108 Rounds of the Mahā Gāyatrī Mantra: Winter Solstice Japa Meditation
Winter Solstice Mantra Meditation & Community Chanting in Melbourne
Join Avril at Kundalini House Melbourne for a special Winter Solstice and International Yoga Day gathering featuring mantra meditation, Japa chanting, and collective meditation practice. Through 108 rounds of the Mahā Gāyatrī Mantra, this deeply grounding and meditative evening invites renewal, inner clarity, nervous system relaxation, and spiritual connection through sacred sound and community ritual.
Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, this welcoming meditation event offers an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and connect through the ancient yogic practices of mantra and meditation.
Event Description
Together, we will chant 108 rounds of the Mahā Gāyatrī Mantra, one of the most revered and luminous mantras of the Vedic tradition. This evening is an invitation to gather in reverence, gratitude, and quiet devotion, calling in renewal, illumination, and connection for ourselves, our community, and the world around us.
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Southern Hemisphere. Spiritually, it is considered a powerful turning point — a time of stillness, reflection, and renewal. As the earth tilts away from the sun, we pause to honour the sustaining light of the sun and the wisdom of the darker months.
The Mahā Gāyatrī Mantra, originating from the Rig Veda, is one of the oldest and most sacred Sanskrit mantras of the Vedic tradition. Traditionally chanted as a prayer for illumination and higher understanding, it honours Savitṛ, the radiant intelligence and life-giving force of the sun.
What is Japa Meditation?
Japa is the meditative repetition of sacred sound or mantra, traditionally practised using mala beads to support focus, rhythm, and devotion. As the mantra is repeated, the breath naturally settles, the nervous system softens, and the mind becomes steadier and more meditative.
Chanting in community can create a deeply immersive and grounding experience. The shared rhythm of voice, breath, and intention allows the vibrational quality of mantra to be experienced both individually and collectively.
The number 108 is considered sacred in yogic traditions and symbolises wholeness, cosmic connection, and the relationship between the individual and the infinite. During the practice, we will use a Japa Mala to keep count as we chant continuously together.
What You May Experience
Participants may experience:
- Deep relaxation and grounding
- Nervous system calming through breath and sound
- Greater mental clarity and stillness
- Emotional connection and reflection
- A meditative sense of presence and inner quiet
- The soothing effects of rhythmic chanting and vibration
This practice may also support mindfulness, breath awareness, emotional wellbeing, and a deeper sense of connection through collective meditation.
What to Expect
The evening will begin with a cup of tea and a gentle introduction to the meaning and significance of the practice.
Avril will then guide:
- several rounds of call-and-response chanting
- 108 repetitions of the Mahā Gāyatrī Mantra
- a short closing period of silence, meditation, or rest in śavāsana
No prior experience with chanting, meditation, or Sanskrit is necessary. Beginners are warmly welcome.
If you do not wish to chant aloud, you are welcome to simply rest and receive the sound and vibration of the practice.
The Mahā Gāyatrī Mantra
Om Bhūr Bhuvaḥ Svaḥ
Tat Savitur Vareṇyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhīmahi
Dhiyo Yo Naḥ Prachodayāt
English Translation
We meditate upon the divine radiance
of the life-giving source,
the radiant light of Savitṛ.
May that light illumine and guide our understanding.
~ Rig Veda
About the Teacher
Avril is a Yoga and Vedic Meditation teacher who teaches within the Vedic tradition. She has received initiation into the Mahā Gāyatrī Mantra through a traditional yoga lineage and loves sharing the beauty and depth of Sanskrit mantra, chanting, meditation, and yogic ritual.
She is passionate about creating meaningful community experiences through ancient yogic practices, sacred sound, and meditation.
What To Bring
- Warm comfortable clothing
- A water bottle
- Optional mala beads
- Anything needed to feel comfortable seated on the floor
Please be prepared to sit on the floor or on cushions provided.
Booking Information
Date: Sunday 21 June
Time: 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Kundalini House Melbourne
Tickets: $30 / $25 Kundalini House Members
Bookings: Through Kundalini House
This is an in-person only event. Spaces are limited and early bookings are recommended.