Every major deity in Sanatana Dharma has a Gayatri Mantra. The Shiva Gayatri extols Lord Shiva. In the Shaiva path Lord Shiva is regarded as supreme Brahman. The ultimate reality.
The name Shiva in Sanskrit means auspiciousness. Any mantra or stotram related to Him guarantees the very same. The merciful Lord is like a fond father who never sees the faults in his children.
Words of the Shiva Gayatri Mantra and its Meaning
The Shiva Gayatri mantra is a combination of both male and female energies. It is a balance between the yin and yang. Many people confuse the Gayatri with the goddess Gayatri. But there is a major difference between the two.
The Gyatri of this Shiva Mantra refers to the poetic metre, or the Gayatri metre. With which the Mantra is structured. Whereas, the Goddess Gayatri is the goddess of the vedas, and the predominant deity of the main Gayatri mantra.
However, the formation of the Gayatri metre is structured in a feminine way. The chandas, and the nouns that form this meter use feminine notations.
Lord Shiva is the Lord of supreme masculinity yet His Gayatri mantra strikes a perfect balance between masculine and feminine energies.
The Mantra is- ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudra Prachodayat.
Meaning: I bow to Shiva. Let the greatest of men (Tatpurusha) give me wisdom, Oh Lord of Lords Mahadev, kindly illuminate my mind with knowledge and intelligence. Oh, Rudra kindly take me under your shelter and show me the right path.
Benefits of the Shiva Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri contains 3 names of Lord Shiva. They are – Tatpurusha, Mahadeva, and Rudra. Each name has a meaning and quality attached to it.
Names like Tatpurusha and Mahadev extol the supreme qualities of Lord Shiva. They praise divine authority. Chanting these names through the Gayatri invites these very same features in one’s life.
The mantra grants prosperity and happiness. One suffering from financial and family problems will find relief. Bhagwan Shiva is the Lord of the night and nocturnal beings. Reciting this Gayatri helps solve insomnia and nightmares.
Fears from ghosts and spirits will dissolve. Sleep cycles become regulated and more peaceful. The next morning shall be fresh, unlike the usual monotonous drag.
Lord Rudra grants His quality of fearlessness to the chanter. A meek person may become daring and confident in his speech. The mantra empowers one and speaks through their tongue.
The Play of the Ego
However it is very important for the sadhaka to attribute all the credit and good luck to the Lord. The ego plays an important role in the downfall of man. Mahadev is Bholenath. He does not differentiate between an egoistic person and a humble man.
Once pleased by the devotion of the devotee, He blesses him thoroughly. Yet, the mind that functions through ego, takes all the credit for its achievements and goodness in life.
Lord Shiva is another name for humility metaphorically. There is a famous story of Bhagwan Shiva accepting His son Murugan as His guru. The lord of Kailash picked up the young boy on His shoulders and bowed His head in reverence. While, Kartikeya explained to His father the meaning of Om.
Which father does that, in today’s times? Not all fathers respect their children because of ego issues. Lord Shiva was even ready to take a lower seat being the Lord of Lords. Isn’t this a display of exceptional humility?
These exceptional qualities are laced in Shiva mantras. When invoked with dedication, they bless the devotee with their presence.
Ultimately treading the path of self destruction. Man is incapable of anything. The Lord runs the world, and he runs it very well. One should always remember that.
Increase in Mental Capacity
The 6 vices are present in man are nothing but projections of the mind. Every action one takes (good or bad) it is first projected in the mind. The concept of Paap and Punya arises from this. Good thoughts and actions secure Punya or virtue. Whereas bad thoughts and actions incur Paap.
These very actions or thoughts form Karma. And on the way we create a fresh set of Karma. This is a never ending cycle. We take birth after birth to undergo the fruits of our actions. One is stuck in this maze of suffering.
But is there no relief from this?
If we look deeper all of this traces back to the human mind. The mind inspires one to do actions and is the cause of thoughts.
When one recites the Shiva Gayatri with faith and focus, the mind is forced into being tamed. making you more settled in life. Devotion increases drawing you closer to Lord Shiva. His lingering presence guides one’s decisions. That’s why great seers and rishis have extolled the greatness of mantra chanting.
The start of the chanting might feel hectic and one might also lose the will to chant. But one must remember that this is nothing but a play of the mind. The use of will power to sail through the early phase of chanting is very essential.
If one surrenders and prays to Bhagwan Shiva with full devotion, His grace will flow through the reciter. Giving renewed strength and focus for further chanting.
