Ekadaśa-gurus
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Ekadaśa-gurus literally means ‘eleven gurus'.
Veda Denotion[edit]
In the religio-cultural tradition, the guru or teacher occupies an important place. The word means ‘one who teaches the scriptures’ like the Vedas.
General Denotion[edit]
It is used in a much wider sense in the general terms indicating anyone who deserves respect like the spiritual preceptor.
As per Devala Smṛti[edit]
The Devala Smṛti lists the following eleven persons (ekādaśa = eleven) as gurus:
- Ācārya - Vedic teacher
- Father
- Elder brother
- King
- Maternal uncle
- Father-in-law
- One who protects or gives shelter
- Maternal grandfather
- Paternal grandfather
- One who is superior in caste
- Paternal uncle
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore