गुरु स्तोत्रम् — गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः — Benefits & How to Chant
गुरु स्तोत्रम् — गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting गुरु स्तोत्रम् — गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः
The most beloved verse in praise of the Guru, declaring the teacher to be Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and verily the Supreme Brahman.
The central shloka of Guru Purnima and Guru Vandana, recited before study, before the Guru, and at the start of learning and spiritual practice.
Cultivates reverence, humility and gratitude towards one's teacher and the guru-tattva (the principle of the Guru) within.
Traditionally believed to remove the darkness of ignorance and open the heart to true knowledge (jnana).
Short and easily memorised, suitable for daily recitation by students, seekers and devotees of every path.
How to Chant गुरु स्तोत्रम् — गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः
Instructions
Sit calmly, bring your teacher (and the inner Guru) to mind, and recite the verse slowly with reverence. It is chanted before beginning study or spiritual practice, before bowing to one's Guru, and is the foremost prayer of Guru Purnima. Repeat three times or as many as you wish.
Spiritual Significance
It is said that the Guru's grace, invoked by this verse, can accomplish what even the gods cannot — for the Guru is the visible doorway to the formless Absolute, and a single sincere salutation to the Guru is held to dispel lifetimes of ignorance.
Origin & History
Source: Guru Gita (Skanda Purana)
Author: Traditional (dialogue of Shiva and Parvati)
From the Guru Gita — the discourse of Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati on the glory of the Guru — this single verse has become the universal salutation to the teacher across every Hindu tradition. By equating the Guru with Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and with Parabrahman itself, it teaches that it is through the Guru's grace that the seeker crosses from ignorance to the light of knowledge.