Guest guest Posted June 20, 2008 Report Share Posted June 20, 2008 dear sriram a query on the 5 faces of Sri Gayatri matha. What colour is given for the first & last faces of Sri Gayatri matha? (Second Green / Middle Yellow / Fourth Dark Blue). kind regards Venkat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 Dear Venkatji, One small clarification before I proceed: Second face is not green.Or atleast that is not what is stated in texts/scriptures which refer to Gayathri Matha's faces.If you are basing your description on some picture you worship or saw, then I think it is the imagination of the artist beautifully depicted, that is all. (Iam just guessing your query has emnated seeing this popular picture of Gayathri Mathaji wherein the second face is painted Green. I would say, the face looks divine and artist has done the work well however, the colour is not what the scripture says. However, it is good for worship especially if done with Bhakthibhava). (Here too the colours are not depicted properly) Gayatri is said to have five faces and hence is called Panchamukhi. Gayathri Manthram is found in the ancient Rg Vedam ( Rg Vedam: 3rd Mandalam , Soothra 60, Tenth mantram). "Gaayantham treeyate ithi Gaayathri" ( The Manthram that protects one , who recites it). Gaayathri is a Manthramas well as a prayer. Likewise, Gayatri is described as five-faced. The five faces are as follows. Om (the Pranava). The Pranava Principle represents the eight different forms of wealth (ashta-aishvarya). Bhur Bhuvas-Suvah.(NorthIndians say "Swaha" but vedic meter gets affected if pronounced like that) The third is: Thath-Savithur-varenyam. Bhargo Dhevasya dheemahi. Dheyo yo nah prachodayaath. When the Gayatri mantra is understood in this way, it will be realised that all the five aspects of Gayatri are within each of us. [23-8-1995] Gayatri represents in these five faces the five pranas (life forces). Gayatri is the protector of the five pranas in man."Gayantham thrayathe ithi Gaytri (Because it protects the one who recites it, it is called Gayatri." When Gayatri acts as protector of the life-forces, she is known as Savitri. Savitri is known in the puranic story as the devoted wife who brought back to life her husband, Sathyavan. Savitri is the presiding deity of the five pranas. She protects those who lead a life of Truth. Gayatri has five faces and is the embodiment of all deities --Sarva devatha Swarupam She has five faces of different colours, ten hands carrying different things, and ten graceful eyes, She is sitting on a red Lotus. Gayathri Nyasa which is done during Sandhyavandana(There are roughly 108 different versions of Sandhyavandanam and most of them have this description) Muktha Vidruma Hema Neela Dhavala Chaiyahi Mukhaihi ThrikshinaihiYuktham Indu Nibaddha Makutam Thathwartha VarnatmikamGayathrim Varada Abhaya Ankusha Kasham Shubhrakapalam GadamShakham Chakram atha Aravindayugalam Hasthaihi Vahanthim Bhaje (Incidentally some scholars opine that the above verse uses the meter Sardula Vikreditama which is not a Vedic meter and is used to describe the beauty of Gayathri Matha to prepare the mind subconsciously before the aspirant does the meditation on the deity.It should be noted that Sandhyavandanam itself is a "song/Bowing prayer doen during Sunrise and Sunset times(sandhi-samaye') to absorb the maximum vibrations of the Mantra and the earth's magnetic field and inherent vibrations in the atmosphere to increase one's internal spiritual progress and to feel an at-one-ness with divinity at that scared moment.There is no text as such called "Sandhyavandana" and the various texts we see in the market these days were later day compilations of the relevant practices.) The Dhyana sloka of Sandhyavandana in step 17 as discussed in the verse, describes Gayathri in the feminine form having five faces of colors similar to Muktha(pearl), Vidruma(coral), Hema (Gold), Neela (Blue) and Dhavala (White) qualified with the word "chayaihi" meaning shades. This has a striking similarity to the "Shaft of bright light, white tinged with gold shot with electric blue pouring down on the reciter" as seen by LeadBeater(Theosophical movement/Reference link: http://www.anandgholap.net/Hidden_Life_In_Freemasonry-CWL.htm). One can conceive 5 colors from the spectrum's basic colors viz Red, Red+Yellow, Yellow, Yellow + Blue, and Blue. Face having 3 eyes, depicts ability to see in 3 Physical Planes as well as to know everything through the "Third Eye" Further Gayathri is described to have ten hands holding ;(Similar to the refracted, colored, converging beams of light seen by Lead Beater ?)