Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima, also known as Vyas Purnima, will be celebrated on July 21, 2024. It is celebrated on the full moon day of Asadh month every year.
Guru Purnima is an auspicious occasion for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains as well. It is the day to worship your academic and spiritual gurus and mentors who have lighted the path of your life with knowledge.
In 2024, Guru Purnima Tithi will last from 05:59 P.m. on 20th July to 03:46 PM on 21st July.
Guru Purnima Meaning
The term Guru Purnima consists of Guru and Purnima meaning teacher and full moon respectively. The word Guru is further made of 'Gu' and 'Ru' which means darkness and light respectively.
Thus, this implies that a Guru or teacher is someone who removes all the darkness in one's life and lights it up through education and enlightenment.
History and Significance of Guru Purnima
For Buddhists
Buddhists believe that it was on Guru Purnima that Buddha gave his first sermon to five people. After leaving Bodhgaya and attaining enlightenment under Bodhi Tree, Buddha traveled to Sarnath Uttar Pradesh where he supposedly gave his first speech. This is why Guru Purnima is of great importance to Buddhists.
For Hindus
Guru Purnima is also known as Vyas Purnima because the revered author Ved Vyas was born on this day. It is also said that he completed the great epic Mahabharata on this day. Ved Vyas is considered the Adi guru or first guru in Hinduism.
For Jains
Guru Purnima is of great significance among Jains as well. It is known as Treenok Guha Purnima which literally translates to the three jewels - Tirthankaras, the Arishtanemi, and the Acharyas.
It is said that on this day, Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara got his first disciple named Gautam Swami.
Guru Purnima Celebration
Pay Respect To Your Elders
The most important thing to do on Guru Purnima is take the blessings of your parents, elder siblings, teachers, and all the mentors and other individuals who inspired and guided you.
Perform Guru Purnima Puja
Guru Purnima Puja is also performed on this day according to the tithi or timing. People performing this puja wake up early in the morning, clean their house, bathe, and wear fresh new clothes before starting the puja.
After this, the worship of Guru Vyasa begins wherein a small idol of him is placed and flowers, sandalwood, and food or prasad are offered.
Guru Purnima in Schools
Educational Institutions such as schools, colleges, and Universities also celebrate Guru Purnima. Inspirational speeches about gurus or teachers, dance, singing, poetry, and games are organized on this day.
You might like to read about Teacher's Day in India next.
