Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is a traditional Hindu festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. This festival is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains to express their gratitude towards their gurus. It is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July) according to the Hindu calendar.

Significance

Guru Purnima is of great significance in the Indian subcontinent. The word "Guru" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Gu" meaning darkness or ignorance, and "Ru" meaning remover of that darkness. Thus, a Guru is considered to be the one who removes the darkness of ignorance and brings enlightenment.

In Hinduism, this day is celebrated in honor of the great sage Vyasa, who is regarded as one of the greatest gurus in ancient Indian tradition. Vyasa is credited with composing the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and classifying the Vedas. Hence, Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima.

In Buddhism, Guru Purnima is celebrated in honor of Gautama Buddha, who gave his first sermon on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. This event is known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.

In Jainism, Guru Purnima is celebrated in honor of the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira, who made his first disciple, Gautama Swami, on this day.

Celebrations

The celebrations of Guru Purnima vary across different regions and communities. Common practices include:

• Puja (worship) and Aarti (ritual of light) performed in honor of the guru.
• Recitation of scriptures and mantras.
• Offering of prasad (consecrated food) to the guru.
• Organizing satsang (spiritual discourse) and bhajan (devotional songs) sessions.
• Visiting temples and ashrams to seek blessings from spiritual leaders.

Observance

Guru Purnima is observed with great reverence in educational institutions, especially in traditional gurukuls and modern-day schools and colleges. Students pay respect to their teachers and seek their blessings for academic success and personal growth.

Regional Variations

In Maharashtra, Guru Purnima is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly in the Shirdi and Nashik regions, where devotees gather to pay homage to Sai Baba of Shirdi and other spiritual leaders.

In Uttar Pradesh, the festival is marked by large gatherings at Sarnath, where Buddhists commemorate the first sermon of Gautama Buddha.

Conclusion

Guru Purnima is a day of immense spiritual significance, emphasizing the importance of the guru in one's life. It is a time for disciples to express their gratitude and renew their commitment to following the teachings of their gurus.

See also

• Vyasa
• Gautama Buddha
• Mahavira
• Hindu festivals
• Buddhist festivals
• Jain festivals