Dakshinamurthy
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Dakshinamurthy is one of the forms of Siva.
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[edit] Meaning
The Sanskrit word Dakshinamurthy literally means the figure facing south. 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.
[edit] Depiction
In the iconic form of Dakshinamurthy, Siva is depicted as sitting on a seat under a banyan tree, facing south. His right leg is placed on a demon lying on the ground. His left leg is folded and placed on the seat. Four sages surround Him. He is instructing them on the absolute truth, silently, using only hand postures.
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) [1], a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. He also holds the scriptures in this hand. There is a snake or rosary or both in one hand and fire in the other. The remaining hand is in the Abhaya Mudra [2], 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, Rishabharooda Dakshinamurthy etc.
[edit] Significance
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 Gnana 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.
[edit] Impact on Indian Life
The fifth day of the week, Thursday is associated with the planet Jupiter and is referred to as Guruvaa (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.
Since this figure is in meditative posture, devotees prefer this part of the temple to others to meditate.
[edit] Temples of Dakshinamurthy
Even though the idol of Dakshinamurthy is installed in every Shiva temple, there are only a few temples where Dakshinamurthy is the chief deity. Notable among these temples is the Vaikom Mahadevar temple in Kerala, where the deity enshrined in the form of a Shivalingam is considered as Dakshinamurthy, and in Alangudi (Kumbakonam) Tamil Nadu. In the Sivanandeswarar temple in Thirupanthurai, (Tanjore) Tamil Nadu, He is depicted in the Ardhanari form.
[edit] Hymns on Dakshinamurthy
Dakshinamurthy Ashtakam [3] by Sankaracharya is a laudatory hymn for this form of Siva.
