gayathri manthram

 Dear Friends,

CHANTING OF GAYATHRI MANTHRA BY WOMEN

Though it is a settled issue, still many are in doubt whether women are permitted to chant Gayathri manthras. It is not my reply but that of an authority no less than Swami Vivekananda. He has clearly stated that women were chanting Gaythri mantras even in Vedhic, olden days.

In fact Hinduism is probably the only living religion which considers God to be feminine. The very fact that the goddess Gayathri Herself being the female form of God, chanting her manthras is no taboo for women.

In the olden days, many women underwent Upanayana and wore the holy thread and were expert in the study of Vedas. They were called Brahmavadinis. Upanayana was performed for girls and they were taught Gayatri Mantras and Vedas and practised Yagnas.

As for the present days, Girls are allowed to chant Gaythri mantra. I have seen it with my own eyes. Even most of the Gayathri mantra castsettes/CD available are chanted by female artists. For that matter of fact, even western women chant it properly keeping the timing and rhythm properly and it pleases the ears to listen to it.

I have observed women performing group prayers chanting Gaythri mantra. In the school where I studied we used to have group prayers and meditations. The girl children will also join in chanting slogas including Gaythri mantra.

Let it be made clear to all that there is no restriction that women should not chant Gayathri mantra.

If you ask Gayatri mantra a song or what? Singing in prayers with shoes on etc. with background music, in various ragas,

orchestra, then the answer is a big NO.

There are rules set as how to chant the Gayathri mantra. Singing mantra with music, and loudly is not recommended and is against the scriptural rules. Hinduism does not permit the rules to be broken.

J K SIVAN