Dakshinmurthy Shiva is represented as the Adi Guru (the first Teacher), bestowing enlightenment via silence and guiding devotees to self-realization.

"Dakshinamurthy" means "the one who faces south," which depicts the path to enlightenment by conquering ignorance and darkness.

Carved from solid granite, the statue usually depicts him seated under a banyan tree, one leg folded over the other in virasana (heroic stance) and the other resting on a little demon or dwarf figure, indicating the defeat of ignorance.

His tranquil expression conveys his inner calm and mastery of global wisdom.

In his hands are sacred things such as scripture, fire, and his damru, which represent mastery over time, spiritual knowledge, and transformation.