Religious teacher. Indonesia, Central Java, c 800-930 volcanic stone (andesite) A guru or religious teacher serves a god by spreading his doctrine among the people. This particular guru is a servant of Shiva, as is clear from the trident (Shivas weapon). He is carrying a string of prayer beads and a water jar, essential for periods of retreat and contemplation. Such figures often stood in a niche on the south side of Shiva temples.