Mantra Savitri (Sun)
Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most revered Vedic mantras, from the Rig Veda (3.62.10). It is a prayer to Savitr, the divine light of the Sun, asking for the intellect to be inspired and illuminated. It is traditionally chanted at sunrise, noon and sunset.
Hindi (Devanagari)
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः।
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं।
भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि।
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥
English transliteration
Om bhur bhuvah svah.
Tat savitur varenyam.
Bhargo devasya dhimahi.
Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat.
Meaning in English
Om. Earth, the space between, and heaven.
We meditate on the adorable, radiant light of the divine Savitr (the Sun).
May that light inspire and illuminate our minds.
Word by word: Om — the sacred syllable. Bhur — the earth, the physical world. Bhuvah — the atmosphere, the space between. Svah — the heavens. Tat — that. Savitur — of Savitr, the divine Sun, the source of life. Varenyam — worthy, adorable. Bhargo — radiance, the light that removes darkness. Devasya — of the divine. Dhimahi — we meditate on. Dhiyo — intellect, understanding. Yo — who. Nah — our. Prachodayat — may inspire, may guide.
How to chant: sit comfortably facing east in the morning or west in the evening, with a straight back. Take a few calm breaths, then chant slowly and clearly, aloud or silently. Many people use a mala of 108 beads, moving one bead for each repetition; 3, 11, 27 or 108 repetitions are common. Traditionally the opening words Om bhur bhuvah svah (the vyahritis) are said before the verse itself.
The mantra is addressed to Savitr, the Sun as the power that awakens and inspires — so it is a prayer not for wealth or success, but for clear thinking and right understanding. It is taught to children at the upanayana (sacred thread ceremony) and is recited by many Hindus every day.
Frequently asked questions
How many times should the Gayatri Mantra be chanted?
Traditionally 3, 11, 27 or 108 times, often with a mala of 108 beads.
When is the best time to chant the Gayatri Mantra?
At the three sandhyas — sunrise, noon and sunset — though it can be chanted at any calm time.
Pujas where this is sung
Traditional text. Spellings and verses vary slightly between printed editions. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.