गुरु स्तोत्रम् — गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः — Word-by-Word Meaning
गुरु स्तोत्रम् — गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः
Gururbrahma gururvishnuh
The Guru is Brahma (the creator), the Guru is Vishnu (the preserver)
गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः
Gururdevo maheshwarah
The Guru is the divine Lord Maheshwara (Shiva, the transformer)
गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म
Guruh sakshat parabrahma
The Guru is verily the Supreme Brahman (the Absolute) itself
तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः
Tasmai shrigurave namah
To that revered Guru, my salutations
Complete Translation
गुरु ही ब्रह्मा हैं, गुरु ही विष्णु हैं, गुरु ही देव महेश्वर (शिव) हैं; गुरु ही साक्षात् परब्रह्म हैं। उन श्री गुरु को नमस्कार है।
Origin & History
Source: Guru Gita (Skanda Purana)
Author: Traditional (dialogue of Shiva and Parvati)
Period: Puranic
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu?▼
It means: 'The Guru is Brahma, the Guru is Vishnu, the Guru is Lord Shiva (Maheshwara); the Guru is verily the Supreme Brahman itself — salutations to that revered Guru.' The verse declares that the Guru embodies the three divine functions of creation, preservation and transformation, and is ultimately one with the Absolute.
When is the Guru Stotram recited?▼
It is recited daily in the morning, before study or spiritual practice, and before bowing to one's teacher. It is the central prayer of Guru Purnima and is also chanted on Thursdays (Guruvar), the day of Guru (Brihaspati).
Which scripture is this verse from?▼
This famous verse appears in the Guru Gita, a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati within the Skanda Purana, and is the best-known of all verses in praise of the Guru.
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