Gayatri Jayanti, the sacred festival celebrating the birth of Mother Gayatri, is observed every year on the Ekadashi date of Shukla Paksha in the Jyeshtha month. Mother Gayatri, revered as the mother of the Vedas, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and spirituality. This article delves deep into the origins, significance, and rituals associated with Gayatri Jayanti, providing a comprehensive guide for devotees.
Significance of Gayatri Jayanti
Gayatri Jayanti marks the day when Mother Gayatri, also known as Veda Mata, was born. According to mythological stories, the four Vedas – Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda – originated from Mother Gayatri. The Gayatri Mantra, one of the most powerful and revered mantras in Hinduism, encapsulates the essence of all four Vedas. Gayatri Mata is considered the goddess of all forms of knowledge, and her worship is believed to bestow wisdom, enlightenment, and spiritual growth.
Gayatri Jayanti 2024: Date and Muhurta
Date of Celebration
In 2024, Gayatri Jayanti will be celebrated on Monday, 17th June. According to the Vedic calendar, the Ekadashi date of Shukla Paksha in the Jyeshtha month starts on 17th June at 04:43 AM and ends on 18th June at 06:24 AM. Thus, the observance of Gayatri Jayanti falls on 17th June.
Auspicious Timings and Muhurta
On the day of Gayatri Jayanti, several auspicious yogas and nakshatras align to enhance the spiritual significance of the festival.
- Ravi Yoga: 05:23 AM to 01:50 PM
- Parigha Yoga: Morning till 09:35 PM, followed by Shiva Yoga
- Chitra Nakshatra: Morning till 01:50 PM, followed by Swati Nakshatra
For those wishing to perform special puja and rituals, the Brahma Muhurta is from 04:03 AM to 04:43 AM, and the Amrit-Sarvottam Muhurta is from 05:23 AM to 07:08 AM. The Shubh-Uttam Muhurta is from 08:53 AM to 10:37 AM.
Rituals and Celebrations of Gayatri Jayanti
Morning Rituals
Devotees begin the day by offering Arghya (water) to the Sun God at sunrise. This act of worship, known as Surya Arghya, is believed to invoke divine blessings and purify the mind and body. Following this, devotees chant the Gayatri Mantra, meditating on the mantra’s profound meaning and significance.
Puja and Offerings
During the puja, devotees set up an altar with an idol or image of Mother Gayatri. The puja involves offering flowers, incense, lamps, and sweets to the deity. Devotees recite the Gayatri Mantra and other Vedic hymns, seeking blessings for knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.
Community Celebrations
In many regions, Gayatri Jayanti is celebrated with community gatherings and spiritual discourses. Temples and spiritual organizations organize special havan (fire rituals), where devotees collectively chant the Gayatri Mantra and offer oblations to the sacred fire. These gatherings foster a sense of unity and shared devotion among the participants.
Mythological Origins of Gayatri Mata
According to ancient texts, when Brahma, the creator of the universe, was about to commence the creation, the Gayatri Mantra appeared before him. The mantra, imbued with divine energy, led to the manifestation of Mother Gayatri. She is often depicted with five faces, symbolizing the five elements and the five senses, and ten hands, each holding various divine attributes.
The Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri Mantra is a profound Vedic hymn that holds immense spiritual power:
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah
Tatsavitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
गायत्री मंत्र
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्व: तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्.
This mantra is a prayer to the divine light of wisdom, seeking enlightenment and guidance for the mind and soul.
The Impact of Gayatri Jayanti
Observing Gayatri Jayanti is believed to have several spiritual benefits. It is said to purify the heart and mind, enhance intellectual capabilities, and bring about a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. Devotees who sincerely worship Mother Gayatri and chant the Gayatri Mantra are thought to be blessed with clarity of thought, strength, and peace.
Bhadra of Patal on Gayatri Jayanti
In 2024, Bhadra will also occur on Gayatri Jayanti, starting from 05:38 PM on 17th June and lasting until 05:23 AM on 18th June. This Bhadra resides in Patal Lok, meaning it does not have inauspicious effects on the observance of the festival.
Conclusion
Gayatri Jayanti is a day of profound spiritual significance, celebrating the birth of Veda Mata Gayatri and the immense wisdom encapsulated in the Gayatri Mantra. By observing this festival with devotion and reverence, devotees can deepen their spiritual practice, gain knowledge, and invite divine blessings into their lives. Whether through individual worship or community celebrations, Gayatri Jayanti offers an opportunity to connect with the eternal light of knowledge and enlightenment.
