According to the scriptures, what is the role and significance of a Guru in a person's spiritual journey?

The Guru holds a paramount position, being described in Chapter 18 as God manifest—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. The text explains that the Guru is essentially the Supreme Lord, the Brahman beyond the beyond. They act as a mother, father, and protector, even when God is angry, and serve as the director of worldly activity and the guide to spiritual renunciation. Through their immense grace and compassion, worldly desires vanish, and a devotee can attain wisdom and renunciation, which are said to come into one's hands like twin fruits.