Radiant golden sunrise with the divine Gayatri in glowing light
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Savitr · Goddess Gayatri

Gayatri Mantra

The mantra of light. Begin your day by inviting clarity into your mind.

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Gayatri Mantra lyrics

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः

Om. Earth, atmosphere and heaven.

तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं

That worshipful radiance of Savitr,

भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि ।

the divine light on which we meditate;

धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥

may he inspire our understanding.

अर्थ

ॐ। पृथ्वी, अन्तरिक्ष और स्वर्ग। हम सविता देव के वरण करने योग्य दिव्य तेज का ध्यान करते हैं। वे हमारी बुद्धियों को प्रेरित करें।

Oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ

Om. Earth, atmosphere and heaven.

Tat savitur vareṇyaṃ

That worshipful radiance of Savitr,

Bhargo devasya dhīmahi

the divine light on which we meditate;

Dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt

may he inspire our understanding.

Meaning

Om. Earth, atmosphere and heaven. We meditate on the divine radiance of Savitr, worthy of reverence. May he inspire our understanding.

Om bhoor bhuvah svah

Om. Earth, atmosphere and heaven.

Tat savitur varenyam

That worshipful radiance of Savitr,

Bhargo devasya dheemahi

the divine light on which we meditate;

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

may he inspire our understanding.

Meaning (Hinglish)

Om. Prithvi, antariksh aur svarg. Hum Savita dev ke vandaneeya divya tej ka dhyaan karte hain. Ve hamaari buddhi ko prerit karein.

Rigveda 3.62.10, with the customary opening Om and the three vyahritis. Shown without Vedic accent marks. View source.

The same prayer appears under Gaayatrii mantra in Collection of Mantras, PDF page 11. The site retains its normalized Sanskrit spelling. View PDF page.

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About the Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most revered mantras in Hinduism, found in the Rigveda (3.62.10). It is addressed to Savitr, the Sun as the source of light and wisdom, and is also worshipped as Goddess Gayatri. Devotees chant it at sunrise, noon and sunset to seek clarity, focus and a calm mind.

Best time to chant: Sunrise or Brahma Muhurta (about 1.5 hours before sunrise). Also at noon and sunset.

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Gayatri Mantra meaning

This prayer asks that the divine radiance of Savitr inspire our understanding. Read the explanation beside each line, then use the complete meaning to reflect on the verse as a whole.

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Benefits of the Gayatri Mantra

  • Believed to sharpen focus and bring mental clarity, which is why students chant it before study.
  • A calming practice at sunrise: the steady rhythm helps quiet restless thoughts.
  • Traditionally chanted as part of Sandhya Vandana, the daily prayer at dawn, noon and dusk.
  • Often chanted for gratitude to the Sun and for inner light and wisdom.
  • Suitable for everyone, from beginners to long-time practitioners.

How to chant the Gayatri Mantra

  1. Sit comfortably facing east if you can, spine upright, hands resting on your knees.
  2. Take three slow breaths. Start with a calm “Om”.
  3. Chant slowly and clearly. Use the Sanskrit, English or Hinglish tab, whichever feels easiest.
  4. Chant 3, 11, 21 or 108 times. Use the mala counter below to keep count.
  5. Finish with a few seconds of silence and gratitude.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Gayatri Mantra?

It is a Vedic mantra from the Rigveda dedicated to Savitr, the Sun deity, and revered as Goddess Gayatri. It is a prayer for wisdom and illumination of the intellect.

What is the best time to chant the Gayatri Mantra?

Traditionally at sunrise (or Brahma Muhurta), noon and sunset. If these times are not possible, any calm moment of the day works.

How many times should I chant the Gayatri Mantra?

The traditional count is 108 times (one mala). You may also chant 3, 11 or 21 times when short on time. Regularity matters more than the number.

Can anyone chant the Gayatri Mantra?

Yes. It is a universal prayer for wisdom. Chant with respect, sincerity and clear pronunciation.