A yantra is a geometrical design imprinted on a gold, mercury, crystal, copper or silver plate. It is an instrument of worship and devotional "sadhanas" or "mantras" are offered to it. It is a bridge to reach the divine power through concentration, meditation and utmost faith in the god or goddess, to which it is dedicated. Presently, it is also available in multi-colored inks on paper.
Geologically, a yantra is a monogram - a spectrograph of sonic energy. It generates specific currents of sublime sound, which is perceived as the manifestation of the divine power. It is a structure with contours representing divine energy fields.
Gayatri Yantra
As written in the sacred scriptures, "The Gayatri is Brahma, Gayatri is Vishnu, Gayatri is Shiva, Gayatri is Vedas". Later Gayatri was personified as a goddess. According to Hindu mythology, goddess Gayatri is the avatar of goddess Saraswati. She is the consort of Lord Brahma. Gayatri is a Sanskrit word, where, "Gaa" means sing and "Yatree" means protection. She is visualized and depicted as having five heads that represents four Vedas and the fifth one represents the almighty God. She is also believed to have five pair of hands. In her hands, she holds the symbols of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. She is also depicted as being seated on a lotus. Being the form of Saraswati, goddess Gayatri is considered to be the Veda Mata, the mother of all Vedas, the 4 most sacred scriptures of Hinduism. She is the goddess of shakti (strength), dev (quality), knowledge, innocence and moral excellence.
Gayatri Devi or Maha Devi is the ruling deity of the Gayatri Yantra. The Yantra contains Panchmukhi or Ashat Mukhi. The beej aksharas of the Gayatri mantra are inscribed on the Yantra.
History of Gayatri Yantra
It is believed that as the sister to the sun god Surya, so strong was her admiration for his brilliance that she decided to diffuse herself into a sacred mantra called the Gayatri mantra, dedicated to him.
Establishment of Gayatri Yantra
Gayatri Yantra is kept in a particular direction at home, preferably in cash box, cupboard, purse, temple, office, factory, shop, school, on some auspicious day. Once placed, it should be worshipped everyday to attain the blessings of the deity. Sight or "Darshan" of this yantra in the morning is believed to be sufficient to receive the blessings of the incorporeal being.
Gayatri Yantra Puja
To worship Gayatri Yantra, a process needs to be followed. One must cleanse himself prior to the puja then sit facing the Yantra, with a positive frame of mind. One must place the Yantra facing the east or the north direction. It is recommended that the eyes and the mind of the person should be focused at the center of the Yantra to attain a meditative mode. It is advised that the Yantra should remain untouched by other people. Sandalwood paste should be used to make rounded dots at the 4 corners and in the center of the Yantra. Next step is to light a candle or a ghee lamp and an incense stick in front of the Yantra. One can even offer fresh or dry fruits as prasad to the Yantra. It is also advised to put some fresh flowers in front of the Yantra. Then the person should chant the mantra a specific number of times. Hindi or English translations of the mantra are also available in the market, all having the same effect. They thus can be utilized if one is unable to read the mantra in Sanskrit. At the end of the puja, one can sincerely ask the goddess to fulfill his wishes. It is also advised to wash the Yantra with rose water or milk, periodically. Then, rinse it with water and wipe it to dry. Subsequently, the colour of the Yantra may change over a period of time, but the power of the Yantra will remain unaltered.
There can be instances that the Gayatra Yantra may be advised to be placed at home and worshipped when the person is oppressed by evil spirits. Then, the process is extended after the puja. It is dipped in water for sprinkling around the home for 1 week to keep the evil spirits away from the affected person. The person concerned should consume rice, milk and water during the puja days. A ghee lamp should be lit all day and night, without failure, away from open doors, windows and flammable materials.
Purpose of Gayatri Yantra
Gayatri Yantra is worshipped to ask goddess Gayatri for good health, success, prosperity, wealth and comfort in life. She represents auspiciousness. Chanting Gayatri Yantra mantra is said to relieve individuals from pain and problems in life. It helps in attaining wisdom and happiness. It instills individual with strength and power. It is a door to the eternal world. Goddess Gayatri symbolizes extreme purity, which is aimed by individuals to achieve in life. Therefore, Gayatri Yantra is worshipped to reach purity. It is also a medium for meditation and experiencing tranquility.
Gayatri Yantra Mantra
Mantra is a Sanskrit word. A conglomeration of sacred syllable(s) or sacred word(s) is called a mantra. Mantras are also called vibrational formulas since chanting of the mantras create a specific sound, a frequency that conveys a directive into the sub-conscious.
The Gayatri mantra is written by Brahmarishi Vishwamitra. It is considered to be the most sacred of all the Hindu mantras. To yield the desired outcomes, Gayatri mantra should be chanted 108 times. They can be recited silently within, spoken or sung outwardly, preferably three times daily, that is, at sunrise, at midday and at dusk. The concept of trinity of life (birth, growth and death) is affirmed when the mantra is repeated three times in a day. It can be repeated in totals of 108, 1,008, 10,008 and so on. To ensure that the mantra is correctly recited 108 times, prayer beads called the japa mala, having 108 beads can be used.
Mantra- "Om Bhu, Bhuvah, Swah Savitur Verenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yor Prachodayat"
Related Articles:
Gayatri Mantra
Goddess Gayatri Temple
Yantra Puja
Durga Yantra
Shani Yantra
Shree Yantra
Kuber Yantra
Vaastu Yantra
Mangal Yantra
Ganesha Yantra
Mahakali Yantra
Nav Graha Yantra
Kaal Sarp Yantra
Dhumavati Yantra
Mahalaxmi Yantra
Saraswati Yantra
Yantra, Astrology
