Shukra Gayatri Mantra (Venus Gayatri) — Word-by-Word Meaning
शुक्र गायत्री मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
the primordial sound, the Supreme Brahman
अश्वध्वजाय
Ashwadhwajaya
to the one with a horse on his banner
विद्महे
Vidmahe
may we know / we seek to know
धनुर्हस्ताय
Dhanurhastaya
to the one holding a bow in his hand
धीमहि
Dhimahi
we meditate upon
तन्नः
Tannah
therefore, for us / may that
शुक्रः
Shukrah
Shukra, the planet Venus, preceptor of the asuras
प्रचोदयात्
Prachodayat
may he inspire and illumine (our intellect)
Complete Translation
Om. May we know the one whose banner bears the horse; may we meditate upon the bow-bearing one; may that Shukra (Venus) inspire and illumine our minds.
Origin & History
Source: The Gayatri mantra of Shukra (Venus), 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 Shukra Gayatri invokes Venus, the planet of love, beauty, art and prosperity and the preceptor of the asuras, depicted with a horse on his banner and a bow in his hand. As the lord of harmony, refinement and material happiness, Venus is honoured through this mantra in the timeless pattern "Vidmahe… Dhimahi… Prachodayat," especially on Fridays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shukra Gayatri Mantra?▼
It is the Gayatri mantra of the planet Venus (Shukra): "Om Ashwadhwajaya Vidmahe Dhanurhastaya Dhimahi. Tanno Shukrah Prachodayat". Set in the sacred Gayatri meter, it invokes Venus — the horse-bannered, bow-bearing one — to bless and illumine the intellect, in the pattern "Vidmahe… Dhimahi… Prachodayat".
What are the benefits of the Shukra Gayatri Mantra?▼
It is chanted for love, marital harmony, beauty and happiness, and for wealth, luxury and artistic talent — all the gifts of Venus. It also helps strengthen a weak or afflicted Venus in the birth chart, bringing refinement, charm and prosperity.
What does Venus (Shukra) govern in astrology?▼
Shukra (Venus) rules love, marriage, beauty, pleasure, art, music, luxury, vehicles and material comforts. As the guru of the asuras, he is also the master of the science of revival (Sanjivani). A strong Venus blesses relationships, prosperity and creativity; this mantra is chanted to strengthen those areas of life.
When and how many times should it be chanted?▼
Chant it 108 times on a mala, ideally on Friday — the day of Venus — at dawn and the other sandhya times. White flowers and fragrances are traditional offerings. It can be made part of a daily Navagraha or Gayatri sadhana, especially when seeking love, harmony or prosperity.
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