 |
Sarvadevi
Swarupini
Vedamatha Gayatri
|
No copy rights are claimed in
respect of this Book.
Compiled, edited and Presented by J.V.Krishnamurthy (JVK).
Published by Sri Sai Padhuga Trust, Madurai (India).
DEDICATED
In Humble
reverence at the Lotus Feet of
BHAGAWAN
SRI SRI SRI SATHYA SAI BABAVARU
Prasanthi
Nilayam

Om Sri Sai Ram
CONTENTS
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTERS:
1. Gayatri
Mantra (Qn. 1 to 34)
2.
Upanayanam (Qn.35 to 44)
3. Gayatri
Japa Sadhana (Qn.45 to 55)
4. Gayatri
in Silaaroopam (Qn.56 to 64)
5.
Significance of Gayatri Mantra (Qn.65 to 66)
6. Benefits
derived from Gayatri Japa (Qn.67)
ANNEXURES
I. Gayatri
Ashtothra Sada Naamavali
II.
Discourse from Bhagawan Baba on Gayatri (delivered on 17.3.1983 at
Poornachandra Auditorium)
Sai
Gayathri Mantra
Om Sri Sai Ram
PREFACE
Contents
On one fine morning in the year
1994, Bhagawan Baba jokingly asked me: "How are you Chettiar?". I
immediately replied most humbly: "I am fine Swami". Bhagawan
immediately said: "You must be nice because you have already
caught hold of my NAME and FEET".
The above words of Swami should
be regarded as the Source of Inspiration, not only to me, but also
to all the devotees around the world. It is a CHARTER inscribed on
golden sheet. It proclaims that when a devotee surrenders himself
to Bhagawan, catch hold of HIS Lotus Feet and pronounce the divine
name of Bhagawan, then his welfare is taken care of by the Lord
Himself.
Hence Sri Sai Padhuga Trust was
formed in the year 1995. The Trust had offered 108 crores of Sai
Rama Likhitha Japa (i.e. SAI NAAMA) at the Divine Lotus Feet,
which, Bhagawan has graciously permitted to be housed in the
underground vault in front of Sai Kulwant Hall, with the marble
statue of Anjaneya on top, as though guarding the sacred treasure.
In 1996, by the Loving Grace of
Baba, the Trust celebrated Sri Sai Padhuga Prathista Function with
1008 Padhugas, when Swami most graciously was pleased to install
Lord Dhanwantari Idol in the premises of Super Speciality
Hospital. In the following year i.e.in 1997, the Padhuga Mahotsav
was performed with 2016 Divine Padhugas at Prasanthi Nilayam, when
Bhagawan, with His Own Profusing Love, was pleased to install Lord
Subramanya Idol in the Prasanthi Nilayam premises.
This year, we
earnestly prayed to Bhagawan to graciously permit our Trust to
offer either DATTATHREYA or ARDANAREESHWARA (i.e.SHIVASHAKTHI IN
ONE FORM) idol for being installed by His Divine Hands. However we
could not get Swami's divine approval for this.
At night on the
same day, I had a dream in which GAYATRI MAATA gave Her Divine
Appearance with all Her Glory and Majesty. This dream occurred
twice on the same night. The next day, when we expressed our
prayer to Bhagawan that a
Gayatri marble idol
may be installed by His Divine Hands at Prasanthi Nilayam
premises, so that the total vicinity is still more sanctified and
divinized, Swami most graciously accorded His permission to do so.
Just a week back,
I had a pleasant surprise to hear from my beloved son Sri
P.S.A.S.Srinivasan that he had collected Suga Brahma Rishi Naadi
leaf pertaining to my life. (These Naadis are old palm leaves
containing the predictions of one's life as prophesied by our
learned Sages of India more than 5000 years ago). In the Suga
Naadi pertaining to my life, there is a note about the Samarpanam
(humble offering) of Gayatri idol, of
cow
and calf idols along with Lord Gopalakrishna idol (with flute)
- all made of metal and also nine sets of live cow and calf to
Bhagavan.
Thus
the sacred incidence of
divine installation of Gayatri Idol and also Samarpanam
(humble offering) of Cow and Calf etc. this year at Prasanthi
Nilayam has been pre-conceived and scheduled by the ETERNAL LORD
SUPREME and foretold by our Sages more than 5000 years ago!
Swami has given so much of
importance to Gayatri as to have Her idol duly installed in His
Own Sacred Abode Prasanthi Nilayam. He Himself gives divine
initiation into Gayatri Mantra during mass upanayanam to hundreds
of young children and impresses upon them the importance and
significance of Gayatri Mantra.While a section only of the whole
population knows Gayatri, there are still many who do not know
Gayatri Mantra. In the circumstances, our Trust felt that all the
Members of our Sai Padhuga families and also others should know
the significance and importance of this Queen of all Mantras,
recite the same at all times and thereby derive spiritual and
material benefits in their life. Having this point of view in
mind, I asked Sri J.V.K. (J.V.Krishnamurthy) to bring out a small
hand book on Gayatri. He has compiled, edited and brought out this
book ( in Question and Answer form) detailing therein the meaning,
significance and importance of Gayatri Japa practice. Even though
this book can not be called a Text Book or an authority on
Gayatri, our Trust believes that to any beginner, this book will
throw some light and also show the path for his further progress
in his Quest. Srividya Upasakar, Viyakarana Siromani Sri
P.S.Jayarama Sastrigal has also associated with JVK and has given
very valuable information and guidance in the matter. My beloved
son Sri P.S.A.S.Srinivasan was pleased to organise the entire
project, ensuring effective co-ordination of men and matter.
Messrs Kala Printers, Madurai have prepared and printed the
Wrapper pages exquisitely, while Messrs Vasan Offset Printers,
Paramakudi have printed this book with a fine get up in an
attractive manner. I take this opportunity to thank all those who
are responsible in bringing out this book.
We dedicate this small
offering with utmost reverence and devotion at
the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan
Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Babavaru.
May the
Universal Mother Gayatri bless the entire world with
transcendental peace!
Jai Sai Ram
24-09-1998
Madurai.
|
P.S.A.Subramania Chettiar
President
Sri Sai Padhuga Trust,
MADURAI.
|
INTRODUCTION
Contents
Dear Reader!
Let us imagine, we are in
VAIKUNTA (the abode of Sree Mahavishnu - the Lord Supreme).
Narada, the learned sage having free access to move in and around
all the Trilokas - Earth, Astral and Heaven - Tri Loka Chanchari)
is standing with utmost humility nearby Sree Mahavishnu in the
collective presence of Mahalakshmi (the divine consort of
Mahavishnu), Brahma and others. Now sage Narada asks Sree
Mahavishnu: "Swami, you have very clearly explained to me the
significance of austerities practices, religious fastings and
penance. Thank you, you now tell me the way of attaining the
Divine Grace of all the Deities one and the same time, easily,
without much efforts, transforming the aspirant into a person of
great religious merits". Lord Narayana replies: "Human birth is
highly virtuous. The benefits of worshiping all the Deities could
easily be attained by the worship of GAYATRI DEVI. "NA GAYATRIYAH
PAROMANTARAHA". There cannot be any other mantra more effective
than Gayatri. This mantra is to be recited in the three junctures
of the day-just before sun rise, exact noon and just before sun
set, when ANUGRAHA (blessings) of SUN GOD is assured and thereby
Divine Grace from all the thirty three crores of Devatas all over
the Universe.
Srimad Devi Bhagavatham signifies
Gayatri mantra as above. Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita: "I am
Gayatri among all mantras".
As we go back in search of the
origin of Gayatri mantra, we find a reference in Veda proclaiming
that this glorious mantra sprang out from the Divine Face of
Mahavishnu at the time the Lord profoundly decided to create this
Universe. Thus the great Gayatri mantra is ETERNAL, everlasting
and endless.
As RECITING this mantra
constantly gives the effect of worshiping all Deities one and the
same time and also invokes SUN, which Sun God is common to all
religions in the world, this mantra is recognised as Universal,
irrespective of Religion, Nation, Caste, Creed, Colour and so on.
In India, GAYATRI is the NATIONAL MANTRA and also NATIONAL PRAYER.
Now let us look into the people
around the world. How are they? They are restless. They are
carried away by external illusory things of life, there is a blind
and feverish pursuit of pleasure and power, they very easily yield
to evils of all kinds. They have totally forgotten rather - they
are not aware of the inner richness of spirit which enables a man
to live a full and integrated life at peace, with himself and in
harmony with others. Scientists daily scan the skies and look into
the farthest depths of this vast Universe but they fail to see the
inner significance of SOUL of human beings. Human beings are
gifted with Reasoning Faculty or BUDDHI which has got to be
illuminated and kept alert and keep on guarding us constantly from
going astray in life or falling into evil ways. If we become prey
to this state, our entire human life is a waste. This Bhuddic
illumination has also become necessary, to human beings for the
upliftment in the field of SAADHANA or spiritual practice when we
embark in right earnest upon the divine adventure of self
realisation. Well, the purpose of Gayatri Mantra is just to
illumine one's intellect taking the same from one stage to the
next as follows:
OUR INNATE INTELLECT |
From half baked fire
(i.e.Coal+fire) |
|
to |
|
fully baked fire with ashes
overleaf. |
From fire + ash |
|
to |
|
burning fire without ash. |
From burning fire without
ash |
|
to |
|
Roaring burning flame
Here the elements of coal &
ash are made absent. |
This reminds us of the function
of bellows in a blacksmith's factory.
This "burning flame" sharpens our
Intellect, keeps us alert at all times, drives away lethargy and
dullness from us, gives new strength and confidence to face any
situation and solve any problem arising therefrom. While there is
light, darkness is automatically driven away. Thus SAVITA who is
the Deity of Gayatri mantra awakes, arouses and strengthens our
Intelligence and turns it into "burning flame" and at this stage,
the aspirant is able to unfold his BUDDHI sufficiently to find
within himself all the guidance he needs for his
spiritual-advancement.
It has to be mentioned here that
the contents of this small book are not complete in all respects
and it is not possible to catch all the Lights coming out of the
SUN in sky in a small vessel. The Grandeur and Majesty of GAYATRI
is like a OCEAN. We have just tried to give a picture of Veda
Maata GAYATRI to the Reader. We have not gone deep into the
subject in a searching manner. If the reader finds any
misrepresentation of any message in this book, he is requested to
ignore the error and take into account the merits only, if any,
that may appeal to him. Though our little adventure cannot take
you to the abode of MOKSHA (the total liberation), Sri Sai Padhuga
Trust believes that IT WILL TURN THE MIND OF ANY READER TOWARDS
GOD.
