Guru Purnima – A Special Day For Gurus

According to Hindu calendar, Guru Purnima is celebrated every year on the full moon day of Ashada month to recognize and honor the teachers and gurus that have guided us throughout our lives, according to Hindu customs. Mostly, Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists have observed Guru Purnima to honor their gurus.

It is also known as Vyasa Purnima because Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, was born on this day. Guru Purnima, this year, is being celebrated today, on July 13. Purnima Tithi is predicted to be in effect from 4:00 am of July 13 to 12:06 am of July 14.

After five weeks of achieving enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, Buddha went to Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. There he gave a sermon on the full moon day to his first five disciples. This is why Gautam Buddha’s followers or disciples celebrate this day as Guru Purnima to worship him and the Ashadha Purnima Tithi is significant for Buddhists. 

Guru Purnima is celebrated to honor the gurus or teachers for their dedication and selflessness. On this day, a special bond between teachers and students is celebrated. Nowadays, teachers are the ones who have the greatest impact on the lives and future of students. Along with teaching co-curricular abilities and transferring knowledge to students, they also foster morality and life skills that prepare kids for life after school. 

Guru is the one who removes darkness from the lives of his students. This day is also dedicated to the Guru Bhai or the fellow disciple and devotees express their solidarity towards each other in their journey. People commemorate this day to show their gratitude to the respected Gurus and to show their dedication towards them. Guru Purnima is regarded as an auspicious occasion for Buddhists. It is believed that on this day Lord Buddha gave a sermon to his disciple. 

On this day, People must wake up early and take a bath. One must offer prayers to their Guru’s and light a diya for them. Offer flowers, sweets and food to Gurus. People must visit temples, Gurudwaras and other holy places to pray for them. Students must wish their teachers on this day. People must take blessings from their elders. 

Purnima is the symbol of fullness, abundance and prosperity. Pujas done on Purnima day are said to confer great merits to the observers and devotees. Mostly, people eat the most common dishes on this day that include khichdi, kheer, halwa, puri and fruits. People also do fast on this day to attain the blessings of their Guru. They break their fast after performing Guru puja in the evening. The temples distribute Prasada and Charnamrita, containing fresh fruits and sweetened curd. Hindus, Buddhists and Jains celebrate it with full joy and cheer. 

Today, in every field, there is a guru, spiritual, education, literature, knowledge, etc. The great men have said that if you want to achieve success, then firstly, you should find a good guru because a good guru gives you a good education. It is difficult to achieve success without education which is a waste and education can’t be achieved without a guru. “Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo,” are enough to describe the glory of the Guru, but the reality is that Guru’s glory and grace are infinite for our lives. 

According to the Hindus, Lord Shiva was the first guru, while the Jains believe that Lord Mahavir was the first guru, and according to the Buddhists, Lord Buddha was the first guru. Many schools, colleges, and organizations conduct several programs and cultural performances on this day to celebrate Guru Purnima. Students are encouraged to follow the teachings and moral values from the life of their gurus. Students should not only give respect to their teacher on this day but they should respect and love them the 365 days of the year. They not only deserve one day but the respect and love for the whole life. 

On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, I hope and pray that you are always there to guide me, shower me with your unconditional love Swami ji ❣️❣️

Happy Guru Purnima Swami ji 🌹🌹