Guru Purnima
गुरु पूर्णिमा
A day to honor spiritual teachers and gurus. It commemorates the sage Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas, and devotees express gratitude to all who have guided them on the spiritual path.
Why We Celebrate
Guru Purnima is dedicated to honoring the Guru (spiritual teacher) and expressing gratitude for their guidance. The festival commemorates the sage Veda Vyasa, who compiled the four Vedas, wrote the Mahabharata, and organized the ancient knowledge for humanity. The word "Guru" comes from "Gu" (darkness) and "Ru" (remover) — one who removes the darkness of ignorance. On this full moon (Purnima) day, students honor all their teachers, both spiritual and academic.
In the yogic tradition, Guru Purnima marks the day when Lord Shiva, the Adi Guru (first teacher), began transmitting the science of yoga to the Saptarishis (seven sages) at Kanti Sarovar in the Himalayas. Buddhists celebrate it as the day Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath. The Guru is seen as the bridge between the individual and the divine, and this day is about acknowledging that sacred relationship.
Devotees fast, meditate, and offer Guru Dakshina (offerings to the teacher) as a symbol of gratitude. In today's world, Guru Purnima is a reminder to honor not just spiritual gurus, but all who have taught us — parents, teachers, mentors, and even life experiences that brought wisdom.
Did You Know?
- ✦Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima because it honors the sage Veda Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas and authored the Mahabharata — he is considered the Guru of all Gurus in the Hindu tradition.
- ✦In the yogic tradition, this day marks when Lord Shiva became the Adi Guru (first Guru) and began teaching yoga to the seven sages (Saptarishis) over 15,000 years ago.
- ✦The relationship between Guru and disciple is considered one of the most sacred bonds in Hinduism — it is said that "even God cannot give you what a true Guru can" because the Guru awakens the divine within you.
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