The Gayatri Mantra is a revered Hindu mantra from the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts in the world. It is a powerful and ancient prayer that is chanted for spiritual purification, guidance, and wisdom. The mantra is dedicated to the goddess Gayatri, who represents the source of knowledge and enlightenment. Here is the text of the Gayatri Mantra in Sanskrit, along with a rough translation:

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्॥

Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

The rough translation is:

Om, the divine spirit that permeates all life We meditate upon the supreme light of the creator Who is worthy of worship and illuminates all realms May that divine light guide our intellect and inspire our souls

The Gayatri Mantra holds deep symbolic meaning within Hinduism. Here are some interpretations of its symbolism:

1. Invocation of the Divine: The mantra begins with the sacred sound "Om," which represents the ultimate reality or the divine essence that pervades all existence. It is a powerful syllable that connects the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness.

2. Praises to the Sun: The mantra is dedicated to Savitri, the solar deity or the sun. The sun is considered a symbol of light, knowledge, and enlightenment. It represents the source of life and spiritual illumination. By chanting the Gayatri Mantra, one seeks to awaken the inner light of wisdom and divine knowledge.

3. Three Realms of Existence: The mantra mentions the three realms of existence: Bhur, Bhuva, and Swaha. These realms are symbolic of the physical, astral, and celestial planes. By acknowledging and meditating upon these realms, one aims to connect with the cosmic energies and higher dimensions of consciousness.

4. Varenyam Bhargo: This phrase signifies the divine qualities that are worthy of worship and adoration. It represents the inherent virtues and attributes of the divine, such as purity, brilliance, and radiance. By contemplating these divine qualities, one seeks to cultivate them within oneself.

5. Dheemahi: This word translates to "we meditate upon" or "we contemplate." It emphasizes the practice of deep reflection, concentration, and contemplation to access higher states of consciousness. It signifies the intent to go beyond superficial knowledge and seek profound spiritual understanding.

6. Prachodayat: This final phrase calls for divine guidance and inspiration. It seeks to awaken and illuminate the intellect and consciousness. By invoking the divine light, one seeks clarity, wisdom, and enlightenment on their spiritual path.

Overall, the Gayatri Mantra symbolizes the pursuit of spiritual purification, guidance, and wisdom. It represents the invocation of divine energy and the awakening of inner light for self-realization and connection with the universal consciousness. Through its chanting, devotees seek to attain spiritual illumination and align their intellect and soul with the divine wisdom and guidance of the universe.

Yogic Interpretation:

The Gayatri Mantra can be seen as a yogic invocation for the guidance of the mind on a transformative journey from the physical realm to subtler planes of existence. It calls for the awakening and expansion of consciousness through meditation. Here's the interpretation:

1. Guide my Mind: By reciting the Gayatri Mantra, the practitioner seeks guidance for the mind. In yogic philosophy, the mind is seen as a powerful instrument that can either keep us bound to the physical realm or lead us to higher states of consciousness. The mantra implores the divine to guide the mind towards spiritual growth and liberation.

2. From Physical to Subtler Planes: The mantra acknowledges the three realms mentioned as Bhu, Bhur, and Swaha. In a yogic context, these realms can represent different levels of consciousness. Bhu signifies the physical realm, Bhur represents the astral or energetic realm, and Swaha symbolizes the celestial or spiritual realm. The mantra encourages the mind to transcend the limitations of the physical world and explore the subtler planes of existence through meditation and inner exploration.

3. Meditate upon the Highest and Brightest Light: The mantra invites the practitioner to meditate upon the highest and brightest light, representing the divine consciousness. In yoga, light is often associated with the awakening of spiritual awareness and the illumination of inner wisdom. By directing the mind towards this supreme light, one seeks to connect with the highest truth, knowledge, and enlightenment.

4. Propels from Bhu to Bhur to Swaha: The mantra expresses the aspirant's intention to move beyond the physical realm (Bhu) towards the astral or energetic realm (Bhur) and ultimately transcend to the celestial or spiritual realm (Swaha). This progression symbolizes the gradual ascent of consciousness through various stages of inner realization, expansion, and transformation.