The shloka
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः ।
गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥
gururbrahmā gururviṣṇuḥ gururdevo maheśvaraḥ |
guruḥ sākṣāt parabrahma tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ ||
Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnuh Gurur Devo Maheshwarah
Guruh sakshat Parabrahma tasmai Shri Gurave namah
हिन्दी अर्थ
गुरु ही ब्रह्मा हैं, गुरु ही विष्णु हैं और गुरु ही भगवान महेश्वर (शिव) हैं। गुरु साक्षात् परब्रह्म हैं; ऐसे श्री गुरु को मेरा नमस्कार है।
Meaning in English
The Guru is Brahma, the Guru is Vishnu, the Guru is Lord Maheshwara (Shiva). The Guru is verily the Supreme Brahman itself; salutations to that revered Guru.
Recited Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu?
Mark it, light a diya, or keep it for tomorrow.
Word-by-word meaning
- guruḥ
- the teacher, the one who removes darkness
- brahmā
- Brahma, the creator
- viṣṇuḥ
- Vishnu, the sustainer
- devaḥ maheśvaraḥ
- Lord Maheshwara (Shiva)
- sākṣāt
- directly, verily, in person
- parabrahma
- the Supreme Brahman, Absolute Reality
- tasmai
- to that (one)
- śrīgurave
- to the revered Guru
- namaḥ
- salutations
When and how to recite
- Recite it before a lesson, music or dance practice, or a spiritual talk.
- Join your palms, and if possible bow before your teacher or their picture.
- Chant it slowly, remembering with gratitude those who have taught you.
- On Guru Purnima, recite it while offering flowers or respects to your Guru.
Significance
Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu is the most widely recited verse of Guru Vandana, salutation to the teacher. It sees the Guru as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara, and finally as the Supreme Brahman itself. Recited before lessons, music practice, spiritual discourses and especially on Guru Purnima, it expresses the deep reverence Hindu tradition holds for the one who removes the darkness of ignorance. It is loved for its simplicity and its powerful idea.
The word 'guru' is traditionally explained as 'one who removes darkness'. The verse sees the Guru performing the work of all three deities: Brahma creates understanding in the disciple, Vishnu nurtures it, and Maheshwara destroys ignorance. The final line goes further, recognising the Guru as a living window to the Absolute. Reciting it cultivates humility and gratitude, attitudes considered essential for real learning, whether from a spiritual master, a parent or a schoolteacher.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu?
It says the Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara, and the Guru is the Supreme Brahman itself; salutations to that revered Guru.
Where does Gurur Brahma shloka come from?
It is found in the Guru Gita, a dialogue between Shiva and Parvati traditionally said to belong to the Skanda Purana.
When is Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu recited?
Before lessons, music or spiritual practice, at the start of discourses, and especially on Guru Purnima.
