Gayathri Jayanthi is the festival ascribed to the worship of Sri Gayathri Devi, a manifestation of Sri Saraswathi Devi, the Goddess of education and wisdom. Sri Gayathri Devi is considered as the mother of all the Vedas.
Gayathri Jayanthi occurs on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Jyeshta month. As per the Amantha and Purnamantha Calendars, Gayathri Jayanthi occurs on Thursday, 25th June 2026. The exact duration of Ekadashi Thithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.
Sri Gayathri Devi is in the form of Panch Mukhi, having five faces. The five faces represent five natural elements such as Prithvi (Earth), Jal (Water), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Air) and Akash (Sky).
She is seated on the lotus and has ten hands. She has Shank (Conch), Chakra (Discus), Kasha (Whip), Ankusha (a sharp implement with a hook) and Gada (Mace) as weapons, Ujjwala (Utensil) for abundance, Lotus for wealth, Rudraksh for health, Abhaya Mudra for blessing protection and Varada Mudra for granting benevolence in Her hands.
As per the legend Sage Sri Viswamithra had first recited Gayathri Manthra on this day. This Manthra is said to be derived from Rig Veda.
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्
om Bhoor Bhuvaha svaha thath-sa-vithur-varaeNyam bhargo-dhevasya-Dheemahi Dhiyo yo naha pracho dhayaath
The slokam contains twenty four syllables which represent pacha bhoothas (five elements), pancha thanmathras (five senses), pancha gnanendriyas (five sense organs), pancha karmendriyas ( five organs used for karma) and four types of vayus.
Devotees rise early in the morning and after the bath, they do special puja and prayer invoking Gayathri Matha. Spiritual Satsang and other discourses are conducted on this day. Gayathri Manthra is chanted on this day atleast 108 times.
Gayathri Jayanthi is observed with utmost reverence, devotion and dedication.
