.jpg?width=1200)
Guru Purnima is a Hindu festival dedicated to honouring teachers and spiritual guides. The auspicious day is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July), which holds immense significance in various cultures, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. This festival is a time for expressing gratitude to those who have illuminated one's path with knowledge and wisdom. Here's everything you need to know about Guru Purnima's significance and rituals.
About Guru Purnima
Gur Purnima is a day to remember and appreciate the role of teachers, both academic and spiritual in one's life. It is a day for paying homage to one's guru or spiritual guide, seeking their blessings, and reflecting on their teachings. The festival is also known as Vyasa Purnima, as it marks the birth anniversary of the sage Ved Vyasa.
Who was Ved Vyasa?
Ved Vyasa was a revered sage in Hinduism who is also considered a divine figure and is known as Krishna Dwaipayana. Vyasa is known as the one who arranged the vast body of Vedic knowledge into four separate collections: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. He has also written the epic Mahabharata.
The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. According to Hindu Mythology, he is considered one of the seven Chiranjivis, which means he is believed to be immortal. According to Hindu scriptures, he was the son of the sage Parashara and Satyavati.
Significance of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is primarily a day to acknowledge the role of gurus or teachers in one's life. Gurus are revered as those who dispel darkness (ignorance) and lead their disciples towards enlightenment. It marks a time for spiritual seekers to reflect on their progress and seek blessings for spiritual growth and wisdom. Devotees observe fasts, meditate, chant mantras, and offer prayers to their gurus. In some traditions, disciples also perform Guru Puja (ritual worship) to express their reverence.
