Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is a sacred festival that honors the role of the Guru, the remover of darkness and guide to inner light. Celebrated on the full moon of Ashadha month, this day commemorates the birth of Maharishi Veda Vyasa.
Celebrated as Vyasa Purnima, this day is not merely about honoring teachers but bowing to those enlightened ones who awaken our consciousness. Maharishi Krishna Dwaipayana Veda Vyasa, born on this day, is revered as the compiler of the Vedas and the author of the Mahabharata.
Guru Purnima is observed not only in Hinduism but also in Buddhism and Jainism, marking the transmission of spiritual wisdom. It is the day Lord Shiva became Adi Guru to the Saptarishis, and also the day Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon.
Deities/Gurus Associated
- Veda Vyasa: Compiler of the Vedas, composer of the Mahabharata, and the epitome of Guru Tattva.
- Lord Shiva (Dakshinamurthy): The Adi Guru who transmitted knowledge through silence.
- Lord Narayan: Honored as the Adi Guru in the Guru Parampara.
- Mothers & Elders: Recognized as one’s first and eternal Gurus.
“Guru Purnima is the moon of wisdom that rises in the heart and dissolves the darkness of ignorance.”
Origin, Significance & Vedic Astrological Relevance
Ithihasa
- As per Vrat Chandrika, Maharishi Veda Vyasa was born on Ashadha Purnima.
- In Mahabharata (Adi Parva), Vyasa is called Krishna Dwaipayana due to his dark complexion and birth on an island.
- Guru Purnima marks the day when Vyasa began composing the Brahma Sutras, solidifying its spiritual importance.
Vedic and Planetary Significance
- Jupiter (Guru Graha), the planet of wisdom, is especially honored.
- The full moon in Ashadha symbolizes completeness of spiritual light.
- As per Advayataraka Upanishad, ‘Gu’ is darkness and ‘Ru’ is remover—Guru is one who dispels ignorance.
Customs, Traditions & Rituals
- Guru Paduka Puja: Worshipping Guru’s feet with flowers, sandal, and incense.
- Offering Seva: Gifts, clothes, and food are offered to one’s Gurus.
- Spiritual Discourses: Recitation of scriptures like Guru Gita, Vyasa Stuti, or Bhagavad Gita.
- Mantra Diksha: Ideal day for receiving spiritual initiation.
- Honoring Elders: Parents, teachers, and even mentors in any field are revered.
Puja Vidhi & Katha
Puja Vidhi
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurta, bathe and clean your puja space.
- Place an image or paduka of Guru or Veda Vyasa on a pedestal.
- Offer water, sandal paste, flowers, incense, naivedyam, and aarti.
- Recite Guru Stotram, Vishnu Sahasranama or Vyasa Ashtakam.
- Perform parikrama and offer dakshina.
Guru Purnima Katha
Maharishi Veda Vyasa, born to Rishi Parashara and Satyavati, desired to see God in childhood. Upon receiving permission from his mother, he left for the forest and performed deep tapasya. His penance yielded divine knowledge, enabling him to split the Vedas into four, compose the Mahabharata, 18 Puranas, and Brahma Sutras. Thus, Guru Purnima became the day to worship the Guru.
Celebrations Across India
- North India: Vyasa Puja in ashrams and temples.
- South India: Shiva as Dakshinamurthy is venerated.
- Maharashtra: Sai Baba and Dattatreya temples hold processions.
- Jain & Buddhist: Gautama Buddha’s sermon is commemorated.
Temples Where Guru Purnima Is Prominent
- Vyasa Gufa, Uttarakhand
- Chidambaram Temple, Tamil Nadu (Dakshinamurthy shrine)
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra
- Sarnath, Varanasi (Buddhist observance site)
- Rishikesh Ashrams
How to Observe
- Perform Paduka Puja
- Visit Guru or spiritual teacher
- Observe silence, meditation, or fast
- Read spiritual texts
- Serve elders and parents
Benefits of Celebrating
- Inner clarity and removal of karmic blocks
- Grace from the Guru Mandala
- Alignment with the eternal Guru Tattva
- Awakening of spiritual potential
- Increased sattva (purity) in one’s mind and life
