Restrictions on Gayatri worship

Question: Are there any restrictions on Gayatri worship ?

 

Ans:

 

There is a prevalent belief that the right to worship Gayatri is exclusively restricted to the Brahmans or the so called “Dwij” (which is traditionally considered synonymous with “Brahmans”, a caste in India). 

 

This is a gross misconception. If there is a dispute on the basis of caste only Kshatriyas will be entitled to Gayatri Sadhana as revealed to Vishwamitra, who was its rishi. His descendants will be well within their right to lay claim to their ancestral right . But such an argument would be nothing but childish. 

 

If persons living in India alone claim the right in respect of Gayatri what will happen to those Indians who have accepted citizenship of other countries? If Gayatri Sadhana is regarded only for Hindus, a ban will have to be imposed on those scientists who are conducting research in this field in foreign countries. In fact, in this age of intellectual freedom it is ridiculous to talk of such absurdities. Gayatri is the manifestation of the Creative Power of God ; and like the sun, water, air earth etc. everyone is entitled to derive benefit from it. The concept of proprietary rights is applicable to only material objects. Creations of nature are accessible to all in equal measure. Endless benefits ( Gayatri kalpavrikcha) can be enjoyed by invocation of Gayatri by all human beings irrespective of their social status. Every religion has its Supreme Mantra like Kalma of Muslims, ‘Baptisma’ of Christians, Namonkar of Jains, Om Mani Padme Ham of Tibetan Buddhists. So also in Indian religions tradition there is only one Supreme Mantra, Gayatri Mantra 

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It is foolish to say that Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Kayasthas etc. have different Gayatri s. This bane of discrimination on account of high or low caste should not be allowed to enter into and pollute the spiritual environment in which there is one God , one religion and one source of knowledge. 

Gayatri is also the key to the invisible Cosmic Consciousness. An ancient Indian practice required compulsory ad mission of children to schools ( Guru kuls) for learning spiritual concepts and practices. Here, the student was initiated by the spiritual preceptor ( Guru ) through this very Gayatri -Mantra, irrespective of his social background. As a matter of fact, the Shikha (tuft of hair on the crown of head) symbolises Ancient Indian (Bhartiya) culture. All Hindus traditionally keep Shikha as constant re mind er to them to nurture high and noble thoughts. As such, Shikha itself represents Gayatri , which entitles all to the worship of Gayatri .