DAKSHINAMURTHY STOTRAM-KAVALAM SRIKUMAR

SUNG BY KAVALAM SRIKUMAR



Dakshinamurti literally means 'one who is facing south (dakṣiṇa)' in Sanskrit. South is the direction of Death, hence change.In every Siva temple the stone image of Dakshinamurthy is installed, facing south, on the southern circumambulatory path around the sanctum sanctorum. Perhaps, of all Hindu Gods, he is the only one sitting facing south. The great seer Ramana Maharshi, has interpreted the name as "Dakshina-amurty", meaning one who is capable but without form.
This iconographic form for depicting Shiva in Indian art is mostly south Indian in character.
In his aspect as Jnana Dakshinamurti, Shiva is generally shown with four arms. He is depicted seated under a banyan tree, facing the south. Shiva is seated upon a deer-throne and surrounded by sages who are receiving his instruction.He is shown as seated with his right foot on mythical apasmara(a demon which, according to Hindu mythology, is the personification of ignorance) and his left foot lies folded on his lap. Sometimes even the wild animals, are depicted to surround Shiva. 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. This symbolic hand gesture or Mudra is the Gnana Mudra (or Jnana Mudra or Jana Mudra), a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. 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.
Indian tradition accords a special reverence to the Guru or the teacher. Dakshinamurthy, in the Saivite system of beliefs is regarded as the ultimate Guru - the embodiment of knowledge and the destroyer of ignorance (as represented by the demon being crushed under the feet of the deity). The Jnana Mudra is interpreted in this way:- The thumb denotes the God and the index finger denotes the man. The other three fingers stand for the three congenital impurities of man viz. arrogance, illusion and bad deeds of the past births. When man detaches himself from these impurities, he reaches God. The Abhaya Mudra, a gesture with the hand lifted above thigh with palm facing out, fingers pointing, is interpreted as His grace upon His students. The rosary or the snake signifies Tantric knowledge. The fire represents illumination, removing the darkness of ignorance.The fifth day of the week, Thursday is associated with the planet Jupiter and is referred to as 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 Poornima as the appropriate time for worship services to Dakshinamurthy.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• DEVOTIONAL
• SANSKRIT
• ADI
• SANKARACHARYA
• DAKSHINAMURTHY
• TRADITIONAL
• religion
• meditation
• siva

[srilakom]

Thanks for your response

[babuk108]

Most interesting and very thrilling presentation of the classical Dakshinamoorthy stotrams in the best possible collection of ragamala. May our Universal Guru bless you and your loved ones near and afr, with the guaranteed peace, prosperity, health and sublime knowledge. Many thanks for the video and musical classic.

[urologist108]

Amaayzing rendering of such an important stotram. May Guru be with you always ( and hopefully with me at least sometimes!) I am very greedy for the presencce of the guru!

[binimanoj]

Really your divine voice elevates each one of us to higher planes. Thank you Srikumar and I listen Guru Stotram every day.

[cristieight]

Thanks for the video,really awesome! God bless you.

[Mr1000Srinivas]

One should be really blessed to present something of this class. We are also blessed in this bargain. Thanks a lot.

Srinivas

[astrohari25]

Superb stotram...u must have merited a lot in ur past lives to 1st of all gain access to this gem of Shankara & what more to recite with so much devotion & bhaavam :) Great sir :)

[PSEELAN13]

I love your voice sir :) May god bless you..