Ekadaśa-gurus

By Swami Harshananda

Ekadaśa-gurus literally means ‘eleven gurus'.

Veda Denotion

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

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

The Devala Smṛti lists the following eleven persons (ekādaśa = eleven) as gurus:

1. Ācārya - Vedic teacher
2. Father
3. Elder brother
4. King
5. Maternal uncle
6. Father-in-law
7. One who protects or gives shelter
8. Maternal grandfather
9. Paternal grandfather
10. One who is superior in caste
11. Paternal uncle

References

• The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore