Shri Gayatri Chalisa

The Gayatri Mantra, also known as the Savitri Mantra, is a highly revered mantra from the Rig Veda, dedicated to Savitr, the sun deity. Gayatri is the name of the Vedic meter in which the verse is composed. Its recitation is traditionally preceded by om and the formula bhur bhuvah svah, known as the mahavyahrti, or "great (mystical) utterance". Vishvamitra is said to have created the Gayatri mantra. Even in kaliyug Gayatri mantra is recited by most hindus. The Gayatri mantra is cited widely in Vedic and post-Vedic texts, such as the mantra listings of the Srauta liturgy, and classical Hindu texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Harivamsa, and Manusmrti. It is also praised by the Buddha in the Pali Canon. The mantra is an important part of the upanayana ceremony for young males in Hinduism, and has long been recited by dvija men as part of their daily rituals. Modern Hindu reform movements spread the practice of the mantra to include women and all castes and its use is now very widespread.