What is the meaning of the following mantra?
Guru Brahma Gurur Vishnu
Guru Devo Maheshwaraha
Guru Saakshat Param Brahma
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha
गुरुर्ब्रम्हा गुरुर्विष्णु गुरुर्देवो महेश्वराः | गुरुः साक्षात्परब्रम्ह तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ||
Here Guru means the master. There are three masters of the universe (also known as the Trimurti):
- Maheswara (also known as Shiva) – the destroyer or transformer;
- Vishnu – the maintainer who also provides love and knowledge;
- Brahma – the creator or the Intelligent designer.
This is one of the oldest Sloka addressed to the Godhead, who also exists as Trimurti. The master (Guru) is truly representation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara. The One is Saakshat (verily) Guru who creates, sustains knowledge & love, and destroys ignorance. It is the One that becomes three but is One essentially. I salute (Namaha) such a Master.
Shiva
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Vishnu Brahma
(Fig.01: The Trimurti – act as the One who is also in three.)
Meaning of Other Words
- Guru – the One (Master)
- Saakshat – verily
- Param Brahma – the God Absolute (the One)
- Tasmai – such Master