Shri Dakshinamurthy, Lord Dakshinamurthy Benefits and Story of God Dakshinamurthy

Sri Dakshinamurthy

Introduction:

Sri Dakshinamurthy is the depiction of Lord Shiva which illustrates Him as the supreme cosmic teacher (Adi Guru) and is a facet of the Lord as the guru who enlightens one with jnana (knowledge) that elevates and enriches. The Dakshinamurthy form of Lord Shiva extols Him as the Supreme Teacher of yoga, knowledge and even music. The rich treasures of knowledge in the Shastras become accessible when He appears as Sri Dakshinamurthy.

Sri Dakshinamurthy is believed to teach through para vak, which is a divine speech form inaudible to worldly ears and resides in the recesses of silence. Ordinary expressions are not needed to grasp the teachings of Sri Dakshinamurthy who explains the true meaning of Brahmaan naturally. His disciples are old Rishis and sages. He imparts the greatest awareness, understanding and comprehension.

The meaning of Dakshinamurthy also is 'the one who is facing the south (dakshi?a) direction'. He sits under the auspicious vata vruksha facing the south direction to give knowledge. Sri Dakshinamurthy guides the cyclical courses of srishti (creation), sthiti (preservation), samhara (amalgamation), tirobhava (suppress on) and anugraha (revealing true knowledge). As we know, Indian tradition and culture revere the teacher or Guru much like God. Sri Dakshinamurthy is also worshipped as the ultimate Guru who truly illuminates the world with cosmic knowledge that lights the soul.

Scroll Down to read more

Shop Now for Energized Products

Shiva Stutih

INR 60 | USD 0.75

Product Code : B07

Add To Cart
Dakshinavarti Shankha

INR 7,070 | USD 88.38

Product Code : DS39

Add To Cart
Dakshinamurthy Puja

INR 9,501 | USD 118.76

Product Code : PY161

Add To Cart

Iconography

The iconographic descriptions of the great teacher Lor are not consistent; a rich treasure of artistic expressions underlines His depiction that also conveys meanings at various levels. Every Shiva temple carries the stone image of Dakshinamurthy facing south. Apparently, Sri Dakshinamurthy is the only Hindu deity who faces the south direction. Major texts like Amsumadbheda, Karanagama, Kamikagama, Shilparatna and others depict Sri Dakshinamurthy differently.

Sri Dakshinamurthy is commonly illustrated in a seated posture and occasionally in standing position (while holding His veena, the musical instrument He plays proficiently). When He is shown seated, His right leg is stretched down, resting upon a dwarfish demon (apasmara who stands for lack of knowledge and illumination). The place He sits on is covered by deer skin or tiger skin. His left foot is bent at the knee and rests on his right knee or thigh. He has an expression of meditative serenity on His face as the Rishis look towards Him for the light of knowledge.

Sri Dakshinamurthy wears Rudraksha beads mala and simple embellishments like garlands of flowers, sacred cord resting on His chest with sandal-paste, garlands and necklaces adorning it. Sri Dakshinamurthy has a pure disposition of sattva. His complexion is bright and glows brightly. He is deeply immersed in self (bhava shuddha) with a gentle smile on His divine face.

When Sri Dakshinamurthy is mostly depicted as Jnana Dakshinamurti, His right hand is in the Gnana Mudra (symbolising knowledge and wisdom). Several layers of intricate symbolism can be observed and interpreted when He assumes the Jnana Mudra. A popular interpretation of the Jnana Mudra is that His thumb represents the God, the index finger represents the man and the other three fingers stand for three inborn impurities that afflict man viz. egotism, delusion and bad deeds performed in past births. Since the three fingers are separate the index finger (man), we learn from the Teacher Lord that we can detach ourselves from impurities and reach God. Sri Dakshinamurthy may also appear as Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy (Sri Dakshinamurthy holding a Veena), Rishabharooda Dakshinamurthy (seated on Rishabha, the Bull) or in some other variations.

Not many temples are dedicated to Sri Dakshinamurthy, but He remains an important form of Lord Shiva. Invoking Him is akin to paying obeisance to knowledge, wisdom and perceiving the path of true enlightenment.

Chanting the Sri Dakshinamurthy Gayatri Mantra is one way of revering Him. So powerful and auspicious the Sri Dakshinamurthy stotram is that it is believed that the one who understands it and chants it devotedly is freed of bondages and realizes truth.

The Sri Dakshinamurthy Gayatri Mantra:

Om dakshinamurthy Vidmahe
Dhyanasthaya Dheemahi
Tanno Dhishaha Prachodayat

Related Testimonials

I could not have been more pleasantly surprised

Namaste! I could not believe my eyes when I got back from a meeting and there was my box on my desk!! I could not have been more pleasantly surprised! Everything was in the box and it arrived in great condition. I immediately opened the box to put on the ring and extract the manuals and CD�s from my puja kits. The ring fits perfectly and I am very excited about the format of the Puja kit instruction books. I have no doubt that the CD audio quality will be excellent! I will study for now and perform the puja�s after I return to America. As always, your customer service and the products are
- Rex
I felt immense presence and blessing of Lord Shiva

Yesterday I watched the vcd of Rudram Chamkam yagna and I was very pleased with puja, the way it was performed. While watching I felt immense presence and blessing of Lord Shiva. Thank you very much. Vidya Radkar
- Vidya Radkar
You are customer oriented

I happily received my Narmada Shivling on 26-2-2010. The packaging of the items were excellent. The Shivling was extremely beautiful. Thank you for your caring and prompt service. My past experiences with your concern makes me strongly conclude that you are Customer oriented and that only the satisfaction of the customer is your goal. Happy to buy from such a good service minded seller. Bala Venkatesh
- Bala Venkatesh
I cannot wait to order again

Dear Ms. Neeta and Team, My order arrived today, and I want to thank you for everything. It's all amazing. The pink threaded mala is wonderful. The bracelet is beautiful. The oils and the sandalwood mala are so perfect; the paste is smooth and fragrant. I love the gift you selected, and I thank you for all the lovely mala bags. I love ordering from you. Every order received is like a gift. I can't wait to order again. Namaste, Karen
- Karen
My salary was doubled

Hi, That\'s right Neeta ji is a God gift to mankind. Keep faith it may take time as said by Narasimhaye ji as it depends on our past karma. Through Neeta ji guidance I have started wearing many combinations of rudraksha\'s from 1- 14 Mukhi\'s. It took 6 months for me to take effect. After 6 months my salary was doubled & been promoted to team leader position. It gives everything but keeps away from wordly affairs that\'s the speciality of Rudraksha. I felt excellent experience when I started wearing Nepal beads of 6,12, 13 & One Mukhi JAVA. Thanks, Shashidhar Source: Posted on Rudraksh
- Shashidhar