Rudra (Shiv) Gayatri Mantra — Meaning and How to Chant
The Rudra Gayatri (Shiv Gayatri) is a prayer to Lord Shiv in the Gayatri metre, found in the Taittiriya Aranyaka (Mahanarayana Upanishad) of the Yajurveda. It meditates on Shiv as Tatpurusha and Mahadev. It is chanted especially on Mondays, in Sawan and on Mahashivratri.
Om tatpurushaya vidmahe mahadevaya dhimahi | tanno rudrah prachodayat ||
Meaning
Mantra
Om tatpurushaya vidmahe mahadevaya dhimahi | tanno rudrah prachodayat ||
May we know that Supreme Being (Tatpurusha), may we meditate on Mahadev — may that Rudra (Lord Shiv) inspire our minds.
Meanings written in simple language by the KathaMantra team.
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Frequently asked questions
How many times should I chant the Rudra (Shiv) Gayatri Mantra?
Usually 108 times (one mala). You can also begin with 11 or 21 times.
When should this mantra be chanted?
On Mondays, in the month of Sawan, on Pradosh and Mahashivratri, while offering water to the Shivling or in morning puja.
Where does the Rudra Gayatri come from?
It appears in the Mahanarayana Upanishad section of the Taittiriya Aranyaka (Krishna Yajurveda). 'Tatpurusha' is also the name of one of Shiv's five faces.