Guru Purnima: Honoring the Eternal Light of Wisdom

 

  • Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
  • Purnima Tithi Begins: 01:36 AM on July 10
  • Purnima Tithi Ends: 02:06 AM on July 11
  • Moonrise: 07:19 PM on July 11

Scriptural and Spiritual Significance

  • The word Guru comes from Gu (darkness) and Ru (remover), meaning "the one who dispels darkness."
  • Guru Purnima is also called Vyasa Purnima, marking the birth anniversary of Maharishi Veda Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas, authored the Mahabharata, and composed the 18 Puranas.
  • The day is revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism:
    • Hindus honor their spiritual and academic teachers.
    • Buddhists commemorate Lord Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath.
    • Jains remember Lord Mahavira accepting Gautam Swami as his first disciple.

Temple and Ashram Observances

  • Vyasa Puja is performed in temples and ashrams across India, especially in:
    • Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh – with satsangs, bhajans, and discourses
    • Shirdi Sai Baba Temple – a grand 3-day celebration honoring Sai Baba as Sadguru
    • ISKCON temples – with special kirtans and Guru pujas
    • Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math – with homage to Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda

Rituals and How to Celebrate

  • Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes
  • Set up a puja altar with a photo or symbol of your Guru
  • Offer flowers (yellow/white), incense, fruits, and sweets
  • Recite Guru Stotra, Guru Gita, or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
  • Perform Paduka Puja (worship of Guru’s sandals)
  • Observe silence, fasting, or a satvik diet
  • Donate clothes, food, or dakshina to Brahmins or your Guru

Regional Observances

  • North India: Celebrated in ashrams and gurukuls with Vyasa Puja and satsangs
  • South India: Observed in mutts like Sringeri, Kanchi, and Ahobilam with elaborate rituals
  • Maharashtra: Shirdi hosts a massive celebration for Sai Baba devotees
  • Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka: Buddhists honor Buddha’s first sermon with Dhamma talks and meditation retreats

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