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The Gāyatrī Mantra is a highly revered mantra, based on a Vedic Sanskrit verse from a hymn of the Rigveda (3.62.10), attributed to the rishi (sage) Viśvāmitra. The mantra is named for its vedic gāyatrī metre.^[1] As the verse can be interpreted to invoke the deva Savitr, it is often called Sāvitrī.^[2] Its recitation is traditionally preceded by oṃ and the formula bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ, known as the mahāvyāhṛti ("great utterance").

The Gayatri Mantra is repeated and cited very widely in vedic literature,^[3] and praised in several well-known classical Hindu texts such as Manusmṛti,^[4] Harivamsa,^[5] and the Bhagavad Gita.^[6]^[7] The mantra is an important part of the upanayanam ceremony for young males in Hinduism, and has long been recited by Brahmin males as part of their daily rituals. Modern Hindu reform movements spread the practice of the mantra to include women and all castes and its use is now very widespread.^[8]^[9]

The Mantra

Text

Recitation of the Gayatri Mantra is preceded by oṃ(ॐ) and the formula bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ (भूर् भुवः स्वः), known as the mahāvyāhṛti ("great utterance"). This prefixing of the mantra proper is described in the Taittiriya Aranyaka (2.11.1-8), which states that scriptural recitation was always to begin with the chanting of the syllable oṃ, followed by the three Vyahrtis and the Gayatri verse.^[10] Following the mahāvyāhṛti is then the mantra proper, the verse RV 3.62.10:

In Devanagari:

ॐ भूर्भुवः॒ स्वः ।

तत्स॑वितुर्वरे॑ण्यं ।

भ॒र्गो॑ दे॒वस्य॑ धीमहि। ।

धियो॒ यो नः॑ प्रचो॒दया॑त्॥ ।

In IAST:

Oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ

tát savitúr váreṇ(i)yaṃ

bhárgo devásya dhīmahi

dhíyo yó naḥ pracodáyāt

Whereas in principle the gāyatrī metre specifies three pādas of eight syllables each, the text of the verse as preserved in the Rigveda Samhita is one syllable short, the first pāda counting seven instead of eight. Metrical restoration would emend the attested tri-syllabic vareṇyaṃ with a tetra-syllabic vareṇiyaṃ.^[11]

Translation

A literal translation of the Gayatri verse proper can be given as:

"May we attain that excellent glory of Savitar the god:

So may he stimulate our prayers."

—The Hymns of the Rigveda (1896), Ralph T. H. Griffith^[12]

with this analysis of the constituent words:^[13]

dhīmahi "may we attain" (1st person plural middle optative of dhā- 'Unify' etc.)
tat vareṇiyam bharghas '"that excellent glory" (accusatives of tad (pronoun), vareniya- 'excellent' and bhargas- 'radiance, splendour, glory')
savitur devasya "of the lord savitar " (genitives of savitr-, 'stimulator; name of a sun-deity' and deva- 'god, deity')
yaḥ pracodayat "who has the ability to encourage" (nominative singular of relative pronoun yad-, causative 3rd person of pra-cud- 'set in motion, encourage, urge, impel')
dhiyaḥ naḥ "our prayers" (accusative plural of dhi- 'mind, thought, meditation' and naḥ enclitic personal pronoun)

The literal translation of the Mahāvyāhṛti formula bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ prefixed to the verse is "earth, air, heaven".^[14] These are the names of the first three of the seven vyāhṛti or higher worlds of Hindu cosmology.

Paraphrases

The following is a list of English paraphrases or free translations.

author	year	paraphrase
Sir William Jones	1807	"Let us adore the supremacy of that divine sun, the god-head who illuminates all, who recreates all, from whom all proceed, to whom all must return, whom we invoke to direct our understandings aright in our progress toward his holy seat."^[15]
William Quan Judge	1893	"Unveil, O Thou who givest sustenance to the Universe, from whom all proceed, to whom all must return, that face of the True Sun now hidden by a vase of golden light, that we may see the truth and do our whole duty on our journey to thy sacred seat."^[16]
Sivanath Sastri (Brahmo Samaj)	1911	"We meditate on the worshipable power and glory of Him who has created the earth, the nether world and the heavens (i.e. the universe), and who directs our understanding."^[17]
Swami Vivekananda	1915	"We meditate on the glory of that Being who has produced this universe; may He enlighten our minds."^[18]
S. Radhakrishnan	1947, 1953	"We meditate on the effulgent glory of the divine Light; may he inspire our understanding."^[19] "We meditate on the adorable glory of the radiant sun; may he inspire our intelligence."^[20]

Role in Vedic and Vedantic literature

The Savitri mantra is cited widely in Vedic texts.

The Rgvedic stanza 3.62.10 is found a number of times in the mantra listings of the Śrauta liturgy,^[21] where it is used without any special distinction, typically as one among several stanzas dedicated to Savitar at appropriate points in the various rituals. Accordingly, the stanza is cited several times in the Brahmanas and the Srauta-sutras.^[22]

In this corpus, there is only one instance of the stanza being prefixed with the three mahavyahrtis.^[23] This is in a late supplementary chapter of the Shukla Yajurveda samhita, listing the mantras used in the preliminaries to the pravargya ceremony. However, none of the parallel texts of the pravargya rite in other samhitas have the stanza at all. A form of the mantra with all seven vyahrtis prefixed is found in the last book of the Taittiriya Aranyaka, better known as the Mahanarayana Upanishad.^[24]

The stanza is also cited in a number of grhyasutras, mostly in connection with the upanayana ceremony^[25] in which it has a significant role.

The stanza is the subject of esoteric treatment and explanation in some major Upanishads, including Mukhya Upanishads such as the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad,^[26] the Shvetashvatara Upanishad^[27] and the Maitrayaniya Upanishad;^[28] as well as other well-known works such as the Jaiminiya Upanishad Brahmana.^[29]

The stanza is the apparent inspiration for derivative "gāyatrī" stanzas dedicated to other deities, patterned on the formula ... vidmahe ... dhīmahi ... pracodayāt",^[30] instances of which have been interpolated^[31] into some recensions of the Shatarudriya litany.^[32] Gāyatrīs of this form are also found in the Mahanarayana Upanishad.^[33]

Modern Brahmanical usage

In traditional Brahmin practice the Gayatri Mantra is addressed to God as the divine life-giver, symbolized by Savitr (the sun), and is most often recited at sunrise and sunset.^[34] It is believed by practitioners that reciting the mantra bestows wisdom and enlightenment, through the vehicle of the Sun (Savitr), who represents the source and inspiration of the universe.^[19] Recitation at sunrise every morning is part of the daily ritual.^[8]^[35] While often associated with outward ritual offerings, it can be recited more inwardly and without rites,^[36] a practice generally known as japa.

