Introduction
Hindu religious texts are characterized by the presence of many melodious and intensely meaningful chants, verses (‘shlokas’) and prayers (‘prarthanas’). One of the most well-known among them, which is regularly recited in households and temples, is the 3rd shloka in the Guru Stotram. Apart from highlighting the all-powerful nature of the sole divine Lord, this verse also emphasizes on the various roles that He assumes, in order to preserve the balance of the world.
Sanskrit
Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu
Guru Devo Maheshwara
Guru Sakshat Param Brahma
Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah
Translation
The Guru is Brahma (The God of Creation)
The Guru is Vishnu (The God of Sustenance)
The Guru is Shiva (The God of Destruction)
My Salutation to such a Guru, who is verily the Supreme God
Source
Adi Shankara