Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha – Gayatri Mantra: Lyrics, Meaning, Benefits

What are the lyrics and meaning of Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha – Gayatri Mantra?

Introduction

Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha – Gayatri mantra occupies a unique place in Hindu tradition, due to the fact that it has both the power of Prarthana (prayer) and of a mantra.

This Sanskrit mantra is a highly revered mantra in Hinduism, 2nd only to the mantra Om.

It consists of the prefix ”om bhur bhuva swaha,” an ancient formula commonly appearing in the Yajurveda, and verse 3.62.10 of the Rig Veda.

Gayatri mantra was written in Sanskrit about 2,500 to 3,500 years ago, and this powerful mantra may have been recited by sages for many centuries before that.

Gayatri is the name of the 24-syllable meter (excluding the prefix) of this verse, and also the name of the Hindu Goddess is considered the personification of the mantra. The word itself explains the principal reason for the existence of this Sanskrit mantra.

Therefore, this mantra has its origin in the Sanskrit phrase ”Gayantam Triyate iti,” and actually refers to that mantra that rescues the practitioner from all adverse situations that may lead to mortality and other types of sufferings.

More importantly, this mantra is chanted by a spiritual devotee to remember the higher purpose of life, and it can also be a prayer to the Supreme God to lift our consciousness upwards.

ALSO READ: Navagraha Mantra (Stotram): Lyrics

The mantra is also unique in that it embodies the three concepts:

• dhyaana (meditation);
• stotra (singing the praise and glory of God);
• prarthana (prayer).

Furthermore, for many Hindu followers, Gayatri is seen as a Divine awakening of the individual soul and the individual mind, Atman, and within it, a simple method to Union with the collective consciousness – Brahman.

Understanding (not only as a concept but in practice) and simply loving the essence of this mantra is believed by many to be one of the fastest ways to touch and experience God.

Swami Sivananda said about the Gayatri mantra:

“Of all the Sanskrit mantras, the supreme and the most potent power of powers is the great, glorious Gayatri Mantra. The mantra is the support of every seeker after Truth who believes in its efficacy, glory, and power, be he of any caste, clime, creed, or sect. It is only one’s faith and purity of heart that really count.”

Swami Shivananda also said about this mantra:

”Indeed, this mantra is a veritable fortress that guards, defends and protects its votary, an impregnable spiritual armor, which transforms him into the divine, and blesses him with the brilliant light of the highest spiritual illumination … This single Hindu mantra chanted sincerely and with a clear conscience and pure intentions, brings the supreme good.”

ALSO READ: Sudarshana Maha Mantra – Om Sahasrara Hum Phat Meaning

Gayatri Mantra – Lyrics in Sanskrit

”Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha,
Tat Savitur Varenyam,
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi,
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat.”

Mantra Translation

”O Lord, Thou are the protector of life and of breath,
Dispeller of miseries and bestower of happiness.
Thou are the creator and the most acceptable intelligence,
Possessing eternal qualities. May Thine qualities and Thy inspiration pass to us.”

ALSO READ: Kamdev Mantra – Om Kamadevaya Vidmahe

Savitri Mantra Meaning On Syllables:

The syllables of this Sanskrit mantra are said to positively affect all the energy centers (chakras) in the human body – thus, proper enunciation and pronunciation are very important.

• Om – it is considered the primeval sacred sound from which all sounds emerge. Also, Aum is Brahma and a metaphor for Source Energy or the Supreme Being. It is usually said that Om is the greatest of all mantras.
• Bhur – it is the embodiment of vital spiritual energy (prana).
• Bhuva – it represents the astral plane of existence (which is of the nature of subtle elements).
• Swaha – it represents the embodiment of happiness.
• Tat – it represents Brahman – The Ultimate Reality, which is simply referred to as “That” because it defies description through language or speech.
• Savitur – it represents the source of all creation, supreme reality, divine illumination (of Goddess Shakti or Savitri).
• Varenyam – it represents the Supreme Consciousness that inspires adoration.
• Bhargo – it represents the destroyer of sins, radiant one, one who illumines all.
• Devasya – it represents the divine, of the deity.
• Dhimahi – it represents the meditation or knowledge of the Absolute.
• Dhiyo – it is the intellect, awareness, intelligence, reasoning, and discriminating faculty which is an instrument for attaining higher wisdom.
• Yonah – it represents our energy, our actions.
• Prachodayat – it translates as may inspire, stimulate, propel towards the higher reality.

