Guru Purnima 2017: Day To Honor Your Guru

Pay reverence to your Guru, teacher or mentor on the special day of Guru Purnima. Guru is the person who not only guides us for the right path of life, but gives our life its true meaning. Why not celebrate this day and strengthen our bond with out Guru? This year, live it up this thanksgiving day with your mentor.

Guru Purnima 2017 date is July 9. Guru Purnima, as the name suggests, is dedicated to the worship of our gurus or the teachers. Guru Purnima is celebrated on the day of full moon in the Ashada month of the Hindu calendar. A teacher is that one person, who not only educates us but also inspires our lives and so, it is rightly said by Aristotle

“Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produced them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.”

History of Guru Purnima

According to the Hindu mythology, Guru Purnima is dedicated to Veda Vyasa. Veda Vyasa wrote the most magnificent epic of the Indian history called ‘Mahabharata’. He wrote 18 Puranas and also divided the four Vedas - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. Guru Purnima is also called the Vyasa Purnima because it is said that on this day, Veda Vyasa was born to Parashar Rishi and Satyavati. He is considered as the Guru of the Gurus because of his divine knowledge and preaching.

According to the Buddhist history, this day is dedicated to Lord Buddha. It is said that on Guru Purnima, the enlightened Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. Lord Buddha was a great preacher. He got enlightened through his own experiences on his journey of life and delivered his teachings to thousands of his devotees.

Significance of Guru Purnima

On Guru Purnima, people worship their Gurus and take their blessings. Worshiping the Gurus makes this festival the most special. On Guru Purnima, people commemorate Veda Vyasa and his contributions to the rich religious literature of India.

Farmers wait for Guru Purnima to arrive, as it brings with itself the much awaited rain showers, which are very necessary for the fields. It is said that if one begins meditation on this day, he can surely find the way to his inner self and also the way to spirituality.

Guru Purnima also marks the advent of Chatur-Masa. It is said that all the Hindu Gods and Goddesses rest during Chaturmas, i.e. for four months and they should not be disturbed. No religious ceremonies or new celebrations like marriage etc. must be celebrated during these four months.

Guru Purnima Celebrations

On Guru Purnima, people wake up early in the morning. Then they take an early bath and sit on meditation. Some people observe fast on this day. At the end of the day, one must solemnize the good thoughts and messages, which our teachers have always taught us.

We wish all of you a a very happy Guru Purnima..!