*Varada mudra ---Fulfilling One's wishes.*Abhaya mudra - Extending protection.*Ankusha ------ - Power to Control mind (as with a rogue elephant)*Kasha -------------whip - Means to overcome laziness, increase pace*Shubhra Kapala-Clear Mind*Gada ------------ Power to disintegrate obstacles*Shankha ------- --Power of communication.*Chakra --------- --Power to move, Action.*Lotus ----------- --Peace.*Lotus ----------- -Devotion. It is clear that Divine Mother Gayathri not only sanctions one's present wishes(varada mudra), but also bestow all the abilities to achieve every thing. Gayathri is the name of the chain of thought contained in the mantra. The Divinity personified in a feminine form indicates motherly qualities of Love, Compassion, Caring, Developing, Nurturing, and Forgiving. Each of her faces symbolise a specific meaning such as: (This is somewhat of an ok-representation) 1) Pearl Colour: Pearls are collected from sea from the bosom of snails. Snails come to the surface of the sea with their eyes and mouth open. When it rains, the rain drops fall into their mouth and if at the time the rain drops fall into their mouth, the snails swasthi nakshatra (star) in the sky and absorb its radiation into them, then the rain drops are converted into original pearls (as distinct from cultured Pearls). These original Pearls are divine in Nature. Thus the first face of Gayatri is of Pearl colour, giving out the luster of Pearls (representing natural and divine briliance). 2) Coral Colour: (ie. bright red) (one of the nine gems). The second face develops the principle of Nischala Tattwa in the aspirants mind (still mind). 3) Gold Colour: Very bright both in colour and quality. Mere seeing the gold and exposing ourselves into its luster promote good quality and external charm in the aspirant. 4) Blue colour representing the Sky: Sea is blue in colour. Sree Mahavishnu and also Peace and calmness. (Lord Narayana) is also blue in colour (Vishnu tattwa). This face fosters the aspirant with all wealth and also Divine Grace from Lord Narayana. 5) White face(Sphatika colour): This face represents purity. It develops purity in the mind of the aspirant and also grants divine grace from Saraswati (the goddess for wisdom). The Five faces , when meditated upon destroys Pancha MahA Paathakams (5 great Sins).The Ten eyes are watching in the ten directions including sky and earth and blessing the dhik-PaalakAs responsible for each of these directions. Among the ten hands, one set of five hands realte to the granting of Ihika Sukhams (lOka Sukhams) and the other five hands relateto the other worldly bliss granted by Her. Incidentally, one of the best painted images of Gayathri Devi can be enjoyed at the Mysore MaharAja"s palace. Hope this helps... Yours yogically, Shreeram Balijepalli Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru , R Venkat <rdjvenkat wrote:>> dear sriram> > a query on the 5 faces of Sri Gayatri matha. What colour is given for the first & last faces of Sri Gayatri matha? (Second Green / Middle Yellow / Fourth Dark Blue).> > kind regards> > Venkat> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2008 Report Share Posted June 22, 2008 I see that the image has not opened up in the beginning... I was referring to the image found here... http://www.freewebs.com/jaimataji/gayatri.JPG Also, in the description, I had typed "snails" when referring to pearls, I meant Oysters... Sorry for the mistakes.. ShreeramRajarajeshwari_Kalpataru , "para_anuloma" <para_anuloma wrote:>> > Dear Venkatji,> > One small clarification before I proceed: Second face is not green.Or> atleast that is not what is stated in texts/scriptures which refer to> Gayathri Matha's faces.If you are basing your description on some> picture you worship or saw, then I think it is the imagination of the> artist beautifully depicted, that is all.> > > > > [http://bp3.blogger.com/_SHLGl-XuOqU/R1PmicVdWnI/AAAAAAAAAAs/DytX0XOzPvM\> /s320/gayathri.jpg]> > (Iam just guessing your query has emnated seeing this popular picture of> Gayathri Mathaji wherein the second face is painted Green. I would say,> the face looks divine and artist has done the work well however, the> colour is not what the scripture says. However, it is good for worship> especially if done with Bhakthibhava).> > (Here too the colours are not depicted properly)> > > > Gayatri is said to have five faces and hence is called Panchamukhi.> Gayathri Manthram is found in the ancient Rg Vedam> ( Rg Vedam: 3rd Mandalam , Soothra 60, Tenth mantram).