Gāyatrī Sādhanā by Divine Women
In ancient times, many great women sages and spiritual seekers practiced Gāyatrī Sādhanā to attain spiritual elevation and divine powers. Some of these women included:
- Gārgī, Maitreyī, Madālasā, Anasūyā, Arundhatī, Devayānī, Ahalyā, Kuntī, Satarūpā, Vṛndā, Mandodarī, Draupadī, Damayantī, Gautamī, Apālā, Sulabhā, Śāśvatī, Uśijā, Sāvitrī, Lopāmudrā, Pratiśeyī, Vaiśālinī, Baidulā, Sunītī, Śakuntalā, Piṅgalā, Jarutkār, Rohiṇī, Bhadrā, Vidulā, Gāndhārī, Añjarī, Sītā, Devahūtī, Pārvatī, Aditi, Śacī, Satyavatī, Sukanyā, and Śaivyā.
These women, through the power of Gāyatrī, elevated their intelligence, wisdom, courage, foresight, devotion, discipline, and spiritual strength. Many of them performed miracles, overcame challenges, and attained divine realization.
Historical Accounts of Women’s Gāyatrī Sādhanā
- Sāvitrī performed one year of Gāyatrī Japa, through which she attained such spiritual power that she was able to bring her husband Satyavān back to life from Yama (the god of death).
- Damayantī’s spiritual strength was so great that when a wicked hunter tried to harm her, he was instantly reduced to ashes.
- Gāndhārī’s tapas (austerities) enabled her eyes to generate such power that her mere gaze made Duryodhana’s body invincible, except for the area he covered out of modesty, which Bhīma targeted to defeat him.
- Anasūyā’s penance was so intense that she was able to turn Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśvara into children.
- Śaṇḍilī’s tapas was so potent that she stopped the movement of the Sun’s chariot.
- Sukanyā’s devotion revived the aged Sage Cyavana, restoring his youth and vigor.
Thus, the power of women’s tapas (austerity) has been equal to that of men, and Gāyatrī remains the supreme path for both men and women.
Modern Accounts of Women Practicing Gāyatrī Sādhanā
Even in contemporary times, countless women have successfully practiced Gāyatrī Sādhanā and received immense spiritual and worldly benefits.
Gāyatrī as a Protector in Difficult Times
- Smt. Prempyārī Devī (wife of a well-known engineer)
- Faced many family difficulties but overcame them through Gāyatrī Upāsanā.
- Found relief and solutions through divine grace.
- Smt. Chandrakāntā Jerath (B.A., Delhi)
- A dedicated Gāyatrī Upāsikā.
- Has healed patients’ pain through her touch, powered by Gāyatrī Japa.
- Experiences automatic Japa even while asleep.
- Smt. Medhāvatī Devī (wife of a respected educationist, Nagīnā)
- Encouraged in childhood to practice Gāyatrī Upāsanā by her father.
- Overcame many worrisome challenges through divine blessings.
Women’s Divine Protection Through Gāyatrī
- Smt. Guṇavanti Devī (Shillong)
- Became a widow at 20 years old with a 1.5-year-old son.
- Her father-in-law became deeply sorrowful and weak.
- A sage advised him to practice Gāyatrī Japa, which he did.
- Guṇavanti Devī then received a vision of a divine sage who introduced herself as “Gāyatrī” and assured protection.
- She has since survived numerous difficulties, and her son is now a college student with scholarships and a successful life.
- Smt. Vimalā Devī (Hyderabad, Sindh)
- Suffered abuse from her cruel mother-in-law and alcoholic husband.
- Started Gāyatrī Sādhanā on her aunt’s suggestion.
- One night, both her husband and mother-in-law had a horrific dream in which divine beings punished them for their sins.
- Their behavior transformed completely, and peace was restored to the family.
Gāyatrī’s Blessings for Motherhood and Health
- Smt. Hemlatā Chaṭṭopādhyāya (Barisal, Bengal)
- 33 years old and childless.
- Practiced Gāyatrī Upāsanā, and gave birth to three healthy children.
- Smt. Gogan Bāī (Jaisalmer)
- Suffered from severe epilepsy for eight years.
- Practiced Gāyatrī Japa while fasting and cured herself in four months.
- Smt. Sundarī Bāī (Gujarāṇvālā)
- Severe anemia and reproductive disorders led her to a near-death state.
- Doctors had given up hope.
- Practiced Gāyatrī Japa and fully recovered.
- Later gave birth to a healthy son.
- Smt. Basantī Devī (Godāvarī District)
- Possessed by negative spirits since childhood.
- Tried many remedies but found no relief.
- A sage advised her family to perform a Gāyatrī Puraścaraṇa.
- She was completely cured through this practice.
Gāyatrī and Academic Excellence
- Smt. Sāvitri Devī (Kanpur)
- Had not studied for 11 years after middle school.
- Suddenly decided to attempt matriculation and, through Gāyatrī Upāsanā, passed successfully with minimal preparation.
- Smt. Santoṣ Kumārī (Muridpur)
- Extremely weak in studies as a child.
- Started Gāyatrī Sādhanā after a divine vision.
- Became highly intelligent, pursued education, and is now an influential educator.
Gāyatrī and Marital Harmony
- Smt. Gñānavatī (Udaipur, Marwar)
- Was not physically attractive and neglected by her husband.
- Practiced Gāyatrī Sādhanā and observed Sunday fasts.
- Gradually, her husband developed love and respect for her.
- Smt. Sarojinī Devī (Mulṭān)
- Suffered from poor health, and her children were weak and often sick.
- Practiced Gāyatrī Japa and Upāsanā.
- Her health improved, and her children became strong and healthy.
The Divine Potential of Women in Gāyatrī Sādhanā
- Women have always been powerful spiritual practitioners.
- Gāyatrī provides an ideal path for widows by fostering inner peace, divine connection, and a righteous life.
- Gāyatrī helps cultivate simplicity, humility, self-discipline, truthfulness, and spiritual devotion in a woman’s character.
- For women, Gāyatrī Sādhanā is even easier and more fruitful than for men.
Both men and women are children of Vedamātā Gāyatrī.
However, just as a mother loves her daughters deeply, Gāyatrī’s blessings come more easily to women who practice her Upāsanā.
Women should embrace Gāyatrī Sādhanā as a means to elevate their spiritual consciousness, improve their lives, and overcome challenges with divine grace.