“Guru” – teacher, remover of ignorance, who equals Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.  How does one identify a true guru.

In this composition Saint Tyagaraja described two qualities of a Guru.  One who’s mind is Nishchala [ One who is not disturbed by the ongoings of worldly issues. Who’s mind is calm under all circumstances] and Nirmala [Pure- Who is devoid of  inner enemies numbering six – Kaama , Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada, Matsarya].  He indeed is qualified to be a Guru.

Tyagaraja attributes these qualities  to none other than Lord Raama . Tyagaraja is now a student of Lord Raama. As a student his mind is full of deceit [ caught up in worldly matters] and is disturbed.. Hence he seeks the grace of the Lord  having complete faith in Him.

It is only a Guru who purifies the mind like a Sallaki Seed { guruvu cillaginca } [ which purifies water by removing mud], he is the bee {guruvE bhramaramu}  which transforms the pupil into himself. Here Tyagaraja points out that it is only a Guru who would make his student like Him. He is the Sun { guruDE bhAskaruDu } who dispels the misty ignorance from the student. He himself is the ultimate [ the highest truth ]  to be attained. Tyagaraja concludes by submitting himself to the Lord who indeed is the protector of the world.

It is noteworthy that Tyagaraja has composed this kriti in Dhanyasi – a raaga most suited for emoting Bhakti Bhava..

Kriti Lyrics:

pallavi

nI cittamu nishcalamu nirmalamani ninnE namminAnu

anupallavi

nA cittamu vancana cancalamani nanu viDa nADakumi shrI rAma

caraNam

guruvu cillaginca guruvE bhramaramu guruDE bhAskaruDu guruDE bhadruDu
guruDE uttamagati guruvu nI vAnukoNTi dharanu dAsuni brOva tyAgarAjanuta