> > > "Gaayantham treeyate ithi Gaayathri" ( The Manthram that protects one ,> who recites it). Gaayathri is a Manthram> as well as a prayer.> > Likewise, Gayatri is described as five-faced. The five faces are as> follows.> > 1. Om (the Pranava). The Pranava Principle represents the eight> different forms of wealth (ashta-aishvarya). 2. Bhur> Bhuvas-Suvah.(NorthIndians say "Swaha" but vedic meter gets affected if> pronounced like that) 3. The third is: Thath-Savithur-varenyam. > 4. Bhargo Dhevasya dheemahi. 5. Dheyo yo nah prachodayaath.> > When the Gayatri mantra is understood in this way, it will be realised> that all the five aspects of Gayatri are within each of us. [23-8-1995]> > Gayatri represents in these five faces the five pranas (life forces).> Gayatri is the protector of the five pranas in man.> "Gayantham thrayathe ithi Gaytri (Because it protects the one who> recites it, it is called Gayatri." When Gayatri acts as protector of the> life-forces, she is known as Savitri. Savitri is known in the puranic> story as the devoted wife who brought back to life her husband,> Sathyavan. Savitri is the presiding deity of the five pranas. She> protects those who lead a life of Truth.> > Gayatri has five faces and is the embodiment of all deities --Sarva> devatha Swarupam> > She has five faces of different colours, ten hands carrying different> things, and ten graceful eyes, She is sitting on a red Lotus.> > Gayathri Nyasa which is done during Sandhyavandana(There are roughly 108> different versions of Sandhyavandanam and most of them have this> description)> > Muktha Vidruma Hema Neela Dhavala Chaiyahi Mukhaihi Thrikshinaihi> Yuktham Indu Nibaddha Makutam Thathwartha Varnatmikam> Gayathrim Varada Abhaya Ankusha Kasham Shubhrakapalam Gadam> Shakham Chakram atha Aravindayugalam Hasthaihi Vahanthim Bhaje> > (Incidentally some scholars opine that the above verse uses the meter > Sardula Vikreditama which is not a Vedic meter and is used to describe> the beauty of Gayathri Matha to prepare the mind subconsciously before> the aspirant does the meditation on the deity.It should be noted that> Sandhyavandanam itself is a "song/Bowing prayer doen during Sunrise and> Sunset times(sandhi-samaye') to absorb the maximum vibrations of the> Mantra and the earth's magnetic field and inherent vibrations in the> atmosphere to increase one's internal spiritual progress and to feel an> at-one-ness with divinity at that scared moment.There is no text as such> called "Sandhyavandana" and the various texts we see in the market these> days were later day compilations of the relevant practices.)> > The Dhyana sloka of Sandhyavandana in step 17 as discussed in the verse,> describes Gayathri in the feminine form having five faces of colors> similar to Muktha(pearl), Vidruma(coral), Hema (Gold), Neela (Blue) and> Dhavala (White) qualified with the word "chayaihi" meaning shades.> > This has a striking similarity to the "Shaft of bright light, white> tinged with gold shot with electric blue pouring down on the reciter" as> seen by LeadBeater(Theosophical movement/Reference link:> http://www.anandgholap.net/Hidden_Life_In_Freemasonry-CWL.htm> <http://www.anandgholap.net/Hidden_Life_In_Freemasonry-CWL.htm> ).> > One can conceive 5 colors from the spectrum's basic colors viz Red,> Red+Yellow, Yellow, Yellow + Blue, and Blue. Face having 3 eyes, depicts> ability to see in 3 Physical Planes as well as to know everything> through the "Third Eye"> > Further Gayathri is described to have ten hands holding ;> (Similar to the refracted, colored, converging beams of light seen by> Lead Beater ?)> *Varada mudra ---Fulfilling One's wishes.> *Abhaya mudra - Extending protection.> *Ankusha ------ - Power to Control mind (as with a rogue elephant)> *Kasha -------------whip - Means to overcome laziness, increase pace> *Shubhra Kapala-Clear Mind> *Gada ------------ Power to disintegrate obstacles> *Shankha ------- --Power of communication.> *Chakra --------- --Power to move, Action.> *Lotus ----------- --Peace.> *Lotus ----------- -Devotion.> > It is clear that Divine Mother Gayathri not only sanctions one's present> wishes(varada mudra), but also bestow all the abilities to achieve every> thing. Gayathri is the name of the chain of thought contained in the> mantra. The Divinity personified in a feminine form indicates motherly> qualities of Love, Compassion, Caring, Developing, Nurturing, and> Forgiving.> > Each of her faces symbolise a specific meaning such as:> > (This is somewhat of an ok-representation)> > 1) Pearl Colour: Pearls are collected from sea from the bosom of snails.> Snails come to the surface of the sea with their eyes and mouth open.> When it rains, the rain drops fall into their mouth and if at the time> the rain drops fall into their mouth, the snails swasthi nakshatra> (star) in the sky and absorb its radiation into them, then the rain> drops are converted into original pearls (as distinct from cultured> Pearls). These original Pearls are divine in Nature. Thus the first face> of Gayatri is of Pearl colour, giving out the luster of Pearls> (representing natural and divine briliance).> > 2) Coral Colour: (ie. bright red) (one of the nine gems). The second> face develops the principle of Nischala Tattwa in the aspirants mind> (still mind).> > 3) Gold Colour: Very bright both in colour and quality. Mere seeing the> gold and exposing ourselves into its luster promote good quality and> external charm in the aspirant.> > 4) Blue colour representing the Sky: Sea is blue in colour. Sree> Mahavishnu and also Peace and calmness. (Lord Narayana) is also blue in> colour (Vishnu tattwa). This face fosters the aspirant with all wealth> and also Divine Grace from Lord Narayana.> > 5) White face(Sphatika colour): This face represents purity. It develops> purity in the mind of the aspirant and also grants divine grace from> Saraswati (the goddess for wisdom).> > > The Five faces , when meditated upon destroys Pancha MahA Paathakams (5> great Sins).The Ten eyes are watching in the ten> directions including sky and earth and blessing the dhik-PaalakAs> responsible for each of these directions. Among the ten hands, one set> of five hands realte to the granting of Ihika Sukhams (lOka Sukhams)> and the other five hands relate> to the other worldly bliss granted by Her.> > Incidentally, one of the best painted images of Gayathri Devi can be> enjoyed at the Mysore MaharAja"s palace.> > Hope this helps...> > > > Yours yogically,> > Shreeram Balijepalli> > > > Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru , R Venkat> rdjvenkat@ wrote:> >> > dear sriram> >> > a query on the 5 faces of Sri Gayatri matha. What colour is given for> the first & last faces of Sri Gayatri matha? (Second Green / Middle> Yellow / Fourth Dark Blue).> >> > kind regards> >> > Venkat> >> >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2008 Report Share Posted June 24, 2008 Dear Ambarishji, Your first query Vedantically speaking, any direction is fine to remember God as He/She/It exists in every direction. However, for the purpose of sandhyavandana, the main purpose is the worship of divinity during 'sandhi-samaya' as the vibrations are most conducive for all the chakras in our body too. I would face the east and see the rising sun and do the Pratha:sandhyAvandanam. The mAdhAynikA sandhyAvandanam, I would face north(as the Himalayas contain great spiritual power with paramas'ivA and other yogIs residing there.However, for tarpanA and other suryavidhIs I would see the sun atop my head during noon. For sayam-sandhyAvandanam, I would face west seeing the sunset and doing the sayam-tarpanA. If seeing the sun is not a possibility given today's cramped conditions or due to inclement weather, then the eternal sun in one's heart and do the sandhyAvandanam facing North. The following benefits accrue by following this: 1. Steady Mind - Regulating Mind when one faces east during pratah:sandhya 2. Increase of concentration and thereby intellectual power during northfacing mAdhAnIkasandhyA 3. Faculty of Determination increases – the self-assertion power during mAdhyAnIkasandhyA 4. Commitment to the objective = objective-oriented approach for all three sessions 5. Through Pranayama, we improve our lungs capacity to retain, expand and shrink in a rhythmic fashion, results in long life, a strong lungs and a robust physique.--This too occurs during all sandhyas. 6.Self-discipline in all walks of life.All three sessions. Restraint is the hallmark of a true Brahmin.(This term here is used not castewise but one who is in search of Brahman). Sandhyavandana as a discipline imparts this restraint to such a Brahmin. Samdhyaa Heeno Suchirnithyamanathas Sarva KarmasuYad Anyath Kuruthe Karmo No Thasya Phala Bhaag Bhaveth That is to say, when the twice born gives up the Sandhya worship, he falls into perdition; so say all the Smrithis. Those who neglect the Sandhya worship have no right for other type of ritual. It is because the sages of ancient times performed the Sandhya worship for many years that they acquired long life, fame, glory, wisdom and the splendor of Divinity; this is mentioned by Great sages too. Therefore from whatever point of view we consider, no Brahmin can deserve that status if he does not meditate