Mangala Gayatri Mantra (Mangal / Mars Gayatri) — Word-by-Word Meaning
मंगल गायत्री मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
the primordial sound, the Supreme Brahman
अङ्गारकाय
Angarakaya
to Angaraka, the ember-red planet Mars
विद्महे
Vidmahe
may we know / we seek to know
शक्तिहस्ताय
Shaktihastaya
to the one holding a spear (Shakti weapon) in his hand
धीमहि
Dhimahi
we meditate upon
तन्नः
Tannah
therefore, for us / may that
भौमः
Bhaumah
Bhauma, 'son of the Earth' — the planet Mars (Mangala)
प्रचोदयात्
Prachodayat
may he inspire and illumine (our intellect)
Complete Translation
Om. May we know Angaraka, the red planet; may we meditate upon the spear-bearing one; may that Bhauma (Mars) inspire and illumine our minds.
Origin & History
Source: The Gayatri mantra of Mangala (Mars), among the Navagraha Gayatris
Author: Traditional (Vedic)
Each of the nine planets (Navagraha) has its own Gayatri — a prayer in the sacred Gayatri meter invoking that graha to bestow its blessings and illumine the intellect. The Mangala Gayatri invokes Mars, called Angaraka (the ember-red one) and Bhauma (son of the Earth), depicted bearing a spear (shakti) and riding a ram. As the lord of courage, energy and strength, Mars is honoured through this mantra in the timeless pattern "Vidmahe… Dhimahi… Prachodayat," especially on Tuesdays and when strengthening Mars in the horoscope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mangala Gayatri Mantra?▼
It is the Gayatri mantra of the planet Mars (Mangala / Bhauma): "Om Angarakaya Vidmahe Shaktihastaya Dhimahi. Tanno Bhaumah Prachodayat". Set in the sacred Gayatri meter, it invokes Mars — the red, spear-bearing son of the Earth — to bestow courage and illumine the intellect, in the pattern "Vidmahe… Dhimahi… Prachodayat".
What are the benefits of the Mangala Gayatri Mantra?▼
It is chanted for courage, energy, strength and victory, and to strengthen a weak or afflicted Mars in the birth chart (Mangal Dosha). It supports vitality and the health of the blood, and as a Gayatri it also steadies and awakens the mind with Mars's bold grace.
Who are Angaraka and Bhauma?▼
They are names of Mars (Mangala). 'Angaraka' means the ember-red one, after the planet's red colour; 'Bhauma' means 'son of Bhumi (the Earth)', from the tradition that Mars was born of the Earth. All refer to the same fiery planet that governs courage, energy and strength.
When and how many times should it be chanted?▼
Chant it 108 times on a mala, ideally on Tuesday — the day of Mars — at dawn and the other sandhya times, facing east. Offering red flowers and a lamp is traditional. It can be made part of a daily Navagraha or Gayatri sadhana.
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