Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu — Guru Mantra with Meaning
This is the best-known verse for honouring the guru, traditionally linked to the Guru Gita. It describes the guru as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, because the guru gives us knowledge and a new direction in life. It is recited on Guru Purnima, before lessons, and whenever we remember our teachers.
Gurur brahma gurur vishnuh gurur devo maheshvarah | guruh sakshat parabrahma tasmai shri-gurave namah ||
Akhanda-mandalakaram vyaptam yena characharam | tat-padam darshitam yena tasmai shri-gurave namah ||
Ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-shalakaya | chakshur unmilitam yena tasmai shri-gurave namah ||
Meaning
Verse 1
Gurur brahma gurur vishnuh gurur devo maheshvarah | guruh sakshat parabrahma tasmai shri-gurave namah ||
The guru is Brahma, the guru is Vishnu, the guru is Lord Maheshwar. The guru is the Supreme itself — my salutations to that revered guru.
Verse 2
Akhanda-mandalakaram vyaptam yena characharam | tat-padam darshitam yena tasmai shri-gurave namah ||
The undivided, all-pervading Supreme fills everything, moving and unmoving. Salutations to the guru who showed me that state.
Verse 3
Ajnana-timirandhasya jnananjana-shalakaya | chakshur unmilitam yena tasmai shri-gurave namah ||
I was blinded by the darkness of ignorance. Salutations to the guru who opened my eyes with the healing balm of knowledge.
Meanings written in simple language by the KathaMantra team.
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Frequently asked questions
When should the Guru mantra be recited?
On Guru Purnima, before beginning study or learning something new, and in daily morning prayers.
How many times should it be recited?
Once or three times with devotion is enough. On Guru Purnima some people chant it 108 times.
What does the word 'guru' mean?
In the traditional explanation, 'gu' means darkness and 'ru' means the one who removes it — the guru is one who dispels the darkness of ignorance.