Significance of Guru Purnima
Happy Guru Purnima is traditionally observed by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains to revere their chosen spiritual teachers and leaders and express their gratitude. Watch our latest video to learn more!
Guru Purnima is one of the most important dates in the Hindu calendar because, on this day, people pay respect to their Gurus like teachers, mentors, etc. Guru Purnima falls on the Purnima (full moon day) in the Hindu month Ashadha. Interestingly, Guru is a Sanskrit word derived from Gu which means darkness and Ru refers to elimination. Therefore, the Guru is the one who removes darkness like ignorance by showering the light of knowledge on their students. This festival is traditionally observed by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains to revere their teachers and express their gratitude. It is celebrated as a festival in India, Nepal and Bhutan.
According to Hinduism, Guru Purnima is the day that commemorates the birth of Veda Vyas, who narrated the great Indian epic, Mahabharata to Ganpati who wrote it. Vedas are the oldest and largest body of religious texts related to Hinduism. Ved Vyas classified the Vedas into four different books - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. To honour his contributions, devotees perform Vyasa Puja on his birth anniversary.
People who strongly believe in Yoga, meditation, etc. believe that Lord Shiva, is the first Guru or Yogi, started imparting the knowledge of Yoga to the Saptarishis.
On this day, Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh after attaining enlightenment. Hence, on this day, Buddhists celebrate Guru Purnima to honour the teachings of Gautam Buddha. After attaining Kaivalya, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira made Gautam Swami his first disciple. Therefore, it is a day of great significance for the Jain community.
Just like each community worships their gurus, these days people worship their teachers, parents or even their mentors who have taught them important lessons in life. We must always respect our Gurus and remember their teachings! Happy Guru Poornima to all the teachers in the world who continue to share their wisdom.
