DST funds trial on effect of Gayatri Mantra in treating COVID-19

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has funded a clinical trial at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, to determine if the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, a religious hymn, and performing the Yoga practice of Pranayama, can aid the quality of recovery as well as cure COVID-19 quicker in a subset of patients.

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The latest study, however, will not test the effect of the intervention on severely ill patients. It will evaluate whether there are differences in the groups on the time taken to test negative, and the length of hospital stay.

They will also be evaluated on whether they have reduced fatigue and anxiety disorder. The Gāyatrī Mantra is also known as the Sāvitri Mantra. It is a highly revered mantra from the Rig Veda, dedicated to Savitr also known as Vedmata. Maharshi Vishvamitra had created the Gayatri mantra.