nArAyaNa gAyatri

[Jaldhar H. Vyas]

On Thu, 19 Feb 1998, Ravi Mayavaram wrote:

> My original question has to do with shrii nArAyaNa gAyatri. I dont
> understand the vidmahe term well. Should it be interpreted as "known
> as".  The format of the gAyatri addressed to deities are very similar
> and it is distinctly different from sAvitri mantra
>
> like
> AUM kAtyAyanAya vidmahe kanyakumAri dhImahI
> tanno durgi prachodayat.
>
> Unlike the sAvitri mantra, these gAyatris do not make the deity under
> consideration as source of all and  the term prachodyat is like stand
> alone. What is being awakened or kindled? My knowledge of sanksrit
> tends to zero ;-), that is why I asked a detailed explanation.
>

vidmahe has the sense "may we know".  Becouse these Gayatris are for
upasana the intention expressed is to become one with the deity.

--
Jaldhar H. Vyas <jaldhar at braincells.com>