When is Guru Poornima?

Guru Poornima is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in India to commemorate one’s guru or teacher. It is a festival celebrated by both Hindus and Buddhists.

The festival is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar on the first full moon day of Ashadh month. Or according to the English calendar, in the month of July.

Our shastras or mythological literature states that Guru Poornima is celebrated to mark the birth of Maharishi Vyasa. He who wrote the 4 vedas, 18 puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavatam. Dattatreya, the guru of gurus, was educated by Vyasa.

Why in Ashada month?

In India, Ashada marks the beginning of Chaturmaas – the four month of monsoons. According to the legends, this was the time when wandering spiritual masters saints instead of roaming about, settled in temporary camps where devotees gathered to partake of their wisdom.

The spiritual masters and their devotees settled down in a single place to study the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and conducted Vedantic discussions.

The very first day of learning was dedicated to honoring the super power and the guiding light. It is believed this custom later flourished as Guru Poornima.

What is ‘Guru Poornima’?

The word Guru is derived from two Sanskrit words “Gu” and “Ru”, of which  “Gu” means the darkness of ignorance  in a person; while “Ru” means someone who removes that darkness from the person. Hence, Guru can be defined as a person who removes the darkness and enlightens someone. While Poornima is the transliteration of ‘full moon’ in Sanskrit.

Why celebrate Guru Poornima?

Guru Poornima is basically the festivals of the ‘seekers’ of wisdom, knowledge, spirituality, peace and greater prudence. It can also be termed as ‘Teacher’s Day’. Saint Kabir rightly said:

Guru ke sumiran maatr se, nasht vighn anant
Taase sarv aarambh me(i), Dhyaavat hai sab sant

Just by remembering your Guru, you will be able to overcome all the obstacles. Hence, the Guru is remembered at the beginning of any task by one and all.

Watch the Significance of Guru Purnima – By Swami Advayananda here.

This annual festival is celebrated to honor spiritual teachers, preceptors and mentors, who dispel the darkness of ignorance by bringing forth the light of knowledge and wisdom.

How is Guru Poornima celebrated?

Hindus celebrate the festival  this in a traditional way by washing the feet of the Gurus which is called as “Padapuja”. After the puja many program are organized by the disciples like reciting of Gita, classical songs, dance, homas, and satsang. Gurus are bestowed with flowers and other gifts as a symbol of respect. (Read about why do we prostrate before parents & elders.)

On the other hand, Buddhists honor their leader Lord Buddha on the day of Guru Poornima. Lord Buddha after having migrated from Bodhgaya with 5 of his disciples delivered his first Sermon on this day at Sarnath. Buddhists meditate on this day and read the teachings of Lord Buddha. They also observe “uposatha”, which is a part of Buddhists tradition.

On Guru Poornima one should focus on the holy preceptor, revisit his teachings, meditate and express gratitude for his blessings and guidance. Disciples gather in ashrams, monasteries, halls and home shrines, to venerate the guru of their lineage.

They honor Guru’s holy feet or a pair of his sandals or Padukas. The puja could be preceded by a grand, festive procession to a place associated with their guru, an ashram or a monastery.

How to Observe the Holy Day of Guru Poornima – By Swami Sivananda

Swami Sivananda was a 20th century Hindu spiritual leader, a yogi, and a guru. He encouraged devotees to use Guru Poornima to reconnect with their own gurus. And carry that inner spiritual connection into Chaturmaas (4 auspicious months).

“The best form of worship of the guru is to follow his teachings, to shine as the very embodiment of his teachings, and to propagate his glory and his message.”

Swami Sivananda recommended sitting with other devotees of your guru and discussing with them the glories and teachings of that guru. He suggested re-assembling at night to sing the names of the Lord and the glories of the guru.

“Alternatively, you may observe the vow of silence and study the books or writings of your guru, or mentally reflect upon his teachings. Take fresh resolves on this holy day, to tread the spiritual path in accordance with the precepts of your guru.”

Reference: http://sivanandaonline.org/newsupdates/significance-of-the-holy-guru-purnima-day/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ti9I1B_1_8&feature=youtu.be
https://cmdfw.org/activities/festivals/significance-of-the-holy-guru-purnima-day/