Guru Purnima is an important spiritual festival of Indian culture, which is celebrated on the full moon day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh month. This day is a festival to praise the glory of the Guru, express reverence towards him and honor his contribution in life. In the year 2025, this festival will be celebrated on 10 July.
This day is also known as the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyas, who compiled the Vedas, composed the Mahabharata and arranged the Puranas. Ved Vyas ji is considered to be the 'Adi Guru'. This day is also called 'Vyas Purnima'. In Sanatan Dharma, the Guru has a higher status than God. In the Sanatan tradition, the Guru is considered equal to the Tridevas:
"Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwarah,
Guru Sakshat Parabrahma Tasmay Shree Gurve Namah."
The Guru gives direction to life, makes the sadhana successful and connects the soul with the Supreme Being.
"Guru Govind dono khade, kaake lagun paay, balihari guru aapne, Govind diyo milay." On the day of Guru Purnima, disciples offer flowers, clothes, fruits and dakshina at the feet of their Guru, keep fast, chant Guru Mantra and receive blessings from them. This day is considered very auspicious for spiritual development, success of sadhana and giving the right direction to life. What should be done on Guru Purnima? Guru Purnima is a holy occasion when we express our respect and gratitude to our Guru, parents, Acharya or guide of life. Doing the following work on this day is considered especially fruitful: ________________________________________ 🔹 1. Perform Guru Puja: Offer flowers, fruits, clothes, sweets, coconut and dakshina at the feet of the Guru. 🔹 2. Chant Guru Mantra: Chant the mantra given by the Guru at least 108 times. 🔹 3. Observe fast and restraint:
On this day, following celibacy, truth, peace and silence increases spiritual power.
🔹 4. Donate food and serve:
Give food, clothes or dakshina to Brahmins, poor, cows and the elderly.
🔹 5. Meditate and study:
Reflect on the teachings of the Guru, read religious texts and introspect.
🔹 6. Donate lamps:
Donating lamps at Ganga Ghat, Shivalaya or Guru Sthan is especially virtuous.
🔹 7. Get worship done at pilgrimage sites:
Guru worship, Abhishek and chanting at pilgrimages like Kashi, Haridwar, Ujjain is extremely beneficial.
Path and salvation are found by the grace of the Guru
Guru does not just teach, but also leads life towards light, charity and progress. Sadhana is accomplished by the grace of the Guru, and balance comes in worldly life.
On this Guru Purnima, take a pledge that you will follow the ideals of the Guru in your life and make your life meaningful with his blessings.
Guru Purnima is not just a festival, it is a feeling - of faith, dedication and sadhana.
On this special day, let us come together and do Guru Vandana, and illuminate the direction of our life with his blessings.
🔱 Hari Om Tatsat. 🔱