Imparting the Sāvitrī mantra to young Hindu males is an important part of the traditional upanayanam ceremony, which marks the beginning of study of the Vedas. S. Radhakrishnan has described this as the essence of the ceremony,^[19] which is sometimes called "Gayatri diksha", i.e. initiation into the Gayatri Mantra.^[37] However, traditionally, the stanza RV.3.62.10 is the Sāvitrī imparted only to Brahmin boys. Other Sāvitrī verses are used in the upanayanam ceremony for non-Brahmins: RV.1.35.2, in the Trishtubh meter, for a Kshatriya; and, either RV.1.35.9 or RV.4.40.5, in the Jagati meter, for a Vaishya.^[38]

Modern reception outside of the Brahmin caste

Brahmoism

In 1827 Ram Mohun Roy published a dissertation on the Gayatri Mantra^[39] that analysed it in the context of various Upanishads. Roy prescribed a Brahmin to always pronounce Om at the beginning and end of the Gayatri Mantra.^[40] From 1830, the Gayatri Mantra was used for private devotion of Brahmos. In 1843, the First Covenant of Brahmo Samaj required Gayatri Mantra for Divine Worship. From 1848-1850 with the rejection of Vedas, the Adi Dharm Brahmins use Gayatri Mantra in their private devotions.^[41]

Hindu revivalism

In the later 19th century, Hindu reform movements extended the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra beyond caste and gender limitations. In 1898, Swami Vivekananda began initiating non-Brahmins with the sacred thread ceremony and the Gayatri Mantra. He based this on the interpretations of the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita that Brahmin status is earned and not hereditary.^[42] The Arya Samaj notably spread the teaching that recitation of the mantra was not limited to males, but that women could rightfully be taught both the Vedas and the Gayatri Mantra.^[43]^[44] In his writings, S. Radhakrishnan encouraged the teaching of Gayatri mantra to men and women of all castes.^[45]

Popular culture

A new age version of the Gayatri Mantra is featured in the opening theme song of the TV series Battlestar Galactica (2004).^[46]

Notes

^ Staal, Frits (June 1986). "The sound of religion". Numen. 33 (Fasc. 1): 33–64. doi:10.1163/156852786X00084. JSTOR 3270126.
^ "Designated as sāvitrī, or gāyatrī, throughout Vedic and Sanskrit literature". M. Bloomfield, A Vedic Concordance, Harvard Oriental Series Vol. 10, Cambridge Mass. 1906, p.392b.
^ The Bloomfield concordance lists over 30 cross-references to other vedic texts. Bloomfield(1906), p.392b.
^ Manusmṛti states that "there is nothing greater than the Savitri (Gayatri) Mantra." (Manu II, 83). Dutt, Manmatha Nath (1906–1909). The Dharma Shastra Or the Hindu Law Codes Volume 3. Calcutta: Elysium Press. p. 51. ISBN 978-1-4254-8964-9.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date format (link)
^ The Harivamsa calls it the "mother of the Vedas". Griffith, Ralph T. H. (2003). The Vedas: With Illustrative Extracts. The Book Tree. pp. 15–16. ISBN 978-1-58509-223-9. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
^ In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says, "Of all poetry, I am the Gayatri" (BG.10.35). Rahman, M. M. (2006). Encyclopaedia of Histography. Anmol Publications. p. 300. ISBN 978-81-261-2305-6.
^ An alternative translation by S. Radhakrishnan interprets BG.10.35 as "Likewise of hymns (I am) Brhtsaman, of metres (I am) gayatri". S. Radhakrishnan, The Bhagvadgita, 7th Indian edn 1982, published by Blackie & Son, p.266.
^ ^a ^b Rinehart, Robin (2004). Contemporary Hinduism. ABC-CLIO. p. 127. ISBN 978-1-57607-905-8.
^ Lipner, Julius (1994). Hindus: their religious beliefs and practices. Routledge. p. 53. ISBN 978-0-415-05181-1.
^ Carpenter, David Bailey; Whicher, Ian (2003). Yoga: the Indian tradition. London: Routledge. p. 31. ISBN 0-7007-1288-7.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^ B. van Nooten and G. Holland, Rig Veda. A metrically restored text. Cambridge: Harvard Oriental Series (1994).[1]
^ Giffith, Ralph T. H. (1890). The Hymns of the Rigveda. E.J. Lazarus. p. 87.
^ see M. Monier-Williams, A Sanskrit-English Dictionary, also available online
^ bhū: "the place of being, space, world or universe; the earth (as constituting one of the 3 worlds); earth (as a substance), ground, soil, land, lauded property; floor, pavement; a place, spot, piece of ground." bhuvas: "the air, atmosphere." svar: "the sun, sunshine, light, lustre; bright space or sky, heaven (as distinguished from div, which is regarded as the vault above it; often 'heaven' as a paradise and as the abode of the gods and the Blest.)" (Monier-Williams)
^ Jones, William (1807). The works of Sir William Jones. Vol. 13. J. Stockdale and J. Walker. p. 367.
^ Judge Quan, William (January, 1893). "A COMMENTARY ON THE GAYATRI". The Path. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
^ The word Savitr in the original Sanskrit may be interpreted in two ways, first as the sun, secondly as the "originator or creator". Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Maharshi Debendranath Tagore used that word in the second sense. Interpreted in their way the whole formula may be thus rendered. Appendix "C", Sivanath Sastri "History of the Brahmo Samaj" 1911/1912 1st edn. page XVI, publ. Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, 211 Cornwallis St. Calcutta
^ Vivekananda, Swami (1915). The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Advaita Ashram. p. 211.
^ ^a ^b ^c Radhakrishnan, Sarvepalli (1947). Religion and Society. p. 135.
^ S. Radhakrishnan, The Principal Upanishads, (1953), p. 299
^ Sama Veda: 2.812; Vajasenayi Samhita (M): 3.35, 22.9, 30.2, 36.3; Taittiriya Samhita: 1.5.6.4, 1.5.8.4, 4.1.11.1; Maitrayani Samhita: 4.10.3; Taittiriya Aranyaka: 1.11.2
^ Aitareya Brahmana: 4.32.2, 5.5.6, 5.13.8, 5.19.8; Kausitaki Brahmana: 23.3, 26.10; Asvalayana Srautasutra: 7.6.6, 8.1.18; Shankhayana Srautasutra: 2.10.2, 2.12.7, 5.5.2, 10.6.17, 10.9.16; Apastambha Srautasutra: 6.18.1
^ VSM.36.3
^ Dravida recension: 27.1; Andhra recension: 35.1; Atharva recension: 15.2
^ Shankhayana grhyasutra: 2.5.12, 2.7.19; Khadira grhyasutra: 2.4.21; Apastambha grhyasutra: 4.10.9-12; Varaha grhyasutra: 5.26
^ 6.3.6 in the well-known Kanva recension, numbered 6.3.11-13 in the Madhyamdina recension.
^ 4.18
^ 6.7, 6.34, albeit in a section known to be of late origin.
^ 4.28.1
^ Ravi Varma(1956), p.460f, Gonda(1963) p.292
^ Keith, Vol I. p.lxxxi
^ Maitrayani Samhita: 2.9.1; Kathaka Samhita: 17.11
^ Taittiriya Aranyaka: 10.1.5-7
^ Panikkar, Raimundo (2001). The Vedic Experience: Mantramañjarī. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. p. 38. ISBN 978-81-208-1280-2.
^ Panikkar, p. 42.
^ Panikkar, p. 40.
^ Wayman, Alex (1965). "Climactic Times in Indian Mythology and Religion". History of Religions. 4 (2). The University of Chicago Press: 315. doi:10.1086/462508. JSTOR 1061961. {{cite journal}}: More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help)
^ This is on the authority of the Shankhayana Grhyasutra, 2.5.4-7 and 2.7.10. J. Gonda, "The Indian mantra", Oriens, Vol. 16, (Dec. 31, 1963), p. 285
^ Title of the text was Prescript for offering supreme worship by means of the Gayutree, the most sacred of the Veds. Roy, Rammohun (1832). Translation of Several Principal Books, Passages and Texts of the Veds, and of Some Controversial Works on Brahmunical Theology: and of some controversial works on Brahmunical theology. Parbury, Allen, & co.
^ Roy, Ram Mohan (1901). Prescript for offering supreme worship by means of the Gayutree, the most sacred of the Veds. Kuntaline press. So, at the end of the Gayutree, the utterance of the letter Om is commanded by the sacred passage cited by Goonu-Vishnoo 'A Brahman shall in every instance pronounce Om, at the beginning and at the end; for unless the letter Om precede, the desirable consequence will fail; and unless it follow, it will not be long retained.'
^ Sivanath Sastri "History of the Brahmo Samaj" 1911/1912 1st edn. publ. Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, 211 Cornwallis St. Calcutta
^ Mitra, S. S. (2001). Bengal's Renaissance. Academic Publishers. p. 71. ISBN 978-81-87504-18-4.
^ Pruthi, Raj (2004). Arya Samaj and Indian civilization. Discovery Publishing House. p. 36. ISBN 978-81-7141-780-3.
^ Bakhle, Janaki (2005). Two men and music: nationalism in the making of an Indian classical tradition. Oxford University Press. p. 293. ISBN 978-0-19-516610-1.
^ Radhakrishnan 2007, p. 137
^ Battlestar Galactica's Cylon Dream Kit

References

L.A. Ravi Varma, "Rituals of worship", The Cultural Heritage of India, Vol. 4, The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Calcutta, 1956, pp. 445–463
J. Gonda, "The Indian mantra", Oriens, Vol. 16, (Dec. 31, 1963), pp. 244–297
A.B. Keith, The Veda of the Black Yajus School entitled Taittiriya Sanhita, Harvard Oriental Series Vols 18-19, Harvard, 1914

[Staal-1] Staal, Frits (June 1986). "The sound of religion". Numen. 33 (Fasc. 1): 33–64. doi:10.1163/156852786X00084. JSTOR 3270126.

[2] "Designated as sāvitrī, or gāyatrī, throughout Vedic and Sanskrit literature". M. Bloomfield, A Vedic Concordance, Harvard Oriental Series Vol. 10, Cambridge Mass. 1906, p.392b.

[3] The Bloomfield concordance lists over 30 cross-references to other vedic texts. Bloomfield(1906), p.392b.

[4] Manusmṛti states that "there is nothing greater than the Savitri (Gayatri) Mantra." (Manu II, 83). Dutt, Manmatha Nath (1906–1909). The Dharma Shastra Or the Hindu Law Codes Volume 3. Calcutta: Elysium Press. p. 51. ISBN 978-1-4254-8964-9.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date format (link)

[5] The Harivamsa calls it the "mother of the Vedas". Griffith, Ralph T. H. (2003). The Vedas: With Illustrative Extracts. The Book Tree. pp. 15–16. ISBN 978-1-58509-223-9. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

[Rahman-6] In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says, "Of all poetry, I am the Gayatri" (BG.10.35). Rahman, M. M. (2006). Encyclopaedia of Histography. Anmol Publications. p. 300. ISBN 978-81-261-2305-6.

[7] An alternative translation by S. Radhakrishnan interprets BG.10.35 as "Likewise of hymns (I am) Brhtsaman, of metres (I am) gayatri". S. Radhakrishnan, The Bhagvadgita, 7th Indian edn 1982, published by Blackie & Son, p.266.

[Rinehart-8] Rinehart, Robin (2004). Contemporary Hinduism. ABC-CLIO. p. 127. ISBN 978-1-57607-905-8.

[Lipner-9] Lipner, Julius (1994). Hindus: their religious beliefs and practices. Routledge. p. 53. ISBN 978-0-415-05181-1.

[10] Carpenter, David Bailey; Whicher, Ian (2003). Yoga: the Indian tradition. London: Routledge. p. 31. ISBN 0-7007-1288-7.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[11] B. van Nooten and G. Holland, Rig Veda. A metrically restored text. Cambridge: Harvard Oriental Series (1994).[1]

[Griffith-12] Giffith, Ralph T. H. (1890). The Hymns of the Rigveda. E.J. Lazarus. p. 87.

[13] see M. Monier-Williams, A Sanskrit-English Dictionary, also available online

[14] bhū: "the place of being, space, world or universe; the earth (as constituting one of the 3 worlds); earth (as a substance), ground, soil, land, lauded property; floor, pavement; a place, spot, piece of ground." bhuvas: "the air, atmosphere." svar: "the sun, sunshine, light, lustre; bright space or sky, heaven (as distinguished from div, which is regarded as the vault above it; often 'heaven' as a paradise and as the abode of the gods and the Blest.)" (Monier-Williams)

[15] Jones, William (1807). The works of Sir William Jones. Vol. 13. J. Stockdale and J. Walker. p. 367.

[16] Judge Quan, William (January, 1893). "A COMMENTARY ON THE GAYATRI". The Path. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

[17] The word Savitr in the original Sanskrit may be interpreted in two ways, first as the sun, secondly as the "originator or creator". Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Maharshi Debendranath Tagore used that word in the second sense. Interpreted in their way the whole formula may be thus rendered. Appendix "C", Sivanath Sastri "History of the Brahmo Samaj" 1911/1912 1st edn. page XVI, publ. Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, 211 Cornwallis St. Calcutta

[Vivekananda-18] Vivekananda, Swami (1915). The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Advaita Ashram. p. 211.

[Radhakrishnan_1947-19] Radhakrishnan, Sarvepalli (1947). Religion and Society. p. 135.

[20] S. Radhakrishnan, The Principal Upanishads, (1953), p. 299

[21] Sama Veda: 2.812; Vajasenayi Samhita (M): 3.35, 22.9, 30.2, 36.3; Taittiriya Samhita: 1.5.6.4, 1.5.8.4, 4.1.11.1; Maitrayani Samhita: 4.10.3; Taittiriya Aranyaka: 1.11.2

[22] Aitareya Brahmana: 4.32.2, 5.5.6, 5.13.8, 5.19.8; Kausitaki Brahmana: 23.3, 26.10; Asvalayana Srautasutra: 7.6.6, 8.1.18; Shankhayana Srautasutra: 2.10.2, 2.12.7, 5.5.2, 10.6.17, 10.9.16; Apastambha Srautasutra: 6.18.1

[23] VSM.36.3

[24] Dravida recension: 27.1; Andhra recension: 35.1; Atharva recension: 15.2

[25] Shankhayana grhyasutra: 2.5.12, 2.7.19; Khadira grhyasutra: 2.4.21; Apastambha grhyasutra: 4.10.9-12; Varaha grhyasutra: 5.26

[26] 6.3.6 in the well-known Kanva recension, numbered 6.3.11-13 in the Madhyamdina recension.

[27] 4.18

[28] 6.7, 6.34, albeit in a section known to be of late origin.

[29] 4.28.1

[30] Ravi Varma(1956), p.460f, Gonda(1963) p.292

[31] Keith, Vol I. p.lxxxi

[32] Maitrayani Samhita: 2.9.1; Kathaka Samhita: 17.11

[33] Taittiriya Aranyaka: 10.1.5-7

[Panikkar-34] Panikkar, Raimundo (2001). The Vedic Experience: Mantramañjarī. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. p. 38. ISBN 978-81-208-1280-2.

[35] Panikkar, p. 42.

[Panikkar_40-36] Panikkar, p. 40.

[37] Wayman, Alex (1965). "Climactic Times in Indian Mythology and Religion". History of Religions. 4 (2). The University of Chicago Press: 315. doi:10.1086/462508. JSTOR 1061961. {{cite journal}}: More than one of |pages= and |page= specified (help)

[38] This is on the authority of the Shankhayana Grhyasutra, 2.5.4-7 and 2.7.10. J. Gonda, "The Indian mantra", Oriens, Vol. 16, (Dec. 31, 1963), p. 285

[39] Title of the text was Prescript for offering supreme worship by means of the Gayutree, the most sacred of the Veds. Roy, Rammohun (1832). Translation of Several Principal Books, Passages and Texts of the Veds, and of Some Controversial Works on Brahmunical Theology: and of some controversial works on Brahmunical theology. Parbury, Allen, & co.

[40] Roy, Ram Mohan (1901). Prescript for offering supreme worship by means of the Gayutree, the most sacred of the Veds. Kuntaline press. So, at the end of the Gayutree, the utterance of the letter Om is commanded by the sacred passage cited by Goonu-Vishnoo 'A Brahman shall in every instance pronounce Om, at the beginning and at the end; for unless the letter Om precede, the desirable consequence will fail; and unless it follow, it will not be long retained.'

[41] Sivanath Sastri "History of the Brahmo Samaj" 1911/1912 1st edn. publ. Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, 211 Cornwallis St. Calcutta

[42] Mitra, S. S. (2001). Bengal's Renaissance. Academic Publishers. p. 71. ISBN 978-81-87504-18-4.

[43] Pruthi, Raj (2004). Arya Samaj and Indian civilization. Discovery Publishing House. p. 36. ISBN 978-81-7141-780-3.

[44] Bakhle, Janaki (2005). Two men and music: nationalism in the making of an Indian classical tradition. Oxford University Press. p. 293. ISBN 978-0-19-516610-1.

[45] Radhakrishnan 2007, p. 137

[46] Battlestar Galactica's Cylon Dream Kit

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 [[File:The "Gayatri mantra" has been personified into a goddess.jpg|thumb|The "Gayatri mantra" has been personified into a goddess]]
 {{Hinduism}}
-The '''Gāyatrī Mantra''' is a highly revered [[mantra]], based on a [[Vedic Sanskrit]] verse from a [[sukta|hymn]] of the [[Rigveda]] ([[RV 3|3]].62.10), attributed to the [[rishi]] (sage) [[Bhrigu]].  The mantra is named for its vedic [[Gayatri metre|gāyatrī metre]].<ref name="Staal">{{cite journal|last=Staal|first=Frits|date=June 1986|title=The sound of religion|journal=Numen|volume=33|issue=Fasc. 1|pages=33–64 |jstor=3270126|doi=10.1163/156852786X00084}}</ref> As the verse can be interpreted to invoke the [[deva (Hinduism)|deva]] [[Savitr]], it is often called '''Sāvitrī'''.<ref>"Designated as sāvitrī, or gāyatrī, throughout Vedic and Sanskrit literature". M. Bloomfield, [http://www.archive.org/details/vedicconcordance00bloouoft ''A Vedic Concordance''], Harvard Oriental Series Vol. 10, Cambridge Mass. 1906, p.392b.</ref> Its recitation is traditionally preceded by ''{{IAST|[[oṃ]]}}'' and the formula ''{{IAST|bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ}}'', known as the ''{{IAST|mahāvyāhṛti}}'' ("great utterance").
+The '''Gāyatrī Mantra''' is a highly revered [[mantra]], based on a [[Vedic Sanskrit]] verse from a [[sukta|hymn]] of the [[Rigveda]] ([[RV 3|3]].62.10), attributed to the [[rishi]] (sage) {{IAST|[[Visvamitra|Viśvāmitra]]}}.  The mantra is named for its vedic [[Gayatri metre|gāyatrī metre]].<ref name="Staal">{{cite journal|last=Staal|first=Frits|date=June 1986|title=The sound of religion|journal=Numen|volume=33|issue=Fasc. 1|pages=33–64 |jstor=3270126|doi=10.1163/156852786X00084}}</ref> As the verse can be interpreted to invoke the [[deva (Hinduism)|deva]] [[Savitr]], it is often called '''Sāvitrī'''.<ref>"Designated as sāvitrī, or gāyatrī, throughout Vedic and Sanskrit literature". M. Bloomfield, [http://www.archive.org/details/vedicconcordance00bloouoft ''A Vedic Concordance''], Harvard Oriental Series Vol. 10, Cambridge Mass. 1906, p.392b.</ref>  Its recitation is traditionally preceded by ''{{IAST|[[oṃ]]}}'' and the formula ''{{IAST|bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ}}'', known as the ''{{IAST|mahāvyāhṛti}}'' ("great utterance").
 The Gayatri Mantra is repeated and cited very widely in vedic literature,<ref>The Bloomfield concordance lists over 30 cross-references to other vedic texts.  Bloomfield(1906), p.392b.</ref> and praised in several well-known classical Hindu texts such as [[Manusmṛti]],<ref>[[Manusmṛti]] states that "there is nothing greater than the ''Savitri (Gayatri) Mantra''." (Manu II, 83). {{cite book|last=Dutt|first=Manmatha Nath|title=The Dharma Shastra Or the Hindu Law Codes Volume 3|publisher=Elysium Press|location=Calcutta|date=1906-1909|pages=51|url=http://books.google.com/?id=cjtbJPYZRuUC&pg=PA51 | isbn=978-1-4254-8964-9}}</ref> [[Harivamsa]],<ref>The [[Harivamsa]] calls it the "mother of the Vedas". {{cite book|last=Griffith|first=Ralph T. H.|coauthors=T. B. Griffith, Paul Tice|title=The Vedas: With Illustrative Extracts|publisher=The Book Tree|year=2003|pages=15–16|isbn=978-1-58509-223-9|url=http://books.google.com/?id=BtpcpsZEiYMC&pg=PA15}}</ref> and the [[Bhagavad Gita]].<ref name="Rahman">In the [[Bhagavad Gita]], Krishna says, "Of all poetry, I am the Gayatri" (BG.10.35). {{cite book|last=Rahman|first=M. M.|title=Encyclopaedia of Histography|publisher=Anmol Publications|year=2006|pages=300|isbn=978-81-261-2305-6|url=http://books.google.com/?id=CPXCBIDYs6kC&pg=PA300}}</ref><ref>An alternative translation by S. Radhakrishnan interprets BG.10.35 as "Likewise of hymns (I am) Brhtsaman, of metres (I am) gayatri". S. Radhakrishnan, ''The Bhagvadgita'', 7th Indian edn 1982, published by Blackie & Son, p.266.</ref> The mantra is an important part of the [[upanayanam]] ceremony for young males in [[Hinduism]], and has long been recited by [[Brahmin]] males as part of their daily rituals. Modern [[Hindu reform movements]] spread the practice of the mantra to include women and all castes and its use is now very widespread.<ref name="Rinehart">{{cite book|last=Rinehart|first=Robin|title=Contemporary Hinduism|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2004|page=127|isbn=978-1-57607-905-8|url=http://books.google.com/?id=hMPYnfS_R90C&pg=PA127}}</ref><ref name="Lipner">{{cite book|last=Lipner|first=Julius|title=Hindus: their religious beliefs and practices|publisher=Routledge|year=1994|page=53|isbn=978-0-415-05181-1|url=http://books.google.com/?id=HDMLYkIOoWYC&pg=PA53}}</ref>
@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 ==The Mantra==
 ===Text===
 Recitation of the Gayatri Mantra is preceded by ''{{IAST|[[oṃ]]}}''({{lang|sa|ॐ}}) and the formula ''{{IAST|bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ}}'' ({{lang|sa|भूर् भुवः स्वः}}), known as the ''{{IAST|mahāvyāhṛti}}'' ("great utterance"). This prefixing of the mantra proper is described in the [[Taittiriya Aranyaka]] (2.11.1-8), which states that [[Svādhyāya|scriptural recitation]] was always to begin with the chanting of the syllable ''{{IAST|oṃ}}'', followed by the three Vyahrtis and the Gayatri verse.<ref>{{cite book |author=Carpenter, David Bailey; Whicher, Ian |title=Yoga: the Indian tradition |publisher=Routledge |location=London |year=2003 |page=31 |isbn=0-7007-1288-7 |url=http://books.google.com/?id=HlPta3a38P0C&pg=PA31}}</ref>
 Following the ''{{IAST|mahāvyāhṛti}}'' is then the mantra proper, the verse [[RV 3]].62.10:
 {{Col-begin}}
 {{Col-2}}
 :In [[Devanagari]]:
-:{{lang|sa|ॐ_भूर्भुवः॒स्वः_}}
+:{{lang|sa|ॐ भूर्भुवः॒ स्वः ।}}
+:{{lang|sa|तत्स॑वितुर्वरे॑ण्यं ।}}
-:{{lang|sa|तत्स॑वितुर्वरे॑ण्यं_।}}
+:{{lang|sa|भ॒र्गो॑ दे॒वस्य॑ धीमहि। ।}}
-:{{lang|sa|भ॒र्गो॑_दे॒वस्य॑_धीमहि।_।}}
+:{{lang|sa|धियो॒ यो नः॑ प्रचो॒दया॑त्॥ ।}}
-:{{lang|sa|धियो॒_यो_नः॑_प्रचो॒दया॑त्॥_।}}
 {{Col-2}}
 :In [[IAST]]:
@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 : ''{{IAST|bhárgo devásya dhīmahi}}''
 : ''{{IAST|dhíyo yó naḥ pracodáyāt}}''
-<br />
-From mantram trisanday
-<br />
-: ''{{IAST|Om nãrãyana evedaṁ sarvaṁ}}''
-: ''{{IAST|yad bhûtaṁ yas ca bhavyaṁ}}''
-: ''{{IAST|niskalanko niranjano nirvikalpo}}''
-: ''{{IAST|nirãkhyatah sudho deva eko}}''
-: ''{{IAST|nãrãyano nadvityo asti kascit}}''
-<br />
-: ''{{IAST|Om tvaṁ sivah tvaṁ madadevah}}''
-: ''{{IAST|isvarah paramesvarah }}''
-: ''{{IAST|brahmā visnusca rudrasca}}''
-: ''{{IAST|purusah parikirtitah}}''
-'<br />
-: ''{{IAST|Om papo haṁ papakarmãhaṁ}}''
-: ''{{IAST|pāpātmā pāopa sambhavah}}''
-: ''{{IAST|trahi māṁ pundari kākşa}}''
-: ''{{IAST|sabāhyã bhyãntarah sucih}}''
-<br />
-: ''{{IAST|Om ksamasva māṁ mahãdevah}}''
-: ''{{IAST|sarwa prãni hitaṅkara}}''
-: ''{{IAST|mãṁmoca sarwa pãpebhyah}}''
-: ''{{IAST|pãlaya sva sadã siva}}''
-<br />
-: ''{{IAST|Om kşantavyah kãyika dosah}}''
-: ''{{IAST|kşantavyo kãyiko mama}}''
-: ''{{IAST|kşantavyo mãnaso dosah}}''
-: ''{{IAST|tat pramãdãt ksamasva mãṁ}}''
-<br />
-: ''{{IAST|Om shanti shanti shanti om}}''
 {{Col-end}}
+<!--###############Gayatri Mantra Audio Begins#################-->
+{{Listen
+ | filename    = Gayatri.ogg
+ | title       = Gayatri Mantra Audio
+ | description = Recitation of Gayatri Mantra (19 seconds)
+ | format      = [[Ogg]]
+ | pos = right
+}}
+<!--###############Gayatri Mantra Audio Ends###################-->
 Whereas in principle the ''gāyatrī'' metre specifies three [[Pada (foot)|''pāda''s]] of eight syllables each, the text of the verse as preserved in the Rigveda Samhita is one syllable short, the first pāda counting seven instead of eight. Metrical restoration would emend the attested tri-syllabic ''{{IAST|vareṇyaṃ}}'' with a tetra-syllabic ''{{IAST|vareṇiyaṃ}}''.<ref>B. van Nooten and G. Holland, ''Rig Veda. A metrically restored text''. Cambridge: Harvard Oriental Series (1994).[http://www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/lrc/RV/RV03.html#3.062.10a]</ref>
 ===Translation===
-A general translation of the Gayatri Mantra can be given as:<br />
+A literal translation of the Gayatri verse proper can be given as:
-<br />
-"We meditate upon the spiritual effulgence of that adorable supreme divine reality<br />
-Who is the source of the physical, the astral and the heavenly spheres of existence.<br />
-May that supreme divine being enlighten our intellect, so that we may realise the supreme truth."<br />
-<br />
-Syllable Translation<br />
-<br />
-Om:       Brahma, the creator of the universe<br />
-Bhur:     Embodiment of vital breath<br />
-Bhuvah:   Destroyer of miseries and symbol of bliss<br />
-Svaha:    All pervading, blissful God<br />
-Tat:      That (Supreme being)<br />
-Savitur:  Effulgent, radiant<br />
-Varenyam: Supreme, excellent<br />
-Bhargo:   Destroyer of sins<br />
-Devasya:  Bestower of divine power<br />
-Dhimahi:  To adopt, to acquire<br />
-Dhiyo: Intellect<br />
-Yo: Who<br />
-Nah: Our<br />
-Prachodayat: Inspires to righteousness<br />
-<br />
-A literal translation of the Gayatri verse has been incorrectly translated as:<br />
 <blockquote>"May we attain that excellent glory of [[Savitr|Savitar]] the god:<br />
 So may he stimulate our prayers."
@@ Line 87: / Line 42: @@
 with this analysis of the constituent words:<ref>see M. Monier-Williams, ''A Sanskrit-English Dictionary'', also available [http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/monier/ online]</ref>
 *''{{IAST|dhīmahi}}'' "may we attain" (1st person plural middle optative of ''{{IAST|dhā-}}'' 'Unify' etc.)
-*''{{IAST|tat vareṇiyam bharghas}}'' '"that excellent glory" (accusatives of ''{{IAST|tad}}'' (pronoun), ''{{IAST|vareniya-}}'' 'excellent' and ''{{IAST|bhargas-}}'' 'radiance, splendour, glory')
+*''{{IAST|tat vareṇiyam bharghas}}'' '"that excellent glory" (accusatives of  ''{{IAST|tad}}'' (pronoun), ''{{IAST|vareniya-}}'' 'excellent' and ''{{IAST|bhargas-}}'' 'radiance, splendour, glory')
-*''{{IAST|savitur devasya}}'' "of the lord savitar " (genitives of ''[[savitr|{{IAST|savitr}}]]-'', 'stimulator; name of a sun-deity' [[Surya]] and ''[[Deva (Hinduism)|{{IAST|deva}}]]-'' 'god, deity')
+*''{{IAST|savitur devasya}}'' "of the lord savitar " (genitives of ''[[savitr|{{IAST|savitr}}]]-'', 'stimulator; name of a sun-deity' and ''[[Deva (Hinduism)|{{IAST|deva}}]]-'' 'god, deity')
 *''{{IAST|yaḥ pracodayat}}'' "who has the ability to encourage" (nominative singular of relative pronoun ''{{IAST|yad-}}'', causative 3rd person of ''{{IAST|pra-cud-}}'' 'set in motion, encourage, urge, impel')
 *''{{IAST|dhiyaḥ naḥ}}'' "our prayers" (accusative plural of ''{{IAST|dhi-}}'' 'mind, thought, meditation' and ''{{IAST|naḥ}}'' enclitic personal pronoun)
@@ Line 102: / Line 57: @@
 {|class="wikitable"
 |-
 |author|| year || paraphrase
 |-
-| [[William Jones (philologist)|Sir William Jones]] || 1791 || "Let us adore the supremacy of that divine sun, the god-head who illuminates all, who recreates all, from whom all proceed, to whom all must return, whom we invoke to direct our understandings aright in our progress toward his holy seat."<ref>{{cite book|last=Jones|first=William|title=The works of Sir William Jones|publisher=J. Stockdale and J. Walker|year=1807|volume=13|pages=367|url=http://books.google.com/?id=w9QMAAAAYAAJ}}</ref>
+| [[William Jones (philologist)|Sir William Jones]] || 1807 || "Let us adore the supremacy of that divine sun, the god-head who illuminates all, who recreates all, from whom all proceed, to whom all must return, whom we invoke to direct our understandings aright in our progress toward his holy seat."<ref>{{cite book|last=Jones|first=William|title=The works of Sir William Jones|publisher=J. Stockdale and J. Walker|year=1807|volume=13|pages=367|url=http://books.google.com/?id=w9QMAAAAYAAJ}}</ref>
+|-
+| [[William Quan Judge]]  || 1893 || "Unveil, O Thou who givest sustenance to the Universe, from whom all proceed, to whom all must return, that face of the True Sun now hidden by a vase of golden light, that we may see the truth and do our whole duty on our journey to thy sacred seat."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blavatsky.net/theosophy/judge/articles/commentary-on-the-gayatri.htm|title=A COMMENTARY ON THE GAYATRI|first=William|last=Judge Quan|authorlink=William Quan Judge|work=The Path|date=January, 1893}}</ref>
 |-
+|  Sivanath Sastri ([[Brahmo Samaj]])  || 1911 ||  "We meditate on the worshipable power and glory of Him who has created the earth, the nether world and the heavens (i.e. the universe), and who directs our understanding."<ref>The word Savitr in the original Sanskrit may be interpreted in two ways, first as the sun, secondly as the "originator or creator". Raja [[Ram Mohan Roy]] and Maharshi [[Debendranath Tagore]] used that word in the second sense. Interpreted in their way the whole formula may be thus rendered. Appendix "C", Sivanath Sastri "History of the Brahmo Samaj" 1911/1912 1st edn. page XVI, publ. Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, 211 Cornwallis St. Calcutta</ref>
-| [[William Quan Judge]] || 1893 || "Unveil, O Thou who givest sustenance to the Universe, from whom all proceed, to whom all must return, that face of the True Sun now hidden by a vase of golden light, that we may see the truth and do our whole duty on our journey to thy sacred seat."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blavatsky.net/theosophy/judge/articles/commentary-on-the-gayatri.htm|title=A COMMENTARY ON THE GAYATRI|first=William|last=Judge Quan|authorlink=William Quan Judge|work=The Path|date=January, 1893}}</ref>
-|-
-| Sivanath Sastri ([[Brahmo Samaj]]) || 1911 || "We meditate on the worshipable power and glory of Him who has created the earth, the nether world and the heavens (i.e. the universe), and who directs our understanding."<ref>The word Savitr in the original Sanskrit may be interpreted in two ways, first as the sun, secondly as the "originator or creator". Raja [[Ram Mohan Roy]] and Maharshi [[Debendranath Tagore]] used that word in the second sense. Interpreted in their way the whole formula may be thus rendered. Appendix "C", Sivanath Sastri "History of the Brahmo Samaj" 1911/1912 1st edn. page XVI, publ. Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, 211 Cornwallis St. Calcutta</ref>
 |-
 |[[Swami Vivekananda]] || 1915 || "We meditate on the glory of that Being who has produced this universe; may He enlighten our minds."<ref name="Vivekananda">{{cite book|last=Vivekananda|first=Swami|title=The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda|publisher=Advaita Ashram|year=1915|pages=211|url=http://books.google.com/?id=030TAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA211}}</ref>
 |-
 | [[S. Radhakrishnan]] || 1947, 1953
 |
 #"We meditate on the effulgent glory of the divine Light; may he inspire our understanding."<ref name="Radhakrishnan_1947" />
 #"We meditate on the adorable glory of the radiant sun; may he inspire our intelligence."<ref>S. Radhakrishnan, ''[[The Principal Upanishads (book)|The Principal Upanishads]]'', (1953), p. 299</ref>
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 124: / Line 79: @@
 * The Rgvedic stanza 3.62.10 is found a number of times in the mantra listings of the [[Śrauta]] liturgy,<ref>Sama Veda: 2.812; Vajasenayi Samhita (M): 3.35, 22.9, 30.2, 36.3; Taittiriya Samhita: 1.5.6.4, 1.5.8.4, 4.1.11.1; Maitrayani Samhita: 4.10.3; Taittiriya Aranyaka: 1.11.2</ref> where it is used without any special distinction, typically as one among several stanzas dedicated to Savitar at appropriate points in the various rituals.  Accordingly, the stanza is cited several times in the Brahmanas and the Srauta-sutras.<ref>Aitareya Brahmana: 4.32.2, 5.5.6, 5.13.8, 5.19.8; Kausitaki Brahmana: 23.3, 26.10; Asvalayana Srautasutra: 7.6.6, 8.1.18; Shankhayana Srautasutra: 2.10.2, 2.12.7, 5.5.2, 10.6.17, 10.9.16; Apastambha Srautasutra: 6.18.1</ref>
