Teacher’s Day 2025: Hindu Mythology’s Greatest Gurus Who Shaped Kings and Warriors

Teacher’s Day 2025 isn’t just a celebration—it’s a spiritual journey through history, mythology, and the legacy of Dr. Radhakrishnan.

In India, the role of a teacher has always been considered divine. Teachers are not just guides in studies; they are life-changers, path-showers, and the ones who connect us to wisdom. That is why every year, September 5th is celebrated as Teacher’s Day, to honor the light-bearers of society.

But why September 5th? And why do teachers hold such a sacred status in India? To understand this, we must look both into modern history and our ancient Hindu mythology where Gurus shaped the destiny of kings, warriors, and civilizations.

Why Do We Celebrate Teacher’s Day on September 5?

Teacher’s Day in India is celebrated on September 5, the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888–1975), a great philosopher, teacher, and the second President of India.

When his students once wanted to celebrate his birthday, he humbly suggested:

“Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teacher’s Day.”

This one statement reflected his belief that teaching is the noblest profession. For him, education was not just about books but about shaping character, morality, and spiritual values. Even though he was a world-famous philosopher and a statesman, Dr. Radhakrishnan always considered himself first a teacher.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s life shows how education can truly transform a person. Born in a small town in Tamil Nadu, he rose from a humble background to earn a scholarship at Madras Christian College, where his brilliance in philosophy soon stood out.

He later taught at top institutions, including the University of Mysore and Oxford, and brought India’s spiritual wisdom, especially Vedanta, to the world stage.

Despite global fame as a philosopher and statesman, he always saw himself first as a teacher. For him, teaching meant shaping values, building character, and inspiring young minds.

His legacy reminds us that teachers are the true nation-builders. They are the foundation upon which the future of society rests.

The Eternal Guru-Shishya Parampara in Hindu Culture

In Hindu philosophy, a Guru is considered greater than God. This is beautifully expressed in the timeless shloka:

“गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः।

गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः॥”

Translation: The Guru is Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. The Guru is the Supreme Divine itself. I bow to that holy teacher.

In ancient times, students (shishyas) lived with their teachers in gurukuls. Education was not just about learning scriptures or warfare; it was about learning humility, discipline, dharma, and the art of living. At the end of their education, students offered gurudakshina—a mark of gratitude for the wisdom received.

This sacred bond of Guru and Shishya has given us some of the greatest stories in Hindu mythology. Let us look at some of the most revered teachers.

Ved Vyas – The Guru of Gurus

Ved Vyas is remembered as the Guru of Gurus. He compiled the Vedas and Puranas and authored the Mahabharata, the greatest epic of all time. He was also the grandfather of the Pandavas and Kauravas, guiding them at crucial moments.

The festival of Guru Purnima is dedicated to him. Even today, seekers of knowledge bow to Vyas as the eternal symbol of wisdom.

Parshurama – The Warrior Teacher

Parshurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, was both a sage and a warrior. He trained some of the mightiest warriors in history, including Bhishma, Dronacharya, and Karna.

But Parshurama’s lessons went beyond weapons—he taught discipline, strength of will, and courage. He symbolized that a true teacher shapes not just skills but also character.

Dronacharya – The Master of Warfare

Perhaps the most famous teacher in Indian mythology, Dronacharya trained both the Pandavas and the Kauravas in archery and warfare. His name today is honored through the Dronacharya Award, given to outstanding sports coaches in India.

The story of Eklavya, who practiced archery before a clay idol of Drona, reflects the devotion a student can have for his Guru. Though Drona’s demand of Eklavya’s thumb as gurudakshina remains debated, it shows the deep complexities of the Guru-Shishya relationship.

Valmiki – The Teacher of Luv and Kush

Known as the sage who composed the Ramayana, Valmiki also played the role of a compassionate teacher. When Sita took refuge in his ashram, Valmiki raised her twin sons, Luv and Kush, and trained them in scriptures, music, and warfare.

He proved that a teacher is not limited by blood or relation—a true Guru nurtures whoever comes under his care.

Vashishtha – The Royal Guru

One of the revered Saptarishis, Vashishtha was the teacher of King Dasharatha’s sons—Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.

His guidance instilled dharma and values in Rama, preparing him to become Maryada Purushottam (the ideal man). Vashishtha also played a key role in turning Vishwamitra from a king into a sage, showing the transformative power of true teaching.

Vishwamitra – The Sage of Gayatri Mantra

Vishwamitra, once a king, became a sage through penance and guidance. He is credited with giving the world the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most powerful spiritual chants.

He was also the teacher of Rama and Lakshmana, guiding them in the use of celestial weapons and helping them defeat demons like Tataka and Maricha. Vishwamitra symbolizes a teacher’s ability to awaken hidden potential in students.

Brihaspati – The Guru of the Devas

In the Vedic tradition, Brihaspati is revered as the Guru of the Devas (gods). He upheld truth and cosmic order and guided the Devas in times of war and dharma.

He reminds us that even divine beings need teachers—because wisdom is the highest guiding force of all.

Shukracharya – The Guru of the Asuras

Shukracharya, son of sage Bhrigu, was the teacher of the Asuras (demons). He was a master of strategy, politics, and mystical knowledge.

Though he trained those who often opposed the Devas, Shukracharya shows us that knowledge itself is neutral—it is the student who decides how to use it. A teacher’s role is to give wisdom, but the path of dharma or adharma lies in the disciple’s hands.

Teachers: The True Builders of Society

Looking at these great Gurus, one truth shines—without teachers, even kings and warriors would be incomplete. Whether it was Rama, Arjuna, or Karna, their greatness was shaped by the wisdom of their teachers.

In modern times, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan carried this same truth forward. His life teaches us that while technology and power are important, it is wisdom, values, and character—instilled by teachers—that truly build a society.

“गुरु गोविन्द दोउ खड़े, काके लागूं पाय।

बलिहारी गुरु आपनो, गोविन्द दियो बताय॥”

Translation: When Guru and God both stand before me, whose feet should I touch first? I bow to my Guru, for he is the one who showed me the path to God.

Teacher’s Day 2025: A Time to Reflect

As we celebrate Teacher’s Day 2025, let us remember:

• Teachers are not just professionals; they are guides, philosophers, and sometimes even life-saviors.

• In Hindu culture, the Guru is the bridge between ignorance and enlightenment.

• From mythology to modern India, the message remains the same—a teacher’s blessing is the greatest wealth we can have.

“आचार्य देवो भव” – The teacher is truly divine.

In today’s fast-changing world—where technology, global challenges, and new opportunities shape our future—teachers are the ones preparing the next generation to face these realities with wisdom and courage.

This day gives us all a chance to say thank you to the teachers who have inspired us. It reminds us to respect their hard work, patience, and dedication. It also calls upon society to support teachers so they can continue to shape the nation with strength and knowledge.

 Teacher’s Day is not about one man’s birthday—it is about honoring the eternal bond of Guru and Shishya, a bond that continues to shape the destiny of individuals, nations, and humanity itself.