Importance of Guru Importance of Guru in Life has been illustrated in Shri Ramcharitmanas Guru or a Teacher has been given the highest stature in Shri Ramcharitmanas Shri Ramcharitmanas teaches us that to achieve success at any stage of life—whether as a child, a student, a youth, a professional, a retiree, or someone in the quest for spiritual enlightenment—one requires a guru. Despite being the incarnation of God, Lord Ram, during His earthly existence, sought guidance from gurus, emphasizing the indispensable role of mentors in one’s journey. Importance of Guru It is the Lord himself who, in His benevolence, connects us with a good Guru. In fact, the position of Guru is considered higher than that of God, as it is only through a Guru that one can reach the Almighty. गुरु गोविंद दोऊ खड़े काके लागू पाय बलिहारी गुरु आपकी गोविंद दियो बताए This couplet, attributed to the revered saint Kabirdas ji, underscores the profound reverence for the Guru in spiritual practice. Kabirdas ji expressed that if faced with the presence of both His Guru and the Lord, he would first bow to His Guru, as it was through the Guru’s guidance that he attained connection with the Divine. Before embarking on the composition of the holy scripture Shri Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas ji initiates with paying homage to the Trinity – Lord Hari, Lord Shiv (His first Guru), and Brahma ji. Subsequently, he acknowledges the Saints and the Brahmins. It’s important to note that “Brahmins” in this context refers not to a specific clan but rather to individuals who are deeply immersed in contemplation of the Divine (Brahm). These saintly souls engage in constant chanting and meditation on the Lord in all aspects of their lives, whether working, eating, or sleeping. Guru is considered above the Lord in the Hindu Sanatan Dharam (Eternal Religion) philosophy. According to our scriptures, Lord Krishna is described as the universal guru, while Lord Shiv is hailed as the guru of the three worlds. In essence, there is no distinction between Lord Shiv and Lord Narayan (Lord Krishna or Lord Ram, who are avatars of Narayan). In the journey of life, one encounters various gurus. Initially, the mother and father serve as the first gurus of a child, guiding and nurturing them. As the child grows, teachers at school become gurus, imparting knowledge and wisdom. Similarly, in the professional sphere, a boss can also play the role of a guru, providing guidance and mentorship. In essence, a guru is always someone who leads and inspires a student to excel in their endeavors. One of the avatars of Narayan bhagwan is Lord Dattatreya who made 24 gurus in His life from nature’s creation. In Shri Ramcharitmanas, the role and blessings of gurus are mentioned extensively. Lord Ram’s gurus, Vashishth ji and Vishwamitra ji, are revered for their guidance. Additionally, the guru of Goddess Parvati, Narad ji, and the gurus of other notable figures such as Kak Bhasundi ji, Sage Sutikshan, Rishi Agastya ji, and Mata Shabri, are also highlighted, emphasizing the significant influence of gurus in the lives of devotees. Finding a Guru in Life Finding a good guru in life is indeed a blessing bestowed by the Lord. While it’s true that one may actively seek out a guru, it’s also possible for a guru to come to a disciple. The belief that Krishna and Shiv are universal gurus suggests that the Divine facilitates the connection between a seeker and a guru. Therefore, it is believed that the almighty manifests as a guru in the lives of devotees, often appearing in the form of a person to guide and enlighten them. The Universal guru Hindu scriptures have described Lord Krishna (an avatar of Lord Narayan like Lord Ram) as a universal guru and Lord Shiv as a guru of three worlds. Krishna is the teacher who taught, in Bhagavad Gita, the basic principles of life. कृष्णं वन्दे जगत गुरुं Meaning: Salutations to Sri Krishna, the Guru of the entire universe. Guru of the Three Worlds Lord Shiv is revered as the Guru not only of this world but also of all three worlds in our universe. He was pleased by the innocent inquiries of Goddess Parvati when she sought to understand the nature of Lord Ram and how He could embody both Nirgun (formless) Brahm and Sagun (as an avatar of Lord Narayan in human form). In response to Her questions, Lord Shiv began narrating the entire Ramcharitmanas to provide Her with answers and insights. तुम्ह त्रिभुवन गुर बेद बखाना। आन जीव पाँवर का जाना॥प्रस्न उमा कै सहज सुहाई। छल बिहीन सुनि सिव मन भाई॥ Meaning: The Vedas have proclaimed you as the guru of the three worlds. What sinful being would be aware of this? Lord Shiv’s heart was greatly pleased to hear Parvati’s beautiful and sincere question, devoid of any deceit. Guru (Teacher) has been Glorified throughout Shri Ramcharitmanas Here are some instances: Lord Ram as Shiv ji’s Guru After the loss of His is first wife, Sati, Lord Shiv became an ascetic for many years. Sati was later reborn as Goddess Parvati. Lord Ram appeared before Lord Shiv and requested Him to marry Parvati ji, who was undergoing penance to win Lord Shiv’s hand in marriage. Despite being perpetually devoted to asceticism and meditation on His supreme Lord Ram, Lord Shiv initially showed reluctance to marry. However, upon Lord Ram’s insistence, Lord Shiv uttered the following words: मातु पिता गुर प्रभु कै बानी। बिनहिं बिचार करिअ सुभ जानी॥तुम्ह सब भाँति परम हितकारी। अग्या सिर पर नाथ तुम्हारी॥ Meaning: The words of mother, father, guru, and master should be regarded as auspicious without any hesitation. You are my ultimate benefactor in every aspect of life. Lord, Your command rests upon my head. Goddess Parvati ji and Her Guru Narad ji Narad ji, who is Goddess Parvati’s guru, instructed Her to undertake penance and meditate upon Her beloved Lord Shiv in order to win His acceptance as His wife. Parvati underwent rigorous penance for more than four thousand years in the Himalayas. At