History, Importance and Celebration of Guru Purnima 2022

Ved Vyas in Guru Purnima

Considered akin to God, a Guru teaches us the right things and guides us toward the right path. Guru Purnima 2022 celebrations will take place on 13 July 2022 and is the day when we honour our Gurus or teachers and thank them for their unconditional guidance, support, and strength. This day also commemorates the birthday of Ved Vyas. He is credited to be the author of various texts like Mahabharata, the Puranas, and the Vedas. These are essential texts of Hinduism. 

History and importance of Guru Purnima 

• The day of Guru Purnima does not only pay homage to Ved Vyas but also honours other Gurus like 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 on which Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. 
• The day honours our teachers and countless other people 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. 
• This phrase suggests that a Guru holds a higher position than God, and thus he should be treated with respect. 
• To summarise, the auspicious day of Guru Purnima reflects on the power of a holy time and the vital role of Gurus. 

How to celebrate this day? 

• 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 the 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.” 
• One should also dedicate themself to the teaching and principles of the Guru.
• They should not forget to practice the Guru’s teachings and must channelise their energy following the principles of the Guru. 
• On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, people avoid eating heavy foods and only eat yoghurt or fruits. 
• 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.

The day of Guru Purnima stands for our teachers’ strength, warmth, and dedicated support. Our Gurus remove darkness from our minds and help us become better versions of ourselves. So this Guru Purnima, don’t forget to honour your teachers and practice their teachings in your life!

ALSO READ: 10 Amazing Sri Chakra Benefits