Guru Purnima

Significance

The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashad (July - August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Poornima.

Guru Poornima is considered as good time to begin your spiritual lessons. Traditionally spiritual seekers commence to intensify their spiritual sadhna from this day.

Chaturmas period also starts from this day. Actually in the past wandering spiritual master and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahmsutras.

Guru Poornima is common to all spiritual traditions where it is dedicated to the expression of gratitude towards the teachers by his / her disciples

According to a divine discourse by Sai Baba it is not necessary that every person should have a guru. God is the real guru for everyone. The only thing important is to recognize God with in one’s self. You must understand that God is in you, with you and around you. Try to recognize this truth and from the day of Guru Poornima, make your heart sacred. Don’t be depressed by sorrow nor be elated by happiness. Do not entertain excessive desire. Do your duties sincerely whether at home or at work. Be happy and make others happy. Do not hurt anybody, consider difficulties as passing clouds but do not be perturbed by them.

Every person is bound to have difficulties and losses. We should face them with courage and should surrender ourselves to God who is the creator, mentor and caretaker for us. He is our ultimate Guru.

History

This day is celebrated in memory of ancient great sage Vyasa who edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagvata. Dattatreya, who happened to be the Guru of Gurus was taught by Vyasa.

On this day Krishna-dwaipayana Vyasa, who is the author of Mahabharata, was born. Veda Vyasa made several contributions to the Vedic literature.

Determination of Date

Guru Purnima is celebrated on Ashadh Purnima covering at least three Muhurats. If Purnima falls on two days and covers three Muhurats on both days then it is celebrated on second day and if it does not cover three Muhurats on any day then it is celebrated on first day.

How to Celebrate

The Hindu spiritual Gurus are revered on this day by a remembering their life and teachings. Vyasa Puja is held at various temples, where floral offerings and symbolic gifts are given away in his honour and that of the cosmic satguru. The festivities are usually followed by feast for the disciples, shishya, where the prasad and charnamrita literally nectar of the feet, the symbolic wash of Guru's feet, which represents his grace, kripa is distributed. As a day of remembrance towards all gurus, through whom God grants the grace of knowledge (Jnana) to the disciples, special recitations of the Hindu scriptures especially, the Guru Gita, a 216 verse ode to Guru, authored by the sage, Vyasa himself, are held all day; apart from singing of bhajans, hymns and organising of special kirtan session and havan at many places, where devotees from all over gather at the ashrams, matha or place where the seat of Guru, Guru Gaddi exists. This day also sees the ritual of padapuja, the worships of Guru's sandals, which represent his holy feet and is seen a way of rededicating to all that a Guru stands for. Disciples also recommit themselves on this day, towards following their teacher's guidance and teachings, for the coming year. A mantra that is particularly used on this day is "Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara, Guru Sakshat Parabrahmah Tasmai Shree Guru Veh Namah". This day is also seen as an occasion when fellow devotees, Guru Bhai (disciple-brother), express their solidarity to one another in their spiritual journey.

Gurupurnima / Vyas Purnima Vrat (Fast)
(For showing respect, faith and devotion towards Guru (teacher)

According to Hindu religion the place of Guru is above all. In Shatrik texts it is clearly mentioned that Guru is Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesh. On the day of Gurupoornima it is very auspicious to read the story of Maharishi Vedvyas and Adishankaracharya. From the very beginning it was a tradition that disciples used to get education from Gurukul free of cost and every year on the occasion of Gurupoornima they used to respect and worship their Guru. They also used to give honorarium to their Guru on this day.

Method of Observing Gurupurnima / Vyas Purnima Vrat

This fast is observed on the full Moon day of Asharh. On this day after having your bath offer a garland (pushpmala) to your Guru, perform Shodashopchar Puja, offer a gift with faith and devotion and receive the blessings. Humbly say sorry for the mistakes that you have done knowingly or unknowingly so that he foregives you. Finally offer food to Brahmins.