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JAIN GAYATRI MANTRA
AUM
BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA,
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT
APO JYOT RASOMRUTAM BRAHMA
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Jai
Jinendra! We all know, It is the sacred mantra of Hindus but few would know, it was also that of Jains in South India not very long ago. We have palm leaf Sanskrit text giving its meaning. According to the tradition, it was worshipped by Bharata Chakravarti, Rishis and Ganadharas. As you guessed it right, it is the mantra devoted to Adi Bhagavan – Rishabh and by inference to other Tirthankar as well. As you might have noticed, there are some extra terms (shown in bold fonts) not being used by Hindus. The original mantra is as shown above.
The Hindu Gayatri mantra and its meaning:
AUM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA, TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASYA DHEEMAHI DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT
| Aum = |
Brahma; |
| bhoor = |
embodiment of vital spiritual
energy(pran) |
| bhuwah = |
destroyer of
sufferings |
| swaha = |
embodiment of
happiness |
| tat = |
that |
| savitur = |
bright like
sun |
| varenyam = |
best
choicest |
| bhargo = |
destroyer of
sins |
| devasya = |
divine |
| dheemahi = |
may
imbibe |
| dhiyo = |
intellect |
| yo = |
who |
| naha = |
our |
| prachodayat = |
may inspire |
“May the Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path”
The Jain meaning of Gayatri mantra can be expanded in two ways:
1. Dravya arth : this gives the historical significance
2. Bhava arth: This gives universal significance beyond a single Tirthankar, single kshetra, single kal (time) etc.
Before we elaborate further let us recapitulate the events in the life of first Tirthankar, Adi Bhagavan Rishabh. In His time, the era changed from Bhog Bhumi (land of enjoyment without labour) to karma Bhumi. The transition day is celebrated as Ugadi, Gudi Padwaa and Iranian New year etc even today. He as a householder (more appropriately as a King) had to find ways and means of sustenance to people. He created six branches of profession, as we all know, defence, agriculture, science and engineering, arts, education and commerce. He identified edible plants, animals that can be domesticated and used as bio-vehicles and as sources of animal wealth etc. He developed the methods of rainwater harvesting, methods of cultivation and preservation of important edible plants etc. He also identified plants that can yield fuels, shade, wood, timber, fibre etc. He showed the power of fire.....
Meaning of Gayatri mantra: “Gayantam trayata iti Gayatri” Gayatri is that mantra which protects one who sings.
Now the historical meaning:
|
YAHA |
Who |
|
PRACHODAYAT |
taught |
|
APO |
(the art and science of harvesting and storage of) water |
|
JYOTI |
know-how of lighting a fire |
|
RASO |
the details of food items containing six categories of culinary tastes |
|
AMRUTAM |
the utility of dairy products and dairy science and technology including animal husbandry |
|
BRAHMA |
the identification of food items such as cereals, fruits, nuts etc and methodical way of cultivation, preservation etc |
|
DHIYAHA |
by His genius |
|
TAT SAVITUHU |
such a creator |
|
BHARGAHA |
who has driven away hunger, disease etc., |
|
BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA |
provided happiness, harmony and peace |
|
DEVASYA |
Adi Bhagavan’s |
|
VARENYAM |
supreme |
|
AUM |
collective wisdom and vision |
|
NAHA
DHEEMAHI |
We gratefully acknowledge (before we begin our day or a new assignment). |
Now the universal meaning:
|
YAHA |
Who |
|
PRACHODAYAT |
taught (the codes of conducts of saint and laity) |
|
APO |
with the scriptures |
|
JYOTI |
knowledge |
|
RASO |
Samarasi bhava atmika rasa |
|
AMRUTAM |
the secret of ending death |
|
BRAHMA |
the art of atma vidya (renouncement, meditation and samadhi) |
|
DHIYAHA |
by omniscience, kevala gyan |
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TAT SAVITUHU |
such a creator of salvation path |
|
BHARGAHA |
who has extinguished khati karmas |
|
BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA |
(the God of ) nether land, madyama loka and heaven |
|
DEVASYA |
Adi Bhagavan – who attained 46 wonders and felicitated with 5 Maha Kalyans i.e Fests whose |
|
VARENYAM |
supreme |
|
AUM |
one-lettered key which embodies paramatma parabrahma or symbolizes five Parama pada, Parameshthi, or five special names given to Adi Bhagavan (and other Tithankars) at the time of Pancha Kalyans |
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NAHA DHEEMAHI |
We meditate (to end the cycle of transmigration and derive comforts during this arduous journey) |
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Article Courtesy: Mr. C. Deva Kumar
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to : Ahimsa Foundation
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