on the Gayathri.Birth does not automatically confer any such status.Yes, it is helpful no doubt in getting a close proximity to rituals and other pure modes however what is meant by Brahmin in this context is the man who has realized the Brahmathathva and who has purified himself by the practice of the Brahmopasana, the ceaseless contemplation of the Brahmam. This has nothing to do with caste and maybe even religion(Maybe a true christian saint or a muslim sufi can be called a Brahmin in this context). SandhyAvandanam too is dealt with in the Taittiriya Aranyaka,in thethird prasna of ArunA. In two anuvAkAs,(beginning with "RakshAgumsi ha vA purOnuvAkE tapOgram") the Veda Purusha describes the reason d etre" of Sandhyavandanam. Once upon a time the asurAs performed sincere and intense penance or tapas. PrajApati appeared before them and queried them as to their wishes. The AsurAs told Prajapati that they wished to fight with AdityA. "So be it," pronounced Prajapati. From that day, the Asuras started fighting with Soorya at every sunrise and sunset. Due to this constant battle,Adiya started weakening. Concerned at the disastrous consequences to the universe of Soorya being disabled, Prajapati devised a way of saving Soorya from gradual decline.He ordered Brahmins to perform Sandhyavadanam at sunrise and sunset, with the important component of "arghyapradAnam", that of throwing water held in joined palms at the Sun. This concerted throwing of water by allbrahmins, turns into a weapon as powerful as the VajrAyudhA , and attacks the asurAs, bundling them off to a remote island known as the "MandEhAruNa dveepam", where they lie vanquished. However, this defeat is not permanent, and is only till the next SandhyA, so that the boon granted by Prajapati to the asurAs does not go waste. Come the next Sunrise, the asurAs are back in full vigour to fight with the Sun.Again, the Brahmins perform Sandhyavandanam and the concerted arghyA banishes the asurAs to the aforesaid island. And the process goes on infinitely.We often hear people say that Sandhyavandanam does not bestow any special merit on the doer, but its non-performance results in sin, ("akaraNE pratyavAya janakam") this being an "AgyA kainkaryam", or one that we are ordained to perform. However, the Aranyaka says that every Brahmin, who performs Sandhyavandanam and japam at all sunrises and sunsets, is blessed with all that is auspicious ("sakalam bhadram asnutE"), is freed from all sin ("tEna pApmAnam avadhoonvanti") and attains the Ultimate ("BrahmApyEti").Thus Sandhyavandanam occupies a very high place in our list of priorities, and, as should be clear from the aforesaid, is done for the benefit of society. This is why the Shastras prescribe this karma as a preliminary to all others, without the performance of which the yajamAna does not acquire eligibility to do anything else-"SandhyA heenO asuchi: nityam, anarha: sarva karmasu"- A person who does not do Sandhyavandanam is perennially impure and is ineligible to perform any karma, vaidIka or otherwise.The story narrated above also emphasizes the need for the timely performance of this important ritual, for, it is precisely at sunrises and sunsets that the Sun is at danger from the asurAs, and only timely arghya pradAnam would vanquish the latter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Your second query requires the pramAna of Bhasma-jabalopanishad and other texts. Once Bhusunda, a descendant of Jabali went to the Kailas Peak and prostrated before Lord Mahadeva Siva, who is the form of Omkara and who is beyond the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra. Bhusunda worshipped Siva with great devotion again and again through fruits, flowers and leaves. Then he questioned Lord Siva: "Lord! Kindly impart to me the essential knowledge of all the Vedas, embodying the process and technique of using the Bhasma (sacred ash), because it is the only means for attaining Liberation. What is the Bhasma made of? Where should it be applied? What are the Mantras to be recited? Who are the persons fitted for this? What are the rules regarding it? Kindly instruct me, born from depressed class." The kind Lord Paramesvara said: At first the devotee after understanding the influence of the celestials at the prescribed time, should fetch some sacred and pure cow-dung early in the morning, keep it in the leaf of a Palasa-tree and then dry it with the Vedic Mantra `Tryambakam' etc. (in the sun). Then he should burn that dry cow-dung, placed in a convenient place, with any fire that is available, according to the rules laid down in the