In Hindu culture, gurus or teachers have a place higher than God because it is these gurus and teachers who show the way that leads to God. Therefore, as a mark of respect towards all the gurus and teachers, Guru Purnima is celebrated. It is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India. Not only Hindus, but Buddhists also celebrate Guru Purnima to express their gratitude towards Lord Buddha for his teachings.
What is the Story Behind Guru Purnima?
Though the main reason to celebrate Guru Purnima is to thank the teachers, there are various stories behind Guru Purnima. As per our religious scriptures, it was on this day that the original teacher Adi Guru, Lord Shiva, started the transmission of yoga to the Saptrishis.
On Guru Purnima Day, Hindus honor Ved Vyasa. Ved Vyasa is believed to be the most honored Guru of ancient India. He composed the epic Mahabharata, structured the four Vedas, and laid the foundation of many Puranas and sacred Hindu lore. Ved Vyasa is known as the original guru of the Hindu religion and Guru Purnima Day is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima in his honor.
Guru Purnima is considered auspicious in Buddhism as well and it is said that Lord Buddha gave his first sermon on this particular day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.
What is the Importance of Guru Purnima?
There is an age-old Sanskrit phrase – Mata, Pita, Guru, Daivam. It means that the mother holds the first place, the father holds the second, the Guru or teacher holds the third, and the fourth place is held by God. As per this phrase, since the guru comes before god and has a higher spot, Gurus are given much more importance and respect. Since ancient times, the bond of a guru and shishya or a teacher and student has been deemed extraordinary. It is the guru who shows the right path in life and helps one reach the God. Without a guru, the lives of everyone would become dark. Hence, different religions celebrate Guru Purnima in the honor of their own gurus. Hindus pay tribute to the great sage Ved Vyas while Buddhists pay tribute to Lord Buddha. People of Nepal and Bhutan also celebrate Guru Purnima.
Do You Fast on Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full-moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha which falls in July-August. On this day, gurus are worshipped. People express their gratitude for all the teachings that they have received from their respective gurus. It is suggested that on this day people should dedicate themselves to their gurus and their teachings and should put those teachings into action. Vishnu pooja also has great importance on Guru Purnima day. Thus, “Vishnu Sahatranam”, which is also called a thousand names of Lord Vishnu can be recited on this auspicious day.
On this day, Hindu households follow a strict vegetarian diet. Delicacies like poori-choley, halwa, khichdi, and sweets like laddoo, gulab jamun, and barfi are served.
However, many people also observe a fast. It is said that the Guru Purnima fast is an exchange and prayer for the Guru’s long life so that these people get their continued guidance. During this fast, people refrain from eating salt, rice, and any other kind of heavy food and meals made of cereals. One can only eat yogurt and fruits while observing Guru Purnima fast. The fast is open after performing pooja in the evening.
What is the Purpose of a Guru?
The word “guru” is made up of two roots in Sanskrit – Gu, and Ru. Gu means darkness and Ru means remover. Thus. “Guru” means someone who removes darkness.
Basically, gurus or teachers lead the path of “God-realization”. They help their students to find and follow the path that leads to God. With these teachings the guru fills the life of his student with light, thereby removing the darkness. For this reason, gurus have always been given the highest importance since ancient times. Thus they even rank higher than God.
For the stated reason, all gurus are honored on the Guru Purnima day by people of various religions. It is advised to meditate and chant prayers on this day. There is a prayer that is specifically chanted on this day: Guru Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara; Guru Sakshat Param Brahma: Tasami Shri Guruvey Namah.
The meaning of this Guru Purnima mantra is Guru is the Lord of Creation, Guru is Lord Vishnu who is also called organizer, Guru is the destroyer and Guru is the supreme God. Since Guru leads to a path of light, we bow in front of that Guru.
On the day of Guru Purnima, one should study the principles of their guru and reflect upon them. The best way to worship him is by practicing his teachings.
Final Thoughts
A guru helps to become knowledgeable and relate to the world. He helps remove the darkness from life and instead fills it with light. Since time immemorial, total surrender to the guru is considered as the greatest characteristic of a student. Therefore, to pay homage to a guru, Guru Purnima is celebrated and the teachings of a guru are reflected upon on this auspicious day.
People of India, Bhutan, and Nepal celebrate Guru Purnima on the full moon day in the month of July-August. On this day, people pay their gratitude towards their gurus. Gurus act as the remover of darkness in the lives of everyone. With their teachings, gurus add a purpose to their student’s lives and remove darkness. On this auspicious day, people from various religions thank their gurus by offering prayers and by chanting Guru Purnima Mantra. Some people also observe Guru Purnima fast on this day wherein they avoid salt, rice, and any kind of meal made with cereals. Eating only yogurt and fruits is allowed. The food here is compromised in exchange for the guru’s long life so that they continue to receive guidance. Guru Purnima 2024 falls on the 21st of July, Sunday.