Mental capacity and memory increase. Slowly and steadily mundane feelings of anger, irritation, etc will be replaced with hope and positivity.
During Shravan Maas, the benefits of chanting Shiva Gayatri Mantra multiply.
Guru importance
Over several articles the importance of guru especially related to beejas have always been emphasized.
It is the same here. The Shiva Gayatri starts with the syllable Om which is a major beeja. One cannot exclude the Om in this mantra, as it is the basis of the Gayatri.
But does that mean people who are not initiated cannot be blessed with its benefits?
Difference between Yantra and Mantra
In Kaliyuga, the best way to gain spiritual and material merit is through Naam mantra Japa. However, certain mantras require initiations. For this even normal naam mantras are there. Where initiation is not required.
Yet people find it difficult to keep their focus while chanting.
Because of this the zeal to chant fades and one discontinues the chanting routine. This is a very common issue.
However, the best way to incur the same merit is through yatra sadhan. When the mind cannot focus inwards, it is best to shift its focus outwards.
Yantras hold the same potency of the mantra, but in the form of geometry. If one focuses on Yantra and its formation with intent it reaps the same benefit.
The Glory of the Shiva Yantra
Guru-Energized Shiva Yantra
- Removes Obstacles & Negative Energies
- Brings Deep Peace & Mental Stability
- Strengthens Courage & Inner Power
- Supports Harmony, Stability & Well-Being
- Deepens Connection with Lord Shiva
- Traditionally Hand-Made by Guruji on Sacred Bhojpatra
- Energized & Blessed by Guruji
- Authentic Yantra Geometry & Inscriptions
- Prepared Through a Traditional Spiritual Process
- Available in 3 Practical Sizes
- Ideal for Puja, Meditation & Sacred Placement
The Shiva yantra represents the very qualities of Lord Shiva. It has the same benefits of that of the Shiva Gayatri Mantra.
Many feel that self-control means to neglect their material duties. But just as Lord Shiva being a yogi is an exceptional householder (Grihastha). He is a compassionate father towards His two sons Ganesha and Murugan. While being the loving husband of Parashakti.
The worship of the Yantra provided one the quality of being detached while being in material life. Initially there will be doubts and insecurities. But if one faithfully worships the Yantra, such thoughts fade gradually.
The Yantra instills the sense of calmness and mental equilibrium in its devoted worshipper. The calmness is equivalent to that of the snowy peaks of Kailash.
With a calm mind comes awareness. Which induces curiosity about the higher purpose of life. Lord Shiva is considered the Guru Tattva. He is patient and understanding.
He is the only Supreme Being who is revered as both Guru and Bhagawan. For spiritually lost people he is the ultimate refuge.
On devotedly worshipping the Shiva Yantra Lord Shiva orchestrates the meeting with one’s fated guru. With whose guidance one sails the formidable ocean of Samsara.
This Shiva Yantra is universal and is the core of all Shiva mantras. The glory of the Yantra cannot be described in few words.
Can we praise Lord Shiva and His pastimes in mere words?
No. In the same manner the Shiva Yantra is Lord Shiva personified in a geometry. The blessings of the yantra are immense. It depends on how the Sadhaka approaches the Yantra.
The Formation of the Yantra
The centre of the Yantra lies a dot or bindu. Most Yantras either have a bindu or some syllable written here. What does it mean?
In the centre lies the core of the Yantra. The Deity is considered to be seated here. When worshiping the yantra, one should focus on this point and surrender all their thoughts on it.
Around the dot lies the interlocking triangles. Countless Yantras have the same interlocking triangles. The intent remains the same.
These upward and downward triangles represent the balance of Purush and Prakriti. That is masculine and feminine energy. They are the union of pure consciousness with creative power. The unmoving and the driving force.
Next comes the lotus petals. This imagery is also very common. We know that Yantras are physical forms of Mantras. These petals focus on the different layers of the mind.
The petals are secured within a circle. Which represent the cosmos or the universe. It is a symbolism of the infinite which is never ending. Much similar to a circle, where one can not find its start and end.
The borders (Bhupura) of the Yantra serve as 4 gateways. They invite positivity and divine grace from their respective sides.
Overall the Shiva Yantra is a charged device. It’s not mere lines or pretty design. Each part of the yantra has a deep meaning and connection with Mahadev.
With constant prayer and worship the yantra unfolds itself to the devotee. Opening grooves of the mind and heart. Making it worthy of receiving Lord Shiva’s compassionate Kripa.
Vani Devi Dasi
Rohini Devi Dasi