Grihya Sutras of his sect, and then pour Ahutis of seasamum and paddy together with ghee, with the Mantra `Somaya Svaha'. The number of Ahutis should be 1008, or if possible, 1 ½ times this. The instruments for pouring ghee should be made of leaf; in that case man does not commit any sin. Then, at the end, the devotee should offer the oblation of Sveshtakruta at the time of Purna-Ahuti, with the Mantra `Tryambakam' etc. With the same Mantra Bali (an offering) should be placed in the eight directions (of the fire). That Bhasma should be sprinkled with water by the Gayatri Mantra. Then that sacred ash should be placed in a gold, silver, copper or earthen vessel and sprinkled again with the Rudra Mantras. It should then be kept in a clean and decent place. Then the devotee should honour the Brahmins with a grand feast. Then only he will become purified. Then he should take the Bhasma from the vessel with the Pancha-Brahma-Mantras, `Manastoka', `Sadyo Jatam', etc., and with the idea that `fire is Bhasma, air is Bhasma, water is Bhasma, earth is Bhasma, ether is Bhasma, gods are Bhasma, Rishis are Bhasma, all this universe and existence are Bhasma; I prostrate to this sacred and purifying Bhasma which destroys all my sins.' Thus, the devotee should keep a little Bhasma with the clean palm of his left hand saying, `Vamadevaya' (this is to Vamadeva) sprinkling with the Mantra `Tryambakam' etc., and cleaning it with the Mantra `Suddham suddhena' etc. Then he should filter it nicely. Then he should apply it from head to foot, with the five Brahma-Mantras. With the first finger, middle finger and ring finger, he should apply the same to the middle of the head saying `to the head' and `O Bhasma! Thou hast come from Agni!' He should apply bhasma at the top of the head with the mantra `Murdhanam.' On the forehead with `Tryambakam etc.', on the neck with `Nilagrivaya etc., on the right side of the neck with `Tryayusham etc. and Vama etc.', on the cheeks with `Kalaya etc.', on the `eyes with `Trilochanaya etc.', on the ears with `Srinavama etc.', on the mouth with `Prabravama etc.', on the heart (chest) with `Atmane etc.', on the navel with `Nabhih etc.', on the right shoulder with `Bhavaya etc.', on the right elbow with `Rudraya etc.', on the right wrist with `Sarvaya etc.', on the back of the right palm with `Pasupataye etc.', on the left shoulder with `Ugraya etc.', on the left elbow with `Agre-vadhaya etc.', on the left wrist with `Dure-vadhaya etc.', on the back of the left palm with `Namo Hartre etc.', and over the shoulder-blades with `Sankaraya etc.' The devotee should then prostrate to Siva with the Mantra `Somaya' etc. He should wash the hands and drink that ash-water with the Mantra `Apah Punantu' etc. The water should never be spilt down from any cause. Thus, this practice of Bhasmadharana should be done in the morning, noon and evening. If he does not do this, he will become fallen. This very thing is the prescribed Dharma of all Brahmins. Without having Bhasmadharana in this fashion, he should never take any food, water or anything else. Accidentally if this practice is forgotten, that day, Gayatri should not be repeated. No Yajna should be done on that day; no Tarpana should be offered to gods, Rishis or Pitrus. This is the eternal Dharma that destroys all sins and gives the final state of Moksha. This is the daily rite of Brahmins, Brahmacharins, Grihasthas, Vanaprasthas and Sannyasins. If this is overlooked even once, he should stand in water upto the neck, repeating Gayatri 108 times, and fast the whole day. If a Sannyasin does not wear Bhasma, even a single day, he should fast during the whole day and do 1000 Pranava Japa, for being purified once again. Otherwise, the Lord will throw these Sannyasins to dogs and wolves. In case this kind of Bhasma is not available, any other Bhasma that may be at hand should be used with the prescribed Mantras. This kind of practice shall destroy any kind of sin that may be committed by man. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Evening arghyapradanam: Gayathri Mantra Evening Japa nivedanam should be for Lord Agni. Shreeram Balijepalli Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru , Ambarish Jambhorkar <ambarishj wrote:>> > > > Respected Shreeramji,> Sadar Charan Sparsh,> I am a new member of this group and getting benefited continuously with your invaluable information. Thanks a lot on the recent one on Sandhya Vandanam.> I need few more clarifications like.> > 1. In evening shall we sit facing west or north for sndhya vandanam?