Why is Gayatri Mantra regarded as Guru Mantra?

[Guest guest]

Dear Spiritual friends,

 

Ans. Every body knows that one can learn very well under the direct

guidance of a capable teacher. This, however, does not mean that a

person devoid of knowledge and character be accepted as Guru. Instead

of accepting an illiterate person as teacher and suffer the

consequences it is better to regard the scriptures or any rishi or

devatma as one's Guru and for this purpose even a picture or an idol

of the person concerned can be used. All human beings are born

through the same biological process as other animals. Man is,

therefore, in no way different from other species of animal kingdom,

until he takes the first step towards his spiritual evolution by way

of initiation in Sadhana. This ceremony of initiation amongst the

Hindus is known as the Upnayan Sanskar. (Baptising amongst the

Christians.) The newly initiated person is called a Dwij (i.e. born-

again) in spiritual parlance. Each Hindu is traditionally required to

undergo Upnayan Sanskar. In course of this ritual, the subject is

made to wear a Janeu (sacred thread) across the body on the left

shoulder as a constant reminder to follow the disciplines of Gayatri

in life, (The Christians wear the crucifix for a similar purpose).

During the Upnayan ceremony, the Guru initiates the person concerned

exclusively in Gayatri Mantra. This is why it is known as the Guru

Mantra.

Literally too, the word `Guru' in Sanskrit means `Heavy', `powerful'

or `significant'. Since, this Mantra has been referred to in the

scriptures as the very manifestation of omnipotence and omniscience

of God it is justifiably called as Guru Mantra.

 

Questions, comments most welcome.

 

Datta Pandya