Passage 8

Five faces - Three deities

Gayathree is described as having five faces. The first is "Om" The second is "Bhurbhuvassuvah" The third is. "Thathsavithur Varenyam". The fourth is "Bhargo Dhevasya Dheemahi". The fifth is: "Dhiyo-yo nah Prachodhayath", Gayathree represents in these five faces the five Pranas (life forces). Gayathree is the protector of the five Pranas in man. Gayantham thrayathe ithi Gayathree - "Because it protects the one who recites it, it is called Gayathree." When Gayathree acts as protector of the life-forces, she is known as Savithree. Savithree is known in the puranic story as the devoted wife who brought back to life her husband, Sathyavan. Savithree is the presiding deity of the five pranas. She protects those who lead a life of Truth. This is the inner meaning. When one's intelligence and intuition are developed by the recitation of the manthra, the activating deity is Gayathree. When the life-forces are protected, the guardian deity is called Savithree. When one's speech is protected, the deity is called Saraswathee. Because of the protective roles of Savithree, Saraswathee and Gayathree, in relation to life, speech and the intellect, Gayathree is described as "Sarvadhevatha-swaruupini" - he embodiment of all goddesses.