The Gayatri

The Gayatri mantra has in it the validity of the Vedas. It contains the essence of Vedic teachings. Each of the four Vedas has a core axiom (Mahavakya) enclosed in it. Tattwamasi (That thou art), Prajnanam Brahma (Consciousness is Brahma), Ayam Atma Brahma (This Self is Brahma), and Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman). When all these are synthesized, the Gayatri emerges.

Gayatri is all Gods in One: The triple-stranded Yajnopaveetam (Sacrificial Strand of Thread) is to be worn by everyone who is initiated into Gayatri recital, for he has to perform the three sandhya rites when the Sun rises and sets, as well as when the Sun is at the zenith. The rites are in adoration of the Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. The purpose of the rites is to invoke the Gods to bless the novitiate to lead a good life at all times (past, present, and future), in all places (heaven, earth, and nether region). The Gayatri divinizes the five elements; it represents the presiding deities of all the five. Gayatri is worshipped as a Five-Faced Goddess– Om, being the first, Bhur bhuvah svah, the second, That Savitur Varenyam, the third, Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, the fourth, and Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat, the fifth face.

Through meditation on the Gayatri, one can become aware of the inner motivating principle of the five elements, the five vital airs in the human body, and the five sheaths which encase the Atma. Just as there are three basic energies that govern man – the physical, the metaphysical, and the psychical, the Adibhautika, the Adidaivika, and the Adhyatmika, Gayatri has three facets: Gayatri, Savitri, and Saraswati. Gayatri fosters the metaphysical, Savitri, the physical, and Saraswati, the psychical. These three karanas or instruments have to be cleansed and sublimated so that man can realize the goal of life. Through the recital of the Gayatri mantra and meditation thereon, this great task can be achieved.

Prasanthi Nilayam, 26-6-1981