What it means
We meditate on the radiant light of the divine Savitr; may it inspire our minds. The opening words, bhur bhuvah svah, are the three vyahritis, a calling to mind of earth, sky and heaven.
Where it comes from
The verse comes from the third mandala of the Rigveda, traditionally ascribed to the sage Vishvamitra. It's addressed to Savitr, the sun as the one who stirs everything into motion, and Gayatri is the name of its metre, twenty-four syllables long. Traditionally it's the centre of sandhya vandana, said at dawn, noon and dusk. It asks for nothing material, not wealth, not health. Only that the mind be pointed the right way.
How to chant it
Face east in the morning and west in the evening. Go slowly, with a small pause after each line: tat savitur varenyam, bhargo devasya dhimahi, dhiyo yo nah prachodayat. It's worth hearing it once from someone who knows the pronunciation.
When: Sunrise, midday and sunset, the three times of sandhya.
Try it now
The japa counter opens with this mantra selected and keeps count for you.