Guru Purnima is an Indian festival dedicated to the Gurus (teachers) and mentors of the people of the country. According to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the day of Purnima (full moon) of the Ashadh month. Hence, this day is known as Guru Purnima. Etymologically, a guru is someone who battles the darkness in your lives and enlightens it with his vast knowledge. This day is celebrated to pay respect to Guru Vyasa, who is considered the ultimate preacher according to Hindu history.
About Guru Vyasa
Guru Vyasa was born in the Dvapara Yuga. He took birth at the house of Sage Parashara and mother Satyavati Devi with the blessing of Lord Shiva. It is said that Guru Vyasa wrote the four Vedas as recited by Lord Ganesha and later classified them into four parts. The Vedas still remain an integral part of the Hindu religion and beliefs. He is also the writer of 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Holy Shrimad Bhagvad Gita. He is considered the Guru of Gurus. Mankind will forever be in his debt for the contribution he made to the ancient literature which are still very relevant. His work is still read and preached by many believers who try to inculcate his teachings in their lives. The only way we can thank Guru Vyasa for his work is by keeping his teachings relevant in the days to come and try to follow them as much as we can.
Guru – Shishya Relationship
The day of Guru Purnima is dedicated to all the Gurus, who spend their lives trying to make this world a better place. People, irrespective of their caste or gender, pay tribute to their respective teachers and thank them for the contribution they made in their lives. The following shloka from Guru Stotram succinctly explains the importance of Guru –
Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheswaraye
Guru Saakshaat Parambhrahma, Tasmai Shri Guruve Namaha
This Shloka means – “Guru is Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva himself. Guru is the Lord Brahma himself who is the creator of this universe, that is why, I bow in front of you”
The Guru-Shishya (Teacher-Pupil) relationship can be read about in various ancient scriptures of our culture. You must have heard the story of Eklavya from Mahabharata. When Guru Dronachraya refused to take him as his pupil, Eklavya used the dirt from under his Guru’s feet to make an idol of Dronacharya. He practiced daily in front of that idol and became an excellent archer. His determination to learn under Dronachrya made him an excellent student and this story is still fresh in people’s minds. Such stories show to what lengths people have gone to assuage their Gurus.
In olden days, children were sent made to wear janeu (a sacred thread) and were sent to ashrams away from their homes. Gurus of the ashram imparted knowledge to these children and enlightened their lives. In Ramayana, all the four sons of King Dashratha were sent to Guru Vasistha’s Ashram where they gained all the knowledge and then showed the path of righteousness to people all around the country. This shows that even Lord Ram, who was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was taught by a Guru. This is made more evident by a doha by Sant Kabir.
Guru Govind dou khade, kake lagu paay
Balihari Guru aapki, Govind diyo batay
This shloka means that – “If both Guru and God are standing in front of me, whose feet should I touch? I should touch the feet of my Guru because without his teachings I wouldn’t even recognize God”
Rituals on Guru Purnima
- People wake up early in Brahmamuhurta (Starts 1 house 36 minutes before sunrise and ends 48 minutes before sunrise) and sit for Puja. People worship Guru Vyasa and God by chanting mantras.
- Many people visit their mentors to pay their respects to them. If you do not have a mentor, you can pay your respects to Lord Brahma, since he is the ultimate teacher of mankind.
- Some people observe fast on this day.
Planet Jupiter is also referred to as Guru and people who have a strong faith in Vedic Astrology tend to worship Jupiter also on this auspicious day. Guru Yantra (an expert in the field of Vedic Astrology can be consulted for this) is worshipped to appease the mighty planet and ask for its blessings. Planet Jupiter is a benign planet whose blessings can make a person spiritual, wise, knowledgeable, generous and wealthy.
Date and Timings of Guru Purnima 2020
Date – 5th July 2020 (Sunday)
Sunrise – 05:29 am (5th July 2020)
Sunset – 07:24 pm (5th July 2020)
Purnima Tithi Aarambh – 11:33 am (4th July 2020)
Purnima Tithi Samapth – 10:13 am (5th July 2020)