Is Deeksha from a Guru essential before starting Gayatri mantra?

Yes, Gayatri is Guru Mantra, which means initiation is to be given by able and noble Guru. In recent times credibility of a Guru has become questionable. But those who are initiated by Vedamurti, taponishta, Pandit Sriram Shrama Acharya are fortunate. As He has spent his life time in experimenting with Gayatri Yajna and Mantra and prescribed that as a panacea for all the present day problems.

But how can one be initiated by a Guru who is no more?

Those who are familiar with Vedamurti, taponishta, Pandit Sri ram Shrama Acharya; know for sure that physical body is no barrier for a Guru like Him. His subtle body is active and functional much more vigorously. Humanity has a promise of guidance from Him for the coming 200 years also.

What is Deeksha?

Deeksha as we believe is not something to be given by a Guru rather a dedication, a commitment to be followed by the disciple. Remember the example of Ekalavya and as such it becomes the responsibility of the disciple. If the disciple is sincere and develops eligibility Guru will come searching.

How is Gayatri mantra relevant for humankind in the present times?

Modern science on one hand created comforts but on the other hand multifarious problems also, for which it has no solution. Gayatri Sadhana is the product of thousands of years of research by Indian rishis. In recent times Vedamurti, taponishta, Pandit Sri Rama Shrama Acharya has conducted the most comprehensive research and made it suitable for the present needs of humanity. And that is why he is called Yugrishi and rightly so

Can Gayatri mantra be chanted by all?

Vedamurthi, taponishta, Pandit Sri Rama Shrama Acharya has universalized Gayatri mantra and proved anybody irrespective of caste, class, color, nationality, social status and religious affiliations can acquire strength from the indwelling Divinity for solving all problems of life. Gayatri upasana in other words is worshiping Sun. Sun is the source of energy for all. Then why discriminate a particular section of society and deprive them from getting the miraculous results of Gayatri Sadhana.

Can Gayatri mantra be chanted by women?

In ancient scriptures, we have many examples of (rishikas) women experts in Vedas. Gurudev has thoroughly investigated the women’s right to Gayatri and presented convincing arguments in support of women in his Gayatri Maha vignan.

Should women discontinue Gayatri upasana during mensural periods?

Yes, during this period women are mentally and physically under exertion. Secondly cleanliness is pre-requisite for any spiritual exercises. As such the mental japa only is recommended.

What are the rules to be followed in Gayatri sadhana?

• Formal upanayana samskara ( Yagnopaveeta samskara) is recommended
• Deeksha given by any member of Gayatri pariwar as representative of Gurudev can initiate one into Gayatri sadhana.
• Strict rules of cleanliness (internal and external) to be followed.
• As far as possible regularity is to be maintained.

How is it possible for illiterate persons and children to do Gayatri sadhana, for whom the pronunciation of the mantra is somewhat difficult?

Illiterate persons who cannot utter Gayatri mantra correctly, can perform jap of panchakshari Gayatri “Om bhoor Buvaha swaha”. If they cannot utter even these words correctly, they can perform jap of “Hari om Tat-St.” This also serves the purpose of Panchakshari Gayatri Manta.

What is the posture recommended for turning the rosary (Mala) during Jap?

1. For Jap select a secluded, noiseless place.
2. Be seated in an upright position with crossed-legs (Sukhasan) or on a raised platform if there is some discomfort on sitting on ground. For sitting use a cotton or woolen spread. Animal hides are prohibited. Let the spine be straight and relax. Now keep the left hand on the palm turned upwards on the right lap.
3. hold the rosary in the right hand so that it hangs like a garland across the bridge formed by joining the thumb and ring finger.
4. Keeping the elbow of the right hand on the palm of the left hand and the arm in a vertical position, turn the beads of the rosary inwards (towards yourself) with the help of middle finger-beginning from the main knot (Brahma Granthi). (Use of little finger and index finger is forbidden)
5. On completion of each cycle of rosary, turn it back-wards so that the main knot is not crossed, i.e. the Jap in the rosary is “unidirectional”. It can be done with the help of same fingers which are used for turning the rosary. Keep the body still. There is no harm in changing position if discomfort is felt after some time.
6. Pronounce the Mantra in whispers, so that it is audible to you only.
7. If there is difficulty in using a rosary, fixed time for jap may be maintained with the help of a clock.

As far as practicable, uniformity of fixed time, duration and place should be maintained.

The significance of the 108 beads (why 108 only) of a Rosary (japa mala) ?

There are 50 petals in six chakras ( Six energy centers or power centers) of our body. 4 petals of Muladhara (base chakra), 6 Petals in Swadhistana ( Sex chakra), 10 petals in Manipuraka (navel chakra) , 12 petals in Anahata ( Heart Chakra ), 16 petals in Vishuddhi ( throat Chakra ), 2 petals in Ajna ( brow chakra).

In addition to these 50, the four Antahkaranas (mind (manassu), buddhi, chitta, and Ahamkara) make a total of fifty four. when we do Mantra japa, each count of japa is targeted at the development of one of these. One Avruta or Cycle involves moving our focus from Muladhara upwards and then coming back downward till Muladhara. To complete this cycle, we touch each one of these 54 aspects twice; making a total of 108. In spiritual parlance, the number 108 has utmost significance.