GURUR BRAHMĀ GURUR VIṢṆUR
Guru Mantra
Gurur brahmā gurur viṣṇur
Gurur devo maheśvaraḥ
Guruḥ sākṣāt parabrahma
tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ
Om Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ Śāntiḥ
The Guru is Brahma (The God of Creation)
The Guru is Vishnu (The God of Sustenance)
The Guru is Shiva (The God of Annihilation)
My Salutation to such a Guru, who is verily the Supreme God
Om peace, peace, peace.
History of “Gurur Brahmā Gurur Viṣṇur”
This verse is part of the Guru Stotram, traditionally attributed to Śrī Ādi Śaṅkarācārya (8th century CE).
It comes from the larger text Guru Gītā (a dialogue between Lord Śiva and Pārvatī in the Skanda Purāṇa), where the supreme importance of the Guru is explained.
It emphasizes that the Guru is not merely a human teacher but the embodiment of the Divine Trinity (Brahmā the creator, Viṣṇu the sustainer, and Maheśvara/Śiva the destroyer).
Still widely recited in daily prayers, yoga classes, and spiritual gatherings to honor the Guru-tattva (principle of the Guru).
Text, Etymology & Meaning
Word Breakdown:
Gurur – The Guru, the spiritual teacher.
Brahmā – The Creator (knowledge and initiation).
Viṣṇuḥ – The Preserver (sustaining wisdom, protection).
Devo Maheśvaraḥ – Lord Śiva, the Destroyer (remover of ignorance).
Sākṣāt – Directly, in person.
Paraṁ Brahma – The Absolute Reality, Supreme Consciousness.
Tasmai Śrī Gurave Namaḥ – Salutations to that revered Guru.
Meaning:
“The Guru is Brahmā (the creator), the Guru is Viṣṇu (the sustainer), the Guru is Lord Maheśvara (the destroyer). The Guru is verily the Supreme Brahman itself. To that revered Guru, I offer my salutations.”
Benefits
a) Spiritual
Instills reverence toward the Guru-tattva, opening the disciple’s heart.
Removes ego and cultivates humility, making the seeker receptive to higher knowledge.
Reminds the practitioner that the Guru is not just an individual, but a manifestation of the cosmic principle of knowledge and liberation.
b) Psychological
Enhances feelings of gratitude, safety, and trust.
Helps the student overcome doubt and resistance to learning.
Anchors the mind in devotion, reducing restlessness.
c) Practical / Yogic
Creates a sacred mindset before study, meditation, or yoga practice.
Builds a sense of belonging to a lineage (paramparā).
Strengthens discipline and respect for spiritual instruction.
Contraindications / Precautions
No physical contraindications.
Interpret carefully:
Not meant to deify a particular person blindly, but to honor the principle of the Guru as divine wisdom.
Should not be used for guru-worship cults where manipulation occurs — the verse points to the Guru as the embodiment of universal truth, not personality worship.
Science of the Mantra
a) Neuroscience
Chanting mantras activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate and calming the mind.
Repetition of words like Guru, Brahma, Viṣṇu, Śiva creates rhythmic sound vibrations that regulate alpha-theta brainwaves, enhancing learning receptivity.
b) Psychology
Affirmations of reverence and surrender reduce ego-centered defensiveness and increase openness to new knowledge.
Similar to modern psychology’s “mentor effect” — students learn more effectively when they hold trust and reverence for the teacher.
c) Social & Educational Science
Recognizes the teacher as a multidimensional guide:
Creator of curiosity (Brahmā).
Sustainer of knowledge (Viṣṇu).
Destroyer of ignorance (Śiva).
Embeds respect for the role of educators in society — a principle shared by modern pedagogy.
d) Energy Science (Yoga)
The mantra aligns with the Guru principle (Guru-tattva) — seen as the subtle light that removes darkness (gu = darkness, ru = remover).
Awakens śraddhā (faith), an essential quality in yoga practice, which strengthens the mind’s ability to focus.