Now let us open our heart and
prepare it to Receive GAYATRI. Let our heart be Her Permanent
Mandir.
Jai Sai Ram

CHAPTER I
Contents
GAYATRI MANTRA
1. What is
meant by 'Mantra'?
'Ma' means MANANA (i.e.
Meditation) and 'thra' means saving; so 'Mantra' means that which
can save you, if you meditate on it. Mantra will save you from
being caught up in the coils of this worldly life which is
infested with death, grief and pain" - Baba.
A 'mantra' may also be a
combination of letters which has a mysterious power hidden within
it, of bringing about certain results when used in a particular
manner.
It has been said: "BRAHMANAM
BRAHMANA VAHANAM" and it means, Brahma is the carrier of Brahman.
Baba has said: "The word Brahma here is understood to connote
Mantra". The inner meaning is that THE PURUSHA WHO IS THE
EMBODIMENT OF THE VEDAS, has the mantra as His carrier.
A mantra has two aspects; The
first is MANANA which means whatever you have learnt has to be
taken into the mind and the second aspect is TRAANA, which means,
whatever has been taken into the mind, has to be firmly
established and preserved in the mind.
"The Vedas have been obtained by
listening to 'sound' (ghosha), they have been referred to as
SRUTI. This is directly connected with the Lord, taking in and
giving out His breath. Brahman rides over these mantras and
therefore He has been called BRAHMANASPATI. (PATI means KARTA or
the head of a situation). If we want to get control over Brahman
or obtain His Grace, then His carriers namely the mantras over
which He rides must be first brought under control". Baba has
said: "I am ghosha" i.e. Baba is Brahman and rides over the
mantras.
2. How Gayatri
came into existence?
Vedas proclaim that at the
instance Sree Mahavishnu, the Lord Supreme, decided to create the
universe, Gayatri Mantra, interalia, came out from His Divine
Face.
Gayatri Mantra appears in Rig
Veda, as the tenth mantra in the sixtieth sutra of the third
Mandala. As Vedas are eternal, Gayatri Mantra also is eternal
having no birth and death.
3. How do you
arrive at the word 'GAYATRI'?
The word 'GAYATRI' is derived
from "GAYAntam TRIyate Iti". It means THAT which protects the
chanter is THIS. Here THIS is GAYATRI MANTRA (Sabta Brahman). That
is the reason for the total absence of the word "Gayatri" in the
mantra itself.
4. What is the
Gayatri mantra?
The Gayatri Mantra is the
Universal Prayer enshrined in the Vedas, the most ancient
scriptures of Man.
Universal Prayer means Prayer
that can be recited with devotion for one's spiritual or material
benefit in all Ages by all men, women and children in any part of
the world.
5. Recite
Gayatri Mantra.
Om |
Bhur Bhuva Svaha
|
Tat Savitur Varenyam
|
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
|
Dhiyo yonah Prachodayat |
|
|
|
6. Give
meaning of Gayatri Mantra word by word.
Om : Para Brahman
Bhur : Bhu Loka (Physical
Plane). It also refers to the body made up of the five Panch
Bhoothas. These five elements constitute Prakriti (Nature).
Bhuva : Bhuva Loka - the
middle world. Bhuva is also Prana Sakthi. However it is the
Presence of PRAGNANA that enables the Prana Sakthi to animate the
body. It is on this account that the Vedas have declared
"Prajnanam Brahma" (constant Integrated Awareness is Brahman).
Svaha : Swarga
Loka(Heaven, the land of Gods).
Tat : Paramatma, God or
Brahman.
Savitur : That from which
all this is born.
Varenyam : Fit to be
worshiped.
Bhargo : The Radiance, the
spiritual Effulgence, the Light that bestows wisdom.
Devasya : Divine Reality
Dheemahi : We meditate
Dhiyo : Buddhi, Intellect
Yo : Which
Nah : Our
Prachodayat : Enlighten
The Gayatri Mantra may be
translated in many ways. One such translation is as follows:
(Om) Om (Dheemahi)
We meditate (Bhargo) upon the spiritual Effulgence
(Varenyam Devasya) of THAT Adorable supreme Divine Reality
(Savitur) the Source (Bhur, Bhuva, Svaha) of the
physical, the Astral and the Heavenly Spheres of Existence.
(Tat) may THAT Supreme Divine Being (Prachodayat)
enlighten (Yo) which (Nah) our (Dhiyo)
Intellect (so that we may realise the Supreme Truth).
7. What do you
understand by "Sampoorna Gayatri"?
Om :
This is Pranava
Bhur, Bhuva, Svaha : The
Mahavyahritis relating to Gayatri
Mantra.
The conventional Mahavyahritis
pronounced before commencing any spiritual ceremony are as
follows:
OM BHUH OM BHUVAH OM SUVAH
OM MAHAH OM JANAH OM TAPAH
OM SATYAM
These are the Seven spheres of
existence beginning with the physical (BHUH).
Actual Gayatri
Mantra:
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YONAH PRACHODAYAT
These three aspects taken
together form 'Sampoorna Gayatri'.
8. How many
syllables are contained in the Gayatri Mantra? What is the
significance of this number?
The actual Gayatri consists of 24
Syllables as follows:
1st Line: Ta, sa, vi, tu,
va, re, ny, ya |
|
- 8 |
2nd Line: Bha, go, De, va,
ya, dhee, ma, hi |
|
- 8 |
3rd Line: Dhi, yo, yo, nah,
ra, cho, da, ya |
|
- 8 |
|
|
__ |
|
|
24 |
Sreemad Devi Bhagavatham gives a
reference to 24 Rishis who are associated with each syllable in
the Gayatri Mantra. Similarly each syllable is also associated
with each of 24 Sakthis and 24 Flowers.
Vedas suggest that Goddess
Gayatri can be worshiped as Gayatri Vicharam, Gayatri Kavacham,
Gayatri Hrudayam, Gayatri Sthothram or Gayatri Sahasranaama. (Here
'Hrudayam' means the whole body.)
9. What is the
significance of OM in the Gayatri Mantra?
Om is the Naada Brahmam emanated
from Supreme God as early as the time of Creation, (Om Iti
ekakshcharam Brahman) (Om that syllable is Brahman). It is
composed of three syllables 'A', 'U', 'M'.
'A' relates to waking
state
'U' relates to dreaming
state
'M' relates to sleeping
state
All these leading to 4th state
viz TURYA which is beyond these three states and
represented by Silence. When one dives deep into the depths of
this silence, he hears the cosmic AUM or the Pranava,
which emanates from the Prana (vital vibration) which fills the
Universe.
Gayatri Mantra is the expanded
form of OM and Om is included in the Gayatri mantra to give
'reinforcement' effect to the Mantra.
"Om is the Waters, Light, Essence
(Saaram and Saaramsam), the Immortal, Reality, the physical
(BHUR), the intermediate (Bhuvah) and heaven worlds (Svah) is OM.
10. Who
discovered the Gayatri Mantra?
The Gayatri Mantra was discovered
by Sage Viswamitra. It was the same sage Viswamitra who initiated
Sri Rama into mysteries of Sun worship, through the mantra Aaditya
Hrudayam.
The RISHI (Sage) for Gayatri
Mantra is Viswamitra himself.
11. How did
Sage Viswamitra become the RISHI for Gayatri Mantra?
Being the Kshakthriya King,
Viswamitra demanded the Divine Cow NANDINI which was in the
possession of sage Vasista, who refused to part with NANDINI. All
efforts to get the Divine Cow having failed, Viswamitra gave up
his bad quality of pride and arrogance, went to the forest for
deep penance and then after the penance was over he came back and
surrendered himself with utmost humility to sage Vasista. He made
upasana of Gayatri as Veda Maata and was subsequentely recognised
by Sage Vasista as Brahma Rishi. Only after this incidence,
Viswamitra became the Rishi for Gayatri Mantra. We learn from this
incidence that only when our mind is pure, free from pride and
arrogance, Goddess Gayatri comes to our rescue and uplifts us to
higher status in spirituality.
12. What do
you understand by 'Mantra Sakthi'?
It is some thing which cannot be
seen. It can only be inferred. For instance, when mantras are
uttered and oblations are offered in the Fire, we can see the
offered materials being reduced to ashes and this is called
PRATYAKSHA or perception through direct observation. However, the
material which is reduced to ashes gets conveyed by MANTRA SAKTHI
to the person for whom it was intended.
Baba has said that even if one
does not know the place where the offering has to reach, or if one
is not acquainted with the person carrying the offering, it is of
no consequence.
13. How does
Gayatri Mantra protect us?
The Gayatri Mantra protects us
because Gayatri is Annapurna, The Mother, the Force that animates
all Life. We do not therefore have to wail for food, or for
shelter when we are under the protection of Annapurna, the Divine
Mother.
14. How to
pronounce AUM?
It must be pronounced as slowly
as possible rising in a crescendo (musical Arohanam) until it
reaches its peak at 'M'. Then it must take a curve at 'M' and
descend as slowly as it rose, taking as much time as it took to
ascend, it must gradually disappear into the Silence reverberating
in the cavity of the heart. Let the Silence coincide with the
pause between two breathing cycles and prolong it as long as
possible without discomfort. Enjoy it, Relish it. This is the
threshold of the residence of the Inner Self, the Real Prasanthi
Mandir. This Inner Self is all pervasive and identical with
Brahman. This is the Real Nature of Man. "Be still and know that
YOU ARE GOD".
15. Mental
Repetition of Mantra is more powerful than words. How?
While the mantra is repeated
mentally, the words are in the background of the mind and serve
the same purpose which the notes sounded on a TANPUR serve in
Indian vocal music.
It has been inferred that if you
utter the mantra by mouth producing sound, you will get one unit
of benefit. If it is done in the fashion of JAPA, you will get 10
units of benefits. If it is done just by movement of lips without
producing physical sound, you will get 100 units of benefits. If
the same is done mentally without lip movement or sound, then the
benefit you will be deriving is 1000 units!
16. Where we
can sit and utter Gayatri Mantra to get best results?
