Gayatri Mantra: Meaning, Word-by-Word Translation and Jap
The Gayatri Mantra explained: its Rigvedic origin, word-by-word meaning, correct pronunciation, how many times to chant, and the three sandhya times of practice.
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most revered verses in Indian tradition. It is recited at dawn by millions, taught in schools of Vedic study, and often described as the essence of the Vedas. Yet it is only a single verse of three short lines.
The mantra
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः । तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं । भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि । धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ, tat savitur vareṇyaṃ, bhargo devasya dhīmahi, dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt.
Where it comes from
The verse is Rigveda 3.62.10, traditionally attributed to the sage Vishwamitra. It is composed in the Gayatri metre, three lines of eight syllables, which is how the mantra got its name. The deity addressed is Savitr, the impelling, life-giving aspect of the sun.
Word-by-word meaning
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Om | The primal sound |
| Bhūr, bhuvaḥ, svaḥ | The earth, the atmosphere and the heavens; the three worlds |
| Tat | That |
| Savituḥ | Of Savitr, the divine source of life and light |
| Vareṇyam | Most worthy of choosing, adorable |
| Bhargaḥ | Radiance, the light that burns away ignorance |
| Devasya | Of the divine |
| Dhīmahi | We meditate upon |
| Dhiyaḥ | Understandings, intellect |
| Yaḥ | Who |
| Naḥ | Our |
| Prachodayāt | May impel, may inspire |
In one line: We meditate on the adorable radiance of the divine Savitr; may it illuminate and guide our understanding.
Notice what the mantra asks for. It does not ask for wealth or relief. It asks for clear understanding, which is the root of every good decision.
Pronunciation
- Bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ: the final ḥ is a light breath after the vowel.
- Savitur vareṇyaṃ: the ṇ is a retroflex n; the ṃ is a soft nasal hum.
- Bhargo: the bh is aspirated, a b with a breath.
- Prachodayāt: stress the last syllable lightly.
If you can, learn the sound from a teacher or a good recording; the printed text alone gives only part of it.
When to chant it
The mantra is traditionally part of sandhya vandana, the practice at the three junctions of the day: sunrise, midday and sunset. The early morning is especially loved. See the best time for naam jap for how to fit this into a modern schedule.
How to chant
- Sit upright facing east if possible, as the sun is the theme of the mantra.
- Take a few slow breaths and settle.
- Chant at an unhurried pace, either aloud, in a whisper or silently. The three styles are explained in vachik, upanshu and manasik japa.
- Use the Gayatri Mantra counter to keep count of a full mala of 108.
- Finish with a moment of stillness.
How many times
| Practice | Count |
|---|---|
| Brief daily | 3 or 11 times |
| Standard | 108 times (one mala) |
| Three sandhyas | 3 sessions, any count |
Twenty-four syllables with one lakh each gives the classical measure for a full purashcharana of 24 lakh. This is a long-term observance, not a place to begin. See setting a chanting sankalp for ways to grow a practice steadily.
Who may chant it
Traditionally the mantra is given at upanayana and recited as part of sandhya. In recent centuries, teachers and movements across India have taught it openly to all, and it is chanted widely in homes and classrooms. If you belong to a tradition with specific rules, follow them. If not, approach it with respect, correct pronunciation and a steady routine.
Begin today
Read the longer explanation on the Spiritual Marg mantra page, then open the counter and chant one mala slowly. A single verse, repeated with attention, is enough to begin.
Ready? Open the Gayatri Mantra counter and start your first mala.
Start chantingFrequently asked questions
What is the meaning of the Gayatri Mantra?
In essence: we meditate on the radiant light of the divine Savitr, the source of all life, and pray that it inspires and illumines our understanding.
How many times should the Gayatri Mantra be chanted?
108 times (one mala) is the traditional count. Many practitioners chant it three times a day at sunrise, noon and sunset, in smaller counts such as 3, 11 or 108.
Which text is the Gayatri Mantra from?
It is verse 3.62.10 of the Rigveda, composed in the Gayatri metre of 24 syllables and addressed to Savitr, the sun as a source of inspiration.
Who can chant the Gayatri Mantra?
Traditional practice ties it to upanayana and sandhya. Many modern teachers and organisations teach it to everyone. Follow your own family or guru's guidance.
