Vedas, the ancient texts of immense wisdom, hold a pride of place in Hinduism. And Goddess Gayatri is regarded as Veda Mata, the Mother of the Vedas. So, our scriptures hold Gayatri in high reverence. While Vedas consider Gayatri to be the supreme Trinity of Gods, Brahmas, Vishnu, and Shiva, holy texts also regard her as Brahma's consort. According to beliefs, Gayatri appeared as knowledge on the occasion of Shukla Paksha Ekadasi, the 11th Lunar Day of Waxing Moon Phase, during Jyeshya month (May-June), observed as Gayatri Jayanthi, the Day of Advent of Gayatri Devi.
People also observe the
occasion as Nirjala Ekadasi, fasting completely and spending the Day in
prayers.
This Year, Gayatri Jayanthi falls on Monday, June 17, 2024.
Gayatri
in Mythology
According to legends,
Gayatri is a Supreme Goddess, worshipped as the Divine Mother. The Puranas
speak elaborately and also differently about Gayatri. Some texts hold her as
Shiva's consort, characterized by 5 heads and 10 hands, with each head
representing a Tattva, an element of nature- the Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and
Space. Hence, holy texts refer to her as Panchamukhi, the 5-headed Goddess. She
is often portrayed as seated on a lotus and carrying weapons and things like
the conch, discus, mace, elephant goad, whip, a jar of nectar, lotus, and
Rudraksha Mala; and displaying the protective Abhaya Mudra and the boon-giving
Varada Mudra in her hands.
There are other texts that
consider Gayatri the consort of Brahma, the Creator, depicting her with a
single head. Scriptures consider her as a form of life force that remains part
of every being; hence, scriptures regard her as the core of all the powers of
the universe.
Gayatri represents the
various aspects of creation. Hence, she is hailed as the supreme deity who
enlightens the self by dispelling darkness.
Gayatri
Mantra
Sacred texts claim that
Goddess Gayatri is nothing but the personification of Gayatri Mantra, which,
according to beliefs, Sage Vishwamitra gave to the world. Thus, the sage shared
the knowledge Goddess Gayatri represented with the world, leading to the destruction
of ignorance. Gayatri Jayanthi is said to be the Day when the sage composed and
recited the Gayatri Mantra first.
Gayatri Mantra, perhaps
the most Sacred of Mantras, is a hymn from Rig Veda, the oldest Vedic text.
Scriptures assert the supremacy of Gayatri Mantra and its immense efficacy.
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayaat
This is the Gayatri
Mantra, which can be said to mean, 'We meditate on the greatness of the being
who created the universe; may that divinity enlighten our minds.'
This Mantra has 24
letters, which represent the 24 Tattvas, the elements or aspects. These are the
5 fundamental elements of nature, like the earth, fire, water, air, and space;
the 5 senses, like smell, taste, sight, sound, and touch; the 5 sense organs,
like the nose, tongue, eyes, ears, and skin; the 5 organs performing different
Karmic deeds in our body; and the 4 Antahkaranas, like the mind, intellect,
consciousness, and ego.
It is believed that
chanting the Gayatri Mantra with complete devotion and faith can free devotees
of all their sins, relieve them of all miseries and hardships, end all their
sufferings, and fill their lives with peace and happiness.
Gayatri
Jayanthi Celebration and Benefits
People perform Pooja and
offer prayers to Goddess Gayatri at homes and in Temples. Devotees also gather
in large numbers and hold Satsangs and Kirtans in public places. Many recite
the Gayatri Mantra and meditate on the Goddess.
Gayatri Mantra chanting is
regarded as particularly efficacious on this occasion. Elders recommend this
chanting 108 times, 3 times, in the morning, afternoon, and evening on that
Day.
According to tradition and
belief, Devi Gayatri can bestow people with all material and spiritual
blessings. Propitiating her on her birthday, Gayatri Jayanthi can earn her
immense grace. It can absolve sins, eliminate adverse karmic effects, provide
comprehensive protection, help overcome obstacles, conquer challenges, sharpen
intellect and achieve goals, grant strength, wealth, prosperity, and success,
purify their souls, and lead devotees towards spiritual attainments.
0 Comments