Gayatri, the mantra for intellectual brilliance !

This mantra, the greatest of them all, the Gayatri, is a mantra which fosters intellectual brilliance.

Om bhoo bhuva swaha
Tat Savitur varenyam
Bhargo Devasya dheemahi
Dhiyo yo na prachodayath

The definition of Gayatri is Gayantam trayathe iti gayatri - it is a mantra which protects the chanter !

This mantra invokes the three relative states ( waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep symbolised by bhu, bhuvah and swah ) and the Absolute Self. Savita in Sanskrit is the Almighty Sun, the symbol of the Almighty Self. This supreme symbol of Deity is invoked ( bhargo devasya dheemahi ) and the prayer is like this " give me intellectual brilliance " ( dhiyo yo na prachodayath ).

Aurobindo has recorded that this mantra gave him profound insight to know the inner meanings of the esoteric Vedas. There are seer-wisdoms which utter their inner meaning to the Seer and he could cognise the eternal truths of the Vedas by the Grace of this mighty mantra.

More info on Vedic Mantras at Eastrovedica Mantras