At home |
|
- |
1 unit of benefit |
Near a river |
|
- |
2 units of benefit |
In places where cows are
fostered |
|
- |
10 units of benefit |
In places where Agnihotram
is performed |
|
- |
100 units of benefit |
Places where great Sages
attained gnana/sidhi |
|
- |
One lakh or one crore units |
Places whose sthala-puranas
find place in
Hindu scriptures, Temples, etc. |
|
- |
according to the merit of
the place. |
Infront of "Perumal
Sannathi"
(the Abode of Mahavishnu) |
|
- |
No limit-infinite |
If done by Japamaala made up
of Rudraksha Nuts |
|
- |
no limit-infinite |
17. What are
the materials which can be spread over for sitting thereon for
chanting Mantra?
1) Darbasanam (Kosa grass):
Our 'Papas' (sins) are removed, Body and Mind are cleansed
immediately.
2) Woollen materials: Our
miseries are removed.
3) Deer Leather: Develops
our 'gnana', peace of mind
4) Silk material: good
fortunes
5) Bark of tree used as
clothing: gives strength (it was used by Sri Rama - These
materials are still available in the State of Kerala, South India)
6) Leather of female elephant:
Removes diseases. Lord Shiva sometimes wears this material and
perform "Ananda Thandavam" (dance)
7) Leather of Tiger: gives
Liberation (Moksha); increases the power of renunciation.
18. List out a
few sayings from Scriptures about Gayatri.
1) "Gayantam Trayate Iti
Gayatri": Gayatri saves him who chants/meditates on Gayatri.
2) "Gayatreem Chandasaam
maata": Gayatri is the mother of all mantras.
3) "Gayatri Chandasaam aham":
In Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna proclaims that He is Gayatri in
Veda mantras.
19. The
Gayatri mantra is divided into three distinct Parts: What are
they?
First Part: Pranava and
Mahavyahritis Viz
Om Bhur Bhuva Svah
Here the chanter contemplates on
the Glory of Light that illumines the three worlds.
This part is to arouse in the
vehicles of the aspirant certain powers which prepare the ground
for the effective functioning of the second and third parts. These
powers are aroused through the agency of sound (Vaak) which
harmonises the vehicles and attunes them to the forces from the
higher states of consciousness to manifest through them.
Since the repetitive meditation
of Pranava is an independent and powerful means of spiritual
unfoldment, it is obvious that its inclusion in the Gayatri Mantra
increases enormously the effectiveness of the latter. It helps not
only in a positive manner by unfolding the spiritual
consciousness, but also negatively by removing different kinds of
obstacles in the path of the aspirant.
Though the powers aroused by the
maha vyahritis are also powers which are indirectly derived from
the Lord of the Solar System, they are specialised powers,
administered and directed by the divinities of the three planes.
Second Part:
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
It picturises the Glory, the
Splendour and the Grace which flows from the Light.
This part is meant to stimulate
in the mind of the aspirant an intense aspiration or determination
to come into contact with consciousness of Savita, the presiding
Deity of our Solar System. It is only as this aspiration is
intensified that the fusion of the individual monad ('jivaatma')
and the supreme spirit ('Paramaatma') can be progressively brought
about.
This part is really an invocation
to SAVITA for more light and is meant to fan the spark of
spiritual aspiration in the aspirant into a roaring flame. It is a
call of the individual soul to the Universal Being. It is a call
for enlightenment of the highest kind, for that knowledge which
will make him realise his oneness with Him who is the source of
all knowledge, power and bliss.
Generally, by the word 'SAVITA',
we mean the sun which is the centre of the solar system and round
which, all the planets are revolving. BUT, the physical sun, which
we see and which alone science has studied is merely an outer
cover of a glorious Reality which pervades and energises the whole
solar system. In the second place, they indicate that this Reality
is in essence and fundamentally the same as the Reality which is
hidden in the heart of every human being. In finding this Reality
within himself, the aspirant can invoke the Reality hidden behind
the sun and through the help which he gets from this supreme
source of spiritual illumination make his task of self-discovery
easier.
When as a result of self training
the inner eyes of a man are opened, a tremendous breath-taking
mystery reveals itself within his consciousness. This spiritual
sun of consciousness is SAVITA, He whom Gayatri meant to reveal by
stages. During this process, we seem to be expanding into that all
embracing Reality and that Reality seems to be descending into us.
This dual process the descent of the Whole into the part and the
expansion of the part into the whole is simultaneous.
Third Part:
Dhiyo yo nah Prachodayat
It is a prayer for final
liberation, through the awakening of the innate intelligence that
pervades the Universe as Light.
In this last part, the aspirant
surrenders himself completely to the Divine and thus makes it
possible for the divine forces to flow into his vehicles so as to
purify those vehicles and to raise them to a higher degree of
sensitivity and capacity for enlightenment. After putting in the
utmost effort, the aspirant lets himself go and opens himself up
to the utmost extent to divine Light and life.
Thus in prayer we build up or
arouse spiritual forces within the deeper layers of our being in
the process, we have to pierce through the image of the sun and
our ideas of Savita into the Reality, which is hidden behind these
ideas.
20. Why
Gayatri is called Pancha Mukhi?
Gayatri is referred to as 'Pancha
Mukhi' or the Goddess with five faces. These five faces or aspects
reveal and reflect the Brahman.
Five faces of Gayatri Mantra are
1) Om
2) Bhur Bhuvah Suvah
3) Tat Savitur Varenyam
4) Bhargo Devasya dheemahe
5) Dhiyo yonah Prachodayat.
These five aspects signify all
that is contained within and made up of the 1) Panch Bhutas
(Akasa, Vayu, Agni, Water and Prithvi) and the 2) Panch Kosas or
the five sheaths of the human body (Annamaya Kosa, Pranamaya Kosa,
Manomaya Kosa, Vignanamaya Kosa and Anandamaya Kosa), 3) Panch
Pranas (Praanaya, Apaanaaya, Vyaanaya, Udaanaaya, Samaanaya), 4)
Panch Tanmatras (Sound, Touch, Roopam, Taste, Gandham (smell)) and
5) Panch Indiriyas (Gnana and Karma) (Eyes, Ear, Nose, Mouth and
Body). A knowledge of the inter-connections of the Panchabhoothas
within one's body will enable the Sadhaka to appreciate the inner
significance of the five faces of Gayatri. Thus while the manthra
is capable of purifying the totality of one's being (inner
equipment), it also purifies the external organs of the work viz.
Karma Indriyas. Here Panch Bhootas as related to human body, Panch
Kosas, Panch Pranas, Panch Tanmatras, Panch Gnana Indiriyas are
'internal' organs of human body while Panch Karma Indirias are
'external'. Thus both 'internal' and 'external' organs are
purified.
Another point of view regarding
the above five 'faces' is this: After chanting one 'face' we
should exhale and stop breath for a few seconds and then proceed
to the next 'face'. This gap of time should be equal and should be
enjoyed. In this process the chanter should be slow and steady and
should not hurry up.
Exhaling breath after chanting
each face and continuing this process during the whole of the
Sadhana itself constitutes a very good praanayaama system. This
result is attained only because the mantra is technically divided
into five segments (called 'faces') as above.
21. How Vedas
and three Lokas are related to each other?
Once PRAJAPATI performed SAMYAMA
(three phased yogic meditation) on the nature of the Universe and
found that
i) the essence of the physical
world BHUR was AGNI and the essence of AGNI was RIG VEDA,
ii) the essence of astral world
BHUVAH was VAYU and the essence of vayu was YAJUR VEDA,
iii) the essence of the lower
heaven of the mental world was ADITYA and the essence of ADITYA
was SAMA VEDA,
iv) the essence of Rig Veda was
BHUR, that of YAJUR VEDA was BHUVAH and that of SAMA VEDA was
SVAH.
22. Who are
the deities of three Lokas referred to in the Gayatri Mantra? How
they are related to Panch Kosas?
The deity of Bhuh is AGNI which
relates to Annamaya Kosa
The deity of Bhuvah is VAAYU
which relates to Praanamaya Kosa
The deity of Svah is INDIRA as
related to Manomaya Kosa
The Prathyatcha Devatha SUN GOD
who is related to the fifth Kosa viz Anundamaya kosa awakens and
strengthens our intellect, (the discriminating faculty) or Buddhi
which is related to the fourth Kosa viz Vignanamaya Kosa.
23. What do
you understand by 'Immortality'?
One must not construe the meaning
of the word 'immortality' to mean a state where life is
permanently retained in the body. As Baba has said "There is birth
and death for the body, but there is no birth or death for the
Atma". To be able to understand this permanency of the Atma, is
the real meaning of obtaining immortality.
24. Why the
effect of Gayatri Mantra differs during Tri-Kaala?
Traditionally the aspirant is
advised to repeat Gayatri Mantra during dawn, noon and dusk.
Japa during dawn: At the
dawn Gayatri appears as BRAHMASWAROOPINI on Her SWAN Vaahana (on
which to ride). So during this time, the attributes of SARASWATI
predominate and influence the effect. SARASWATI grants wisdom to
the aspirant.
Japa during Noon: At noon,
Gayatri appears as RUDRASWAROOPINI on Her BULL Vaahana. So during
this time the attributes of DURGA predominate and influence the
effect. DURGA removes distress of the aspirant.
Japa during Dusk: At dusk,
Gayatri appears as VISHNUSWAROOPINI on Her GARUDA Vaahana. So
during this time the attributes of LAKSHMI predominate and
influence the effect. LAKSHMI grants wealth and prosperity to the
aspirant.The above is the traditional analysis of Tri-Kaala with
respect to Gayatri.
25. There is
another school of Thought: What is that theory?
I.K.Taimni in his "Gayatri"
observes the significance of 'Tri-Kaala' in a somewhat different
way. His philosophy, briefly is as follows:
Gayatri is Brahmani in the
morning, Vaishnavi at noon and Rudrani in the evening. Morning is
the time when creative forces are predominant in nature, and as
Brahma represents the creative principle, it is His influence
which can most profitably be sought by the aspirant at that time.
At noon, the forces of
preservation are predominant and therefore Vishnu is the Presiding
Deity of this part of the day. He is the Preserver who keeps in
balance the forces of creation and destruction and it is therefore
His influence which is invoked at this time of the day.
In the evening the forces of
destruction become strong and since destruction is the function of
Rudra, naturally it is His influence which pervades nature and can
most profitably be utilised at this time of the day.
(Instead of 'Destruction',
'Regeneration' is a much better word because it carries the idea
of creation and preservation also, with that of destruction).
Destruction by Rudra is not for
its own sake, but takes place because the form which He destroys
has ceased to serve its purpose efficiently and has become a
hindrance in the evolution of the life embodied in that form. So
He takes it away and gives, in its place, a new, more elastic and
useful form. This conception of the function of Rudra gives quite
a different complexion to the outer destruction.
26. Can we
chant Gayatri Mantra during the 'Pollution days' arising from
death, child birth, etc?
Our sages have prescribed that
Gayatri mantra should be recited every day - without a gap of even
a single day. During the above pollution days one should not touch
the Divine asthras (weapons) to fight the enemies. However
reciting Gayatri Mantra is given special exemption.
First ten days from the date of
death occurring in a family are treated as 'pollution days'.
During these days, the Sadhakas can wear VIBHUTI (sacred ash)
(without mixing the same with water drops) slightly on his
forehead and recite Gayatri Mantra. On the eleventh day, the above
'pollution' time is a few minutes only. The Sadhaka can avoid this
short pollution time and thereafter he may recite Gayatri Mantra.
Our elders have made this ceremonial arrangement with the point of
view in mind that the Sadhaka should not miss even a single day;
he should not be deprived of the benefit even for a single day.
27. If the
Mantra is not chanted correctly, whether it harms the individual?
"Yes - it has the opposite
effect of enveloping the person in darkness, but if we recite with
Love, God will accept it". - Baba.
28. Who is
Prajapati?
The words BHUH, BHUVAH, SVAH are
said in context of Prajapati (that is one who presides over or is
at the head of a situation). Individually they are represented by
INDRA (Bhuh or Earth), Vayu (Bhuva or Atmosphere) and Aditya (Svah
or Heaven) but the word Prajapati connotes the totality of all
these three.
29. How Bhoomi
(earth) was created?
When God wanted to create (in His
aspect as Parambrahman), He first created the basis and that basis
was sound. This premordial sound was the first picture. The bhoomi
or our earth is born in the form of mantras and Brahmanas.
30.
Relationship between breath and mantra:
One's breath becomes a mantra.
This is so because the word SOHAM is contained in the breath
itself and when we inhale and exhale breath, we are continuously
uttering the word SOHAM. It means I AM GOD. Therefore this mantra
is SWA-SWARUP. It means the Form of our own self.
31.
Traditionally a second OM is interposed before TAT (in the 3rd
line) of Mantra. Is it necessary?
Baba says it is unnecessary. It
has therefore been deleted.
Each word should be pronounced
clearly and distinctly without undue haste or hurry. It should be
noted that recitation should not be allowed to deteriorate into a
routine chore.
32. Why
Gayatri Mantra is called Trikala Sandhiya?
Like the utensils need to be
cleansed every day - thrice a day - so our heart too needs to be
cleansed thrice a day. This injunction has been given by Baba. The
fixed occasions are Dawn, Noon and Dusk and besides these times,
it can be repeated anywhere at anytime, including night time. It
should also be recited before taking food and while pouring water
over one's head during a bath. The Mantra purifies the food and
removes all the ill effects of the subtle vibrations such as bad
thoughts, which may have been generated by the person responsible
for the preparation of food. Further it also protects one from the
harmful effects of germs which may have got mixed up in the food.
Thus the mantra takes care of the inner equipment of the
individual.
33.
Significance of the number of times of uttering the mantra:
Baba advises us to recite it
three, nine or eleven times before meals. Traditionally one is
required to repeat it 108 times. But there is really no limit.
When a target is fixed as to the number of times, the pleasure of
contemplating the Might and Majesty of the Mantra is overshadowed
by the effort required to keep track of the count. Love and
reverence for the mantra and faith in its promised results are far
more important than mere mechanical repetition while the mind
wanders in other pasteurs.
34. Why Solar
energy is invoked in Gayatri Mantra?
"Solar energy has to be drawn
down to re-enforce the inner vision of Man. That is the Soul Force
latent in Man. When this Soul force is strengthened, the
intellect, the senses and the moral emotions are activated and
guided along fruitful lines. Can darkness confuse the brain or
hide the Truth, when the sun shines? Can sorrow prevail, can
ignorance confuse, can egoism blind, when the Divinity that shines
as the sun blesses you with Illumination? Therefore rely on the
Gayatri to draw down the Effulgence of the Sun so that it may
impart Illumination to your Intellect." - Baba.
CHAPTER
II
Contents
UPANAYANAM
(Taking nearer)
35. What is
meant by Upanayanam?
Upa + Nayanam = taking nearer.
A child of seven years
(Garbaashtama) is made to wear Yagnopaveetam (sacred thread) and
given initiation into Gayatri Mantra and by means of this
ceremony, the boy is 'taken nearer' to veda which is Brahman. In
otherwords, from the date of Upanayanam, the child is entitled to
recite Gayatri and perform all Karmas relating to veda.
36. What is
the purpose of the sacred thread?
The thread reminds the boy that
he should recite Gayatri, the thread awakens his conscience when
the boy intends to go in wrong path contrary to the Dharma Path.
It cautions the boy then and there and takes him to the right
path. The sacred thread enables the boy to respect his parents as
God.
37. How Sacred
thread is made of?
First a thread is made of nine
fine (thin) threads, then three such threads are connected by a
knot. These three threads represent Satva, Raajas and Taamasa
gunas, Rig, Yajur, Saama Vedas, Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati
concepts.
38. What do
you understand by DWIJA?
A bird is born as egg. At that
time, the bird thinks that the world is of the size of the egg.
When the young bird grows and breaks through the walls of the egg,
it emerges from the egg and begins to see the world. Similarly a
man is born as a child. Until the day of his upanayanam, he is
innocent of the world acitivities. When he is given initiation
into Gayatri Mantra, he begins to know about his dharmic duties in
the society, begins to recite Gayatri and treads on vedic path.
Thus from the date of his Upanayanam, he takes second birth and
becomes DWIJAN. Now the boy's mind gets purged of all the
impurities - internal and external. Please also refer to Swami's
Divine Discourse on 'Gayatri' included in this Book as
Annexur II.
39. How
Gayatri is related to Upanayanam?
The word 'Brahmacharyam' itself
means reciting Gayatri. "Brahman" means Gayatri! ("Brahme charati
iti Brahmachari").
40. Why
Brahmachari (the boy who is going to be given into Gayatri
initiation) holds small branch of PIPAL tree on his shoulders?
Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra - all
three Devatas reside in the PIPAL tree, which is called Vrutcha
Rajaa (king of all trees). Lord Krishna in His Bhagawad Gita
proclaims:
"MOOLATO BRAHMA ROOPAAYA
MADHYATO VISHNU ROOPINE
AKRADAS SHIVA ROOPAYA
VRUTCHA RAAJAAYATE NAMAHA"
Thus the brahmachari by holding a
small branch of this divine tree PIPAL receives divine grace from
Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra and hence from Saraswati, Lakshmi and
Durga, their respective consorts.
41. Why at the
time of Brahmopadesam, we plait the ends of cloth? Is it so
secret?
Not like that. Gayatri is a
unique mantra and that should be received by the Brahmachari with
due respect and reverence, devotion and Shraddha. Again the child
should pay utmost concentration while receiving the mantra, and
when we plait the end of a cloth, then the boy becomes free from
external sound and other disturbances.
42. What is
the necessity of a Prohit while the father gives initiation into
Gayatri to his son?
Bruhaspati is the Guru of all
Devatas and all vedic activities are carried on by Devatas in the
presence of their Guru only. Similarly this vedic activity of
giving Gayatri initiation by the father is done in the immediate
presence of his Guru viz the family prohit.
43. What is
the advice given by Baba to these Brahmacharis, young children and
students on Gayatri?
"Chant the Gayatri daily and It
will lead you to the realisation of the splendour of Brahman by
setting you free from the limitations which surround the three
worlds, the three gunas, and the triple aspects of time. The
Gayatri should be chanted in order to purify the mind and like the
Sun's rays. It will dispel the darkness from within you. Children,
right now is the Golden time for you. Open your hearts and recite
the mantra and you will be sucessful in life. Just as the trunk
supports a tree, the Gayatri supports the human system and without
it, the Tree of Life would be sapless. If you chant the Gayatri
and also respect your parents as God, then the effects of both
these will work together, fuse into one and produce a great effect
on your splendour and brilliance", says Baba.
44. What are
the benefits that students will derive by chanting the Gayatri
Mantra?
"You may or may not chant any
Mantra; but do remember that by chanting the Gayatri Mantra, the
benefits are there for you to see. By continuously chanting the
Gayatri Mantra, you yourself will reach the state of fulfilment, a
sense of feeling that you have achieved something. But after you
have been given this mantra, you have become sharper in intellect,
you have become more zealous, more enthusiastic and certainly
qualified to get better marks, better rank and first classes. They
will become highly qualified. They will become model citizens, so
that the future of the country will be safe in their hands", -
Baba.
CHAPTER
III
Contents
GAYATRI JAPA SADHANA
How to get BEST Results
45. Why we
have to prepare ourselves before the Sadhana?
If the undertaking of a limited
timebound science research project requires at least two to three
decades of training and preparation on the part of an individual,
how much greater effort and study would be required for
undertaking the project of knowing that (THAT) which is infinite
and timeless?
In the Japa and meditation of
Gayatri, the aspirant invokes Gayatri for the Divine Light, which
is derived from SAVITA, the Solar Logos and THIS light has to be
received in the mind of the aspirant. The mind should therefore be
in a fit condition to receive the Light.
46. What is
Upasana?
The word 'Upasana' means 'sitting
near'. The aspirant who has decided to establish direct contact
with his chosen deity (Ishta Devata) gradually develops the habit
of sitting near HIM.
47. What takes
place during Upasana?
The aspirant should understand
thoroughly whatever he is doing and he should carry out the
various operations involved in worship intelligently instead of in
a mechanical manner. It is extraordinary how the illumination of
the mind by the inner significance underlying a technique imparts
a new zest to the work and transforms a dull routine exercise or
ritual into a sublime and divine mystery.
48. What
preparation do we require before Sadhana?
1) Sattvic materials:
The greater the predominance of the sattvic materials, the more
effectively can the vehicles serve as an instrument of the higher
consciousness.
2) Attunement of mind:
The mind is to be full of right emotions and aspirations.
3) High degree of self
surrender.
4) Soul to yearn:
for union with divinity.
Thus (1) the development of
aspirant's character along right lines and (2) preparatory and
purificatory practices FORM an integral Part of upasana or
worship.
49. What
happens immediately after the preliminary preparations?
At this time, the forces which
temporarily flow through his vehicles from the higher planes flush
out the vehicles, as it were, attune and harmonise them to some
extent and leave some lasting effect which cumulatively raises the
general tone of his life. The higher level thus gained enables the
aspirant to rise to a still higher level of aspiration and later
exaltation and illumination at the time of the daily worship.
50. Why the
art of symbolism is used in spirituality?
It is true that the forces and
realities with which the aspirant on this path has to deal are
intangible and beyond the realm of the mind, but the mind cannot
work in a VOID and when dealing with these things on the plane of
the mind one can use his imagination (and hence the importance of
imagination). This accounts for the fact that the sages adopted
and elaborated the art of symbolism.
51. Why
Preliminary mantras?
In the realm of occultism, we
always recall the sage who constructed the mantra or obtained it
from still higher source. But in reciting the preliminary mantra
(viniyoga mantra), we remember the sage not merely as a token of
our gratitude to him, but chiefly to put ourself in touch with him
and draw from him inspiration and force. All these sages are great
adepts who are still living either on the physical plane in
inaccessible places or on the super physical planes. Liberation
does not mean the liquidation of the individual soul (Jivatma) as
many people imagine, but a tremendous expansion of consciousness
which enables the adept to keep in constant touch with all that is
happening in the solar system. A thought or aspiration directed to
him can get a response from him in proportion to our earnestness
and spirit of reverence.
52. How sound
vibration reaches the sage of the Mantra?
A mere mechanical repetition of
the preliminary mantra (which is the usual practice) does nothing
but produce a sound vibration. It may be asked how the thought of
the aspirant reaches the sage, because he does not know the sage
or where he lives. On the subtler planes of thought, there is a
mysterious relation between things - and the mantra and its sage
are in a peculiar relationship. One result of this relationship is
that any one who uses the mantra can come into rapport with the
sage of the mantra. When a disciple directs his thought to a real
teacher or guru, his thought instantaneously reaches the guru even
though the disciple does not know where his guru is or what he is
doing. It is therefore easier for the aspirant to reach the sage
for the DEITY to send his inspiration and blessings in return.
53. What is
the importance of sound and number in a mantra?
The metre of a mantra defines its
peculiar structure. Number plays the most important part in the
science of metres, because it underlies form and determines the
nature of sound. The whole manifested universe is considered to be
based on vibration and that is why it is possible to bring about
all kinds of changes in matter and consciousness through the
agency of sound. As sound is essentially vibration, it is easy to
see how number and intonation play such an important part in the
construction and use of mantras.
54. List out
sages (Rishis) and Deities of Gayatri.
|
Rishi (Sages) |
Deity |
Pranava OM |
Brahma |
Agni |
Maha Vyahritis
|
Prajapati |
Agni, Vayu & Aditya (Tejas)
|
Gayatri itself |
Viswamitra or Brahma
(two schools of
thoughts)
|
Savita |
55. Step by
step order of Gayatri worship.
A typical process of Gayatri
Worship:
I. Purification
preparation: 4 aspects - see elsewhere (Question
No.48).
II. Invocation of
and Meditation on the SPIRITUAL SUN, of which the physical sun is
the outermost expression.
III. Invocation of
the goddess Gayatri in the solar orbit and Meditation upon Her.
IV. Forming the mental
Image. Train the mind to keep it in the focus of consciousness
without allowing it to slip away, as it is prone to do time and
again. The symbology of the deity will help you to go behind the
purely physical form and understand the nature of deity as far as
the mind will allow you to do so.
V. Meditation as to
how that mental image is to be utilised for communion with the
Reality hidden behind it. Meditate on that Deity for sometime
using the image merely as a focus of one's attention. The mind
serves as a veil to hide the Reality. He must strive to the utmost
and reach almost the breaking point of the soul, before the veil
will lift and afford him a glimpse of the Beloved.
How is the seeker to find his
Inner most self?
By separating from himself all
that is not Himself. Layer after layer of the mind which envelopes
his real Self must be separated off from Himself and transcended,
step by step, until He stands alone, isolated and free from
everything. This in a nutshell is the real technique of
meditation, which goes under the familiar name of YOGA.
VI. Japa: of Gayatri
Mantra: First Chant OM thrice. Then commence GAYATRI mantra.
Repeat the same.
VII. Self Surrender:
Real self surrender is not a collection of ideas, but a state of
consciousness, an attitude, simple, pure, limpid, and dynamic,
which defies description and is as different from the
corresponding thought forms as the soul is different from the
body. This state of mind lifts our worship from the level of a
dull routine to an exciting and divine adventure.
Thus meditation has to deal with
two things: First with the outer form which represents an inner
reality and second, the inner reality itself, which though
indicated by the outer form, is hidden and can be known only by
transcending it.
At this stage:
1) A flash of intuition suddenly
illuminates a profound problem which he had been trying in vain to
solve by the process of reasoning.
2) He may find himself
mysteriously in touch with the deeper layers of his being, an
experience which can never be forgotten.
VIII. Prayer.
IX. Visarjana: or
farewell to Gayatri Devi and Surya Devata.
After the Meditation and Japa,
the whole environment and the mental set up which the aspirant has
built up has to be broken up or dissolved by a deliberate act of
the will. The Hindu believes in cremation in order to destroy a
form completely, after it has served its purpose. To let a sacred
form remain in tact when it cannot be attended to with the proper
spirit of reverence is considered sacrilegious. Therefore, after
any kind of worship, based on the building up of a temporary form,
there is the ceremony of VISARJANA (letting go) or farewell. It
merely symbolises the turning away of the mind from the sacred and
serious task that had been undertaken. This does not mean, of
course, that the aspirant has to dismiss the deity from his mind
until he sits down again for his daily worship.
CHAPTER
IV
Contents
GAYATRI - IN SILAA ROOPAM
(Gayatri Vigraha)
56. What are
the functions of different attributes of Gayatri Vigraha (Idol)?
Our Hindu philosophy allows a
Sadhaka (aspirant) to make worship of deity of his choice by
uttering its NAME and also seeing its FORM (Vigraha) (that is
SAGUNA BRAHMAN). Why the theory of such DEVIS and DEVATAS was
conceived by our great sages?
When manifestation takes place,
the primary differentiation is into Consciousness and Power or
Shiva and Shakthi. This shakthi differentiates further into
innumerable powers corresponding to the multifarious functions
which have to be performed in the manifested Universe, each power
of shakthi being matched by a corresponding function of
Consciousness. These are the deities (DEVIS and DEVATAS) of
Hinduism. Each function and power is given a particular NAME and
FORM, the Form having a deep symbolic significance and being meant
to give to the aspirant in a concrete image an integrated concept
of the particular divine function or power.
Now, what is the particular
function which the deity Gayatri performs? The liberating function
of Eashwara which frees souls from the bondage in which the power
of MAYA involves them. Here we invoke the power of Gayatri which
gradually disperses the clouds of ignorance and lets the aspirant
see the spiritual sun, which shines eternally behind those clouds
and his oneness with that sun. Now how this goal is achieved from
the worship of Gayatri FORM?
Let us see the Gayatri Idol now.
She is having FIVE faces of different colours, ten hands carrying
different things, and ten graceful eyes, She is sitting on a red
Lotus.
FIVE FACES OF GAYATRI:
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 see
SWATI 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 lustre of Pearls (representing
BRILLIANCE).
|
2) Coral Colour: (ie.
bright red) (one of the nine gems). The second face develops
the principle of nitchala 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 lustre promote good quality and
external charm in the aspirant.
|
4) Blue
colour representing the Sky: Sea is blue in colour. Sree
Mahavishnu (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: This
face represents PURITY. It develops purity in the mind of the
aspirant and also grants divine grace from SARASWATI (the
goddess for WISDOM).
|
57. What is
the significance behind these five faces?
Please refer to answer to
Qn. No.20.
A darshan (mere seeing) of these
five faces of Gayatri idol is capable of removing FIVE GREAT SINS,
we have committed if any, viz
(i) Brahmahatti (ii) Suraabaanam
(iii) Stealing public properties/funds (iv) Misbehaviour with
wives of gurus (spiritual teachers) and (v) friendship with bad
people (bad company).
While this 'darshan' removes
great sins committed by the aspirant, it grants at the same time,
FIVE types of DIVINE GRACE from Lord SHIVA (Shiva tattwam) viz:
(1) Satyojaatam
(2) Vaamadevam
(3) Aghoram
(4) Tatpurusham
(5) Easaanam
58. What is
the significance of TEN eyes?
The eyes of Gayatri are watching
at the ten directions (8 directions + sky and earth) for
performing DUSHTANIGRAHA (killing bad people) and
Sishtaparipaalana (protecting the good).
This means that Gayatri is also
watching at the FOUR directions viz North, East, West and South.
For each direction of the sight of Gayatri, we have separate
prayer mantra:
Tat Savitur Varenyam Namaha -
West
Tat Poorvajaaya Namaha - East
Tat Praathaha Aadityaya Namaha -
South
Tat Praathaha Aadityaya
Prathishtayai Namaha - North
59. What is
the significance of TEN hands?
Broadly speaking, the first five
hands signify five types of SUKHAS (comforts) obtainable from this
earth and the other five hands signify five types of divine BLISS
obtainable from the Divine and spiritual lokas.
60. What is
the significance of the weapons carried by ten hands?
Hand 1: Vara hastam (to
grant boons to aspirants).
Hand 2: Abhaya hastam (to
remove fear - "why fear when I am here/near").
Hand 3: Angusam (a hard
weapon to bring the elephant under control) (Principle: to bring
under control bad elements in an aspirant).
Hand 4: Chattai (Whip) (to
whip the bad elements internal and external).
Hand 5: White skull
(signifies Shivatattva).
Hand 6: Gadai (a steel
stick with a hard global head) (to treat the bad elements with
club) (This siginifies Vishnu Tattva). Bhima and Anjaneya were
carrying Gadai with them.
Hand 7: Shank (Conch
Shell) The roaring sound from this shank will drive away ASURAS
(ie. to drive away bad elements). It is identical with the
Panchajhanya Shank in the hand of Lord Narayana.
"TVAM VAISHNAVI SHAKTI
ANANTAVEERYAA" - grace emanates from Mahavishnu.
Hand 8: Chakra (Wheel-like
Sudarshana Wheel). It rotates and the same is driven to frighten
or kill the bad elements (enemies) (This equally signifies vishnu
tattva, since this wheel is in one of the divine hands of
Mahavishnu).
Hand 9 and Hand 10: Lotus.
All the divine grace from Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati flows
from these divine hands to reach the aspirant.
There is yet another school of
thought in the matter of weapons in ten hands: Instead of two
lotus in two hands, she is having one lotus in one hand. In
another hand she is having a small vessel containing Annam (food)
(i.e. Annapoorani) signifying that the worshipper is assured of
food throughout his life time. In one hand she is having, instead
of white skull, what may be called a bracelet signifying
protection (RAKSHA) to the worshipper. There is no change in other
weapons.
Thus by the weapons held by the
ten hands of Gayatri, the aspirant is given a divine protection,
desired boons etc. at the same time, the enemies and other bad
elements working unfavourably against the aspirant are killed.
Thus the double purpose is served simultaneously.
Gayatri is sitting on a red Lotus
which signifies wealth. She is wearing crowns on all her five
heads. The crowns bear nine types of gems, which signify lustre of
Divine Light flowing into the heart of the aspirant. His life will
be peaceful, at the same time as bright as the "Ratnakaantha
Stones" fixed on the crowns of Gayatri Maata.
It is to be noted that Gayatri
was not born as a child to any parents. As wished by Her, She
emerged from a red Lotus to give divine protection to those who
meditate upon her.
It is also to be noted that
though the vigraha of Gayatri is confined to five heads, ten eyes,
ten hands etc., Her Majesty and Grandeur are beyond limits and
they are beyond expression too ("Vachanaateetam"). She is a OCEAN
without boundaries - OCEAN of GNANA, KARUNA and ANANDA.
61. Not all
the pictures/vigrahas of Gayatri are similar or identical. There
are differences in some aspects. Why?
These pictures/vigrahas have been
conceived, designed and made by different artists/sthapathis of
different places, different times, who had different tastes and
imagination of their own. Hence there is no standard pattern about
these pictures and vigrahas and hence the differences. The
aspirant may accept any picture/vigraha which actually inspires
him as his Form of Meditation and may be assured of best results
from his Sadhana.
However there is no change in the
"Dhyana Sloka" prescribed for Gayatri.
While the features and attributes
of Gayatri have been described in Devi Bhagawatham, the actual
Form of the picture/vigraha was conceived first by sage Viswamitra
in his heart of heart.
62. How is it
that the Divine Cow Nandhini which was in possession of Sage
Vasishta was able to produce and distribute anything prayed for?
Please have a glance in the
Nandhini picture. We find that the very Mahavishnu is residing in
the womb. All Maha-Vyahritis are found resident in different parts
of the body of Nandhini. We also find that even GAYATRI (with all
Her Majesty and Glory) is residing inside body of Nandhini. That
is why Nandhini has been referred to as "Veda Maata".
To put it in a nutshell, we may
say that all the 33 crores Devathas in the whole of the Universe
are residents in Nandhini. For this reason, Hindu families perform
special Nandhini Pooja periodically.
For the foregoing reasons,
Nandhini is able to produce and distribute anything prayed for.
63. What is
Nandini?
Kamathenu is the Mother cow while
Nandhini is her calf - a loving calf in the Ashram of Sage
Vasista.
64. It is said
that all Devathas (33 crores in number) are residing in different
places in the body of GAYATRI. Justify:
It is true. A table is given
below showing the places where different Devatas reside.
In the body of Gayatri |
|
|
|
Name of the residing
Devata |
Head |
|
- |
|
Aakash (sky) |
Teeth |
|
- |
|
Aswini |
Lips |
|
- |
|
Two Sandhis, i.e. Dawn &
Dusk |
Face |
|
- |
|
Agni |
Tongue |
|
- |
|
Saraswati |
Neck |
|
- |
|
Bruhaspati |
Breasts |
|
- |
|
Ashta Vashu (8 Cows) |
Hands |
|
- |
|
Air |
Heart |
|
- |
|
Cloud |
Stomach |
|
- |
|
Aakash (sky) |
Navel |
|
- |
|
Antriksha (sky) |
Hip |
|
- |
|
Indra and Agni |
Jakhanam |
|
- |
|
Prajapati |
One thigh |
|
- |
|
The bottom of kailash, the
abode of Lord Shiva |
Another thigh |
|
- |
|
Pithru (forefathers) |
Knee |
|
- |
|
All Devatas (viswa Devatas) |
Calf muscle below,
the knee of leg
|
|
- |
|
Sage Kowchiga |
Two legs |
|
- |
|
Earth |
Fingers |
|
- |
|
Vanaspati (all vegetations
in all forests) |
Hair |
|
- |
|
Rishis (sages) |
Nail |
|
- |
|
Muhurta (time) |
Bones |
|
- |
|
Planets |
Blood |
|
-
-
|
|
Devata during day time: Sun
God
Devata during night : Moon
|
Just like Kamathenu and Nandhini,
all Devatas in the Universe reside in GAYATRI also and when one
aspirant prays for some boon, the appropriate Devata is activated
and pleased to grant the particular boon to the aspirant.
GAYATRI is the expansion of
PRANAVA while all the 33 crores Devatas are expansion of the
Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara / Saraswati, Lakshmi and
Durga (or Kaali).
It is of interest to note that at
Dawn, Gayatri appears as a Baala (like a child), at Noon, as a
youth (yowvanam), and at dusk, She appears as VRUDDHA (old lady).

CHAPTER V
Contents
SIGNIFICANCE OF GAYATRI MANTRA
65. How
Gayatri Mantra differs from other Mantras?
1) Gayatri Mantra is not a pure
mantra - It is a mantra and a prayer (and also Pranava) combined.
A pure mantra depends for its effectiveness upon the power
inherent in sound (ie. mantra shakti). It may or may not even have
a meaning. But Gayatri Mantra has also in it the tremendous power
of prayer as indicated by the definition "Gayantam Trayate iti
Gayatri". Thus we get a far more effective instrument for the
unfoldment of our spiritual potentialities.
2) All the fourteen lokas are in
the bosom of Gayatri. Hence the name "LAMBODARI" to Gayatri.
3) Gayatri was worshiped by great
sages of India some of whom are
(1) Bharatwaj
(2) Manduga
(3) Kanva
(4) Viswamitra
(5) Agastia
(6) Yagna Walkier
(7) Kashyapa
(8) Markandeya
(9) Kapila
Gayatri was worshiped by
vinayaka also.
4) Gayatri is Vana Devata (Devata
of Forests). She is residing in fruits, vegetables etc. Hence she
is called "SAKAMBARI DEVI".
5) There are more than 165
Gayatri mantras on different devatas! It will be seen that the
general structure of all these Gayatris of different divinities is
the same, diffenent names being substituted at the same places in
the mantra. The word DHIMAHI, VIDMAHE and PRACHODAYAAT are common
to all these Gayatris and it is therefore natural to infer that
these are the words in which the essential significance of Gayatri
Mantra is contained.
6) The 24 syllables in the
Gayatri mantra represents 24 Rishis, 24 Chandas, 24 Devatas, 24
Sakthis, 24 colours, 24 components of human body, & 24 Kshetras.
7) Only after chanting Gayatri,
other mantras should be chanted.
8) In Valmiki Ramayana, there are
24000 slokas. The first syllable in each of 1000 slokas is drawn
from each of 24 syllables of Gayatri Mantra!
9) In the Ramayana: Ravana was a
great scholar in veda. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. Sri
Rama, An Avtar of Lord Mahavishnu was not able to kill him in the
battle. Sage Agastia comes to Sri Rama and gives him initiation
into a Mahamantra called 'Aaditya Hrudayam'. Thereafter SRI RAMA
recites Gayatri Mantra, the divine Abode of 24 syllables. Then
only Sri Rama was able to kill Ravana.
The foregoing examples are in no
way complete in all respects. The Glory and Majesty of Gayatri
Mantra is a OCEAN and really beyond expression.
66. List out
some more points to signify Gayatri Mantra:
1) Gayatri resides in the heart
of Mahavishnu.
2) Gayatri has got control over
even king Cobras.
3) One special YANTRA has been
designed exclusively for GAYATRI.
4) Gayatri mantra is capable of
arousing kundalini sakti.
5) There is no better Japa or
dhyana than reciting Gayatri Mantra.
6) The famous Scientist
J.B.S.Haldane writes: "The Gayatri mantra should be carved on the
doors of every laboratory in the world" to enable the scientists
to peep into the world of spirituality.
7) The very first Gayatri is only
SURYA GAYATRI ('Gayatri' means Surya Gayatri only unless otherwise
specifically mentioned) and all other Gayatris came into existence
only after Surya Gayatri was brought out.
8) We have got Ashtothra
Sadanaamaavali (included in this book as
Annexure I) and also Sahasranaamaavali for Gayatri.
CHAPTER
VI
Contents
BENEFITS DERIVED FROM GAYATRI
JAPA
In Olden days, our sages resorted
to forests and caves to perform penance to attain Brahmagnana and
ultimate liberation. This process involved long time (decades
together), extraordinary difficulties and pains. But the same
goal, it is true, can be achieved by reciting Gayatri mantra
regularly in the prescribed manner, in an easier way without extra
ordinary pains - that too in a short time.
The Lord Supreme, Mahavishnu
declares to the sage Narada that if one recites Gayatri Mantra, it
will give the chanter the effect of worshiping all the Devatas in
the Universe. The best times for worship are just before sun rise
- you are not seeing the sun, exactly at noon - the sun is exactly
at the central point neither at the left nor right side,and just
before sun set - you are seeing the sun. The entire Grace from Sun
God is in store for you.
67. List out
the benefits one aspirant derives by reciting Gayatri Mantra:
Bhagawan's Statement:
Please refer to Bhagawan's Divine
Discourse included in this Book as Annexure
II.
Spiritual Benefits:
1. "The Gayatri Mantra has been
given to us as the 'Third Eye' (the Agna Chakra) to reveal the
inner vision to us. By developing this inner vision we may realise
Brahman."
2. "When the Gayatri Mantra is
chanted with correct accent as laid down in the Vedas, the
atmosphere around is visibly illumined by the vibration produced
by the Gayatri Mantra. The sound of a mantra is valuable as its
meaning."
3. "The effulgence of Brahman -
Brahmaprakaasa - will descend on us, illumine our intellect and
light our spiritual path when we chant the Gayatri Mantra
correctly as taught by Veda."
4. "The Gayatri Mantra is enough
to protect the person who chants it because, the Gayatri Mantra
embodies all the Divine Potencies."
Worldly Benefits:
1. Parents in many families
(especially in India) are very much worried that the marriage of
their children (especially girls) is postponed for some reason or
other (e.g. 'DOSHAM' - information of stars as seen from the
horoscope). Regular chanting of the Gayatri Mantra dilutes the
gloom in the family and throws light and new hopes and destroys
all delusions and thus belated marriages are settled.
2. Gayatri is 'Annapoorani'. In
the home where She is worshiped, the family does not require to
wail for food or shelter.
3. Gayatri grants 'Santana
Bhagyam' - the fortune of children in the family.
4. Peace and prosperity, Health
and Wealth obtained in our home.
5. When we are in dire needs,
Gayatri grants necessary boons.
6. When mass Gayatri Homam
(Yagna) is performed, the mantra Shakthi creates heavy and dense
clouds in the Akaash causing good rain and prosperity thereby.
7. Gayatri is embodiment of
tri-Devata viz, Saraswati, Mahalakshmi and Durga, and hence the
blessings from them for deeper Intellect, better prosperity and
easier automatic relief of family, social and other problems
respectively.
8. The exercise of repetition of
Gayatri mantra is essentially one particular type of Pranaayaama
and hence our entire breathing system is regulated, channelised
and perfected. This will improve one's ability to render good
music and ensures better performance.
9. (a) If we recite Gayatri
mantra while offering 'Aahoodi' at homakunda (Fire) during Gayatri
Japa Yajnam, (b) If we chant this mantra just before taking food,
all diseases relating to stomach are removed.
10. The Gayatri mantra will
protect us from harm, wherever we are, whether in a bus or car, in
a railway train or a plane, in a bazaar or on the road.
11. If we chant Gayatri mantra,
while taking a bath, our bath gets sanctified. If we chant it
before taking our food, our food becomes an offering to the
Divine.
12. Gayatri mantra assures you a
long life.
13. It gives immediate relief
from bites of poisonous insects and creatures (scorpion, snakes
etc.).
14. It gives us power to face our
enemies.
15. The mantra gives immediate
relief from sins we commit by
i) speaking harsh and bad words
which should not have been done in a particular situation;
ii) consuming things which give
anti-effects to our spiritual growth (eg. liquors etc);
iii) speaking a lie;
iv) talking ill of the food
served in a public function etc.
16. Gayatri mantra gives
protection to those who have become prey of black magic, and
antieffects of demons instigated by black magic.
SATGURU SANT KESHAVADAS
says
"Gayatri meditation is the
highest form of meditation known in the Vedas." Gayatri is chanted
for the attainment of universal consciousness and for the
awakening of intuitive powers.
"Gayatri mediation destroys all
delusions, energises prana, bestows longevity, health, brilliance
and illumination."
"The Gayatri Mantra is the key
to opening the door of Cosmic Consciousness."
"Sit facing East or North in
Padmasana or Siddhasana (or Vajrasana), or in any other easy,
comfortable posture. Sit on mat covered with a woollen blanket or
thick cotton cloth (to insulate your body from the ground). Once
you sit in a posture, avoid unnecessary movement of the body."
"Keep the trunk, head and neck
erect. Be fearless. Sit with a firm determination to realise the
Truth."
When you repeat the Mantra,
meditate on the meaning of the Mantra and pray for the vision
of Mother Gayatri Devi. This Mantra is dedicated to God as
Light and the Sun is the symbol of that light.
This Mantra has universality,
because it is meditation on Light through the Sun, which is the
same to the whole of humanity. This Mantra confers wisdom,
prosperity, purity and liberation.
"One who repeats the Mantra
108 times in each sitting will attain radiance soon."
"One who repeats the Mantra
1008 times with sincerity and devotion in each sitting will attain
illumination in 40 days."
Gayatri Mantra removes all
fears.
Gayatri Mantra is the best
cure for all ills.
Gayatri Mantra destroys karma
and blesses us with liberation.
"This entire universe has emerged
by the power of the Gayatri Mantra. Indeed all this, is nothing
but the manifestation of the power of God".
"There is no Japa higher than
the Gayatri Japa."
"There is no greater wealth
than the Gayatri Mantra."
"Whoever meditates on the Gayatri
Mantra every morning and evening will certainly be blessed with
long life, good health and peace. His word becomes a blessing. He
will attain enlightenment and will become a great blessing to the
society and the entire world.
Even though the holy Gayatri
Mantra is chanted for the highest Light of God, still anything a
man wishes in the name of Mother Gayatri is instantaneously
fulfilled".
"Gayatri brings healing to any
sickness, be they physical, mental, emotional or spiritual."
"The Gayatri Mantra is the
Body of the Deity."
"Therefore by constant repetition
of this holy Mantra, one will have the darshan or perception of
that Deity. Vedas constantly emphasise the performance of Gayatri
Yajna for peace - individual, national and international."
N.B. It should be noted that the
benefits detailed in this chapter are not complete in all
respects. The benefits are in fact too many to find proper
expression. The aspirant will definitely experience something more
during the process of his continuous Sadhana.
Om Sri Sai Ram

ANNEXURE
I
Contents
GAYATRI ASHTOTHRA SADA
NAAMAAVALI
Om Sri Gayatriyai Namaha
Om Jaganmatre Namaha
Om Parabrahma Swaroopinyai
Namaha
Om Paramarta Pradayai Namaha
Om Japyayai Namaha
Om Brahma Tejo Vivardinyai
Namaha
Om Brahmasthra Roopinyai Namaha
Om Bhavyayai Namaha
Om Trikaala Tyeya Roopinyai
Namaha
Om Trimurthi Roopayai Namaha
Om Sarvagnayai Namaha
Om Vedamaatre Namaha
Om Manonmayyai Namaha
Om Paalikayai Namaha
Om Tarunyai Namaha
Om Vruddayai Namaha
Om Sooryamandala Vasinyai Namaha
Om Mandehatanava
dhvamsakaarinyai Namaha
Om Sarva Kaaranaayai Namaha
Om Hamsarootayai Namaha
Om Vrisharootayai Namaha
Om Garudarohinyai Namaha
Om Shubhayai Namaha
Om Shadgutshinyai Namaha
Om Tripadaayai Namaha
Om Shuddhayai Namaha
Om Panchasirshayai Namaha
Om Trilochanayai Namaha
Om Trivedaroopayai Namaha
Om Trividayai Namaha
Om Trivargaphaladayinyai Namaha
Om Dasahasthayai Namaha
Om Chandravarnayai Namaha
Om Viswamitra varapradayai
Namaha
Om Dasayudadharayai Namaha
Om Nityayai Namaha
Om Santhushtayai Namaha
Om Brahmapujitayai Namaha
Om Aadishaktyai Namaha
Om Mahaavidyayai Namaha
Om Sushumnagyayai Namaha
Om Saraswatyai Namaha
Om Chaturvimsadyatcharadyayai
Namaha
Om Saavitriyai Namaha
Om Satyavatsalayai Namaha
Om Sandhyayai Namaha
Om Raatriyai Namaha
Om Prapaadagyayai Namaha
Om Saankhyayana Kulotbhavayai
Namaha
Om Sarveswaryai Namaha
Om Sarvavidyayai Namaha
Om Sarvamantrathaye Namaha
Om Avyayayai Namaha
Om Shuddavastrayai Namaha
Om Shuddavidyayai Namaha
Om Shuklamaalyanu lebanayai
Namaha
Om Surasindusamayai Namaha
Om Soumyayai Namaha
Om Brahmalokanivaasinyai Namaha
Om Pranava pradipaathyaarthayai
Namaha
Om Pranatothdharana Kshamayai
Namaha
Om Jalaanjali Susantushtayai
Namaha
Om Jalagarbhayai Namaha
Om Jalapriyayai Namaha
Om Swaahayai Namaha
Om Swadaayai Namaha
Om Sutasamstayai Namaha
Om Srowshad Vowshad Vashat
Kriyayai Namaha
Om Surabhyai Namaha
Om Shodasa Kalaayai Namaha
Om Munibrinda Nishevitayai
Namaha
Om Yagna Priyayai Namaha
Om Yagna moortiyai Namaha
Om Sruksruvaajya Swaroopinyai
Namaha
Om Atchamaaladharaayai Namaha
Om Atchamaalasamsthayai Namaha
Om Atcharaakrutyai Namaha
Om Madhuchandasa Namaha
Om Rushipreetayai Namaha
Om Swachandayai Namaha
Om Echchandasaam Nidhaya Namaha
Om Anguleeparva Samsthanaayai
Namaha
Om Chathurvimsathi mudrikaayai
Namaha
Om Brahmamurthiyai Namaha
Om Rudrasikhayai Namaha
Om Sahasra Paramambikaayai
Namaha
Om Vishnu hrudkaayai Namaha
Om Agnimukhyai Namaha
Om Sadamadhyayai Namaha
Om Dasaavaraayai Namaha
Om Sahasra dala padmasthayai
Namaha
Om Hamsa roopayai Namaha
Om Niranjanayai Namaha
Om Characharasthayai Namaha
Om Chaturayai Namaha
Om Suryakoti Samaprabhaayai
Namaha
Om Pancha varna mukhyai Namaha
Om Tatriyyai Namaha
Om Chandrakoti susismitayai
Namaha
Om Mahaa maayaayai Namaha
Om Vichitrangiyai Namaha
Om Maaya pijanivaasinyai Namaha
Om Sarva yantra aatmikaayai
Namaha
Om Sarva tantra roopayai Namaha
Om Jagadditayai Namaha
Om Maryaadapaalikaayai Namaha
Om Maanyayai Namaha
Om Maha mantra phalapradaayai
Namaha
"GAYATRI KADAKSHAM PARIPOORNAM
SIDDHIR BHAVATU"
(May the Divine Grace of
Gayatri Mantra be showered on you)

Jai Sai Ram
ANNEXURE
II
Contents
BHAGAWAN'S UPADESAM
THE GAYATRI PATH TO GOD
Out of action arised the
bondage of Delusion
From Delusion grows a
perverted mind
Mental perversion leads to
perverse deeds
Such deeds again result in
rebirth.
Young embodiments of the Divine!
The grand mansion of Hindu
thought has been raised on the four walls of Karma, Janma, Dharma
and Brahman. These four are interdependent. No one can escape the
consequences of one's action, whether good or bad. No action goes
in vain. Karma is the primary cause of one's birth.
The Jivi is born in Karma,
He grows through Karma,
He ceases in Karma,
Karma is the divine arbiter;
Karma is the cause
Of happiness and misery.
It has been well said that "The
body indeed, is the basis for the pursuit of Dharma"
(Sareeramaadyam Khalu Dharma Saadhanam). It is by the pursuit of
Dharma that Brahmam is realised. The Gita has declared that
whenever Dharma declines the advent of the Avathar occurs. This
implies that the object of human existence is to uphold Dharma. As
creation is a projection of the Divine will, the aim of every
human being should be to live in harmony with that will. One's
life should be dedicated not for promoting one's selfish interests
or to serve the interests of other fellow-beings but in the
service of the Divine. Whatever is done to anyone, if it is done
as an offering to the Divine, it will reach the Divine. Man should
consecrate every action by regarding it as an offering to the
Divine.
THE SECOND BIRTH
From the moment of issuing from
the mother's womb, one is involved in action. This natural state
is common to all and may be described as Sudratwam (the state of
the Sudra, that is, one who is not subject to any regimen). After
one receives the Gayatri initiation, he is born again (he becomes
a Dwija, the twice-born). The Gayatri is described as "Chhandasaam
maathah" - the mother of all the Vedas. One meaning of Gayatri is
that it is a mantra which protects or fosters the "Gayas" or
jivis.
You must note that today you have
all got a second birth by receiving the Gayatri mantra. By
observing the disciplines of the Brahmachari stage, you will
qualify yourselves for the study of the Vedas. When one begins to
study the Vedas he is known as "Vipra". This is a third birth, as
it were. At this stage, by the study and understanding of the
Vedas and living up to their precepts, one gets the opportunity to
understand Brahmam. Once the Brahmam principle is understood, one
merges in Brahmam can one claim to be a real Brahmin. It is not
birth alone, but the realisation of Brahmam which confers real
Brahminhood (Brahmanathva) on a person.
The Gayatri mantra has to be
recited three times a day in the morning at sunrise, at noon and
at sunset. These are called "Sandhyaa Kaalam" the time of coming
together of night and day of morning and evening, and of day and
night. Time like man, has three qualities Satva, Rajas and Tamas.
The day is divided into three parts. The four hours between 4 a.m.
and 8 a.m. in the morning and between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the
evening have the Satva quality. The eight hours between 8 a.m. and
4 p.m. are Rajasic. The eight hours between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
which are mainly used for sleep, are Tamasic. The eight hours of
the day (from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are employed by all beings
including animals and birds, in the discharge of their day to day
duties and are regarded as Rajasic. When the four Satvic hours of
the morning (4 am to 8 am) are used for engaging oneself in good
actions like worship, virtuous deeds, keeping good company, one
ensure to raise himself from the human to the divine level. It is
during the Satvic period (from 4 am to 8 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm)
the Gayatri mantra should be recited. This mantra is the
embodiment of all deities. It is not related to any particular
sect, caste or idol or institution. It is said to embody nine
colours (1) Om; (2) Bhur; (3) Bhuvah; (4) Suvah; (5) Thath; (6)
Savithur; (7) Varenyam; (8) Bhargo; (9) Devasya. "Dheemahi" is
related to the meditative aspect. "Dheeyoyo nah prachodayaath"
relates to the aspect of prayer. The mantra as a whole thus
contains three aspects - descriptive, meditational and prayer.
UNITY AND DIVERSITY
On the basis of difference in
behaviour the Antahkarana (conscience) has been accorded four
names. When it is concerned with thoughts, it is called Manas
(Mind). When it is concerned with enquiry and understanding, it is
called "Buddhi". When it is associated with the sense of "mine"
(possessiveness) it is called "Ahamkaara" (egoism). Why are four
different names and attributes given to one and the same agency
(the Antakarana). The mind is preoccupied with distinctions and
differences. The Buddhi is concerned with oneness. The Buddhi
reveals the Unity that underlies the diversity. All our efforts
must be directed towards discovering the Unity that underlies the
diversity rather than seeking to divide the One into the Many.
The Gayatri mantra is a sacred
mantra which demonstrates the unity that underlies manifoldness in
creation. It is through the recognition of this unity that we can
understand the multiplicity. (1) Clay is one and the same thing,
though pots of different shapes and sizes can be made from it. (2)
Gold is one though gold ornaments can be multifarious. (3) The
Atma is one, though the embodied forms in which it resides may be
many. Whatever the colour of the cow, the milk is white always.
There is no object in the world
which does not have a form and a name. The cosmic is made up of
things with forms and names, while the forms are subject to
constant change, the names remain unchanged. The form may change
and even completely disappear, but the name remains. Once we know
the name, we can recognise what or whom it represents. In a large
gathering, it will not be easy to trace a person merely from the
description of his features. But when his name is called, he
immediately responds and can be identified. Likewise, through the
name of the Lord, the form of the Lord can be visualised.
FIVE FACES - THREE DEITIES
Gayatri is described as having
five faces. The first is "Om". The second is "Bhurbhuvassuvah".
The Third is "Thathsavithur Varenyam". The fourth is "Bhargo
Devasya Dheemahi". The fifth is "Dheeyo yo nah prachodayaath".
Gayatri represents in these five faces the five Pranas (life
forces). Gayatri is the protector of the five Pranas in man.
"Gayantham thraayathe iti Gayatri". 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 Savithri. Savithri
is known in puranic story as the devoted wife who brought back to
life her husband, Sathyavan. Savithri is the presiding deity of
the five pranas. She protects those who lead a life of Truth. This
is the inner meaning. When one's intelligence and intuition are
developed by the recitation of the mantra, the activating deity is
Gayatri. When the life-forces are protected, the guarding deity is
called Savithri. When one's speech is protected, the deity is
called Saraswathi. Because of the protective roles of Savithri,
Saraswathi and Gayatri, in relation to life, speech and the
intellect, Gayatri is described as "Sarvadevathaa-swarupini" - the
embodiment of all goddesses.
It is essential to recite the
Gayatri Mantra at least three times during morning, noon and
evening. This will serve to reduce the effect of the wrong acts
one does every day. It is like buying goods for cash, instead of
getting them on credit. There is no accumulation of Karmic debt,
as each day's Karma is atoned for that day itself by reciting the
Gayatri.
The plea that one cannot find
time for reciting the Gayatri thrice a day is specious and
untenable. People waste so much of their time in worthless
activities that they can easily find a few moments for reciting
the Gayatri when they wake up from bed and before they go to
sleep, if only they have the will. The Gayatri can be recited even
when one is taking his bath. It will mean also offering ablutions
to the goddess. At noon, if the Gayatri is recited before taking
one's meal, the food will get sanctified and become an offering to
the deity.
REDEMPTIVE POWER
The Brahmacharis should realise
the redemptive power of the Gayatri mantra. Through the
Brahmopadesam, the young boys have had a second birth, it is only
when they have achieved the purposes of this second birth will
they be qualified to enter on the sacred third stage of
'Viprathvam', which leads to the realisation of Brahmam.
'One who is aware of Brahmam,
becomes one with Brahmam' is the Vedic saying. To recognise the
Brahmam principle, one has to understand one's own true nature.
There is a story to illustrate how one can see whether he is
qualified to realise Brahmam. An unmarried girl acquires the right
to a half-share in a man's property after she is married to him
and he ties the mangala-sutra (the marriage thread) round her
neck. It is this sacred thread that confers the right on her.
Likewise, one remains remote from God as long as one has not
acquired the thread of "Surrender to the Divine" (Saranaagathi
thathva). The moment one wears the Sutra of Saranaagathi, one
acquires the right to a half share in the energy and authority of
the Divine. We must strive earnestly to pursue the path of
submission to the Divine will and offering everything to the
Divine. The attitude of surrender will grow in us as we recite
regularly the Gayatri Mantra. This is the reason why boys are
initiated into the mantra at an early age. There is also another
reason for this early initiation. Boys, who have been indolent or
dull before getting the Brahmopadesam have been able to develop
their intelligence and be more diligent in their studies after
they have received the Gayatri Mantra. This is a matter of proven
experience. Like sunrise after the night, the Gayatri Mantra
dispels the darkness of ignorance "Dheeyo yo nah prachodayaath".
The rays of the Gayatri Mantra illumine the mind and intelligent
and promote knowledge, wisdom and discrimination.
I bless the young vatus so that
from today they may recite the Gayatri regularly, lead exemplary
lives and grow into good, god-fearing, educated and enlightened
citizens of Bharat.
Poornachandra Auditorium,
17.03.83
Source of Inspiration
1. Divine Discourses of Bhagawan
Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Gayatri.
2. Sri Vidya Upasagar, Vyakarana
Siromani, P.S.JAYARAMA SASTRIGAL, Madurai.
3. Sri Mad Devi Bhagavatham.
4. "VISION OF THE DIVINE"
(Chapter: 'Gayatri') by ERUCH B. FANIBUNDA. We cannot miss him.
5. "Gayatri" by I.K.Taimni.
6. "Veda Maata Gayatri" by
Paramahamsa Sreemad Bhuvaneswari Swamigal, Madras.
7. "The Power and the
Potency of the Gayatri Mantra" published by Sri Sathya Sai
organisation, Sri Lanka (Region XV).
8. "Surya Narayanan" Sri
Ramakrishna Tapovan, Tiruparaithurai (India).
9. "Trivedi Smaartha Sandhya
Vandanam" by Little Flower Co., Trichy.
10. "Gayatri" a booklet published
by Siddhashramam, Madurai.
SRI SAI PADHUGA TRUST
expresses their heartfelt THANKS to the publishers of the above
pieces of spiritual Art.
First Edition: 6000 copies
September, 1998.
Printed at Vasan Offset Printers,
Paramakudi - 623 707
For further details contact:
Sri Sai Padhuga Trust
285, East Masi Street,
Madurai 625 001, India.
Phone: (0452) 622574
Fax: (0452) 622576
Grams: CASH
E-mail address:
saipadam@md3.vsnl.net.in

The SAI GAYATHRI
Contents
"Om
Sayeeswaraya Vidmahe
Sathya Devaya Dheemahe
Thanna Sarvah Prachodayath"
"I am realising
through Preceptors, Scriptural authorities
and above all
through my own experience that
Bhagawan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba is God Incarnate
and the Supreme
Lord. He is the embodiment of Truth Eternal,
the
Transcendental Supreme Brahman, the Supreme Light,
the Light of all
Lights, the Lord of all.
I pray to this
God of Truth to inspire and direct all our thoughts
towards the
performance of good deeds and activities.
I meditate with
all mental faculties on this embodiment of truth,
the essence of
all activities, and the all pervasive entity."
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