Gayatri Japa and its Meaning

[Guest guest]

Hari Om:

 

Those who belong to the Yajur Vedic Traditions,

observe today, Gayatri Japam. Yesterday was the

Upakarma day - the first day to begin the study of

Yajur Veda. This tradition has been observed from the

Vedic time period and is widely observed by the

followers of Yajur Veda Traditions. This year, the

Upakarma day was the same for the observers of both

Rig and Yajur Vedic traditions. The Gayatri Japam is

typically recited for 1008 (or 108) times. The

Upakarma and Gayatri Japam are considered most

important for unmarried youngsters who are entrusted

with the responsibility of learning the Vedas.

 

Gayatri Japam and Meaning

=========================

 

Aum bhoor bhuwah swaha,

tat savitur varenyam

bhargo devasaya dheemahi

dhiyo yo naha prachodayat.

 

Oh God! Thou art the Giver of Life, Remover of pain

and sorrow,

The Bestower of happiness, Oh! Creator of the

Universe,

May we receive thy supreme sin-destroying light,

May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.

 

Word for Word Meaning of the Mantra

Aum = Brahma ; bhoor = embodiment of vital spiritual

energy(pran) ; bhuwah = destroyer of sufferings ;

swaha = embodiment of happiness ; tat = that ;

savitur = bright like sun ; varenyam = best choicest ;

bhargo = destroyer of sins ; devasya = divine ;

dheemahi = may imbibe ; dhiyo = intellect ; yo = who ;

naha = our ; prachodayat = may inspire ; Meaning of

Gayatri Mantra

 

Rishis selected the words of various Mantras and

arranged them so that they not only convey meaning

but also create specific power through their

utterance. Gayatri Mantra inspires wisdom. Its meaning

is that "May the Almighty God illuminate our

intellect to lead us along the righteous path". All

the problems of a person are solved if he/she is

endowed with the gift of righteous wisdom. Once

endowed with far-sighted wisdom, a man is neither

entangled in calamity nor does he tread the wrong

path. A wise man finds solution to all outstanding

problems. Only those persons who do not think

correctly find difficulty and take wrong steps due to

foolishness. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra removes this

deficiency. The teachings and powers incorporated in

the Gayatri Mantra fulfill this purpose.

 

Hindus believe that righteous wisdom starts emerging

soon after the recitions (Japam) of this Mantra is

performed. Try chanting the Gayatri Japam silently and

attain the eternal peace!

 

Om Peace! Om Peace! Om Peace!

 

Ram Chandran