Sri Balakrishnananda Saraswathi is the founder of Shri Gayatri Tapobhoomi in Tadas, near Hubli in Karnataka. Here are his thoughts on the greatness of Gayatri Mantra.
Gayatri is essentially a Maha Mantra. It is a prayer and an object of meditation. Gayatri is a mantra shakti, not just a deity.
Gayatri is essentially a Maha Mantra. It is a prayer and an object of meditation. Gayatri is a mantra shakti, not just a deity.
All Devis have their avatar, but not Gayatri. Gayatri is Atman,
Atman is Gayatri.
Surya cannot be described, but he is the Maha Shakti who
infuses life into every living being. The power behind Surya is Gayatri.
Surya is avinashi, eternal. That is why the word varenyam in
the Gayatri Mantra is loaded with meaning.
Gayatri is jnana, knowledge. She is jnana svarupini,
embodiment of knowledge. It is jnana that leads one to moksha, liberation.
Gayatri is not an ordinary prayer, a prayer meant for
seeking material and worldly gains. It is a mantra for the wish fulfillment of
a different kind. Men and women reach higher levels of awareness by meditating
on the Gayatri Mantra.
The japa of this mantra leads the chanter in proper and
virtuous direction.
Contemplation and meditation on the Gayatri Mantra helps us
in understanding the mysteries of the universe around us.
Sri Balakrishnananda Saraswathi – Founder of Shri Gayatri
Tapobhoomi in Tadas, near Hubli in Karnataka.