Guru Purnima Meaning, Definition Explained
In today’s article, we will tell you about Guru Purnima. Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, is a significant festival celebrated in India by millions of Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. This auspicious occasion is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, which usually falls in the months of June or July according to the Gregorian calendar. The celebration of Guru Purnima revolves around the concept of honoring and paying homage to one’s Guru or Teacher.
Guru Purnima Meaning, Definition Explained
One of the main reasons for celebrating Guru Purnima is to commemorate the birth anniversary of Ved Vyasa, the revered author of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. Ved Vyasa is considered a guru par excellence and is given the utmost respect and reverence by his followers. It is believed that he not only composed the Mahabharata but also divided the Vedas into four parts, known as Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. The wisdom and knowledge imparted by Ved Vyasa have had a profound impact on Hindu philosophy and spirituality.
Another significant association of Guru Purnima is with Lord Buddha. It is believed that Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, delivered his first sermon on this very day. Thus, disciples of Lord Buddha also honor him on Guru Purnima and express their gratitude for his teachings and wisdom. On the occasion of Guru Purnima, devotees engage in various rituals and practices to express their reverence and gratitude towards their gurus. They offer prayers, perform puja, and seek blessings from their teachers. It is a day to reflect on the invaluable role played by teachers in shaping the lives of their students. Teachers are seen as the guiding light that illuminates the path of knowledge and wisdom for their disciples.
The festival of Guru Purnima holds great significance in Indian culture and society. It highlights the traditional Gurukul system of education, where students live with their teachers to receive a holistic education. The bond between a guru and a disciple is considered sacred and rooted in mutual respect and trust. Guru Purnima is a festival that celebrates the profound relationship between a teacher and a student. It is a day filled with gratitude, respect, and homage to the gurus who have selflessly imparted knowledge and enlightenment. This year, Guru Purnima will be celebrated on July 3, 2023. Let us embrace this festival and express our gratitude towards our gurus, who have guided us on the path of enlightenment.
