ब्रह्मानन्दं परमसुखदं (गुरु / दक्षिणामूर्ति ध्यान)

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

← Full Page Complete Lyrics Benefits & How to Chant

Word-by-Word Breakdown

ब्रह्मानन्दं

Brahmānandaṃ

Of the bliss of Brahman; whose form is the joy of the Absolute

परमसुखदं

Paramasukhadaṃ

The bestower of supreme happiness

केवलं

Kevalaṃ

The One alone, absolute, without a second

ज्ञानमूर्तिं

Jñānamūrtiṃ

The very embodiment of knowledge/wisdom

द्वन्द्वातीतं

Dvandvātītaṃ

Beyond all pairs of opposites (pleasure-pain, heat-cold)

गगनसदृशं

Gaganasadṛśaṃ

Like the sky — all-pervading, untouched, infinite

तत्त्वमस्यादिलक्ष्यम्

Tattvamasyādilakṣyam

The goal indicated by the great sayings such as 'Tat Tvam Asi' (That Thou Art)

एकं

Ekaṃ

The One, non-dual

नित्यं

Nityaṃ

Eternal, ever-existing

विमलम्

Vimalam

Pure, spotless, untainted

अचलं

Achalaṃ

Immovable, unchanging, steady

सर्वधीसाक्षिभूतं

Sarvadhīsākṣibhūtaṃ

The witness of all intellects and states of mind

भावातीतं

Bhāvātītaṃ

Beyond all modes of becoming and conception

त्रिगुणरहितं

Triguṇarahitaṃ

Free from the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas)

सद्गुरुं

Sadguruṃ

The true Guru (the inner Self / Dakshinamurti)

तं नमामि

Taṃ namāmi

To Him I bow / I offer my salutations

Complete Translation

जो ब्रह्म का आनन्दस्वरूप, परम सुख का दाता, केवल (अद्वितीय) और ज्ञान की साक्षात् मूर्ति हैं; जो द्वन्द्वों से परे, आकाश के समान व्यापक एवं निर्लेप, तथा 'तत्त्वमसि' आदि महावाक्यों के लक्ष्य हैं; जो एक, नित्य, निर्मल और अचल हैं, समस्त बुद्धियों के साक्षी, भावों से अतीत और तीनों गुणों से रहित हैं — उन सद्गुरु को मैं प्रणाम करता हूँ।

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Guru-stotra / Dakshinamurti dhyana shloka (Advaita Vedanta tradition)

Author: Unknown (traditional; widely used in Vedantic and monastic lineages)

Period: Classical / medieval

This single dhyana verse is among the most frequently recited Guru salutations in the Advaita and broader Sanatana tradition. It is closely associated with Dakshinamurti — the form of Shiva seated under the banyan tree who, by his very silence, dispelled the doubts of the aged sages who came to him as students. The verse compresses the entire Vedantic vision of the Guru: he is not merely a person but the awareness that is identical with Brahman, the witness of all minds, beyond opposites and gunas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is being saluted in Brahmanandam Parama Sukhadam?▼

The verse salutes the Sadguru — the true Guru — described as one with the formless Absolute (Brahman). In tradition this is identified with Lord Dakshinamurti, the youthful, silent form of Shiva who teaches the highest knowledge through stillness.

Why is this shloka chanted before study or meditation?▼

Because it places the seeker in the right attitude — humility before the Guru and remembrance that the Self is the witness of all thoughts. It is a classic opening prayer (dhyana shloka) for Vedanta classes and meditation.

What does 'Tattvamasyadi lakshyam' mean?▼

It means the Guru is the very 'goal' or truth pointed to by the great Upanishadic sayings (mahavakyas) such as 'Tat Tvam Asi' — 'That Thou Art' — which reveal the identity of the individual self with the Absolute.

Is this verse only for those with a living Guru?▼

No. It can be chanted by anyone. The 'Guru' here is ultimately the inner light of awareness; the verse helps even a solitary seeker turn within toward that witnessing presence.

Ready to start chanting?

See Benefits & How to Chant →