Gurus have an important place in our lives. They give us knowledge and enlightenment. While knowledge helps us succeed in the outer world, enlightenment brings inner growth. So, without the guidance of Gurus, we cannot achieve anything significant in life. For this reason, a Guru is regarded as God in Hinduism.
Our real Guru exists within us as the enlightened self. We are able to connect with this Guru due to our Gurus in the outer world. The inner Guru dwells in the Vishudha Chakra located in the throat. When we surrender to our higher self, the inner Guru awakens.
Guru Purnima is a day that is dedicated to honoring all Gurus. It falls on the full moon day in Ashadha month (June-July). On this day, Hindus venerate their Gurus and express thanksgiving to them. ‘Guru’ means ‘remover of darkness.’ Ignorance is comparable to darkness, and as Gurus remove our ignorance and bring the light of knowledge and spiritual awakening in our lives, they came to be called so.
In Hindu tradition, Sage Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata epic, is also honored on this day. He also compiled and edited the Vedas.
People pay homage to their Gurus, render acts of service, and give them gifts on this day. They also seek their blessings.
Legends behind Guru Purnima
There are many legends about Guru Purnima. One says that Lord Shiva as Adiyogi shared his yogic knowledge with the Saptarishis on this day. This also made him the Adi Guru or first Guru.
Buddhists believe that the Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples in Sarnath on this day.
In Jainism, Mahavira gained his first disciple on Guru Purnima.
Story of Veda Vyasa
As Veda Vyasa was born on this day, the day is also called Vyasa Purnima. The story goes that Vyasa was a great Vishnu devotee called Sage Apantaratamas in a past life. The knowledge of the Dharmashastras, Vedas, and Upanishads was inherent in him. It was Vishnu’s desire that he should be born as Vyasa.
Sage Parashara was the father of Sage Vyasa and Sage Vashishtha’s grandson. Lord Shiva, pleased with Parashara’s penance, gave him a boon according to which his son would be renowned for his knowledge and would become a Brahmarishi like Vashishtha. Vyasa was taught by Lord Brahma, Sage Narada, and the 4 Kumaras.
How to Observe Guru Purnima
Have a bath and wear clean garments.
Clean the altar or Pooja area.
Place a picture of your Guru on the altar.
Light a lamp and some incense sticks.
Offer fruits, flowers, sweets, and other things to the Guru.
Recite the Guru Mantra.
Perform Aarti and sing bhajans praising the Guru.
Complete the Pooja by invoking the Guru’s blessings for guidance and wisdom.
Offer Prasad to those who are present.
Guru Mantra
Om Gurubhyo Namah
Meaning: I bow down to the Gurus.
The Mantra conveys respect and reverence for all Gurus and the Guru principle. Chanting it brings the blessings of the Gurus.
Benefits of Guru Purnima Pooja and Yajna
It bestows success in academics, career, and marriage.
Brings blessings of Guru or planet Jupiter and removes malefic effects of Jupiter. Jupiter is linked to spiritual and mental growth in astrology.
Brings relief from Guru Dosha, which can cause problems like poverty, low self-confidence, fights, selfishness, expenses, obstacles in education, and a lack of harmony.
Significance of Guru Purnima
A wise Guru has the power to transform a person’s life. Guru Purnima is a tribute to the transformative power of Gurus in our lives. It acknowledges the key role they play in shaping society. Our debt to Gurus is immense, and Guru Purnima is the ideal occasion to pay tribute to those who dispel the darkness in our minds and empower us to scale great heights in our material and spiritual lives.
The festival emphasizes the importance of knowledge, wisdom, continuous learning, and the pursuit of self-improvement. It encourages us to honor Gurus, teachers, and mentors who play a major role in our lives.
It is also a day for self-reflection and acts of charity, which helps deepen our bond with our Gurus.
On this day, people recommit themselves to their Guru's teachings and guidance and renew their commitment to spiritual growth.
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