Dhakshinamurthy is an aspect of the Hindu god Shiva as a guru (teacher) of all types of knowledge. This aspect of Shiva is his personification as the supreme or the ultimate awareness, understanding and knowledge. This form represents Shiva as a teacher of yoga, music, and wisdom, and giving exposition on the shastras. He is worshiped as the god of wisdom, complete and rewarding meditation.
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 circumlocutory path around the sanctum sanctum. Perhaps, of all Hindu Gods, he is the only one sitting facing south.
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 endeavors. It is on Thursdays that special
worship services are offered to Dakshinamurthy in
many Saivite temples. Dakshinamurthy, in the Hindu 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).
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