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Shiva Form · South-Facing Teacher / Guru of Gurus

Dakshinamurti

दक्षिणामूर्ति
Also known as: Dakṣiṇā Mūrti, Adi Guru, Jnana Dakshinamurti

About

The form of Shiva as the supreme teacher facing south. Represents the embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, and silence. Teaches through silence to the four sages (Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, Sanatkumara).

Attributes

Supreme teacherWisdomSilenceJnanaGuru

Symbols

Jnana mudraVeena (sometimes)Drum (sometimes)Under the banyan tree

Associated Mantras

Om Dakṣiṇāmūrtaye namaḥ
Dakshinamurti Stotram (Adi Shankara)
Dakshinamurti Gayatri

Festivals

Guru Purnima

Scriptures

Dakshinamurti StotramShiva PuranaShaiva Agamas

Regions Worshipped

Tamil NaduKeralaPan-India

Iconography

Seated under banyan tree, facing south. Four arms: upper right holds damaru or agni, upper left holds pasha (noose) or snake, lower right in jnana mudra (thumb and index finger touching), lower left holds book of scriptures. One leg folded, one leg on Apasmara. Surrounded by four sages.