A Guru is the one who enlightens us with the various realms and truths of the material and spiritual worlds and helps us understand how to strike a healthy balance between the two. As the famous Sanskrit adage goes, ‘Matha, Pitha, Guru, Deivam,’ Guru or mentor holds the third important role after mother and father in an individual’s life. The Sanskrit word, ‘Guru’ has two roots - ‘Gu’ means ‘darkness’ and ‘Ru’ means ‘removal of darkness or ignorance.’ The grace of Guru removes our ignorance and shows us the path of bliss and salvation. Hence, it is important to pay respect and gratitude to Gurus for the immense values and lessons they teach us. Guru Purnima, the Full Moon of the Gurus is an ideal day to worship Gurus and receive their blessings for a fulfilled life. Guru Purnima 2021 falls on July 23, 2021.
Guru Purnima–Blessings-Filled Guru Full Moon:
Guru Purnima is an auspicious Full Moon dedicated to the worship of Gurus. It is a special blessings-filled full Moon celebrated to honor our Gurus, Sages, Siddhas, and mentors, who have contributed in many ways to humanity, and still guide us in the right path for success and happiness with their invaluable teachings. Guru Purnima is a special day celebrated in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, when Poojas and rituals are performed for Gurus for receiving their abundant blessings.
Story Behind Guru Purnima:
There are several stories associated with Guru Purnima, a few of which are highlighted here:
Guru Purnima In Hinduism:
The importance and role of a Guru or teachers has been highlighted in several Hindu sacred texts and epics like Mahabharata. The Tamil Siddhas, Sages, and Gurus have played a vital role in imparting their knowledge for the wellbeing and enlightenment of the universe. According to Hindu mythology, Guru Purnima is the day when Lord Shiva, who is considered the Adi Guru (first Guru) transferred his knowledge to the Saptarishis (7 great sages) of Hinduism. Guru Purnima also marks the birthday of the great Sage Vyasa. Vyasa is the author of the epic Mahabharata and also classified the Vedas into four categories- Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. Hence, he is called as Veda Vyasa. Guru Purnima is a special day to pay your respect and gratitude to the Gurus for spiritual and material wealth and evolution.
Guru Purnima In Buddhism:
According to Buddhism, Guru Purnima is the day when Buddha gave his first sermonat Sarnath. This was given 5 weeks after he achieved enlightenment under the famous Bodhi tree. The sermon was given on a full moon day of Guru Purnima, which is celebrated by till date by his followers with devotion and love towards their Guru, Buddha.
Guru Purnima In Jainism:
According to Jainism, on the day of Guru Purnima, Mahavira, the most famous and the 24th Tirthankaras in Jainism, got his very first follower, Gautam Swami, after which he became a Treenok Guha. On this auspicious day, people following Jainism celebrate this day in the honor of Mahavira and the other Gurus who followed him.
Celebrations of Guru Purnima;
Guru Purnima, the Full Moon of the Gurus is celebrated with pomp and vigor all across India as a token of love and gratitude towards the Gurus, the enlightened beings. People who follow Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism celebrate this auspicious day with Homas, Poojas, and rituals for the Gurus. Special Poojas are conducted either at homes or at Guru temples, where chanting of Guru hymns and teachings, donation, and feeding take place. Some schools also celebrate Guru Purniima with dance, singing, skits, etc. in honor of the teachers. Some also observe a Vrat or fasting as their respect and devotion towards their Gurus.
Guru Purnima is a day not to be missed to pay our gratitude for our Gurus to gain their abundant blessings for a life filled with good health, wealth, knowledge, success, and happiness.
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