Guru Purnima - 10th July 2025, Thursday / गुरुवार
☛ Purnima Tithi Begins - 01:36 AM on Jul 10, 2025
☛ Purnima Tithi Ends - 02:06 AM on Jul 11, 2025
Guru Purnima is celebrated on the first full moon (Purnima) after the summer solstice in the month of Ashadha (the fourth month of the year, beginning on 22 June and ending on 22 July) according to the Hindu calendar. Guru Purnima is dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude to spiritual and academic teachers, known as gurus, it is an auspicious and significant festival followed by Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions.
In the oldest beliefs, it is believed that the day marks the first transmission of the Yogic sciences from Lord Shiva (The Adi yogi or first yogi) to his disciples, the ‘Saptarishi’, which means ‘seven sages’. After receiving their knowledge from the Adi Guru or the first guru the Saptarishis carried his teachings. Every spiritual process on the planet draws from the spine of knowledge created by Adiyogi.
👉 Hindu Tradition: Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima, commemorating the birth anniversary of Ved Vyasa, the revered sage who authored the Mahabharata and classified the Vedas into four sections. Veda Vyasa is considered one of the greatest gurus in Hindu tradition, and his contributions to Indian literature and spirituality are unparalleled.
On this day, disciples pay homage to their gurus in honor of Vyasa’s legacy of wisdom and learning. In Hindu tradition, sevak has to worship the feet of the Guru and will take Charanamrit (derived from the root word charan, which means feet, and Amrit means nectar) of Guru’s feet.
Veda Vyasa – The Sage who Compiled the Wealth of Spiritual Literature
Every sevak takes a small quantity of water in a vessel known as ‘panch pat’ and brings it near their guru’s feet, and the guru would then put the toe of his right leg into the water, and thereafter, the sevak would first sprinkle that sacred water on their body and few drops would be swallowed in, in old traditions. Thus, worshiping the guru’s feet, taking the ‘charanamrit’ of other clothes and garments, blankets, etc., and giving some dan (donation with money) are the highlights of this festival.
👉 Buddhist Tradition: Guru Purnima holds special significance in Buddhism as it marks the day when Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath after attaining enlightenment. This event, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, is the beginning of the Buddha’s teaching. Buddhists worldwide engage in deep reflection on the occasion of Guru Purnima.
They contemplate the teachings of Buddha, focusing on the four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which form the core of Buddhist philosophy. Monks and nuns in Buddhist monasteries participate in special teaching sessions where senior monks give discourses on the Dharma. These sessions help lay followers deepen their understanding of Buddhist teachings and apply them in their daily lives.
👉Jain Tradition: In Jain Traditions, Guru Purnima is known as Treenok Guha Purnima, it is a day to venerate the Tirthankaras and the enlightened teachers who have shown the path to liberation. It is the day that falls at the beginning of Chaturmasya, on this day, Mahavira made Gautam Swami his first disciple. The day is marked by prayers, rituals, and gratitude towards the gurus who have imparted spiritual wisdom.
In Indian culture, the guru holds a place of paramount importance. The word “guru” is derived from the Sanskrit roots “gu” meaning darkness and ru “ru” meaning remover. Thus, a guru is someone who dispels the darkness of ignorance and leads the disciple towards enlightenment and self-realization. The guru-disciple relationship is deeply revered, often considered even more sacred than the parent-child relationship.
The guru is seen as a mentor, guide, and protector who imparts academic knowledge and moral and spiritual guidance. The relationship between a guru and a disciple navigates the complexities of life, providing wisdom that transcends mere bookish knowledge.
In the contemporary world, the essence of Guru Purnima remains as relevant as ever. The festival serves as a reminder of the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and the role of a mentor in one’s life. In a world increasingly driven by material pursuits, Guru Purnima encourages individuals to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of life and the value of spiritual guidance.
Through time the concept of guru has also evolved to encompass not just spiritual and academic teachers but anyone who plays a significant role in guiding and shaping an individual’s life. This can include parents, elders, mentors, and even friends who provide valuable insights and support.
Several modern gurus have emerged, continuing this legacy of imparting spiritual wisdom and guidance.
👉 Swami Vivekananda : A key figure in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, Swami Vivekananda’s teachings emphasize the unity of all religions and the potential divinity of each individual. His speeches inspired millions globally, particularly those at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1803.
👉 Dalai Lama : The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a global advocate for peace and human rights. His teachings emphasize compassion, non-violence, and the importance of inner peace. He has authored numerous books and travels extensively, spreading the message of universal responsibility and kindness.
👉 Acharya Tulsi : A prominent Jain monk, Acharya Tulsi founded the Anuvrat movement, emphasizing ethical living and non-violence. His efforts in promoting moral values and social reform have left a lasting legacy within and beyond the Jain community.
Guru Purnima is an old tradition to celebrate the timeless bond between a guru and a disciple, around the whole of India, among the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Gurus are the one who dispels the darkness through their knowledge of an individual’s life. It is a day to express gratitude, seek blessings, and renew one’s commitment to the path of knowledge and spirituality to their Gurus. Guru Purnima transcends religious boundaries, emphasizing the universal importance of wisdom, guidance, and the transformative power of a true mentor.
Your email address will not be published *
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist