Guru Purnima Date and time 2024:
Guru Purnima falls on July 21, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 05:59 PM on July 20, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 03:47 PM on July 21, 2024
Guru Purnima, where we honour the guiding lights who illuminate our paths with wisdom and grace. The full moon day, Purnima in the month of Ashadha is celebrated as Guru Purnima in Hinduism and Buddhism. This auspicious day is dedicated to expressing gratitude and reverence to spiritual and academic teachers, known as gurus.
Significance
The word "guru" in Sanskrit means one who dispels darkness (ignorance) and brings forth light (knowledge). This day holds significance as a time to honour the wisdom and guidance imparted by gurus, reflecting on their teachings and seeking their blessings for spiritual growth and enlightenment. According to Hindu Mythology, this day is believed that Lord Shiva, the Adi Guru or the first Guru, imparted the knowledge of yoga to the Saptarishis (Seven sages).
The day is also commemorated as the birthday of the Sage Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and 18 Puranas, and compiler of the Vedas. Hence, it is also known as Vyasa Purnima. Sage Vyasa is revered as the ultimate guru, and his contributions to Indian philosophy and literature are unparalleled. On Guru Purnima, it is believed that prayers directly reach the Mahaguru, bestowing blessings that dispel darkness and ignorance from the lives of disciples. In Buddhism, the festival is an occasion to celebrate the divinity of Lord Buddha, who is believed to have delivered his first sermon (a talk on moral or spiritual subjects) at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, on this auspicious day.
The Guru and Disciple Relationship
The bond between a guru and a disciple is unique and sacred. A guru not only imparts knowledge but also shapes the character and destiny of the disciple. The guru guides the disciple through the challenges of life, offering wisdom and support.
In the words of Swami Vivekananda,
"The guru is the bright mask which God wears in order to come to us."
This metaphor beautifully encapsulates the idea that a guru is a divine guide, leading us towards enlightenment and self-realization.
Rituals and Celebration
- Devotees offer special prayers and perform aarti to their gurus, seeking their blessings and expressing gratitude. Many visit ashrams and spiritual centres to participate in collective prayers and satsangs (devotional activities).
- On this day, many people commence their spiritual journey through a process known as 'Diksha'.
- Disciples recite sacred texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas, and the Upanishads, which are read and discussed to honour the wisdom imparted by ancient sages.
- Many devotees observe a fast and spend the day in meditation and introspection, reflecting on the teachings of their gurus and their spiritual journey.
- Some people engage in charitable activities and community service, following the principle of selfless service (seva) taught by many gurus.
As we celebrate Guru Purnima, let us renew our commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit of knowledge, inspired by the timeless bond between guru and disciple.