{"id":4540,"date":"2026-08-17T11:42:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T11:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/?p=4540"},"modified":"2026-08-17T11:42:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T11:42:42","slug":"gayatri-mantra-meaning-benefits-how-to-chant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/gayatri-mantra-meaning-benefits-how-to-chant\/","title":{"rendered":"Gayatri Mantra Meaning and Benefits: How to Chant It Correctly"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before the studio becomes busy, I often travel there in the early hours for my personal practice. This includes meditation, p\u016bj\u0101 and \u0101rat\u012b dedicated to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Lakshmi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Goddess Lakshmi<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After meditation, I chant the Gayatri Mantra six times. This ancient prayer helps me move from inner stillness into devotion and then into the activity of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>What Is the Gayatri Mantra?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most revered mantras in the yoga tradition. It appears in the \u1e5ag Veda at 3.62.10 and was composed in Vedic Sanskrit more than 3,000 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Gayatri Mantra meaning<\/strong> centres on divine light, awakened understanding and the guidance of our inner intelligence. A simple expression of the <strong>meaning of the Gayatri Mantra<\/strong> is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We meditate upon the sacred radiance of Savit\u1e5b. May that divine light inspire and guide our understanding.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Who Is the Gayatri Mantra Dedicated To?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mantra is dedicated to <strong>Savit\u1e5b<\/strong>, a Vedic solar deity associated with illumination, inspiration and the power that sets life into motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sun is our primary natural source of illumination, warmth and energy. It supports the rhythms of the day, the seasons and almost every form of activity on Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Within the mantra, sunlight also becomes a symbol of inner illumination\u2014the light through which confusion may become understanding and unconscious action may become conscious choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Why Is the Gayatri Mantra Considered Powerful?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/powerful-mantras-benefits-and-how-to-use\/\">mantra<\/a> brings together sound, breath, rhythm, concentration and meaning. During chanting, the mind is given one clear point of focus. The measured rhythm can settle the breath, while the meaning directs our attention towards clarity and wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its power also comes from its extraordinary continuity. Practitioners have preserved and recited this verse for thousands of years. Each time we chant it, we participate in that living tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Gayatri Mantra Lyrics in Sanskrit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" class=\"gb-media-02739914\" alt=\"Gayatri Mantra translation\" title=\"Gayatri-Mantra-Lyrics-in-Sanskrit\" src=\"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gayatri-Mantra-Lyrics-in-Sanskrit-768x512.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gayatri-Mantra-Lyrics-in-Sanskrit-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gayatri-Mantra-Lyrics-in-Sanskrit-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gayatri-Mantra-Lyrics-in-Sanskrit-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gayatri-Mantra-Lyrics-in-Sanskrit.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Devanagari<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u0950 \u092d\u0942\u0930\u094d\u092d\u0941\u0935\u0903 \u0938\u094d\u0935\u0903<br>\u0924\u0924\u094d\u0938\u0935\u093f\u0924\u0941\u0930\u094d\u0935\u0930\u0947\u0923\u094d\u092f\u0902<br>\u092d\u0930\u094d\u0917\u094b \u0926\u0947\u0935\u0938\u094d\u092f \u0927\u0940\u092e\u0939\u093f<br>\u0927\u093f\u092f\u094b \u092f\u094b \u0928\u0903 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u091a\u094b\u0926\u092f\u093e\u0924\u094d \u0965<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Transliteration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">O\u1e41 bh\u016br bhuva\u1e25 sva\u1e25<br>tat savitur vare\u1e47ya\u1e41<br>bhargo devasya dh\u012bmahi<br>dhiyo yo na\u1e25 pracoday\u0101t<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The original Vedic verse begins with <em>tat savitur vare\u1e47yam<\/em>. In common practice, it is preceded by <strong>O\u1e41<\/strong> and the three sacred utterances <em>bh\u016br, bhuva\u1e25, sva\u1e25<\/em>, often understood as earth, the space between and the celestial realm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Gayatri Mantra Pronunciation Guide<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple pronunciation guide is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Om bhoor bhu-vah svah<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>tut sa-vee-toor va-ren-yum<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>bhar-go day-va-sya dhee-ma-hee<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>dhee-yo yo nah pra-cho-da-yaat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Helpful points include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bh\u016br<\/strong> has a long \u201coo\u201d sound.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dh\u012b<\/strong> has a long \u201cee\u201d sound.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Na\u1e25<\/strong> ends with a soft breath rather than a hard English \u201ch.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Y\u0101t<\/strong> has a long \u201caa\u201d sound.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pronunciation is important, but avoid creating unnecessary tension in the mouth, jaw or throat. Listen carefully, practise slowly and allow accuracy to develop through repetition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mantra is composed in <strong>g\u0101yatr\u012b metre<\/strong>, not anu\u1e63\u1e6dubh. G\u0101yatr\u012b metre traditionally contains 24 syllables arranged as three lines, or <em>p\u0101das<\/em>, of eight syllables each. Anu\u1e63\u1e6dubh, by comparison, generally contains four lines of eight syllables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allow the three lines to establish the pace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>tat savitur vare\u1e47ya\u1e41<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>bhargo devasya dh\u012bmahi<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>dhiyo yo na\u1e25 pracoday\u0101t<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid rushing the words to fit the mantra into a single breath. Each line can be chanted on its own comfortable exhalation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Gayatri Mantra Audio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Listen to my recording below to hear the pronunciation, pace and rhythm I use in my own practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Gayatri-Mantra.mp3\"><\/audio><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Begin by listening without trying to chant. Then join one line at a time, allowing the pronunciation and metre to become familiar before chanting the complete mantra independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>The Gayatri Mantra in My Personal Practice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My early-morning p\u016bj\u0101 and \u0101rat\u012b are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and informed by the Sattva Yoga \u0101rat\u012b tradition. The practice includes offerings such as water, flowers, food, light, fragrance and tilaka. Each physical offering becomes an expression of attention, gratitude and devotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A verse that reflects the spirit of these simple offerings appears in Bhagavad Gita 9.26:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Patra\u1e41 pu\u1e63pa\u1e41 phala\u1e41 toya\u1e41<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>yo me bhakty\u0101 prayacchati<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>tad aha\u1e41 bhaktyupah\u1e5btam<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>a\u015bn\u0101mi prayat\u0101tmana\u1e25<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whoever offers me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water I receive that loving offering from one whose heart is sincere. The verse specifically names a leaf, flower, fruit and water. Incense, tilaka and light come from the broader tradition of p\u016bj\u0101.