In Hindu tradition, a guru or instructor has always been compared to a God. Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, is a day to honour and thank our Gurus. This Sanskrit term literally means “one who liberates us from ignorance.” In Hinduism, the full moon day in the month of Ashada is considered one of the most auspicious days of the year. On July 5, 2021, India will commemorate Guru Purnima. It also commemorates Ved Vyasa’s birthday, who is credited with writing some of the most important Hindu writings of all time, including the Puranas, Mahabharata, and Vedas.
Guru Purnima is observed in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which falls in June or July. Vyasa Purnima is another name for Guru Purnima. It is because Veda Vyasa was born on that day. Guru Purnima, according to Karma Yoga, is a day of worshipping our Gurus for imparting their knowledge and wisdom without regard for monetary gain.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GURU PURNIMA ?
Guru is made up of the Sanskrit phrases ‘Gu’ and ‘Ru,’ which mean ‘ignorance or darkness’ and ‘elimination or removal,’ respectively. As a result, the term “guru” simply refers to someone who dispels darkness and spreads “knowledge light.”
The definition of guru, on the other hand, has changed over time. Worshipping and giving gratitude to Gods who resemble our Gurus, such as parents, teachers, or anybody who educates others, is how Guru Purnima is honoured. And people of all faiths come together in a variety of ways to honour and celebrate the event.
Guru Purnima is a day dedicated to giving thanks. On this auspicious day, we can be grateful for our Gurus’ knowledge and wisdom. However, we are unable to repay our Gurus in any way that is comparable to what they have given us. Sharing the light of knowledge with others is the only way to improve what we have acquired or learned from our Gurus. It’s always about passing on knowledge and keeping it alive for others. We are not honouring a specific instructor or Guru on Guru Purnima. We are attempting to pay our respects to all of the spiritual and academic Gurus who have assisted us in our development.
HOW DO WE CELEBRATE IT ?
Guru Purnima can be observed in a variety of ways. You can continue your fast on Guru Purnima day. You can also hold specific pujas and rituals to gain blessings from your spiritual Gurus. You might also pay a visit to a temple and worship to the celestial beings. Several schools and universities hold events to honour the Gurus and commemorate Guru Purnima. On this auspicious occasion, we can hold Bhajans and chant hymns.
FOOD CULTURE ON GURU PURNIMA
Many people refrain from eating salt, rice, heavy foods such as non-vegetarian dishes, and other cereal-based meals during the day. Only yoghurt and fruits are permitted. After doing puja in the evening, they break their fast. Prasada and Charnamrita, which contain fresh fruits and sweetened curd, are distributed by the temples. On Guru Purnima, most homes consume only vegetarian dishes such as Khichdi, Poori, Choley, Halwa, and sweets such as Soan Papdi, Barfi, Laddoo, Gulab Jamun, and so on.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GURU PURNIMA AND TEACHER’S DAY
Guru is a much broader term than teacher. Guru refers to someone who spiritually guides and clarifies their shishya. They instil strong moral principles in people, and it is stated that those who do not have a guru are termed orphans.
Teachers have an important role in the lives of students in college, high school, and other educational institutions. They are the ones who always guide, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna’s birthday is honoured every year on September 5th.
DATE AND PANCHANG
Tithi: Purnima upto 24:07
Nakshatra: Purva Ashadha upto 23:11
Yoga: Indra upto 12:36
First Karana: Vishti upto 14:04
Second Karan: Bava upto 24:07
Day:Wednesday
Date: 13.07.2022
