SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA

National Devotional Wing

S 30b - 1008 Gayathri Hawan

1008 - Gayathri Hawan

INTRODUCTION

The Yajur Veda elaborates the importance of yajnas. These promote the peace and prosperity of the world,
as that is the primary aim of all the Vedas. The Yajur Veda hymns extol the glory of the gods and propitiate
the Divine Forces. As a result, gold and grain, wealth and welfare, plenty and progress are secured by
mankind. Baba from Divine Discourse Sacrificial Fire “Prasanthi Nilayam, Inauguration of the Veda Purusha
Sapthaha Jnana Yajna, 21-10-1982
The Gayathri
The Gayathri mantra has in it the validity of the Vedas. It contains the essence of Vedic teachings. Each of
the four Vedas has a core axiom (Maha Vaakya) enclosed in it: That
twam asi (That thou art), Prajnaanam Brahma (Consciousness is Brahma), Ayam Atma
Brahma (This Self is Brahma) and Aham Brahmaasmi (I am Brahmam). When all these are synthesised,
the Gayathri emerges.
Gayathri is all Gods in One: The triple stranded Yagnopaveetham (Sacrificial Strand of Thread) is to be
worn by everyone who is initiated into Gayathri recital, for he has to perform the three sandhya rites when
the Sun rises and sets, as well as when the Sun is at the zenith. The rites are in adoration of the Trinity---
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The purpose of the rites is to invoke the Gods to bless the novitiate to lead a
good life at all times (past, present and future), in all places (heaven, earth and nether region). The Gayathri
divinises the five elements; it represents the presiding deities of all the five. Gayathri is worshipped as a
Five-Faced Goddess---Om, being the first, Bhoor-bhuvahssuvah, the second, Thath Savithur Varenyam,
the third, Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, the fourth, and Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayaath, the fifth face.
Through meditation on the Gayathri, one can become aware of the inner motivating principle of the five
elements, the five vital airs in the human body and the five sheaths which encase the Atma. Just as there
are three basic energies that govern man---the physical, the metaphysical and the psychical, the A adhi-
bhowthik, the Aadhi-daivik and the Aadhi-atmic, Gayathri has three facets Gayathri, Savithri and
Saraswathi. Gayathri fosters the metaphysical, Savithri, the physical, and Saraswathi, the psychical. These
three karanas or instruments have to be cleansed and sublimated so that man can realise the goal of life.
Through the recital of Gayathri mantra and meditation thereon, this great task can be achieved. Prasanthi
Nilayam, 26-6-1981.

The Gayathri Path to God

Out of action arises the bondage of Delusion;
From Delusion grows a perverted mind;
Mental perversion leads to perverse deeds;
Such deeds again result in rebirth.
YOUNG embodiments of the Divine! The grand mansion of Hindu thought has been raised on the four walls
of karma, janma, dharma and Brahman (action, birth, righteous action, and Supreme Self or God). These
four are interdependent. No one can escape the consequences of one's action, whether good or bad. No
action goes in vain. Karma (action) is the primary cause of one's birth.
The jeevi is born in karma,
He grows through karma,
He ceases in karma.
Karma is the cause of happiness and misery.
It has been well said that "The body indeed, is the basis for the pursuit of dharma"
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 SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
National Devotional Wing
S 30b - 1008 Gayathri Hawan