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What matters is not the expense or grandeur of the offering. Even something simple can become sacred when it is offered with genuine attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Benefits of Chanting the Gayatri Mantra<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traditional practitioners associate the Gayatri Mantra with wisdom, clarity and spiritual illumination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular chanting may help us to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Establish a consistent daily ritual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus and steady the mind<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coordinate breathing, speech and awareness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a conscious pause before beginning the day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reflect before acting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop familiarity with Sanskrit rhythm and sound<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are contemplative benefits rather than promises of medical treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>How Gayatri Mantra May Support Mental Calmness<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chanting gives a busy mind something precise to follow. We listen, breathe, pronounce the words and return to the next repetition. When the mantra is chanted slowly and without strain, its repetition may encourage steadier breathing and reduce our engagement with distracting thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aim is not to force the mind into silence. It is to create conditions in which agitation can gradually settle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Best Time to Chant the Gayatri Mantra<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mantra is traditionally associated with the transitional periods of dawn, midday and dusk. These meeting points are known as <em>sandhy\u0101<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, a regular practice at a realistic time is more valuable than an ideal routine that cannot be maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Gayatri Mantra in the Morning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Morning chanting can establish the quality with which we enter the day. The mind is often quieter before responsibilities and conversations begin competing for our attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why my personal practice takes place in the early hours at the studio. It gives me time to meditate, make my offerings and chant before moving into teaching and daily activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Gayatri Mantra at Sunrise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sunrise creates a natural relationship between the mantra and the physical world. As darkness gives way to visible form, the illuminating energy of Savit\u1e5b becomes something we can directly experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no need to stare at the sun. Simply allow the changing morning light to support your contemplation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Gayatri Mantra at Sunset<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At sunset, the mantra can become a practice of reflection and integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We might consider what became clear during the day, where confusion influenced our actions and what we are ready to release before resting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Can You Chant the Gayatri Mantra at Night?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Although sunrise and sunset carry particular traditional significance, the mantra may also be chanted at night. Use a gentle pace and allow the practice to become quieter. Mental repetition may be especially suitable immediately before sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Gayatri Mantra and Mala Chanting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A m\u0101l\u0101 provides a simple way to count repetitions without distracting the mind. Each bead represents one complete recitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A m\u0101l\u0101 is helpful, but it is not compulsory. My own practice currently includes six repetitions. Consistency and attention are more important than completing a particular number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>How to Use a Mala for Gayatri Mantra Japa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" class=\"gb-media-b5493c20\" alt=\"How to use a mala for Gayatri Mantra Japa with guru bead and chanting steps\" title=\"how-to-use-mala-gayatri-mantra-japa\" src=\"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/how-to-use-mala-gayatri-mantra-japa.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/how-to-use-mala-gayatri-mantra-japa.webp 1536w, https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/how-to-use-mala-gayatri-mantra-japa-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/how-to-use-mala-gayatri-mantra-japa-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/how-to-use-mala-gayatri-mantra-japa-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Begin with the bead beside the larger <em>guru<\/em> bead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Settle your posture and breathing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chant the complete mantra once.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Move to the next bead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continue without rushing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When you return to the guru bead, do not cross over it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To complete another round, turn the m\u0101l\u0101 around and continue in the opposite direction.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>How Many Beads Should You Use?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A traditional japa m\u0101l\u0101 contains <strong>108 counting beads and one guru bead<\/strong>. Smaller m\u0101l\u0101s may contain 54 or 27 beads. Beginners do not need to begin with 108 repetitions. Six, nine, 12 or 27 attentive repetitions may be more appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Why Is 108 Used in Mantra Chanting?