Goddess related - Gayathri Mantra chanting for courage and strength of mind

This is an article to explain the benefit of Gayatri Mantra to the mind, the mantra, meaning of the mantra, preferable way to adopt and the originator or codifier for the common man's benefit. Daily in the morning after taking bath chant this for 108 times will give maximum effect. Depending on the time available it may be done 18, 28, 58 etc may be done at least which may bring some effect.

There is a strong belief that Gayatri mantra is directed to Devi Gayatri. Some believe that it is directed to the Surya Deva. Some believe that it is not directed at any particular god/goddess and hence can be directed to any god/goddess one likes to.

The Gayatri Mantra is:

Oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ

tát savitúr váreṇ(i)yaṃ

bhárgo devásya dhīmahi

dhíyo yó naḥ pracodáyāt

  

Meaning of Gayatri mantra

Let us meditate on the goddess/god who is capable of removing our sins and ignorance; one who created this universe and all beings to be revered and greatness of the god. Let him /her lead our mind and intellect to our good.

There is a say that there is no food better or wholesome for human beings and there  is no mantra greater than Gayatri mantra. 

Each mantra of the Vedaas are associated with a Rishi and is having an adhidevatha. For Gayatri mantra it is Viswamitra Rishi and Savitha Devatha. 

Preferable way to chant Gayatri mantra 

Sit facing East or North. Sit squatting cross legged (preferably in Padmasan) on a plank or a mat of grass. Train to chant without mistakes. Along with some observe the pranayama (concentration with regulated breathing) and the counting with concetration of the chanting. This procedure help to have clear and clean mind, increased memory power and peace of mind. The the word appears to be denoting feminine one can use this mantra  to one's won ishta devatha (god of one's own preference). 

Originator of Gayatri mantra

Sage (Maharishi) Viswamitra is credited to have mastered Gayatri sadhana and derived the all powers of Gayatri mantra. He standardized the procedures the Gayatri mantra japa (chanting procedures of Gayatri mantra) and made it available for the common man to practice after getting initiated through a competent Guru (teacher - priest).