Guru Purnima 2024: Date, History, Significance, Rituals and Auspicious Time to Honour Your Guru! – News18
This year, Guru Purnima will be observed across the globe on July 21. (Image: Shutterstock)
Guru Purnima reminds us of the eternal value of knowledge and study, as well as the esteemed Gurus who selflessly share their expertise with the rest of the world.
Guru Purnima, which falls on the full moon day of the Ashadha month (June-July), is a very important festival for the Hindus as well as the Jains. This year, Guru Purnima will be celebrated around the world on July 21. In addition to India, Nepal and Bhutan observe Guru Purnima.
It’s the moment to show sincere respect and gratitude to Gurus, who serve as guiding lights and information providers. The title ‘Guru’ translates to ‘dispeller of darkness,’ emphasising their role in dispelling ignorance and revealing the road to enlightenment. While ‘Purnima’ refers to the full moon night on which it occurs.
Guru Purnima is also known as Vyas Purnima because it commemorates the birthday of Veda Vyas, the sage who wrote the Mahabharata. Guru Purnima, according to the Hindi Panchang, is the conclusion of various yogas. According to Kashi-based astrologer Pandit Sanjay Upadhyay, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga is being formed this year on Guru Purnima day.
What Is Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga?
Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga is a type of yoga that occurs when certain nakshatras align on a particular day of the week. The combination of these nakshatras is considered auspicious for beginning new pursuits or businesses. Any new venture launched at this time is expected to be successful. Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga will be available throughout the day on Sunday, July 21.
Guru Purnima 2024: Auspicious Time
According to Drik Panchang, the Purnima Tithi will begin on July 20, 2024, at 5:59 PM and end on July 21, 2024, at 3:46 PM.
Guru Purnima 2024: History
According to Hindu mythology, Guru Purnima is related to the birth of a well-known sage, the son of Sage Parashar. This divine child is thought to have extensive knowledge of the past, present, and future (Bhoot Kaal, Vartamaan Kaal, and Bhiavishya Kaal). Recognising the importance of preserving and disseminating this spiritual and religious knowledge, he diligently edited the Vedas into four parts.
This ancient Guru, known as Vyas, is honoured on this day, also known as Vyas Purnima. Guru Purnima serves as a reminder of the eternal value of education and study, as well as the esteemed Gurus who freely share their expertise with the world.
Guru Purnima 2024: Significance
According to the tradition of Guru Purnima, a teacher is elevated to a level where they can transcend their students into a higher realm and eradicate ignorance from their lives. As a result, it is also a celebration of the wisdom and information that teachers possess and share. It also promotes knowledge exchange as the sole means of achieving transcendence.
Guru Purnima is an excellent occasion to honour your instructors. Teachers in our lives can range from our parents to our academic mentors to even older siblings.
Why Do We Celebrate Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima is a sacred tradition derived from several stories found in various spiritual teachings.
- One belief holds that on this day, Lord Shiva imparted his wisdom to people, making him the first teacher.
- Another story talks of Ved Vyasa’s birth, who on Guru Purnima shared the Vedic teachings with his four students.
- On this day, according to Buddhist legend, Buddha delivered his first sermon to his followers in Sarnath. Similarly, Jains commemorate Guru Purnima as the day Mahavira, a revered figure, attracted his first follower.
The essence of Guru Purnima is to commemorate teachers who guide people from ignorance to understanding, emphasising the value of knowledge and wisdom in spiritual growth.
Guru Purnima 2024: Rituals
- Wake up early in the morning and touch your father, mother, and elder siblings’ feet to receive their blessings.
- After taking a bath, pray to Lord Surya.
- Recite the Guru Mantra.
- Worship Lord Ganesha as well, as he is the source of knowledge and wisdom.
- If you have a spiritual Guru, you must visit him to express your gratitude and receive blessings by touching his feet.
- On this auspicious day of Guru Purnima, provide garments, shoes, fruits, and dakshin.
