This year, Guru Purnima will be celebrated worldwide on July 21. (Image: Shutterstock)
Guru Purnima reminds us of the eternal value of knowledge and study, as well as the esteemed Gurus who selflessly share their experience with the rest of the world.
Guru Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Ashadha (June-July), is a very important festival for both Hindus and Jains. This year, Guru Purnima will be celebrated all over the world on July 21. Apart from India, Nepal and Bhutan celebrate Guru Purnima.
It is a time to show sincere respect and gratitude to gurus, who serve as guiding beacons and information providers. The title “guru” translates to “dispeller of darkness,” emphasizing their role in dispelling ignorance and revealing the path to enlightenment. While “Purnima” refers to the full moon night on which it occurs.
Guru Purnima is also known as Vyas Purnima because it commemorates the birthday of Veda Vyas, the sage who wrote the Mahabharata. Guru Purnima, according to the Hindi Panchang, is the conclusion of various yogas. According to astrologer Pandit Sanjay Upadhyay of Kashi, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga is being formed on the day of Guru Purnima this year.
What is Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga?
Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga is a type of yoga that is performed when certain nakshatras align on a particular day of the week. The combination of these nakshatras is considered auspicious for starting new activities or businesses. Any new venture launched at this time is expected to be successful. Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga will be available throughout the day on Sunday, July 21.
Guru Purnima 2024: auspicious time
According to Drik Panchang, Purnima Tithi will begin on July 20, 2024, at 5:59 pm and end on July 21, 2024, at 3:46 pm
Guru Purnima 2024: History
According to Hindu mythology, Guru Purnima is associated with the birth of a well-known sage, son of sage Parashar. This divine child is believed to have had extensive knowledge of the past, present and future (Bhoot Kaal, Vartamaan Kaal and Bhiavishya Kaal). Recognizing the importance of preserving and disseminating this spiritual and religious knowledge, he diligently edited the Vedas into four parts.
This ancient guru, known as Vyas, is honored on this day, also known as Vyas Purnima. Guru Purnima serves as a reminder of the eternal value of education and study, as well as of esteemed gurus who freely share their experience with the world.
Guru Purnima 2024: Meaning
According to the tradition of Guru Purnima, a teacher is elevated to a level where he can transcend his students into a higher realm and eradicate ignorance from their lives. As a result, it is also a celebration of the wisdom and information that teachers possess and share. It also promotes the sharing of knowledge as the only means to attain transcendence.
Guru Purnima is an excellent occasion to honor our teachers. The teachers in our lives can range from our parents to our academic mentors and even our elder siblings.
Why do we celebrate Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima is a sacred tradition derived from various stories found in various spiritual teachings.
- One belief holds that on this day, Lord Shiva imparted his wisdom to the people, making him the first teacher.
- Another story tells of the birth of Ved Vyasa, who on Guru Purnima shared the Vedic teachings with his four students.
- According to Buddhist legend, on this day Buddha delivered his first sermon to his followers at Sarnath. Similarly, Jains commemorate Guru Purnima as the day when Mahavira, a revered figure, attracted his first follower.
The essence of Guru Purnima is to commemorate the teachers who guide people from ignorance to understanding, emphasizing the value of knowledge and wisdom in spiritual growth.
Guru Purnima 2024: Rituals
- Wake up early in the morning and touch the feet of your father, mother and elder siblings to receive their blessings.
- After bathing, pray to Lord Surya.
- Recite the Guru Mantra.
- Also worship Lord Ganesha as he is the source of knowledge and wisdom.
- If you have a spiritual Guru, you must visit him to express your gratitude and receive blessings by touching his feet.
- On this auspicious day of Guru Purnima, provide clothes, shoes, fruits and dakshin.
