Guru Mantra
गुरु मंत्र
Deity: Guru (Spiritual Teacher)
Source: Guru Gita
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः। गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः।
Transliteration
Gurur-Brahmā Gurur-Viṣṇuḥ Gurur-Devo Maheśvaraḥ Guruḥ Sākṣāt Para-Brahma Tasmai Śrī Gurave Namaḥ
Meaning
The Guru is Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Maheshvara (Shiva, the destroyer). The Guru is the Supreme Brahman itself. Salutations to that revered Guru.
Significance
Gurur Brahmā Gurur Viṣṇuḥ, from the Guru Gītā, exalts the spiritual teacher as the embodiment of the trinity — Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśvara — and as Para-Brahman itself, who removes the darkness of ignorance. It is chanted in reverence, especially on Guru Pūrṇimā, to honour the teacher and seek guidance.
Benefits
- Deepens reverence and gratitude toward one's teacher and guiding tradition
- Cultivates humility and the receptive, teachable mind essential for learning
- Traditionally chanted to invoke clear guidance and remove the darkness of ignorance
- Strengthens faith (śraddhā) and steadiness on the spiritual path
- Fitting for Guru Pūrṇimā and before study, teaching, or any sādhanā
How to Chant
- Sit with a reverent, humble heart, ideally before the guru's image or one's place of study
- Begin with 'Om' and chant the verse slowly, holding gratitude for the teacher in mind
- Reflect on the Guru as the inner guide who dispels ignorance, not merely an outer person
- Chant once or in rounds; Guru Pūrṇimā and Thursday (Guruvāra) are especially auspicious
- Close with a praṇāma, offering thanks and seeking guidance on the path
Questions and Answers
What is the meaning of Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu?
It means: 'The Guru is Brahmā, the Guru is Viṣṇu, the Guru is Lord Maheśvara (Śiva); the Guru is verily the Supreme Brahman — to that revered Guru I bow.' It honours the teacher as the embodiment of the divine that creates, sustains, and transforms.
Why is the Guru equated with Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva?
Because the Guru performs the same threefold work within the disciple: creating right understanding, sustaining it through guidance, and dissolving ignorance. By revealing the supreme truth, the Guru is honoured as Para-Brahman itself.
When should the Guru Mantra be chanted?
It is especially chanted on Guru Pūrṇimā, on Thursdays (Guruvāra), and before beginning study, teaching, or spiritual practice. It may be recited any time to express reverence and seek the Guru's guidance.
Can anyone chant the Guru Mantra?
Yes. Anyone who reveres their teacher and the path of knowledge may chant it, of any age or background. It is widely recited by students and seekers, particularly to honour the guiding tradition on Guru Pūrṇimā.
Does the Guru Mantra refer only to a human teacher?
The verse honours the human teacher, yet points beyond — to the Guru-principle (Guru-tattva), the inner light that dispels ignorance. It is ultimately reverence for the divine wisdom that the true Guru embodies and awakens within.
