Guru Purnima 2024

On July 12, 2024

Guru Purnima is a festival that honors all Gurus or teachers, both spiritual and academic. In Hinduism, the Guru is the first to be honored before even God and one’s parents. The Guru teaches us right/wrong and leads us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. The Guru is a teacher or mentor who gives us knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual advice.

The Sanskrit words “Gu” and “Ru,” mean “darkness or ignorance” and “remover of the darkness,” respectively. Guru is regarded as God by Hindus. Buddhists and Jains also celebrate Guru Purnima. It is also observed in Nepal and Bhutan.

On this day, Hindus worship Sage Ved Vyasa, who classified the Vedas into 4 categories and wrote the Mahabharata epic. On this day, the Buddha also delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. He also attained enlightenment on this day. Hence, the festival is also called Buddha Purnima. Guru Purnima falls on the full moon day in Ashada month (July-August). On this holy day, people, especially students, pay their respects to their Gurus or teachers by giving them gifts and getting their blessings.

Guru Purnima 2024 Date And Time In 2024, Guru Purnima will be on July 21, Sunday.

Tithi Timings:

Purnima Tithi Begins: On Jul 20, 2024, at 05:59 PM

Purnima Tithi Ends: On Jul 21, 2024, at 03:46 PM

 

Importance Of Guru Purnima

According to Hindu mythology, it was on Guru Purnima that Shiva, as Adi Yogi, became the Adi Guru or the first guru when he began to impart wisdom to the Saptrishis, who performed Sadhana for 84 years, hoping to learn from him.

After imbibing knowledge from Adi Yogi, the Saptrishis became well-known and also shared their knowledge with the rest of the world.

The Jains believe that Indrabhuti Gautam was ordained Indrabhuti Swami’s first disciple on this day and became the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Hence, it is also called Treenok Guha Purnima.

History Of Guru Purnima

Veda Vyasa, the creator of works including the Brahma Sutra, Mahabharata, Shrimad Bhagvat, and 18 Puranas, was born on Ashadha Purnima.

His father was Rishi Parashara. Veda Vyas had knowledge of all Kaals (past, present, and future time). Being a seer, he saw with his divine eye that people would lose interest in religion in the future, avoid responsibilities, and live shorter lives.

He divided the Vedas into four parts and gave them different names - Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Hence, he got the name, Veda Vyasa. He also taught his 4 pupils - Vaishampayana, Sumantumuni, Pail, and Jaimin - the Vedas.

As this knowledge was not comprehensible to ordinary people, he created the Puranas, which are regarded as the fifth Veda. The Puranas distilled the wisdom of the Vedas in the form of interesting tales. Then he taught Roma Harshan, one of his disciples, the Puranas.

Significance of Guru Purnima

A Guru’s guidance is essential for gaining knowledge. He removes darkness and leads us toward the light. Without the Guru’s blessings, we cannot succeed in life. Many spiritual aspirants ask the Guru for the Mantra on this auspicious day. People also serve their Gurus on Guru Purnima to express their reverence and gratitude toward them.

Guru Purnima Rituals

• People pay respects to their teachers on Guru Purnima. In ashrams and monasteries, disciples revere their Gurus. They also pledge to follow the Guru’s teachings.
• Students and disciples worship a picture or portrait of the Guru and recite Mantras.
• Guru Purnima Pooja and Yajna are performed in temples and homes to obtain the Guru’s blessings. Some observe a fast, do sadhana, and meditate.
• Buddhists worship the Buddha at his shrines. Monks perform the “Uposatha” rite and hear the Buddha’s 8 precepts. Some monks begin their ascetic practice and meditation.
• On Guru Purnima, Lord Vishnu is also worshipped. People recite the Vishnu Sahasranama.

Pooja Vidhi

• Awake early and perform your ablutions. Then, perform Pooja and wear clean clothes.
• Invoke the Guru’s blessings after placing flowers and a fragrant garland on Vyasa’s image.
• Offer a garland to your Guru after making him sit in a chair.
• Offer your Guru clothes, flowers, food, and Dakshina, and get their blessings.

Benefits of Guru Purnima

Observing a fast and actively taking part in Guru Purnima celebrations brings many benefits. It bestows profound spiritual growth, boosts the bond with your spiritual guides, and helps you achieve great progress on your spiritual journey.

Related Topics

• Story Of Andal
• Significance Of Andal Jayanthi
• Sri Garuda Panchami 2024
• Significance of Ashadha Gupt Navaratri

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