”ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्यः धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् “
``Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat``
The Gayatri Mantra, considered the mother of Vedic scriptures, is regarded as the most supreme mantra in Hinduism. This mantra bestows knowledge upon us. The meaning of this mantra is – “O Lord, please illuminate our intellect with your grace and guide us on the right path of righteousness.” This mantra is also seen as a prayer for the Sun God (Savitur).
Oh Lord! You are the giver of our lives. You alleviate our sorrows and pains. You bestow upon us happiness and peace. Oh creator of the universe, Grant us the strength to attain your radiant power. Please guide our intellect on the right path.
The explanation of each word of the mantra:
- Om = Pranava
- Bhur = Giver of life force to humans
- Bhuvah = Destroyer of sorrows
- Svah = Bestower of happiness
- Tat = That
- Savitur = Radiant like the Sun
- Varenyam = Most excellent
- Bhargo = Liberator of actions
- Devasya = O Lord
- Dhimahi = Worthy of meditation
- Dhiyo = Intellect, Yo = Which, Nah = Our, Prachodayat = May inspire (prayer)
In this way, it can be said that the Gayatri Mantra encompasses three aspects – chanting, meditation, and prayer.