ALSO READ: Hayagriva Mantra: Lyrics

Benefits of Chanting Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha mantra:

Chanting this powerful mantra removes all hindrances, both spiritual and material, in our path to increased wisdom, knowledge, spiritual growth, inner peace, and development on all plains.

The powers and spiritual teachings incorporated in the Savitri mantra fulfill this aspiration.

Righteous wisdom starts emerging soon after chanting of the Mantra is performed. Also, this soothing mantra is reputed to be unrivaled in terms of helping individuals toward attaining moksha (complete liberation).

Mantra chanting, as observed by many mantra meditation practitioners, helps induce the “relaxation” response, causing a reduction of respiration, heartbeat and tension, inner fears, and brain waves.

Moreover, reciting the mantra at least three times in the early morning and three times in the evening is said to purify the consciousness of the practitioner.

According to the ancient Vedas, there are seven spheres or realms of existence, each more spiritually advanced than the previous one.

It is acknowledged that through spiritual awareness, development, and daily sadhana (spiritual practice), we can progressively move through these realms and ultimately merge with the Supreme Being.

Numerous Buddhist spiritual teachings have also referred to these seven spiritual realms.

In addition, by reciting this mantra with sincere devotion (mentally or aloud), divine spiritual healing light and power are infused into each of our energy centers and connects them to these seven great spiritual realms of existence.

Sathya Sai Baba once said:

”It is essential to recite the Gayatri mantra at least 3 times during the morning (ideally before sunrise), noon, and evening. This will serve to reduce the effects of the wrong acts one does every day.”

Sathya Sai Baba added:

”It is like buying goods for cash, instead of getting them on credit. There is no accumulation of karmic debt (negative karma) since each day’s action is atoned for that day itself by chanting this mantra.” 

If you intend to recite the mantra, it is quite imperative that you recite it with the correct pronunciation and with the deepest integrity of intent.

Note

This mantra can be chanted, listened to, or even thought.

There are potency and power in all three types of practice.

Choose the approach that you are most comfortable with.

Here are some steps to guide you to practice this mantra:

• find a quiet place – choose a peaceful and clean spot where you won’t be disturbed. This may be a quiet corner in your home or a serene outdoor spot.
• sit comfortably – cross-legged on the floor is a traditional posture, but the key is to be comfortable so you can maintain stillness. Ensure your back is straight, as this promotes alertness and helps energy flow freely.
• set an intention – before you begin chanting, set an intention or Sankalpa. This may be a personal goal, a wish for others’ well-being, or a general desire for peace and enlightenment.
• begin with ‘Om’ – start by chanting the sound “Om.” It’s considered the universal sound, and it helps to calm the mind and attune it to the divine vibration.
• chant the mantra- now, chant the Gayatri Mantra. It’s advisable to learn the correct pronunciation, perhaps from a teacher or a reliable online source, to maintain the mantra’s integrity and power.
• use mala beads – using a mala (a string of 108 beads) can help keep count of how many times you’ve chanted the mantra. You would typically run the mala through your right hand, using your thumb to move from one bead to the next each time you complete the mantra.
• meditate – after chanting, spend some time in silence. Allow the vibrations of the mantra to settle within you. This is a form of meditation, where you observe your thoughts, sensations, and emotions without judgment.
• consistency is key – make chanting the Gayatri Mantra a part of your daily routine. Chanting at the same time every day (traditionally at sunrise, midday, and sunset) helps establish a rhythm and deepens the spiritual experience.

Final Thoughts

The Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha has been used for millennia by Hindus around the world as a way to connect with God/higher consciousness.

By regularly chanting this mantra, practitioners are able to access higher states of consciousness which provide them with greater wisdom and understanding about themselves and their place in Creation.

Regular practice yields numerous benefits, including — increased mental clarity, improved concentration, and enhanced creativity.

Image credit – Shutterstock

ALSO READ:

KLEEM Mantra Power For Love Attraction