> 2. For evening shall we apply dry Bhasm or wet (adding water with the mantram—Sadhyo Jatam Prapadhyami…)?> 3. For Evening Arghya pradanam what should be the mantram?> 4. After Gayatri Japam in the evening, should the Jap Nivedan be addressed to Lord Surya or Lord Agni?> > > Thanking you in anticipation> > Regards> Ambarish Jambhorkar> > > --- On Sun, 6/22/08, para_anuloma para_anuloma wrote:> > para_anuloma para_anuloma [Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru] Re: Sri Gayatri Matha> Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru > Sunday, June 22, 2008, 6:52 PM> > > > > > > > I see that the image has not opened up in the beginning...> I was referring to the image found here...> http://www.freewebs .com/jaimataji/ gayatri.JPG> Also, in the description, I had typed "snails" when referring to pearls, I meant Oysters...> Sorry for the mistakes..> Shreeram> Rajarajeshwari_ Kalpataru, "para_anuloma" <para_anuloma@ ...> wrote:> >> > > > Dear Venkatji,> > > > One small clarification before I proceed: Second face is not green.Or> > atleast that is not what is stated in texts/scriptures which refer to> > Gayathri Matha's faces.If you are basing your description on some> > picture you worship or saw, then I think it is the imagination of the> > artist beautifully depicted, that is all.> > > > > > > > > > [http://bp3. blogger.com/ _SHLGl-XuOqU/ R1PmicVdWnI/ AAAAAAAAAAs/ DytX0XOzPvM\> > /s320/gayathri. jpg]> > > > (Iam just guessing your query has emnated seeing this popular picture of> > Gayathri Mathaji wherein the second face is painted Green. I would say,> > the face looks divine and artist has done the work well however, the> > colour is not what the scripture says. However, it is good for worship> > especially if done with Bhakthibhava) .> > > > (Here too the colours are not depicted properly)> > > > > > > > Gayatri is said to have five faces and hence is called Panchamukhi.> > Gayathri Manthram is found in the ancient Rg Vedam> > ( Rg Vedam: 3rd Mandalam , Soothra 60, Tenth mantram).> > > > > > "Gaayantham treeyate ithi Gaayathri" ( The Manthram that protects one ,> > who recites it). Gaayathri is a Manthram> > as well as a prayer.> > > > Likewise, Gayatri is described as five-faced. The five faces are as> > follows.> > > > 1. Om (the Pranava). The Pranava Principle represents the eight> > different forms of wealth (ashta-aishvarya) . 2. Bhur> > Bhuvas-Suvah. (NorthIndians say "Swaha" but vedic meter gets affected if> > pronounced like that) 3. The third is: Thath-Savithur- varenyam. > > 4. Bhargo Dhevasya dheemahi. 5. Dheyo yo nah prachodayaath.> > > > When the Gayatri mantra is understood in this way, it will be realised> > that all the five aspects of Gayatri are within each of us. [23-8-1995]> > > > Gayatri represents in these five faces the five pranas (life forces).> > Gayatri is the protector of the five pranas in man.> > "Gayantham thrayathe ithi Gaytri (Because it protects the one who> > recites it, it is called Gayatri." When Gayatri acts as protector of the> > life-forces, she is known as Savitri. Savitri is known in the puranic> > story as the devoted wife who brought back to life her husband,> > Sathyavan. Savitri is the presiding deity of the five pranas. She> > protects those who lead a life of Truth.> > > > Gayatri has five faces and is the embodiment of all deities --Sarva> > devatha Swarupam> > > > She has five faces of different colours, ten hands carrying different> > things, and ten graceful eyes, She is sitting on a red Lotus.> > > > Gayathri Nyasa which is done during Sandhyavandana( There are roughly 108> > different versions of Sandhyavandanam and most of them have this> > description)> > > > Muktha Vidruma Hema Neela Dhavala Chaiyahi Mukhaihi Thrikshinaihi> > Yuktham Indu Nibaddha Makutam Thathwartha Varnatmikam> > Gayathrim Varada Abhaya Ankusha Kasham Shubhrakapalam Gadam> > Shakham Chakram atha Aravindayugalam Hasthaihi Vahanthim Bhaje> > > > (Incidentally some scholars opine that the above verse uses the meter > > Sardula Vikreditama which is not a Vedic meter and is used to describe> > the beauty of Gayathri Matha to prepare the mind subconsciously before> > the aspirant does the meditation on the deity.It should be noted that> > Sandhyavandanam itself is a "song/Bowing prayer doen during Sunrise and> > Sunset times(sandhi- samaye') to absorb the maximum vibrations of the> > Mantra and the earth's magnetic field and inherent vibrations in the> > atmosphere to increase one's internal spiritual progress and to feel an> > at-one-ness with divinity at that scared moment.There is no text as such> > called "Sandhyavandana" and the various texts we see in the market these> > days were later day compilations of the relevant practices.)