In Vishishtadvaita, the role of a guru is highly emphasized and considered essential for spiritual growth and understanding. The word "guru" means "dispeller of darkness" and in this philosophy, the guru is seen as a guide who helps the disciple to overcome ignorance and attain liberation.

The guru in Vishishtadvaita is not just a teacher or a mentor, but is seen as a manifestation of God, who has the ability to lead the disciple towards the ultimate goal of moksha or union with the divine. The guru is believed to possess a higher level of knowledge and spiritual experience, and is seen as a living example of the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads.

One of the main roles of a guru in Vishishtadvaita is to initiate the disciple into the path of devotion and guide them towards a deeper understanding of the relationship between the individual soul (jivatma) and the supreme soul (paramatma). The guru helps the disciple to develop a personal connection with God and to see the divine presence in all beings.

The guru also plays a crucial role in helping the disciple to overcome the obstacles on the spiritual path. In Vishishtadvaita, it is believed that the mind and ego are the main impediments to spiritual progress and the guru helps the disciple to overcome these through various practices such as meditation, self-reflection, and devotional service.

Another important role of the guru is to impart knowledge and understanding of the scriptures and philosophical concepts. The guru helps the disciple to understand the intricate teachings of Vishishtadvaita and how they can be applied in daily life. The guru also clarifies any doubts or misconceptions that the disciple may have and guides them towards a deeper understanding of the ultimate reality.

In addition to these roles, the guru also serves as a spiritual guide and mentor, providing guidance and support to the disciple in all aspects of life. The guru teaches the disciple the importance of living a virtuous and ethical life, and how to cultivate qualities such as compassion, love, and humility.

In conclusion, the guru plays a vital role in Vishishtadvaita, guiding the disciple towards spiritual growth and understanding, and ultimately towards the realization of the oneness with the divine. The relationship between the guru and disciple is seen as sacred and is based on mutual respect, trust, and surrender. It is through the grace and guidance of the guru that one can attain true knowledge and liberation in Vishishtadvaita.