Vedic Mantra · Lord Shiva (Tatpurusha)
शिव गायत्री मंत्र
Shiv Gayatri Mantra
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्
Transliteration
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat
Meaning
We know that Supreme Being (Tatpurusha), we meditate on the Great God (Mahadeva) — may Rudra (the roarer, the fierce one) inspire and illuminate us.
Last updated: 20 April 2026 · Traditional Vedic mantra
Benefits of Shiv Gayatri Mantra
- ·Invokes Shiva in his transcendent Tatpurusha aspect — the highest of Shiva's five faces
- ·Purifies the mind, burns karma, and accelerates spiritual evolution
- ·Strengthens Saturn in the horoscope — Shiva governs Saturn
- ·Removes negative effects of Rahu and Ketu
- ·Grants divine wisdom and the ability to see through illusions (Maya)
- ·Powerful for Shiva devotees as a Gayatri-form meditation mantra
How to Chant
- 1.Chant on Mondays and Maha Shivratri
- 2.Face north, sit on a white cloth, light a camphor lamp
- 3.Offer Bel (Bilva) leaves — three-lobed leaves represent Shiva's three eyes
- 4.Use a Rudraksha mala (specifically 5-face Rudraksha for Shiva)
- 5.Can be combined with the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra in the same session
- 6.Brahma Muhurta and Pradosh Kaal are ideal
Best Time
Monday Brahma Muhurta. Pradosh Kaal. Maha Shivratri. During Shiva Abhisheka.
Recommended Count
108 times daily. Maha Shivratri: 1008 times across the night watches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the difference between Shiv Gayatri and Mahamrityunjaya?
The Shiv Gayatri (Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe...) is a meditation mantra that contemplates Shiva's supreme nature and requests illumination. The Mahamrityunjaya is a healing and liberation mantra that specifically conquers death and illness. The Shiv Gayatri is more philosophical and spiritual, while the Mahamrityunjaya is more directly remedial and protective.
Q.Can I chant both Shiv Gayatri and Gayatri Mantra together?
Yes. Many Shiva devotees chant the universal Gayatri Mantra (Savitri Gayatri) first, followed by the Shiv Gayatri. Both are 24-syllable Gayatri-meter mantras. Starting with the universal form and then the deity-specific form is a traditional approach in Vedic practice.