(Shareeramaadhyam khalu dharma saadhanam). It is by the pursuit of dharma that Brahman is realised.
The Geeta has declared that whenever dharma declines the advent of the Avatar (Divine incarnation)
occurs. This implies that the object of human existence is to uphold dharma. As creation is a projection of
the Divine Will, the aim of every human being should be to live in harmony with that Will. One's life should
be dedicated not for promoting one's selfish interests or to serve the interests of other fellow-beings but in
the service of the Divine. Whatever is done to anyone, if it is done as an offering to the Divine, it will reach
the Divine. Man should consecrate every action by regarding it as an offering to the Divine.
Gayathri initiation gives one the Second Birth
From the moment of issuing from the mother's womb, one is involved in action. This natural state is
common to all and may be described as Shuudhrathwam (the state of the Shuudhra, that is, one who is not
subject to any regimen). After one receives the Gayathri initiation, he is born again and becomes a Dwija
(the twice-born). The Gayathri is described as
"Chhandhasaam maathah"---the mother of all the Vedas (ancient sacred scriptures). One meaning of
Gayathri is that it is a mantra (sacred formula) which protects or fosters the
"Gayaas" or jeevis (individual beings). You must note that today you have all got a second birth by receiving
the Gayathri mantra (Vedic prayer to illuminate the intelligence). By observing the disciplines of the
Brahmachaari (celibate) stage, you will qualify yourselves for the study of the Vedas. When one begins to
study the Vedas he is known as "Vipra" (Braahmana). This is a third birth, as it were. At this stage, by the
study and understanding of the Vedas and living up to their precepts, one gets the opportunity to
understand Brahman (Supreme Being). Once the Brahman principle is understood, one merges in
Brahman. It is only when there is awareness of Brahman can one claim to be a real Brahman. It is not birth
alone, but the realisation of Brahman which confers real Braahmanathwa (Braahmana-hood) on a person.
Gayathri mantra is the embodiment of all deities The Gayathri mantra has to be recited three times a day---
in the morning at sunrise, at noon, and at sunset. These are called "Sandhya Kaalam"---the time of coming
together of night and day, of morning and evening, and of day and night. Time, like man, has three
qualities: Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas (poised, passion and inertia). The day is divided into three parts. The
four hours between 4 and 8 a.m. in the morning and between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the evening have the
Sathwa (equanimous) quality. The eight hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. are Rajasic (Passionate). The
eight hours between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. which are mainly used for sleep, are Tamasic (inaction). The eight
hours of the day (from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are employed by all beings, including animals and birds, in the
discharge of their day to day duties and are regarded as Rajasic (active pursuit).
When the four Satwic hours of the morning (4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) are used for engaging oneself in good actions
like worship, virtuous deeds, keeping good company, one is sure to raise, himself from the human to the
Divine level. It is during the Satwic period (from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.) the Gayathri mantra
should be recited. This mantra is the embodiment of all deities. It is not related to any particular sect, caste
or idol or institution. It is said to embody nine "colours":
(1) Om
(2) Bhuh
(3) Bhuvah
(4) Suvah
(5) Thath
(6) Savithur (powers)
(7) Varenyam
(8) Bhargo
(9) Dhevasya. "Dheemahi" (is related to the meditative aspect.) "Dhiyo-yo-nah prachodayat" (relates to the aspect
of prayer.)
The mantra as a whole thus contains three aspects
a) Descriptive; b) Meditational and c) Prayer.

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 SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
National Devotional Wing
S 30b - 1008 Gayathri Hawan

Discover the Unity that underlies the Diversity On the basis of differences in behaviour, the antakarana
(inner-psyche) has been accorded four names. When it is concerned with thoughts, it is called manas
(mind). When it is restless and wavering it is called chiththa (consciousness). When it is concerned with
enquiry and understanding, it is called buddhi (intellect). When it is associated with the sense of "mine"
(possessiveness), it is called ahamkaara (egoism). Why are four different names and attributes given to one
and the same entity (the Antakarana)? The mind is pre-occupied with distinctions and differences. The
buddhi is concerned with oneness and reveals the Unity that underlies the diversity. All our efforts must be
directed towards discovering the Unity that underlies the diversity rather than seeking to divide the One into
the many.
The Gayathri mantra (Vedic prayer to illuminate the intelligence) is a sacred mantra which demonstrates the
unity that underlies manifoldness in creation. It is through the recognition of this unity that we can
understand the multiplicity. Clay is one and the same thing, though pots of different shapes and sizes can
be made from it. Gold is one, though gold ornaments can be multifarious. The Atma (Divine Self) is one,
though the embodied forms in which it resides may be many. Whatever the colour of the cow, the milk is
white always.
There is no object in the world which does not have a form and a name. The Cosmos is made up of things
with forms and names. While the forms are subject to constant change, the names remain unchanged. The
form may change and even completely disappear but the name remains. Once we know the name, we can
recognise what or whom it represents. I bless the young vatus (boys who have been initiated) so that from
today they recite the Gayathri regularly, lead exemplary lives and grow into good, god-fearing, educated
and enlightened citizens of Bharat. Prasanthi Nilayam, Poornachandra Auditorium, 17-3-1983

HAWAN PROCEDURE

Dear sisters and brothers. Sai Ram. It is important that this Hawan is done with LOVE. Everyone should
be HAPPY and WILLING to do it. Furthermore, let us focus completely on Bhagawan, dress appropriately
and no shoes.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Hawan Kund;
2. Samagri;
3. Ghee (Melted butter);
4. Wood (without nails, metal),
5. 1x Coconut (or depending on the number of Kund);
6. Camphor;
7. Water in glass container;
8. Empty bowl;
9. Teaspoon;
10. Japa Mala (108 Rosary beads)

All participants must be seated when doing the Hawan. Where there is a large number of
participants, the participation can be grouped, sharing turns to offer ghee and samagri (however
seated)

1. Purpose of Gayathri Hawan: In Kali Yuga, we are faced with many catastrophes that stem from vices that
leading to man violating man, child abuse, civil violence, wars, crimes of a violent nature and mayhem. The solution
to these problems in this age and time is transformation as stated by Bhagavan. Transformation starts with us as
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 SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
National Devotional Wing
S 30b - 1008 Gayathri Hawan

individuals, groups and societies. The panacea to peace is the constant repetition of the Lord’s name as a prayer
for peace. We take this opportunity to start with our own personal sacrifices and we must all offer this to Agni. The
reason we end a sloka with Namah (made up of 2 words Na Mama – meaning not mine) is that everything in the
world must be placed at the feet of god as he is the only ONE who will heed the call of HIS devotees and bestow
upon all of us the answer to our prayers. As the Sathya Sai Organisation, we are deeply concerned of the spiralling
effect of violence and other serious crimes taking place in our communities, provinces, countries and the world at
large, on a daily basis. As members of a spiritual organization, we can certainly help by also sincerely praying to
God for the welfare, goodness and goodwill of the entire world. The Gayathri Mantra is the essence of the Vedas,
and has the power to preserve, protect and rescue all who chant or listen to it being chanted; it also has the subtle
power to purify and energize the atmosphere. Tapping into the potency of this powerful mantra, we dedicate this
1008 Gayathri Chanting Yajna for Love, Righteous Living, Peace and Non-violence for all beings in all the worlds.

2. Hawan Kund
A standard Hawan Kund (one for ladies and one for men or one large one with male and female on
either side) or one built with arrangement of bricks and sand can be used. The place where the Hawan
Kund is placed must be cleansed with water. The Hawan Samith (wood) must be arranged in the kund.
Apply Tumeric and KumKum on all the sides of the Hawan Kund.

3. Cleansing with water – Aachamanam

The officiating devotee should take minute quantities of water in a spoon three times in the right hand
and take it with the following mantra.
1. Om Achyuthaya namah (wash the hands)
2. Om Ananthaya namah (wash over the head)
3. Om Govindaya namah (drink the water)
When the officiating devotee/s have completed the cleansing process, other devotees on the female and
male sides can continue to assist cleanse all the devotees, silently chanting the 3 mantras for each
devotee. If the numbers are large, then a more than one devotee on either side should assist to
complete all devotees soonest thereby enabling the offering of samagri

4. Reciting the purpose of this hawan:

The person doing the Hawan, holding a teaspoon with water, say the purpose of the prayer:
“We are doing this prayer for our personal development through the sacrifices of our vices or habits that
will aid in creating a world full of love and harmony. O’ Master of the Universe, YOU have given us the
assurance that should we call on YOU O’ Lord, YOU will yield to YOUR devotees call. In this time O
Beloved Master, our all-pervading God, we seek your presence through Agni in making the world a
better place for all the beings in all the worlds. We seek your intervention in reducing the level of crimes,
violence, wars, hatred, greed, jealousy, anger, lust and destruction. We offer this Yajna for world peace.
May it bring religious tolerance, effect the feelings of “Brotherhood of Man”, create harmony of all
creations to reduce natural catastrophe, allow all beings to realise YOU and generate compassion. May
we become beacons of light that resonate YOU, as we live your message and Serve all in the Love that
we truly are. May we bring no harm to any being and may we always help with the compassion and
understanding that YOU are present in everything.
May all the beings in all the worlds realise YOU
Now, put the water from the spoon into the empty container and leave it to evaporate

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 SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
National Devotional Wing
S 30b - 1008 Gayathri Hawan

5. Ganapathi Prarthana
Sri Gurubhyo Namah Harihi Om
Gananam tva Ganapatigm Havamahe
Kavim Kavinam Upamasra Vastamam
Jyeshtarajam Brahmanam Brahmanaspata
A nah Srnvannutibhisida Sadanam
Prano Devi Sarasvati vajebhirvajinivati
Dhinamavitryavatu
Ganesya Namah. Sarasvatyai Namah
Sri Gurubhyo Namah Harihi Om

6. Ganesha Prayer
Vakra-Tunda Maha-Kaaya Surya-Kotti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa

Shuklambaradharam Vishnum Sasi Varnam ChathurBhujam,

Prasanna Vadanam Dyayeth Sarva Vigna Upa Santhaye.

7. Sarva Devatha Gayathri

Purusasya vidmahe sahasraksasya mahadevasya dhimahi |
Tanno rudrah prachodayat ||1||

Tatpurusaya vidmahe mahadevaya dhimahi |

Tanno rudrah prachodayat ||2||

Tatpurusaya vidmahe vakratundaya dhimahi |

Tanno dantih prachodayat ||3||

Tatpurusaya vidmahe chakratundaya dhimahi |

Tanno nandih prachodayat ||4||

Tatpurusaya vidmahe mahasenaya dhimahi |

Tannasshanmuka prachodayat ||6||

Tatpurusaya vidmahe suvarnapaksaya dhimahi |

Tanno garudah prachodayat ||7||

Vedatmanaya vidmahe hiranyagarbhaya dhimahi |

Tanno brahma prachodayat ||8||

Narayanaya vidmahe vasudevaya dhimahi |

Tanno visnuh prachodayat ||9||

Vajranakhaya vidmahe tiksnadaggstraya dhimahi |

Tanno narasigmhah prachodayat ||10||
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 SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
National Devotional Wing
S 30b - 1008 Gayathri Hawan

Bhaskaraya vidmahe mahadyutikaraya dhimahi |

Tanno adityah prachodayat ||11||

Vaisvanaraya vidmahe lalilaya dhimahi |

Tanno agnih prachodayat ||12||

Katyayanaya vidmahe Kanyakumari dhimahi |

Tanno durgih prachodayat ||13||

Om saisvaraya vidmahe satya devaya dhimahi |

Tannah sarvah prachodayat ||14||

Om santih santih santihih ||

8. Then proceed to light the Hawan kund with Camphor While Chanting the Agni Gayathri again 3 times
Vaisvanaraya vidmahe lalilaya dhimahi |
Tanno agnih prachodayat ||12||

9. 1008 Chanting of the Gayatri Mantra (chanting at a pace of 12 seconds per chant, we will be able to
do 5 chants in a minute and 108 chants will take approx. 23 minutes. The 1008 will then take
approximately 4 hours)
Aum Bhur Bhuvah Svaha
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dheeyo Yonah Prachodayat
Offer Samagiri at the end of every chant saying SWAHA (that prayer which is from you is offered to
you as a sacrifice)

10. POORNAHUTI (final offering): Hold the Coconut above the fire (be careful not to get burnt):
After the 1008 Gayathri, offer a Coconut smeared with turmeric and ghee with some Prasad (if
available) and offer it into the Hawan Kund together with any remains of samagri & ghee. Chant the
following mantras:
Vaisvanaraya vidmahe lalilaya dhimahi |
Tanno agnih prachodayat ||12||

pūrṇam adaḥ pūrṇam idaṁ

pūrṇāt pūrṇam udacyate|
pūrṇasya pūrṇam ādāya
pūrṇam evāvaśiṣyate||

finally chant “Om Sarvam Vai Poornaya Swaha” as placing coconut & remaining offering into the fire

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 SRI SATHYA SAI CENTRAL COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
National Devotional Wing
S 30b - 1008 Gayathri Hawan

11. Take a fresh spoon of water and repeat the purpose of the prayer (see 2 above) and then say:
“Bhagawan, we humbly ask that you accept our prayers for our personal spiritual growth and
development and for World Peace at large. May our families be your instruments and resonate
the LOVE that we are.
Forgive us for any mistakes we may have made in making our prayer”
Now, put the water from the spoon into the bowl & let it evaporate

12. Svasti Prayer

Svasti Vaachaka Sloka
Aum svasthi praja bhya pari pala yantam
Nya yena margena mahi mahishaha
Go brahmanebhyaha shubhamastu nityam
Samastha Lokaaha’’ sukhino bhavanthu
Aum Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi
Let those who lead world govern with law and justice, Let divinity and erudition be protected. May all the
beings in all the worlds be happy Peace Peace Peace
13. Forgiveness Prayer
Kshma Prarthana
Yadaksarapadabhrastam matrahinam tu yad bhavet
Tatsarvam ksamyatam deva Narayana namostu te.
Prostrations to you, Lord Narayana. Forgive me for all the defects in letter or phrase and for any phonetic
aberration that may have occurred (in my chanting or recitation)
Visargabindhumatrani padapadaksarani ca.
Nyunani catiriktani ksmasva saisvara
Forgive me, O Saishwara for any defect in (my) pronunciation (of visarga(:), bindhu or intonation of
alphabet, word or phrase and any other mistake.
Aparadhasahasrani kriyante harnisam maya.
Daso ‘yamiti mam matva ksamasva saisvara
O’ Saishwara, considering me as your servant, forgive the thousands of errors committed by me day in
and day out.
Anyatha saranam nasti twameva saranam mama
Tasmat karunyabhavena raksa raksa saisvara
You are my only refuge for there is none else. Therefore, O Saishwara, protect me compassionately
Harih om tat sat sri Saishvararpana namastu
May this be an offering to Sri Saishwara
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

14. Aarthi