A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.598

c5.598

GĀYATRĪ. A most sacred verse of the *Rig-veda*, which it is the duty of every Brāhman to repeat mentally in his morning and evening devotions. It is addressed to the sun as Savitri, the generator, and so it is called also Sāvitrī. Personified as a goddess, Sāvitrī is the wife of Brahmā, mother of the four Vedas, and also of the twice-born or three superior castes. Colebrooke’s translation of the Gāyatrī is “Earth, sky, heaven. Let us meditate on (these, and on) the most excellent light and power of that generous, sportive, and resplendent sun, (praying that) it may guide our intellects.” Wilson’s version is, in his translation of the *Rig-veda*, “We meditate on that desirable light of the divine Savitri who influences our pious rites.” In the Vishnu Purāna he had before given a somewhat different version, “We meditate on that excellent light of the divine sun : may he illuminate our minds.” A later version by Benfey is, “May we receive the glorious brightness of this, the generator, of the god who shall prosper our works.”