Who is dakshinamurthy god

In his upper arms, he holds a snake or rosary or both in one hand and a flame in the other; while in his lower right hand is shown in vyakhyanamudra, his lower left hand holds a bundle of kusha grass or the scriptures. The index finger of His right hand is bent and touching the tip of his thumb. The other three fingers are stretched apart. Sometimes, this hand is in the Abhaya Mudra, a posture of assurance and blessing. Dakshinamurthy is portrayed as being in the yogic state of abstract meditation — and as a powerful form brimming with ever flowing bliss and supreme joy.

Variations of this iconic representation include Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy holding a Veena , Rishabharooda Dakshinamurthy mounted on a Rishabha — the bull etc.

Maharshi Kardamshankara Jnanadeva, a mystic seer says that Dakshinamurthy means the abstract or hidden power of the absolute which expressed in all enlightened masters.

The fifth day of the week, Thursday is associated with the planet Jupiter and is referred to as Guru Guruvar or Guruvaaram. Thursdays are considered auspicious to start any educational endeavours. It is on Thursdays that special worship services are offered to Dakshinamurthy in many Saivite temples. Some temple traditions hold full moon nights, particularly the night of the Guru Purnima as the appropriate time for worship services to Dakshinamurthy.

Dakshinamurthy Stotram by Adi Shankaracharya is a laudatory hymn for this form of Siva. Much more is explained in Telugu in our above video. Do you know any other interesting facts?

Let us know in the comments below what your favorite fact is! Share your thoughts in comments! The concept of Dakshinamurti mentioned in the Rig Veda was the transformation of Rudra into the giver of gifts. The Dakshinamurti Upanishad elaborates on the aspect of medha Dakshinamurti imparting knowledge to the rishis. The hymn of Dakshinamurti of Shankara gives an elaborate description of him with myriad epithets of the essence of the characteristics of a Master falling in line with the Guru of Upanishads and unfolding in beautiful poetic imagery.

These metaphors of the great teacher, claimed to be the first and having initiated the Rishis of the highest order with the knowledge of the ultimate Brahman. This explicit imagery of Dakshinamurti is reflected in the ritual and art, thus, creating a prominent niche in the wide canvas of Indian art and culture. Hence Manu advised his son to proceed to the sacrifice of the Angirasas and lead them to heaven by singing the mantras of the Raudra Brahman and receive their thousand cows in return.

Lord Shiva, in order to instruct the rishis and the seers assumed the form of a guru, and sitting on the peak of Kailasa. He turned southward to serve all seekers. He is the Supreme God who, at the end of an aeon kalpa absorbs within himself the whole universe and remains resplendent in joy. Facing the south is unique to Lord Shiva and everyone considers Dakshina as efficient and learned. The Avatar of Lord Shiva as Jnana Dakshinamurthy is generally depicted with four arms and seated under a banyan tree facing the south.

He is shown seated upon a deer-skin with several sages listening in rapt attention to his teachings. One of his upper arms wields a snake or rosary and the other holds a flame.

His lower right hand is shown in the Vyakhyanamudra posture and the lower left is shown grasping a bundle of kusha grass which represents the Holy Scriptures. Lord Dakshinamurthy is always immersed in a deep yogic state of meditation and represents the potent force of ever flowing bliss indicative of supreme joy.

In keeping with the Indian tradition of holding the teacher in the highest esteem, Lord Dakshinamurthy embodies all the aspects of emulation and reverence.

He is the ultimate Guru or teacher in Hindu culture, as the propagator of knowledge and dispeller of ignorance. His limbs and body denote various aspects of the enlightened man and signify his willingness to impart knowledge to whoever seeks him out.

This day is dedicated to Guru Worship and considered auspicious to indulge in educational activities. Special worship services are offered to Lord Dakshinamurthy on Thursday in Saivite temples and more so, on Guru Purnima.