-* In this corpus, there is only one instance of the stanza being prefixed with the three mahavyahrtis.<ref>VSM.36.3</ref> This is in a late supplementary chapter of the Shukla Yajurveda samhita, listing the mantras used in the preliminaries to the [[pravargya]] ceremony.  However, none of the parallel texts of the pravargya rite in other samhitas have the stanza at all. A form of the mantra with all seven vyahrtis prefixed is found in the last book of the [[Aranyaka#Taittiriya Aranyaka|Taittiriya Aranyaka]], better known as the [[Mahanarayana Upanishad]].<ref>Dravida recension: 27.1; Andhra recension: 35.1; Atharva recension: 15.2</ref>
+* In this corpus, there is only one instance of the stanza being prefixed with the three mahavyahrtis.<ref>VSM.36.3</ref>  This is in a late supplementary chapter of the Shukla Yajurveda samhita, listing the mantras used in the preliminaries to the [[pravargya]] ceremony.  However, none of the parallel texts of the pravargya rite in other samhitas have the stanza at all. A form of the mantra with all seven vyahrtis prefixed is found in the last book of the [[Aranyaka#Taittiriya Aranyaka|Taittiriya Aranyaka]], better known as the [[Mahanarayana Upanishad]].<ref>Dravida recension: 27.1; Andhra recension: 35.1; Atharva recension: 15.2</ref>
 * The stanza is also cited in a number of grhyasutras, mostly in connection with the [[upanayana]] ceremony<ref>Shankhayana grhyasutra: 2.5.12, 2.7.19; Khadira grhyasutra: 2.4.21; Apastambha grhyasutra: 4.10.9-12; Varaha grhyasutra: 5.26</ref> in which it has a significant role.
@@ Line 133: / Line 88: @@
 ==Modern Brahmanical usage==
-In traditional Brahmin practice the Gayatri Mantra is addressed to God as the divine life-giver, symbolized by [[Savitr]] (the sun), and is most often recited at sunrise and sunset.<ref name="Panikkar">{{cite book|last=Panikkar|first=Raimundo|title=The Vedic Experience: Mantramañjarī|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ.|year=2001|pages=38|isbn=978-81-208-1280-2|url=http://books.google.com/?id=M01LSxaneasC&pg=PA38}}</ref> It is believed by practitioners that reciting the mantra bestows wisdom and enlightenment, through the vehicle of the Sun ([[Savitr]]), who represents the source and inspiration of the universe.<ref name="Radhakrishnan_1947" /> Recitation at sunrise every morning is part of the [[Sandhyavandana|daily ritual]].<ref name="Rinehart" /><ref>Panikkar, p. 42.</ref> While often associated with outward ritual offerings, it can be recited more inwardly and without rites,<ref name="Panikkar_40">Panikkar, p. 40.</ref> a practice generally known as [[japa]].
+In traditional Brahmin practice the Gayatri Mantra is addressed to God as the divine life-giver, symbolized by [[Savitr]] (the sun), and is most often recited at sunrise and sunset.<ref name="Panikkar">{{cite book|last=Panikkar|first=Raimundo|title=The Vedic Experience: Mantramañjarī|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ.|year=2001|pages=38|isbn=978-81-208-1280-2|url=http://books.google.com/?id=M01LSxaneasC&pg=PA38}}</ref>  It is believed by practitioners that reciting the mantra bestows wisdom and enlightenment, through the vehicle of the Sun ([[Savitr]]), who represents the source and inspiration of the universe.<ref name="Radhakrishnan_1947" /> Recitation at sunrise every morning is part of the [[Sandhyavandana|daily ritual]].<ref name="Rinehart" /><ref>Panikkar, p. 42.</ref> While often associated with outward ritual offerings, it can be recited more inwardly and without rites,<ref name="Panikkar_40">Panikkar, p. 40.</ref> a practice generally known as [[japa]].
-Imparting the Sāvitrī mantra to young [[Hinduism|Hindu]] males is an important part of the traditional [[upanayanam]] ceremony, which marks the beginning of study of the [[Vedas]]. {{nobreak|[[S. Radhakrishnan]]}} has described this as the essence of the ceremony,<ref name="Radhakrishnan_1947">{{cite book|last=Radhakrishnan|first=Sarvepalli|title=Religion and Society|publisher=|year=1947|page=135|isbn=|url=http://books.google.com/?id=SFNE0x5HFLMC&pg=PA135}}</ref> which is sometimes called ''"Gayatri [[diksha]]"'', i.e. initiation into the Gayatri Mantra.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wayman|first=Alex|title=Climactic Times in Indian Mythology and Religion|journal=History of Religions|publisher=The University of Chicago Press|volume=4|issue=2|page=315|jstor=1061961|year=1965|pages=295–318|doi=10.1086/462508}}</ref> However, traditionally, the stanza RV.3.62.10 is the Sāvitrī imparted only to Brahmin boys. Other Sāvitrī verses are used in the upanayanam ceremony for non-Brahmins: RV.1.35.2, in the [[Trishtubh]] meter, for a [[Kshatriya]]; and, either RV.1.35.9 or RV.4.40.5, in the [[Vedic meter|Jagati]] meter, for a [[Vaishya]].<ref>This is on the authority of the Shankhayana Grhyasutra, [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/sbe29/sbe29035.htm 2.5.4-7] and 2.7.10.  J. Gonda, [http://www.jstor.org/stable/1580265 "The Indian mantra"], ''Oriens'', Vol. 16, (Dec. 31, 1963), p. 285</ref>
+Imparting the Sāvitrī mantra to young [[Hinduism|Hindu]] males is an important part of the traditional [[upanayanam]] ceremony, which marks the beginning of study of the [[Vedas]]. {{nobreak|[[S. Radhakrishnan]]}} has described this as the essence of the ceremony,<ref name="Radhakrishnan_1947">{{cite book|last=Radhakrishnan|first=Sarvepalli|title=Religion and Society|publisher=|year=1947|page=135|isbn=|url=http://books.google.com/?id=SFNE0x5HFLMC&pg=PA135}}</ref> which is sometimes called ''"Gayatri [[diksha]]"'', i.e. initiation into the Gayatri Mantra.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wayman|first=Alex|title=Climactic Times in Indian Mythology and Religion|journal=History of Religions|publisher=The University of Chicago Press|volume=4|issue=2|page=315|jstor=1061961|year=1965|pages=295–318|doi=10.1086/462508}}</ref>  However, traditionally, the stanza RV.3.62.10 is the Sāvitrī  imparted only to Brahmin boys. Other Sāvitrī verses are used in the upanayanam ceremony for non-Brahmins: RV.1.35.2, in the [[Trishtubh]] meter, for a [[Kshatriya]]; and, either RV.1.35.9 or RV.4.40.5, in the [[Vedic meter|Jagati]] meter, for a [[Vaishya]].<ref>This is on the authority of the Shankhayana Grhyasutra, [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/sbe29/sbe29035.htm 2.5.4-7] and 2.7.10.  J. Gonda, [http://www.jstor.org/stable/1580265 "The Indian mantra"], ''Oriens'', Vol. 16, (Dec. 31, 1963), p. 285</ref>
 ==Modern reception outside of the Brahmin caste==
 ===Brahmoism===
