Sanskrit Chant - Gayatri Mantra

Who is Gayatri?
Gayatri (pronounced as Gaayatree) is a Sanskrit word, made up of two syllables - "Gaa" and "Yatree". "Gaa" means to sing and "Yatree" means protection. So Gayatri means those who "worship her, or sing her praise, get protected".

Gayatri is not a new or independent goddess. She is the supreme power (Shakti) of Lord Brahmaa, Vishnu, Shiv, Raam and Krishn. Lord Raam who came on this Earth in Tretaa Yug, took the Deekshaa of Gayatri Mantra from Muni Vishwaamitra Jee. Lord Krishn, who came on this Earth in Dwaapar Yug, took the Deekshaa of Gayatri Mantra with His friend Sudaamaa from their Guru Sandeepan Muni. Even the Godhead Sri Krishn says in the Holy Geetaa - "Among all the Mantra I am the Gayatri Mantra".

Otherwise Gayatri is a type of Sanskrit poetry which has only 24 syllables. This Gayatri Mantra also has 24 syllables, that is why it is called Gayatri Mantra.

Shankh Smriti says about Gayatri Mantra that - Narrating about the importance of Gayatri Mantra, the Ved say - “ A chanter of Gayatri Mantra attains the desired world (Lok) and the desired object. "Gayatri" is the mother of the Ved and destroyer of the sin.”

For chanting, Gayatri Mantra is considered to be the best and for performing a "Hom" or "Havan" (offerings made to the sacrificial fire), Vyahrili Havan is the best. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra for 108 times eliminates the sins which are committed daily, knowingly or unknowingly. Chanting of the Gayatri Mantra for 1,100 times eliminates all the sins and chanting it for 10,000 times gives salvation.

Gayatri is the Aadi Shakti, initial power or prime power, which gives the movement, force or inspiration to both living and nonliving things. Gayatri Poojaa is done by chanting Gayatri Mantra, or worshipping the Gayatri Yantra, or conducting the Gayatri Anushthaan.