Dakshinamurti (दक्षिणामूर्ति)

Dakshinamurti is revered as Shiva as the supreme teacher, traditionally shown facing south and teaching through knowledge or silence. Themes of wisdom, self-knowledge, teaching, meditation and Vedantic insight are central to the way devotees, storytellers and temple traditions understand this figure. Recognisable attributes can include seated under a banyan tree, sages, jnana mudra and veena in some forms. Readers may also know the deity by names such as Dakshinamurthy. Interpretations are not identical across India, and older texts, regional traditions and modern devotional practice may emphasise different aspects. A strong reference entry should therefore present the main tradition first, label regional variants clearly, and connect the mythology to symbols, festivals, temples and respectful worship practices that readers are likely to search for today.