Gayatri Mantra was the first mantra I ever learned. Peeling layers of meaning, symbology, and rituals of this mantra is something I enjoy deeply. It is commonly sung in Kirtans, known as Japa Mantra, and often meditated upon.

Let me share with you the story of Gayatri Mantra as shared by my Guru, Swami Veda Bharati.

Once upon a time, thousands of years ago, all divinities (devi and devatas) visited Prajāpati, (the one who presides over all forms of creation) to inquire about one possible way to learn about the entire truth, entire wisdom, and entire knowledge. They shared their dilemma that having no reference point and no specific scripture to learn from; they did not know where to begin and wondered if there was something that by knowing it, one knows it all.

Prajāpati after much consideration, said, “Let me consolidate the wisdom of three worlds, three bodies, and three states for you in three texts, they will be known as ṛgveda, yajurveda and sāmaveda. Reading, understanding, and realizing them will lead you to the entire truth, entire wisdom, and entire body of knowledge that ever existed.”

All the devi and devatas rejoiced in happiness and showered Prajāpati with flowers. Soon, their happiness faded as time passed, as they found it challenging to read through, understand, and apply the wisdom soaked in three ancient-most Vedic texts. Along with their overwhelm and desire to overcome it, they once again invoked Prajapati’s presence and requested if there was any way this wisdom could be internalized in a simpler way without having to go through thousands of verses.

To this Prajāpati, smiled and said, “How about just three verses of one mantra? Would that make it easy?” Listening this, the Gods and Goddess danced, rejoiced, and sang verses of praise to Prajāpati.

Prajapati said, “Learn to recite, remember, and realize the 24-syllabled Gayatri Mantra, its three verses of eight syllables each contain the essence of each Veda, world, and state. By knowing this, you shall know it all.”

The divinities returned to their heavenly abode with their hearts full of happiness and minds full of contentment. Here is the most coveted, the mother of all mantras, the meter in which the vedas are written and recited: The three verses of 24 syllabled Gayatri Mantra:

tat savitur vareṇyaṃ (8 syllables)

bhargo devasya dhīmahi (8 syllables)

dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt (8 syllables)

तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥

Rigveda 3.62.10

WAYS TO PRACTICE + LEARN MORE ABOUT MANTRAS

1. Listen to the Mantra Album on iTunes or Amazon Music
2. Practice the 108 Japa of Gayatri Mantra and MahaMritunjaya Mantra with me.

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