Shloka 138
Slaying of Andhaka; Hymn to the Sun; Glory of Brahmins; Gayatri Nyasa and Pranayama
कुक्षिचरणगोत्राणां तस्या ब्रूहि सुनिश्चयम् । ब्रह्मोवाच । छंदो गायत्री गायत्र्याः सविता देवता ध्रुवम्
kukṣicaraṇagotrāṇāṃ tasyā brūhi suniścayam | brahmovāca | chaṃdo gāyatrī gāyatryāḥ savitā devatā dhruvam
Sage mir mit Gewissheit ihre rechte Einordnung—hinsichtlich ihres „Bauches“, ihrer „Füße“ und ihrer Abstammung. Brahmā sprach: „Ihr Versmaß (Chandas) ist Gāyatrī; und für die Gāyatrī ist Savitṛ wahrlich die Gottheit, ohne Zweifel.“
Brahmā
Concept: Gāyatrī is the chandas (metre), and Savitṛ is her devatā—mantra is defined by metre-deity alignment.
Application: Approach mantra with precision: know its chandas and devatā, recite with steadiness and purity, and contemplate the intended divine principle (illumining intelligence).
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: celestial_realm
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Brahmā sits on a lotus-throne, four faces serene, as he pronounces the mantra-science with unwavering certainty; above him, a luminous band of Gāyatrī metre appears as three rhythmic lines of Sanskrit syllables. In the sky, Savitṛ is visualized as a radiant solar deity—golden orb with subtle anthropomorphic presence—casting a beam of light that touches the listener’s forehead, symbolizing awakened buddhi.","primary_figures":["Brahmā","Savitṛ (solar deity)","Nārada (listener, implied)"],"setting":"Celestial teaching hall with lotus motifs, Vedic manuscripts, and a cosmic sky backdrop where the sun-deity manifests.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sun gold","lotus pink","sky azure","pearl white","vermillion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Brahmā on a lotus throne with four faces, Savitṛ as a radiant solar deity above, Gāyatrī akṣaras forming an ornate arc; heavy gold leaf for the sun and halos, gem-studded crown details, rich vermillion and emerald textiles, intricate temple-arch framing and floral borders.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: refined celestial court with delicate clouds, Brahmā calm and luminous, Savitṛ as a stylized sun-disc with gentle rays; mantra syllables painted like fine calligraphy, cool blues balanced with warm gold, subtle shading and lyrical composition.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: Brahmā in bold outline seated on lotus, Savitṛ as a large radiant disc with stylized face, akṣaras in patterned bands; strong red-yellow-green palette, temple-wall symmetry, characteristic large eyes and ornamental geometry.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central lotus-throned Brahmā with surrounding lotus motifs; Savitṛ as golden sun above, akṣaras arranged like garlands; deep indigo background with gold highlights, intricate floral borders and peacock accents, symmetrical devotional layout."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"authoritative","sound_elements":["tanpura drone","soft conch shell","temple bells","resonant silence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ब्रह्मोवाच = ब्रह्मा + उवाच; कुक्षिचरणगोत्राणाम् treated as dvandva compound in genitive plural.
FAQs
It identifies the metre (chandas) as Gāyatrī and states that the presiding deity (devatā) of the Gāyatrī is Savitṛ (Savitā).
Brahmā is speaking. The verse implies a question about a precise classification or identification (including ‘lineage’ and related attributes), after which Brahmā specifies the chandas and devatā.
By assigning Savitṛ as the devatā, the verse frames Gāyatrī as oriented toward illumination and inner awakening—Savitṛ being the divine impeller associated with the sun’s inspiring power.