guru

Hindu or Sikh leader, or religious teacher.

Hinduism In Hindu tradition, the guru, who is well versed in the scriptures, offers valuable spiritual assistance. He or she may assist their listener in making important life decisions such as choosing a marriage partner or employment. The guru is respected for their omniscience, which may be delivered in philosophical and eloquent ways, or spoken in simple yet meaningful language.

Sikhism In Sikhism, the term refers specifically to one of the ten leaders and teachers who instituted and organized the Sikh religious community. The first was Nanak, founder of Sikhism. The last was Gobind Singh, who founded the Khalsa (Sikh order), and nominated the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, to be the guru of the community after his death. The other eight gurus, in order, were Angad, Amar Das, Ram Das, Arjan, Hargobind, Har Rai, Har Krishen, and Tegh Bahadur.