In India, a Guru or a teacher holds an immense place, and hence they are worshipped like God. A guru is a person who throws the light of vast knowledge into the ocean of humanity. In Sanskrit, the word ‘Guru’ translates literally to ‘dispeller of darkness’. Thus, a Guru is revered across the world and is capable of eliminating a seeker’s ignorance, allowing them to experience the true source of creation from within.
Guru Purnima celebration is commonly the day when seekers offer great gratitude to their Gurus and receive their blessings. The auspicious day is also known as Vyasa Purnima and celebrated in honor of the renowned sage Veda Vyasa. This author of Epic Mahabharata is considered as one of the notable Gurus of India. Now, we know the power of Guru in our life, let’s find out why we celebrate Guru Purnima and what are rituals to be followed. Also, we shall have insights into the legendary Gurus of India.
Also Read: Know How To Celebrate And What To Do On Guru Purnima to learn about the dates and importance of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima Date: 3rd July 2023
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Purnima Tithi Begins – 08:21 PM on Jul 02, 2023
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Purnima Tithi Ends – 05:08 PM on Jul 03, 2023
Guru Purnima Celebration – Why it is celebrated
Guru Purnima festival is celebrated customarily by people belonging to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism to honour their spiritual Gurus and academic teachers of any field by expressing gratitude. The festival is celebrated mainly in India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Guru Purnima is also regarded as a special day of exercising yogic sadhanas and various meditations. A Guru is a teacher, a guide, a friend, and a protector. The great St. Kabir has mentioned in one of his songs that if you see God and Guru standing beside each other, you should offer your first worship to the Guru and then to God. With the help of a Guru, one can recognize the real power and importance of God
Guru Purnima – Legend about Veda Vyasa
Maharshi Veda Vyasa – who is said to be one of the seven immortals – descended to earth in the month of Ashadha on a full moon day. Hence, this day is observed as Vyasa Purnima or Guru Purnima. He is called the Guru of all Gurus because he not only wrote Mahabharata but also collated all the Vedas. He also gave them systematic divisions, namely Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Besides, he also composed 18 Puranas, Upapuranas, Vyasa Samhita, and so on. These contain teachings and guidelines on leading lives.
He was a gifted genius matching no other in the chronicles of mankind’s literary history. Thus every religious Hindu worships their Guru by honoring them as Vyasa Dev on this day. This tradition has been running since the ancient time of the Vanaasram period when the disciples staying in their Guru’s home learned Shastras.
Other Legends
Lord Shiva is considered the first Guru as per the Yogic culture. He presented the skills of Yoga to Saptarishis. Appearing as a Yogi in the Himalayas, he bestowed the knowledge of Yogic learnings to these seven sages. Thus, Lord Shiva came to be known as Adiyogi.
Gautam Buddha gave his first discourse at Sarnath on the day of Ashadha Purnima after attaining enlightenment. Therefore, Buddhists also celebrate Guru Purnima in honor of the teachings given by Gautam Buddha.
Astrological importance of Guru Purnima
The planet Jupiter in Astrology is also referred to as Guru because it gives immense knowledge and wisdom, and so, on this day, people worship and offer reverence to Lord Jupiter in order to gain this warm-hearted teacher’s blessings. By establishing a Guru Yantra on this Guru Purnima, you may please Lord Jupiter to gain its blessings and those of your Gurus.
Rituals followed on the day of Guru Purnima celebration
The disciples wake up early in the morning, take a bath and get dressed in new clothes. They pay homage to their revered Guru or teacher’s feet and give them clothes, food, money, ornaments, etc. After honoring their Guru, the disciples seek their blessings to progress in life. Disciples belonging to all Hindu orders like Vaishnavas, Shaivas, and Shaktas celebrate this day as they see Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara and the Parabrahma (the supreme soul) in their Gurus. The below shloka from Guruvandana shows the same:
Gururbrahmaa Gururvishnuh
Gurudevo Maheswara;
Gurursaakshaat Parambrahma
Tasmai Sree Gurave Namah
It is said that a Guru who can illuminate one’s life with wisdom and guidance is a Guru in the true sense. Wish you all a very Happy Guru Purnima.
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