning by twice-born Indian men—those who have been invested with the sacred thread, whether BRAHMINS, KSHATRIYAS, or VAISHYAS. In later times Gayatri was sometimes considered the wife of BRAHMA.

   The mantra is from RIG VEDA (3.62.10) to the god of the Sun SAVITRI. Some think it the most important Vedic mantra. It translates: “OM, Earth, Sky, Heavens! May the most excellent effulgence of the Sun-god (Savitri) inspire higher conscious-ness.” Orthodox Indians chant the mantra three times during the day, in the morning, at noon, and at night. Gayatri is technically a Vedic meter with 24 syllables—considered the most elegant of meters.

   Currently, a movement and ASHRAM are orga-nized around the healing benefit of repeating the mantra. It operates as Gayatri Pariwar in HARID-VA R, India.

   Further reading: Sadguru Sant Keshavadas, Gayatri: The Highest Meditation, 2d rev. ed. (Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1990); I. K. Taimini, Gayatri: The Daily Religious Practice of the Hindus, 2d ed. (Wheaton, Ill.: Theosophical Publishing, 1974); Bhagavati Sri Sri Vijayeswari Devi, Sri Gayatri: The Inner Secrets Revealed, 2 vols. (New York: Sri Matrudevi Visvashanti Ashram Trust, 2002).