Guru Stotram – 13

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गुरुरादिरनादिश्च गुरुः परमदैवतम् ।
गुरोः परतरं नास्ति तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥ १३॥

Gururādiranādiśca guru: paramadaivatam
guro: parataraṃ nāsti tasmai śrigurave nama:

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Let us expound the above verse:

Once the knowledge of the Self (ātma-jñāna) begins to take root, an inner equanimity (samatvam) emerges, dissolving distinctions and dualities. In this realization, the Guru—who is none other than the Self—stands as both ādi (the beginning) and anādi (without beginning). This duality of being the origin yet beyond origins speaks to the eternal nature of truth, much like how space exists before and after anything appearing within it.

The Guru as the paramadaivatam (Supreme Deity) underscores that the divine is not separate from the realised master but rather fully present within them. This recognition shifts our understanding of devotion: rather than external worship, it becomes an immersion into self-awareness, where the Guru’s form is a direct reflection of Brahman itself.

Finally, guroḥ parataraṁ nāsti asserts that beyond the Guru, nothing higher exists—there is no further seeking. The Guru, as the revealer of truth, is both the means and the destination. This echoes the Advaitic teaching that Brahman alone exists, and once the veil of ignorance is lifted, all distinctions dissolve.