Guru Purnima: Significance, Date and Puja Vidhi

As Guru Purnima 2024 approaches, let’s understand that in an individual’s life, the Guru (teacher) plays an essential role. Gurus are the ones who take us from darkness to light. We all need a guru in life to show us the right path.

Now, we will explore why we celebrate the Guru Purnima festival.

Guru Purnima 2024 Time and Date

Guru Purnima or Vyasa Purnima is a day to celebrate and express gratitude to our Gurus. This year, the auspicious day is on Sunday, July 21st, 2024. Furthermore, it is observed on the Purnima Tithi, the full moon day.

Tithi Begins on: 05:59 PM, Jul 20, 2024 (Saturday)
Tithi Ends on: 03:46 PM, Jul 21, 2024 (Sunday)

Guru Purnima 2024: History and Significance

Let us tell you Guru Purnima significance and meaning, hidden in its history and Vrat Katha. We honour Ved Vyasa on the day of Guru Purnima. On this day, Lord Shiva, as the Adi Guru who taught the seven rishis, was the visionary of the Vedas, representing Guru Purnima.

It is believed that Lord Buddha delivered his first teaching on this day at Sarnath, reflecting the power of that sacred time. But wait! Do you know Guru Purnima falls on which hindu month? We celebrate it in the month of Ashadha, a day celebrating the birth anniversary of the founder of the great Indian epic Mahabharata, Veda Vyasa.

Guru Purnima Vrat Katha

The Story of Sage Vyasa: Sage Vyasa is famous for making the knowledge of the Vedas easier to understand. He was born on the full moon day in the month of Ashadha. We celebrate the Guru Purnima, also called Vyasa Purnima, on his honour.

The Story of Lord Shiva and the Saptarishis: In yogic traditions, Guru Purnima is when Lord Shiva, representing the highest consciousness, became the first teacher (Adi Guru). On this moon night, he started teaching yogic knowledge to the Saptarishis, which began the yogic traditions that continue today.

Some Interesting Facts About Guru Purnima

The Ved Vyas story holds great significance for the history of the Guru Purnima celebration. However, there are some other exciting aspects of this festival. Thus, let us look at these facts.  

• The day of Guru Purnima not only pays homage to Ved Vyas but also honours other Gurus, such as Lord Shiva and Lord Buddha. 
• It represents the date on which Lord Shiva, as the Adi Guru or the original Guru, taught the seven seer rishis of the Vedas. 
• This day also relates to the day Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. 
• The day honours our teachers and countless others who acted as Gurus in our lives.
• In Hinduism, all the holy books dictate the importance of Gurus.
• The books also highlight the beautiful bond shared between a Guru and their Shishya, or disciple.
• An old Sanskrit phrase, ‘Mata Pita Guru Daivam, ‘ iterates on the position of these people in a person’s life. A mother is placed at the top, followed by the father. Then, a place is reserved for the Guru, and the fourth position is for God.
• The Tithi of this festival is highly significant for the followers and devotees of Buddhism. This is because Gautam Buddha (the founder of Buddhism) delivered his first sermon at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment. Hence, Buddhists celebrate it to pay their tributes to Gautam Buddha.
• The Guru is equal to God, and we should treat them respectfully. 

Also Read: Dev Uthani Ekadashi: An Ideal Time To Seek God’s Blessings

Guru Purnima 2024: Puja Vidhi

There is a specially and carefully designed Puja Vidhi for each festival in Hinduism. Let us look at the Puja Vidhi an individual must follow during this festival. These are as follows: 

• The day starts with waking up early and performing the mundane tasks of bathing, puja, etc. This will ensure that we wear clean and tidy clothes. 
• We should offer flowers and a garland of fresh flowers with good fragrance on the image of Vyasa Ji. This is when you visit your Guru. 
• Ensure that your Guru is seated on a chair, and then proceed to offer a garland to them.
• Following that, offer fruits, flowers, clothes and Dakshina (a form of giving money) to your Guru. In the end, seek their blessings for a fruitful and peaceful life.

Guru Purnima 2024: Do’s and Don’ts

The celebration of a festival has some set of rules and guidelines that an individual must follow. As every ritual and guideline is carefully curated, an individual should follow them. Therefore, let us have a look at these rituals. These are as follows: 

Do’s 

• Guru Purnima celebrations start by expressing gratitude to the Gods who are like our Gurus.
• Monasteries and Ashrams see countless disciples offering their prayers in honour of their teachers.
• People chant an age-old Sanskrit shloka, that is, “गुरुर्ब्रह्मा ग्रुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः । गुरुः साक्षात् परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः ॥” which translates to “Guru is truly the image and of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He creates, sustains, and nourishes knowledge and destroys the weeds of ignorance. I salute such a great Guru.” 
• Moreover, one should also dedicate oneself to the teaching and principles of the Guru.
• They break their fast by performing puja in the evening.
• The performing of the puja is to pay one’s respects to the Gods above and to pay respect to the Gurus.

Don’ts

• Do not consume alcohol on the day of the Guru Purnima festival. 
• Do not disrespect your elders or Gurus on this day.
• Try to avoid the consumption of meat and non-vegetarian food on the occasion of Guru Purnima.
• Along with this, an individual should also try to avoid consuming any heavy food items. Keep your meals light by including yoghurt or fruits.
• Lastly, people should also remember to practice the Guru’s teachings and channel their energy according to the Guru’s principles. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read: Shravan Somvar 2023: History, Significance And Rituals

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