Brahmoism[edit]

In 1827 Ram Mohun Roy published a dissertation on the Gayatri Mantra[35] that analysed it in the
context of various Upanishads. Roy prescribed a Brahmin to always pronounceOm at the beginning
and end of the Gayatri Mantra.[36] From 1830, the Gayatri Mantra was used for private devotion
of Brahmos. In 1843, the First Covenant of Brahmo Samajrequired Gayatri Mantra for Divine
Worship. From 1848-1850 with the rejection of Vedas, the Adi Dharm Brahmins use Gayatri Mantra
in their private devotions.[37]

Hindu revivalism[edit]
In the later 19th century, Hindu reform movements extended the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra
beyond caste and gender limitations. In 1898, Swami Vivekananda began initiating non-Brahmins
with the sacred thread ceremony and the Gayatri Mantra. He based this on the interpretations of the
Vedas and Bhagavad Gita that Brahmin status is earned and not hereditary.[38] The Arya
Samaj notably spread the teaching that recitation of the mantra was not limited to males, but that
women could rightfully be taught both the Vedas and the Gayatri Mantra. [39][40] In his writings, S.
Radhakrishnan encouraged the teaching of Gayatri mantra to men and women of all castes.
[41]

Various Gayatri Yagyas organised by All World Gayatri Pariwar at small and large scales in late

twentieth century also helped spread Gayatri Mantra to the mass.[42] In some of these yagyas,
women and persons from different castes also performed role of Yagyacharya (priests).[43]

Popular culture[edit]
A version of the Gayatri Mantra is featured in the opening theme song of the TV series Battlestar
Galactica (2004).[44] A variation on the William Quan Judge translation is also used as the introduction
to Kate Bush's song 'Lily' on her 1993 album 'The Red Shoes'.