-In 1827 [[Ram Mohun Roy]] published a dissertation on the Gayatri Mantra<ref>Title of the text was ''Prescript for offering supreme worship by means of the Gayutree, the most sacred of the Veds''. {{cite book|last=Roy|first=Rammohun|title=Translation of Several Principal Books, Passages and Texts of the Veds, and of Some Controversial Works on Brahmunical Theology: and of some controversial works on Brahmunical theology. |publisher=Parbury, Allen, & co.|year=1832|url=http://books.google.com/?id=_1OWRLJfSoMC&pg=PA109}}</ref> that analysed it in the context of various [[Upanishad]]s. Roy prescribed a Brahmin to always pronounce ''[[Om]]'' at the beginning and end of the Gayatri Mantra.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.archive.org/stream/theenglishworks01rammuoft/theenglishworks01rammuoft_djvu.txt|title = Prescript for offering supreme worship by means of the Gayutree, the most sacred of the Veds|first = Ram Mohan| last = Roy| year = 1901| publisher = Kuntaline press| quote= So, at the end of the Gayutree, the utterance of the letter Om is commanded by the sacred passage cited by Goonu-Vishnoo 'A Brahman shall in every instance pronounce Om, at the beginning and at the end; for unless the letter Om precede, the desirable consequence will fail; and unless it follow, it will not be long retained.'}}</ref> From 1830, the Gayatri Mantra was used for private devotion of [[Brahmo]]s. In 1843, the First Covenant of [[Brahmo Samaj]] required Gayatri Mantra for Divine Worship. From 1848-1850 with the rejection of Vedas, the [[Adi Dharm]] [[Brahmins]] use Gayatri Mantra in their private devotions.<ref>Sivanath Sastri "History of the Brahmo Samaj" 1911/1912 1st edn. publ. Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, 211 Cornwallis St. Calcutta</ref>
+In 1827 [[Ram Mohun Roy]] published a dissertation on the Gayatri Mantra<ref>Title of the text was ''Prescript for offering supreme worship by means of the Gayutree, the most sacred of the Veds''. {{cite book|last=Roy|first=Rammohun|title=Translation of Several Principal Books, Passages and Texts of the Veds, and of Some Controversial Works on Brahmunical Theology: and of some controversial works on Brahmunical theology. |publisher=Parbury, Allen, & co.|year=1832|url=http://books.google.com/?id=_1OWRLJfSoMC&pg=PA109}}</ref>  that analysed it in the context of various [[Upanishad]]s. Roy prescribed a Brahmin to always pronounce ''[[Om]]'' at the beginning and end of the Gayatri Mantra.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.archive.org/stream/theenglishworks01rammuoft/theenglishworks01rammuoft_djvu.txt|title = Prescript for offering supreme worship by means of the Gayutree, the most sacred of the Veds|first = Ram Mohan| last = Roy| year = 1901| publisher = Kuntaline press| quote= So, at the end of the Gayutree, the utterance of the letter Om is commanded by the sacred passage cited by Goonu-Vishnoo 'A Brahman shall in every instance pronounce Om, at the beginning and at the end; for unless the letter Om precede, the desirable consequence will fail; and unless it follow, it will not be long retained.'}}</ref> From 1830, the Gayatri Mantra was used for private devotion of [[Brahmo]]s. In 1843, the First Covenant of [[Brahmo Samaj]] required Gayatri Mantra for Divine Worship. From 1848-1850 with the rejection of Vedas, the [[Adi Dharm]] [[Brahmins]] use Gayatri Mantra in their private devotions.<ref>Sivanath Sastri "History of the Brahmo Samaj" 1911/1912 1st edn. publ. Sadharan Brahmo Samaj, 211 Cornwallis St. Calcutta</ref>
 ===Hindu revivalism===
-In the later 19th century, [[Hindu reform movements]] extended the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra beyond caste and gender limitations. In 1898, [[Swami Vivekananda]] began initiating non-Brahmins with [[Upanayana|the sacred thread ceremony]] and the Gayatri Mantra. He based this on the interpretations of the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita that Brahmin status is earned and not hereditary.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mitra |first=S. S.|title=Bengal's Renaissance|publisher=Academic Publishers|pages=71|isbn=978-81-87504-18-4|url=http://books.google.com/?id=WPFeBY9YEAQC&pg=PA71|year=2001}}</ref> The [[Arya Samaj]] notably spread the teaching that recitation of the mantra was not limited to males, but that women could rightfully be taught both the Vedas and the Gayatri Mantra.<ref>{{cite book|last=Pruthi|first=Raj|title=Arya Samaj and Indian civilization|publisher=Discovery Publishing House|year=2004|pages=36|isbn=978-81-7141-780-3|url=http://books.google.com/?id=8zrxlH1Tl24C&pg=PA36}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Bakhle|first=Janaki|title=Two men and music: nationalism in the making of an Indian classical tradition|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2005|pages=293|isbn=978-0-19-516610-1|url=http://books.google.com/?id=daPoKY6a-p0C&pg=PA293}}</ref> In his writings, S. Radhakrishnan encouraged the teaching of Gayatri mantra to men and women of all castes.<ref>{{Harvnb|Radhakrishnan|2007|p=137}}</ref> Various ''[[Yagya|Gayatri Yagya]]s'' organised by All World Gayatri Pariwar at small and large scales in late twentieth century also helped spread Gayatri Mantra to the mass.<ref>{{cite book|last=Pandya|first=Dr. Pranav|title=Reviving the Vedic Culture of Yagya|publisher=Vedmata Gayatri Trust|year=2001|pages=25-28}}</ref> In some of these yagyas, women and persons from different castes also performed role of ''Yagyacharya'' (priests).<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=Panchjanya|date=November19, 2000}}</ref>
+In the later 19th century, [[Hindu reform movements]] extended the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra beyond caste and gender limitations. In 1898, [[Swami Vivekananda]] began initiating non-Brahmins with [[Upanayana|the sacred thread ceremony]] and the Gayatri Mantra. He based this on the interpretations of the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita that Brahmin status is earned and not hereditary.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mitra |first=S. S.|title=Bengal's Renaissance|publisher=Academic Publishers|pages=71|isbn=978-81-87504-18-4|url=http://books.google.com/?id=WPFeBY9YEAQC&pg=PA71|year=2001}}</ref> The [[Arya Samaj]] notably spread the teaching that recitation of the mantra was not limited to males, but that women could rightfully be taught both the Vedas and the Gayatri Mantra.<ref>{{cite book|last=Pruthi|first=Raj|title=Arya Samaj and Indian civilization|publisher=Discovery Publishing House|year=2004|pages=36|isbn=978-81-7141-780-3|url=http://books.google.com/?id=8zrxlH1Tl24C&pg=PA36}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Bakhle|first=Janaki|title=Two men and music: nationalism in the making of an Indian classical tradition|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2005|pages=293|isbn=978-0-19-516610-1|url=http://books.google.com/?id=daPoKY6a-p0C&pg=PA293}}</ref> In his writings, S. Radhakrishnan encouraged the teaching of Gayatri mantra to men and women of all castes.<ref>{{Harvnb|Radhakrishnan|2007|p=137}}</ref>
 === Popular culture ===
-A [[new age]] version of the Gayatri Mantra is featured in the opening theme song of the TV series ''[[Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' (2004).<ref>[http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2290393,00.asp Battlestar Galactica's Cylon Dream Kit]</ref><ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhkmglawA2w&list=FLQxmP8LuCt5ixc35r0aMOjw&index=5&feature=plpp_video</ref>
+A [[new age]] version of the Gayatri Mantra is featured in the opening theme song of the TV series ''[[Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' (2004).<ref>[http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2290393,00.asp Battlestar Galactica's Cylon Dream Kit]</ref>
 ==Notes==
@@ Line 154: / Line 109: @@
 * J. Gonda, [http://www.jstor.org/stable/1580265 "The Indian mantra"], ''Oriens'', Vol. 16, (Dec. 31, 1963), pp.&nbsp;244–297
 * A.B. Keith, ''The Veda of the Black Yajus School entitled Taittiriya Sanhita'', Harvard Oriental Series Vols 18-19, Harvard, 1914
-* The Mantra, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDnamSM3Z3s "Gayatri Mantra - Youtube"]
-==External links==
-* [http://swadharmam.blogspot.in Online Course for Basic Vedic Mantras & rituals for Brahmins] Online Vedic Courses to learn from Home
 [[Category:Hindu mantras]]
+[[bn:গায়ত্রী]]
+[[fr:Gāyatrī mantra]]
-* [https://sites.google.com/site/parabrahmatattva/ Gayathri Mantra] The Essence of Gayathri
+[[pl:Mantra Gajatri]]
+[[ru:Гаятри-мантра]]
+[[uk:Гаятрі-мантра]]
+[[te:గాయత్రీ మంత్రము]]