Dakshinamurti, sometimes also known as Jnana Dakshinamurti, is the form of Shiva associated with the Guru who removes ignorance through jnana (knowledge).
While most deities in a temple will face east towards the rising Sun, Dakshinamurti always faces south, the direction of death. Shiva is known as the victor over death (Mrytunjaya). So this placement of the murti in the temple is meant as a reminder of the power of knowledge to conquer even the most powerful limitation; the bondage of ignorance that causes us to be subject to death and suffering.
Dakshinamurti is generally shown seated under a tree, with one foot resting on an apasmara (demon), who represents ignorance. Hi sfour hands are arranged in various mudras of blessing.
As the first form of the divine to teach and guide others to enlightenment, Dakshinamurti is regarded as the ultimate Guru. From that perspective, any Guru who teaches successfully is simply radiating the the essence of Dakshinamurti in his consciousness.
Adi Shankara wrote a beautiful eight verse ashtakam about Dakshinamurti. A few verses in translation follow.
The universe is the reflection of a mirror. Truth is Brahman, one without a second. The mind, senses and intellect can only discern the reflection of Atman. The identity of Brahman and Atman are apparent only after self-illumination. I offer my profound gratitude to the auspicious Guru, who is an embodiment of Dakshinamurti, and whose grace is responsible for my illumination.
…
He whose light gleams through the senses like the light emanating from a pot with holes (in which a lamp is kept), He whose knowledge brings the state of knowing (I am That), He whose brightness makes everything shine – to that Dakshinamurti, who is embodied in the auspicious Guru, I offer my profound gratitude.
…
The brillance of sun exists even when intercepted by Rahu during eclipse. The power of cognition remains suspended during deep sleep. The Self exists as pure being even though unrecognized due to the veil of Maya. A person on awakening becomes aware that he was asleep earlier and the dream was unreal. A person who awakens to the consciousness of the Self recognizes his previous state of ignorance as unreal. He by whose grace alone does one awaken to the consciousness of the Self – to that Dakshinamurti, who is embodied in the auspicious Guru, I offer my profound gratitude.
You can listen to Dakshinamurti Ashtakam being chanted in a rather modern style. Hardly traditional, but still enjoyable.
