Who Is ‘Ultimate Guru' — Originator Of Yoga, Master Of Music? Dharma To Kama & Moksha, He Knows It All
Every year, we celebrate Guru Purnima to express gratitude to our gurus — teachers, mentors and guides, who light our paths with wisdom. This sacred day not only honours our academic teachers but also people who have played a pivotal role as a guru, helping us shape our thoughts, build values and teach us the true meaning of life. As you celebrate Guru Purnima today, July 10, let us fill you with the spiritual significance of the occasion. Do you know who is revered as the Ultimate Guru — the primordial source of wisdom and knowledge? He is Dakshinamurthy, a form of Lord Shiva.
Dakshinamurthy
Dakshinamurthy, the ultimate guru, means 'the one who faces south." As per Hindu tradition, it represents a direction that is linked with learning and wisdom. Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurthy is believed to guide his followers towards spirituality and enlightenment.
Also known as Adi-Yogi, Dakshinamurthy is depicted as a figure meditating under a banyan tree. His right foot rests on his left thigh, a posture resembling a yogi. He carried four symbolic objects in his hands, including a damru (small drum) representing creation, agni (fire flame) representing destruction, a rosary indicating the cycle of time and knowledge flow, and chin mudra, a gesture considered as the supreme state of consciousness.
Dakshinamurthy imparts teachings through the silent power of presence, symbolising the essence of Jnana Yoga. In iconography, he sometimes plays a veena, showcasing a divine mastery of music. Through his mystical ways and grace, Dakshinamurty helps his disciples attain liberation (moksha).
Maharishi Veda Vyasa also wrote the Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics ever written. Beyond that, he is also credited with composing the 18 Puranas and the Brahma Sutras, which break down complex spiritual ideas into simple teachings.
Other Ancient Gurus
Rishi Sandipani
Rishi Sandipani was a revered teacher of Lord Krishna, Balarama, and Sudama. Sandipani, a sage of great intellect and moral discipline, imparted knowledge that shaped not just intellect but character. His ashram in Avantika (modern-day Ujjain) upheld strict values, offering an enriching education. What made him truly extraordinary was his ability to treat all students equally.
Sage Vishwamitra
Sage Vishwamitra stands as a powerful example of courage, moral strength, transformation and human potential. A king by birth, he gave up worldly pleasures in pursuit of divine knowledge. After years of penance and worship, he ultimately earned the title of Brahmarishi. Vishwamitra created the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most sacred Vedic chants. He also mentored Lord Rama and Lakshmana during their youth.
Maharishi Valmiki
Maharishi Valmiki is a shining example of redemption and self-realisation through the guidance of a guru. He was once a robber named Ratnakar who transformed into a sage after an encounter with the great Narada Muni. Through long meditation and penance, he attained enlightenment and went on to compose one of the most profound epics, the Ramayana.
Maharishi Vashishtha
Maharishi Vashishtha was one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages) and the royal guru to the Ikshvaku dynasty, which included King Dasharatha and his son, Lord Rama. His vast knowledge of the Vedas set him apart, making Vashishtha a calm, wise, and spiritually rooted mentor. His teachings are preserved in the Yoga Vashishtha — a philosophical text that explores the concept of reality, consciousness, and liberation.
Guru Dronacharya
Guru Dronacharya, an expert in warfare and martial arts, was an important character in the Mahabharata. He was a royal teacher of the Kauravas and Pandavas who shaped Arjuna, his famous disciple. His methods were strict and controversial at times (Guru Dronacharya denied archery training to Ekalavya), but they remain a symbol of dedicated instruction, discipline, and mastery.
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July 10, 2025, 13:15 IST
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