Gayatri Mantra Full Meaning

The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most sacred and powerful mantras in Hinduism, found in the Rigveda (3.62.10). It is dedicated to Savitr, the Sun God, and is a prayer for enlightenment and wisdom.

Gayatri Mantra in Sanskrit:

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥

Word-by-Word Meaning:

1. ॐ (Om) – The primordial sound, representing Brahman (the Ultimate Reality).

2. भूर्भुवः स्वः (Bhūr Bhuvah Svah) – The three worlds:

   • Bhūr – Physical plane (Earth)

   • Bhuvah – Astral plane (Atmosphere)

   • Svah – Celestial plane (Heaven)
     (Sometimes interpreted as past, present, and future.)

3. तत् (Tat) – That (the Supreme Reality).

4. सवितुर् (Savitur) – Of Savitr (the Sun God, the divine illuminator).

5. वरेण्यं (Vareṇyam) – Most excellent, worthy of worship.

6. भर्गो (Bhargo) – Divine light, spiritual effulgence.

7. देवस्य (Devasya) – Of the divine Lord.

8. धीमहि (Dhīmahi) – We meditate upon.

9. धियो (Dhiyo) – Intellect, understanding.

10. यो (Yo) – Who.

11. नः (Naḥ) – Our.

12. प्रचोदयात् (Prachodayāt) – May inspire, enlighten.

Full Translation:

“We meditate upon the divine glory of the effulgent Sun (Savitr), who illuminates the three worlds (Earth, Atmosphere, and Heaven). May that Supreme Light inspire and enlighten our intellect.”

Significance:

• The mantra is a prayer for wisdom, spiritual awakening, and divine guidance.

• It is believed to purify the mind and bestow knowledge (Jnana) and enlightenment (Moksha).

• Traditionally chanted at sunrise, noon, and sunset.