Gāyatrī mantra

Hindu prayer

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June 29, 2026

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The Gayatri mantra, also known as the Savitri mantra, is a significant verse in Hinduism, originating from the Rigveda. It is a sacred utterance, or mantra, used in various ritual contexts, most notably during the initiation ceremony (upanayana) for boys of certain castes and in daily morning prayers (samdhya). The mantra's text is: "We contemplate the excellent glory of the divine Savitr; may he inspire our intellect". It is believed to inspire the intellect and has been associated with longevity, understanding, honor, and glory through prolonged recitation. The term mantra itself comes from the Sanskrit root man, meaning "to think," and -tra, signifying an instrument, thus translating to an "instrument of thought".12

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Hinduism
Other private rites
…recitation of mantras, especially the Gayatri-mantra (Rigveda 3.62.10), a prayer for spiritual stimulation addressed to the Sun. The accompanying ritual includes (1) the application of marks on the forehead, characterizing the adherents of a particular religious community, (2) the presentation of offerings (water, flowers) to the Sun, and (3) meditative…
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…recitation of mantras, especially the Gayatri-mantra (Rigveda 3.62.10), a prayer for spiritual stimulation addressed to the Sun. The accompanying ritual includes (1) the application of marks on the forehead, characterizing the adherents of a particular religious community, (2) the presentation of offerings (water, flowers) to the Sun, and (3) meditative…
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Saura sect
…India, many Hindus chant the Gayatri mantra, a prayer to the Sun, at every dawn. Surya also figures as one of the five deities (together with Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, and Ganesha) worshipped by the Smarta sect.
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…India, many Hindus chant the Gayatri mantra, a prayer to the Sun, at every dawn. Surya also figures as one of the five deities (together with Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, and Ganesha) worshipped by the Smarta sect.
Read More