Guru Purnima: Honoring the Eternal Light of Wisdom

 

• Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
• Purnima Tithi Begins: 01:36 AM on July 10
• Purnima Tithi Ends: 02:06 AM on July 11
• Moonrise: 07:19 PM on July 11

Scriptural and Spiritual Significance

• The word Guru comes from Gu (darkness) and Ru (remover), meaning "the one who dispels darkness."
• Guru Purnima is also called Vyasa Purnima, marking the birth anniversary of Maharishi Veda Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas, authored the Mahabharata, and composed the 18 Puranas.
• The day is revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism:
• Hindus honor their spiritual and academic teachers.
• Buddhists commemorate Lord Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath.
• Jains remember Lord Mahavira accepting Gautam Swami as his first disciple.

Temple and Ashram Observances

• Vyasa Puja is performed in temples and ashrams across India, especially in:
• Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh – with satsangs, bhajans, and discourses
• Shirdi Sai Baba Temple – a grand 3-day celebration honoring Sai Baba as Sadguru
• ISKCON temples – with special kirtans and Guru pujas
• Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math – with homage to Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda

Rituals and How to Celebrate

• Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes
• Set up a puja altar with a photo or symbol of your Guru
• Offer flowers (yellow/white), incense, fruits, and sweets
• Recite Guru Stotra, Guru Gita, or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
• Perform Paduka Puja (worship of Guru’s sandals)
• Observe silence, fasting, or a satvik diet
• Donate clothes, food, or dakshina to Brahmins or your Guru

Regional Observances

• North India: Celebrated in ashrams and gurukuls with Vyasa Puja and satsangs
• South India: Observed in mutts like Sringeri, Kanchi, and Ahobilam with elaborate rituals
• Maharashtra: Shirdi hosts a massive celebration for Sai Baba devotees
• Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka: Buddhists honor Buddha’s first sermon with Dhamma talks and meditation retreats