> > > > The Dhyana sloka of Sandhyavandana in step 17 as discussed in the verse,> > describes Gayathri in the feminine form having five faces of colors> > similar to Muktha(pearl) , Vidruma(coral) , Hema (Gold), Neela (Blue) and> > Dhavala (White) qualified with the word "chayaihi" meaning shades.> > > > This has a striking similarity to the "Shaft of bright light, white> > tinged with gold shot with electric blue pouring down on the reciter" as> > seen by LeadBeater(Theosoph ical movement/Reference link:> > http://www.anandgho lap.net/Hidden_ Life_In_Freemaso nry-CWL.htm> > <http://www.anandgho lap.net/Hidden_ Life_In_Freemaso nry-CWL.htm> ).> > > > One can conceive 5 colors from the spectrum's basic colors viz Red,> > Red+Yellow, Yellow, Yellow + Blue, and Blue. Face having 3 eyes, depicts> > ability to see in 3 Physical Planes as well as to know everything> > through the "Third Eye"> > > > Further Gayathri is described to have ten hands holding ;> > (Similar to the refracted, colored, converging beams of light seen by> > Lead Beater ?)> > *Varada mudra ---Fulfilling One's wishes.> > *Abhaya mudra - Extending protection.> > *Ankusha ------ - Power to Control mind (as with a rogue elephant)> > *Kasha ------------ -whip - Means to overcome laziness, increase pace> > *Shubhra Kapala-Clear Mind> > *Gada ------------ Power to disintegrate obstacles> > *Shankha ------- --Power of communication.> > *Chakra --------- --Power to move, Action.> > *Lotus ----------- --Peace.> > *Lotus ----------- -Devotion.> > > > It is clear that Divine Mother Gayathri not only sanctions one's present> > wishes(varada mudra), but also bestow all the abilities to achieve every> > thing. Gayathri is the name of the chain of thought contained in the> > mantra. The Divinity personified in a feminine form indicates motherly> > qualities of Love, Compassion, Caring, Developing, Nurturing, and> > Forgiving.> > > > Each of her faces symbolise a specific meaning such as:> > > > (This is somewhat of an ok-representation)> > > > 1) Pearl Colour: Pearls are collected from sea from the bosom of snails.> > Snails come to the surface of the sea with their eyes and mouth open.> > When it rains, the rain drops fall into their mouth and if at the time> > the rain drops fall into their mouth, the snails swasthi nakshatra> > (star) in the sky and absorb its radiation into them, then the rain> > drops are converted into original pearls (as distinct from cultured> > Pearls). These original Pearls are divine in Nature. Thus the first face> > of Gayatri is of Pearl colour, giving out the luster of Pearls> > (representing natural and divine briliance).> > > > 2) Coral Colour: (ie. bright red) (one of the nine gems). The second> > face develops the principle of Nischala Tattwa in the aspirants mind> > (still mind).> > > > 3) Gold Colour: Very bright both in colour and quality. Mere seeing the> > gold and exposing ourselves into its luster promote good quality and> > external charm in the aspirant.> > > > 4) Blue colour representing the Sky: Sea is blue in colour. Sree> > Mahavishnu and also Peace and calmness. (Lord Narayana) is also blue in> > colour (Vishnu tattwa). This face fosters the aspirant with all wealth> > and also Divine Grace from Lord Narayana.> > > > 5) White face(Sphatika colour): This face represents purity. It develops> > purity in the mind of the aspirant and also grants divine grace from> > Saraswati (the goddess for wisdom).> > > > > > The Five faces , when meditated upon destroys Pancha MahA Paathakams (5> > great Sins).The Ten eyes are watching in the ten> > directions including sky and earth and blessing the dhik-PaalakAs> > responsible for each of these directions. Among the ten hands, one set> > of five hands realte to the granting of Ihika Sukhams (lOka Sukhams)> > and the other five hands relate> > to the other worldly bliss granted by Her.> > > > Incidentally, one of the best painted images of Gayathri Devi can be> > enjoyed at the Mysore MaharAja"s palace.> > > > Hope this helps...> > > > > > > > Yours yogically,> > > > Shreeram Balijepalli> > > > > > > > Rajarajeshwari_ Kalpataru, R Venkat> > rdjvenkat@ wrote:> > >> > > dear sriram> > >> > > a query on the 5 faces of Sri Gayatri matha. What colour is given for> > the first & last faces of Sri Gayatri matha? (Second Green / Middle> > Yellow / Fourth Dark Blue).> > >> > > kind regards> > >> > > Venkat> > >> > >> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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