Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Concept of Gayatri in Vedic literature. 3. Gayatri in comparison with other deities in Vedic literature. 4. Significance of Gayatri in Vedic literature. 5. Origin and birth of Gayatri in the Puranas. 6. Forms, appearance and iconographical features of Gayatri. 7. Method of Sandhya worship of Gayatri and its advantages. 8. Tantric mode of worship of Gayatri. 9. The conclusion. Appendices. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.

Gayatri is the most popular meter in the ancient Vedic literature which through the passage of time assumed the distinction of a prominent deity in the later literature, especially in the Puranas. Besides the meter, Gayatri as a mantra itself which occurs in the Rgveda and other later Vedic texts is considered as the most sacred and powerful mantra and is often alluded as a wish-yielding tree for attainment of almost everything in life.

The author has made an endeavour to put all her epithets, effulgent lustrous beauty, powers bounteousness beginning from her origin, scattered in a vast arena of Vedic and Puranic literature at one place for quenching the thirst of knowledge of scholars, as well as the devotees.

Besides, some more interesting features associated with the worship of the Goddess Gayatri have been given in the appendices. Glossary of Sanskrit terms has been added for the better understanding. (jacket)