Guru Purnima- its significance and places of celebration
Guru Purnima means the master’s day. It is celebrated on a full moon day in the month of July-August by the religious community of India. This traditional festival is mainly followed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. It is celebrated in honour of the spiritual gurus and academic gurus to pay them a privilege. The culture of these religions makes us aware that on this day the disciples worship their masters who are similar to God to them. The Buddhists pay respect to their guru Lord Buddha, the Jains worship Lord Mahavira and the Hindus worship Maharshi Ved Vyasa, the great ancient sage.
History of Guru Purnima
History says in the ancient time there was only one religion, which is known as the Sanatan dharma. From their many branches of other religion took place. Gurus are the founders of the religions and the followers show gratitude to them on this day. The guru or masters are the teachers of the disciples’ life. Apart of this anybody who we think is our ideal person and from whom we learn anything positive can be our guru. So there are many people who show respect to their masters on this favourable day.
Hindu teachings
According to the Hindu mythology the sages used to worship their one and only guru Ved Vyas who wrote the four Vedas, Rig veda, Sama veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. These scriptures are of great religious importance. It is also believed that a devotee could worship any of the gods of their choice, Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu on this auspicious day. Previously there were certain rituals held on this day, such as touching the master’s feet, worshiping him or holding festivals on his name. In the modern era, many schools and colleges celebrate special events showing gratitude to the teachers.
Varanasi – Guru Purnima
The day of guru Purnima is celebrated across the nation with great enthusiasm. Long queses can be seen outside the temple and other places related to God. In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the local people and the tourists offer their prayers “Baba Kinaram Sthal”. In Hyderabad and Maharashtra also, similar scenes can be witnessed.
Sai temple in Maharashtra
Lots of devotes around the state come to offer prayers on this grand occasion at the Sai temple in Nagpur. Sai Baba is known to hold a prominent place to show a path of light to the common people and therefore a huge rush are seen in the temple.
Buddha teachings
The Buddhist religion does not believe in any worship. They welcome any people from any religious background to follow their way of teachings. This does not involve any idol worship or celebrating festivals with great pomp. There are certain Mediation centres across India where they teach people their technique of Meditation. The centres are known as Vipassana.
Vipassana meditation centre
People across the world come to India to experience this unique process in various centres. For the beginners, there are 10 days course. The course includes food and lodging for free. At the end of the course if you are happy with it then you may pay something as per your wish. You need to give a call at these centres to know the availability prior to your arrival and confirm your booking. You need to stay confined here for these 10 days and live a life of a monk. On the day of Guru Purnima, the whole day is spent in doing special meditation. This is how the day is celebrated on this occasion. The Marwaris, Buddhists, Hindus and even foreigners find it a suitable technique for spiritual growth.
Significance of the Guru Purnima
Guru is the most important person who helps in shaping our life. Definitely, parents are our first guru, to teach us to grow, but the guru is the one who takes us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. So they play a major role in making us grow spiritually. The first thing to follow the spiritual path is total surrendering our life to the Guru. He is the link between the seeker and the supreme power. This sacred day is to show our gratefulness to the supreme person, known as Guru.
Celebration
Guru Purnima is celebrated in different ways across India and other parts of the world. Some common celebrations include:
- Puja (Worship) – People perform puja to their guru, offer flowers, fruits, and sweets, and recite prayers to seek their blessings.
- Veneration of the Guru – Students pay their respects to their teacher by touching their feet and seeking their blessings.
- Meditation and Reflection – Many people observe a day-long fast and participate in meditation and reflection to honor their guru and deepen their spiritual connection.
- Discourses and Lectures – Spiritual leaders and teachers deliver discourses and lectures on the significance of Guru Purnima and the role of the guru in one’s life.
- Social Gatherings – People organize social gatherings and cultural programs to celebrate the day and express their gratitude towards their teachers.
Guru Purnima is a time to reflect on the guidance and knowledge that one has received from their teachers and to express gratitude for their role in shaping their life.
