मंत्र · Savitri (Sun)
Gayatri Mantra
गायत्री मन्त्र
The Gayatri Mantra is from the Rigveda (Mandala 3, Sukta 62, Verse 10) and is considered the most sacred of all Vedic mantras. It was composed — or rather revealed — to the sage Vishwamitra, and is addressed to Savitri, the divine solar deity who illuminates the physical, vital, and spiritual worlds. The mantra is composed in the Gayatri chandas (meter) of 24 syllables arranged in three padas (lines) of 8 syllables each, making it one of the most metrically perfect compositions in the Vedas. Traditionally recited at three Sandhya times — sunrise, midday, and sunset — by those who have received the sacred thread (upanayana). The mantra prays not for material things but for divine illumination of the intellect (dhiyo yo nah prachodayat — "may it inspire our intelligence").
Sanskrit · 5 verses
Frequently Asked Questions about Gayatri Mantra
What is the Gayatri Mantra and why is it considered the most sacred Vedic mantra?
The Gayatri Mantra is from the Rigveda (3.62.10), addressed to Savitri — the divine light of the sun. It is considered the most sacred of all Vedic mantras for several reasons: it is composed in the Gayatri chandas (24 syllables in 3 padas), the meter itself is personified as the goddess Gayatri; it was revealed to sage Vishwamitra, one of the greatest Vedic seers; and uniquely among all Vedic mantras, it prays not for any material boon but purely for the illumination of intelligence — making it the mantra of wisdom rather than wishes.
Who can recite the Gayatri Mantra?
Traditionally, the Gayatri Mantra was transmitted only to men of the three upper varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya) at the time of their upanayana (sacred thread ceremony), and was kept secret from others. However, in modern times, most Hindu teachers and reformers — including Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Ramana Maharshi, and Sri Aurobindo — have held that the Gayatri Mantra is for all of humanity regardless of gender, caste, or background. Reciting it with sincere intention and correct pronunciation is considered beneficial for all.
When should the Gayatri Mantra be recited?
The traditional prescription (Sandhyavandanam) is to recite the Gayatri Mantra at three Sandhya times: sunrise (Pratah Sandhya), midday (Madhyahna Sandhya), and sunset (Sayam Sandhya). The most auspicious time is the Brahma Muhurta — approximately 90 minutes before sunrise. The number of repetitions traditionally prescribed is 108 per session (using a mala). On special occasions — Gayatri Jayanti, Guru Purnima, solar eclipses — extended japa of 1008 or more repetitions is performed.
What is the difference between Savitri and Surya?
Surya is the sun as a physical phenomenon — the solar deity worshipped for health, vitality, and light. Savitri is the sun as a cosmic spiritual principle — the divine impeller, the life-force that animates all beings, the illuminator of consciousness. The Gayatri Mantra is addressed to Savitri specifically, not Surya — because the prayer is for inner illumination (illuminating the intellect), not physical sunlight. The goddess Gayatri is also said to be the presiding deity of the mantra, and is depicted with five heads representing the Panchabhutas (five elements).
How many syllables does the Gayatri Mantra have and why does that matter?
The Gayatri Mantra proper (excluding Om and the three Vyahritis) has exactly 24 syllables arranged in three padas of 8 syllables each: "Tat Savitur Varenyam / Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi / Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat." The number 24 is considered sacred — there are 24 avatars of Vishnu, 24 tirthankaras in Jainism, and the Gayatri meter (24 syllables) is considered the root of all Vedic meters. The goddess Gayatri is also said to have 24 manifestations, one presiding over each syllable of the mantra.