Goddess Gayatri is a highly revered deity in Hinduism. She is a form of Goddess Saraswati, the consort of Lord Brahma. She is also Veda Mata or the mother of all Vedas. She is the embodiment of the Tridevis – Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Parvati, and Goddess Saraswati. The well-known Vedic hymn, Gayatri Mantra, is dedicated to her.
Gayatri is the Goddess of music, intelligence, and other abilities. She signifies knowledge, wisdom, and intellect. She bestows Riddhi, Siddhi, and Buddhi on her devotees.
One can find Gayatri temples in Kallepalli Rega, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, and in Pushkar, Rajasthan.
Iconography
Goddess Gayatri has five heads. She sits on a crimson lotus flower, wearing white clothes. The lotus symbolizes riches. Her five heads represent the five Pranas, i.e., Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, and Samana. They also signify the five elements of the universe – earth, water, fire, air, and sky. Four of her heads also represent the four Vedas, while the 5th head represents the Almighty.
She has ten hands, in which she holds the weapons of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Usually, she is depicted with a Shankh (conch), Chakra (discus), lotus flowers, goad, and the noose. Two hands display Abhaya Mudra and Varada Mudra. Gayatri is the only Hindu goddess who has Tri-Netra, or three eyes, like Shiva.
Legend of Gayatri
Gayatri is the consort of Brahma. Legends claim that Brahma wanted to perform a Yajna with his consort, Goddess Saraswati, in Pushkar. However, she was not available. This meant that Brahma could not complete the Yajna, as his wife’s presence was essential for the ritual.
Brahma then requested the priest to look for a woman he could take as his wife to complete the Yajna. Accordingly, the priest found a suitable woman called Gayatri and got her married to Brahma. It is said that the woman was an incarnation of Saraswati herself.
Significance of Goddess Gayatri
According to the Scriptures, a powerful demon called Vritra was causing havoc in the world. The gods wished to defeat him and restore peace.
To find a solution, they approached Brahma. Brahma told them about Goddess Gayatri, who possessed great power and could grant liberation and remove darkness with her radiance.
So, the gods began to meditate deeply to invoke the presence of the Goddess. Gayatri finally appeared before them in a radiant form adorned with golden robes. The gods sought her help to slay Vritra. Gayatri assured them that she would help them in their battle.
Fueled by Gayatri’s divine energy, the gods went to war against Vritra. They defeated the demon and restored peace to the world. The victory over Vritra represents the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.
Later, Goddess Gayatri came to be worshipped as the personification of the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most sacred Mantras in the Vedic world. The Mantra is actually a prayer to the Sun God, Savitur. It helps one invoke the blessings of Gayatri, bringing wisdom, enlightenment, and divine illumination.
Gayatri is worshipped by spiritual sadhaks/aspirants and seekers of wisdom, knowledge, and divine guidance.
Her blessings and grace can help us attain enlightenment and overcome the obstacles on the path of spiritual evolution.
Gayatri Homam
Gayatri Homam is a fire ritual to invoke Goddess Gayatri and her blessings. A sacred fire is lit during the Homam, and various offerings are made to the deity. Mantras are also chanted.
Benefits of Goddess Gayatri Homam
- Performing Gayatri Homam brings many blessings from Goddess Gayatri.
- It bestows good concentration and consciousness.
- It can remove toxins from our bodies. It strengthens our heart and nervous system.
- It brings relief from severe respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis.
- Gayatri Homam fills our lives with light and peace by warding off negative energies and evil spells.
- The Homam fills the environment with a soothing and tranquil aura. It bestows spiritual growth and a blissful life.
- Gayatri Homam helps us progress on the spiritual path and achieve success in life.
- It bestows intelligence, wisdom, radiance, and enthusiasm.
- The Gayatri Homa helps overcome obstacles and challenges. It bestows strength, courage, and wisdom.
- It can bless one with material wealth, prosperity, and success in all endeavors.
- It can cleanse the inner self, bringing spiritual growth and inner peace.
- It helps us to connect more deeply with the divine.