THE EFFECT OF GAYATRI MANTRA CHANTING ON HEART RATE VARIABILITY (HRV) IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

BACKGROUND Mantra chanting is an integral component of Yogic science and has been practiced since ancient times for mental and physiological well-being. Recent studies have demonstrated that mantra chanting positively influences autonomic regulation, cognitive function and psychological health. The Gayatri Mantra, particularly the Savitri Gayatri, is one of the most widely practiced mantras in Mantra Yoga and is traditionally believed to enhance mental clarity and balance. Scientific studies suggest that Gayatri Mantra chanting promotes alpha brain wave activity and improves heart rate variability (HRV), indicating better autonomic balance and stress regulation.

AIM  This study aims to evaluate the effect of Gayatri Mantra chanting on heart rate variability in healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVE  The objective of this study is to determine the short-term effect of Gayatri Mantra chanting on heart rate variability in healthy individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants: A total of 34 college-going students of the age group 18-25 years were recruited based on convenience sampling. The participants were allocated into experimental and control groups, each consisting of 17 participants.

Design: Participants who expressed interest in the study were first screened using the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-four eligible participants were selected, after which written informed consent was obtained, and they were subsequently allocated to the experimental and control groups.

Assessments:  Mean RR Interval  Standard Deviation of NN Intervals (SDNN)  Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD)  Low Frequency Power (LF)  High Frequency Power (HF)  LF/HF Ratio  Poincaré SD1  Poincaré SD2

Intervention:  Participants in the experimental group were instructed to perform 18 rounds of Gayatri Mantra chanting in accordance with the Yajurveda tradition daily for a period of 14 consecutive days.  The control group did not receive any intervention during the study period.

Results: A statistically significant improvement was observed in several HRV parameters in the experimental group following Gayatri Mantra chanting, whereas no significant changes were noted in the control group. This indicates that Gayatri Mantra chanting significantly influences heart rate variability in healthy individuals, although some parameters did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion: Gayatri Mantra chanting has a significant effect on heart rate variability in healthy individuals, indicating a measurable influence on autonomic variability.

Key Words: Gayatri Mantra chanting, Heart Rate Variability, Yajurveda tradition