GAYATRI O, Pundit! Your Gayatri was grazing in the fields of a Lodha Jat. With a staff, the owner broke her leg and she was liinping. (Gond Namdev, p 874) Satarupa, Savitri, Sarasvati, Gayatri and Brahman are said to be the names of Sarasvati, the wife o Brahma. One myth speaks of Gayatri as the second wife of Brahma. At the time of a Yajna Csacrifice) Sarasvati was absent. She was called, but could no reach back in time as she was in her toilet.
Brahma in great rage, married Gayatri, daughter of a sage, in order to perform the rite. When Sarasvati reached, ther was a great row. Gayatri is said to have pacified him by her eloquence and agreed to occupy the subordinate position. According to another myth, Gayatri was cursed by Sarasvati to become a cow. When she was grazing in the field of a Lodha Jat, the owner hit her with a staff and broke her leg. Gayatri is also a mantra, a prayer to the sun, which is said to have three feet.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
In Hindu mythology, Gayatri is revered as one of the most sacred and powerful concepts, embodying spiritual wisdom and divine energy. Gayatri is personified as Gayatri Devi, often regarded as the mother of the Vedas, and is considered a goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment. Her significance is closely tied to the Gayatri Mantra, a universal prayer of immense spiritual potency.
Gayatri Mantra and Its Origin
The Gayatri Mantra is found in the Rigveda (Mandala 3.62.10) and is composed of 24 syllables arranged into a precise structure, making it the cornerstone of Hindu spiritual practice. The mantra invokes Savitr, the sun deity, seeking illumination of the intellect and wisdom to lead a virtuous life. It is traditionally recited during Sandhyavandanam (morning, noon, and evening prayers) and is a key aspect of daily rituals for spiritual purification.
The mantra goes as follows:
“Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat”
Translated, it means: “We meditate on the adorable splendor of the divine sun. May it enlighten our minds.”
Gayatri Devi in Mythology
Gayatri Devi is described as an incarnation of Maa Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, and sometimes as a form of Maa Parvati or Maa Lakshmi, depending on traditions. She is depicted as a radiant figure with five heads, symbolizing the five elements of creation, and often seated on a lotus, representing purity. Gayatri Devi’s essence encompasses protection, enlightenment, and the nurturing power of divine knowledge.
The story of Gayatri Devi is linked with Lord Brahma, the creator. She is believed to have been his consort, embodying divine qualities that empower the act of creation and the dissemination of wisdom.
Significance of Gayatri in Hindu Philosophy
Gayatri symbolizes the harmonious union of meditation, wisdom, and spirituality. Her mantra is considered the “Mantra of Liberation,” guiding practitioners toward moksha (liberation) by awakening their higher consciousness. It is believed that regular chanting of the Gayatri Mantra purifies the mind, dispels darkness, and leads to enlightenment.
Gayatri is not just a goddess or mantra but also represents the eternal essence of knowledge and light, serving as a guide for humanity’s spiritual journey.
