गुरु वंदना
Origin & Story
Guru Gita (Skanda Purana) · Attributed to Lord Shiva (taught to Parvati) · Ancient (Puranic era)
The Guru Gita is a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the Skanda Purana. Parvati asks Shiva about the nature and importance of the Guru. Shiva responds with these verses, declaring that the Guru embodies the entire trinity — Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara — because the Guru creates knowledge, preserves wisdom, and destroys ignorance. The 'Tvameva Mata' verse is from a different source and is a universal prayer of surrender.
✦ As told in scripture
The Chandogya Upanishad tells the story of Satyakama Jabala, a boy of unknown parentage who approached Sage Haridrumata Gautama seeking knowledge. Because of his truthfulness, the guru accepted him. After years of humble service, the guru transmitted supreme knowledge to him. Satyakama became one of the greatest sages — demonstrating that the guru-disciple relationship transcends all social barriers and transforms ordinary humans into enlightened beings.
Complete Text with Meaning
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः। गुरुर्साक्षात् परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः॥
Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwarah Gurur Sakshat Param Brahma Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah
Meaning:The Guru is Brahma (creator), the Guru is Vishnu (preserver), the Guru is Lord Maheshwara (Shiva, the transformer). The Guru is the Supreme Absolute itself. I bow to that Guru.
अखण्डमण्डलाकारं व्याप्तं येन चराचरम्। तत्पदं दर्शितं येन तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः॥
Akhandamandalakaram Vyaptam Yena Characharam Tatpadam Darshitam Yena Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah
Meaning:The Guru whose form pervades the entire undivided circle of the universe — all that moves and all that is still — who has shown me that supreme state, I bow to that Guru.
अज्ञानतिमिरान्धस्य ज्ञानाञ्जनशलाकया। चक्षुरुन्मीलितं येन तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः॥
Agyaana Timirandhasya Gyananjana Shalakaya Chakshur Unmilitam Yena Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah
Meaning:The Guru who opened my eyes, blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the needle of the collyrium of knowledge — I bow to that Guru.
त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव त्वमेव बन्धुश्च सखा त्वमेव। त्वमेव विद्या द्रविणं त्वमेव त्वमेव सर्वं मम देव देव॥
Tvameva Mata Cha Pita Tvameva Tvameva Bandhush Cha Sakha Tvameva Tvameva Vidya Dravinam Tvameva Tvameva Sarvam Mama Deva Deva
Meaning:You alone are my mother, you alone are my father. You alone are my relative and friend. You alone are knowledge and wealth. You are everything to me, O God of gods.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting गुरु वंदना
Fundamental prayer recited before all learning and spiritual practice
Cultivates humility, gratitude and respect for teachers
Opens the mind to receive knowledge and wisdom
Chanted daily in millions of schools, ashrams and spiritual centers across India
The Guru principle represents the light that dispels ignorance
Universal — applicable to all teachers, mentors and guides in life
How to Chant गुरु वंदना
Recite with folded hands and genuine reverence. Traditionally chanted at the beginning of any class, lecture, or spiritual gathering. On Guru Purnima (July full moon), this mantra is chanted with special devotion. Touch the feet of your guru or bow mentally while reciting. The mantra can also be chanted 108 times as a dedicated practice.