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The number 108 carries many layers of sacred and symbolic meaning within Indian traditions. It appears in prayer, cosmology, lists of divine names and contemplative practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A complete round also provides enough time for the mind to move beyond its initial restlessness and settle into the rhythm of the mantra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>How to Choose a Mala for Mantra Meditation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">M\u0101l\u0101s may be made from rudraksha, tulsi, sandalwood, crystal, lotus seed or other natural materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose one that feels comfortable and appropriate to your practice. For a Lakshmi-oriented practice, crystal or lotus seed may hold particular significance, but the material is less important than the sincerity with which it is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Final Thoughts on the Gayatri Mantra<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Gayatri Mantra brings together sunlight and insight, ancient tradition and personal experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We contemplate the radiance that illuminates the world and ask that the same light awaken our understanding. My six morning repetitions form one small part of my practice, but they help connect the stillness of meditation with the devotion of p\u016bj\u0101 and the responsibilities of the coming day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Begin slowly. Learn the sounds, understand what you are chanting and leave a short period of silence after your final repetition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-accordion__item gb-accordion__item-2fa7775d\">\n<div role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"gb-accordion__toggle gb-accordion__toggle-4dd702ee\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-4dd702ee\">\n<span class=\"gb-text\"><strong>How many times should I chant the Gayatri Mantra?<\/strong><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon gb-accordion__toggle-icon-963e29ee\"><span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon-open\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><rect width=\"256\" height=\"256\" fill=\"none\"><\/rect><polyline points=\"208 96 128 176 48 96\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"16\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon-close\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><rect width=\"256\" height=\"256\" fill=\"none\"><\/rect><polyline points=\"48 160 128 80 208 160\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"16\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-accordion__content\" id=\"gb-accordion-content-19e0622f\">\n<div class=\"gb-element-73263fb1\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Begin with three, six, nine, 12 or 27 repetitions. A traditional complete round contains 108 repetitions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-accordion__item gb-accordion__item-c29376c0\">\n<div role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"gb-accordion__toggle gb-accordion__toggle-d84c0a7f\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-d84c0a7f\">\n<span class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Can I chant the Gayatri Mantra every day?<\/strong><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon gb-accordion__toggle-icon-a7baf648\"><span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon-open\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><rect width=\"256\" height=\"256\" fill=\"none\"><\/rect><polyline points=\"208 96 128 176 48 96\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"16\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon-close\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><rect width=\"256\" height=\"256\" fill=\"none\"><\/rect><polyline points=\"48 160 128 80 208 160\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"16\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-accordion__content\" id=\"gb-accordion-content-04d88890\">\n<div class=\"gb-element-33b0ff91\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. A short, consistent daily practice is often more beneficial than occasional long sessions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-accordion__item gb-accordion__item-199df07d\">\n<div role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"gb-accordion__toggle gb-accordion__toggle-c8450401\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-c8450401\">\n<span class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Is Gayatri Mantra good for meditation?<\/strong><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon gb-accordion__toggle-icon-5f97a964\"><span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon-open\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><rect width=\"256\" height=\"256\" fill=\"none\"><\/rect><polyline points=\"208 96 128 176 48 96\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"16\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon-close\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><rect width=\"256\" height=\"256\" fill=\"none\"><\/rect><polyline points=\"48 160 128 80 208 160\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"16\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-accordion__content\" id=\"gb-accordion-content-9196275c\">\n<div class=\"gb-element-2f3e4bdc\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Its rhythm and meaning provide a stable focus for meditation. It may be chanted aloud, whispered or repeated mentally.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-accordion__item gb-accordion__item-4c86ca0d\">\n<div role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"gb-accordion__toggle gb-accordion__toggle-8e5c7d9f\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-8e5c7d9f\">\n<span class=\"gb-text\"><strong>Why is Gayatri Mantra traditionally chanted 108 times?<\/strong><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon gb-accordion__toggle-icon-d8ecfbb6\"><span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon-open\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><rect width=\"256\" height=\"256\" fill=\"none\"><\/rect><polyline points=\"208 96 128 176 48 96\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"16\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-accordion__toggle-icon-close\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 256\"><rect width=\"256\" height=\"256\" fill=\"none\"><\/rect><polyline points=\"48 160 128 80 208 160\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"16\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-accordion__content\" id=\"gb-accordion-content-2e4f1e14\">\n<div class=\"gb-element-d04621d5\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A m\u0101l\u0101 traditionally contains 108 counting beads. Completing the full round gives the mind time to settle into sustained concentration, while the number itself carries extensive sacred significance within Indian traditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before the studio becomes busy, I often travel there in the early hours for my personal practice. This includes meditation, p\u016bj\u0101 and \u0101rat\u012b dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. After meditation, I chant the Gayatri Mantra six times. This ancient prayer helps me move from inner stillness into devotion and then into the activity of the day. &#8230; <a title=\"Gayatri Mantra Meaning and Benefits: How to Chant It Correctly\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/gayatri-mantra-meaning-benefits-how-to-chant\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Gayatri Mantra Meaning and Benefits: How to Chant It Correctly\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4556,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-yoga-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4540"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4540\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4555,"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4540\/revisions\/4555"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4540"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4540"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sthirayogaacademy.com\/mystaging01\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}