Guru Purnima: Celebrating Teachers and Spiritual Gurus

In most cultures, teachers are held in great reverence. In India, especially, people consider them equivalent to God. Guru Purnima is a festival that honors teachers who disseminate both academic and spiritual knowledge. Hindus believe that life is not merely about material accomplishments and gains but also spiritual growth and enlightenment.

The Sanskrit word ‘Guru’ means ‘one who removes darkness or ignorance,’ while ‘Purnima’ refers to the full moon day. Guru Purnima is observed by people in India, Bhutan, and Nepal. It has great significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Students and disciples perform Poojas on this day and seek the blessings of their teachers and Gurus. Cultural events are also organized in schools and colleges. People also meet their Gurus and offer them gifts as a token of their respect and reverence.

Guru Purnima falls in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July). It is also called Vyasa Purnima, as Sage Veda Vyasa, who wrote the Mahabharatha, was supposedly born on this day. According to Karma Yoga, Guru Purnima is the ideal day for worshipping Gurus, who impart to us their wisdom and knowledge.

Legends behind Guru Purnima

Shiva becomes Adi Yogi

There are many legends related to the origin of Guru Purnima. In Yogic tradition, Shiva became the Adi Guru or first Guru on this day. Several years –roughly 15000 years - ago, a yogi arrived at the Himalayas. Possessed of extraordinary powers, he settled down there, and many people came to see him. However, he was in a state of constant and deep meditation. Those who had come to see him eventually left, but seven men alone waited for him to come out of his trance.

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One day, he finally opened his eyes. The seven men requested him to teach them so that they could also experience what he was going through. Instead of replying, the yogi closed his eyes again. After 84 years, he reopened them and found that the seven men were still there. He understood their need for wisdom, so on a Purnima or full moon day, he shared his knowledge with the seven men, thereby becoming the Adi Guru. The men became the Sapta Rishis. Armed with their new-found knowledge, they traveled all over the world to spread his wisdom, which comprised the seven aspects of Yoga. Each Sapta Rishi explained one aspect of Yoga. The day Shiva became the Adi Guru is celebrated as Guru Purnima.

Birth of Sage Vyasa

Another legend related to Guru Purnima says that it celebrates the birthday of Krisha Dwaipayana Vyasa. His parents were Sage Parashara and Satyavati. It was Vyasa who collected the Vedas and compiled them into four parts - the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda. He also taught the Vedas to his four main disciples - Paila, Jaimini, Sumantu, and Vaisampayana. Vyasa’s contributions to the world as a Guru are immense; hence, we celebrate his birthday as Guru Purnima.

Another legend says that Vyasa was a great Vishnu devotee in a past life. His name was Sage Apantaratamas, and he had inherent knowledge of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Dharmasashtras. It was Vishnu’s desire that the sage should take birth as Vyasa.

Buddha’s First Sermon

The Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) on this day. So, it is very important for Buddhists.

How to Celebrate Guru Purnima?

Some observe a fast on this day. Special Poojas and rituals are held on this day. People receive blessings from the teacher/mentor/Guru and render acts of service to them. Many visit temples and offer prayers. Schools and colleges organize cultural programs to celebrate the occasion and honor Gurus. Some organize Bhajan sessions and chant hymns.

Significance of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is the ideal day to express gratitude to one’s Gurus and teachers. On this day, Shiva, as Adi Yogi, bequeathed his knowledge and wisdom to humanity so that they could attain enlightenment. As human beings, we need both knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge helps us rise from the abyss of ignorance, where only darkness prevails. Knowledge helps us succeed in the world and achieve our goals. Knowledge helps us distinguish between good and bad, right and wrong. Hence, a man who lacks knowledge is like a blind man flailing wildly, unsure of the perils before him and the obstacles that block his way forward. So, teachers play important roles in our lives.

Similarly, a human being without wisdom cannot progress on the spiritual path. To attain self-realization and enlightenment, we need a wise Guru. Without the guidance of a Guru, we can go astray. This hinders us from achieving our soul's ultimate purpose and goal – union with the divine. Hence, the Guru, too, is an important figure in our lives.

Conclusion

Our teachers and Gurus form the conduits through which we receive divine light and grace. They have the power to transform our lives and shape our destinies. Hence, they deserve our gratitude and respect.

Guru Purnima 2025 is on July 10, Thursday.

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