Guru Purnima

About

Guru Purnima is the full moon day of the month of Ashadha. The date is the same in the Purnimanta and Amanta calendars. It is a day set aside to thank those who have guided us, from spiritual teachers to school teachers, parents and mentors. It is also called Vyasa Purnima in honour of Maharshi Vyasa.

The word guru is often explained as "one who removes darkness" (gu = darkness, ru = remover). In Hindu, Jain and Buddhist traditions this day is observed with respect. Buddhists remember the Buddha's first sermon around this time. Jains mark it as the day when Mahavira is said to have accepted Gautama Swami as his chief disciple. The day also falls near the start of Chaturmas, when monks and teachers traditionally stay in one place and students gather around them.

Significance and stories

Vyasa is traditionally credited with dividing the Vedas into four parts, composing the Mahabharata, and compiling the Puranas. He is said to have been born on this day. Gurus in the Hindu tradition are seen as a bridge between the student and the highest knowledge. The ancient verse that ranks the guru alongside Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva is widely recited.

The day also honours Lord Shiva as Adi Guru, the first teacher, who taught yoga to the saptarishis. Dattatreya, seen as the guru of gurus, is also remembered. For many people, it is simply a day to say thanks. A student does not need a formal initiation to express gratitude to a teacher.

How to observe (puja vidhi)

1. Rise early, bathe and wear clean clothes. Light a lamp at home.
2. Place a picture of your guru, or of Vyasa, Shiva or Dattatreya, on a clean cloth.
3. Offer flowers, incense, sandalwood and a few fruits.
4. Recite the verse "गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः" (gurur brahma gurur vishnuh gurur devo maheshvarah). Ask a priest or elder to guide pronunciation.
5. Read a passage from the Mahabharata, Gita, or the teachings of your guru.
6. If your guru is alive, visit or call them, bow and offer a gift such as fruits, flowers or a donation (guru dakshina).
7. Offer thanks to your parents and teachers too.
8. Share prasad and a simple meal with family.

Puja items (samagri)

• Picture of your guru, or of Vyasa
• Flowers and garlands, incense, a lamp
• Sandalwood paste, rice, turmeric, kumkum
• Fruits, sweets
• A book of scripture to read
• A small gift for the guru (guru dakshina)

Fasting and food

There is no required fast. Some people keep a light fast until the puja is complete. Many eat satvik vegetarian food and avoid onion and garlic. Others observe Satyanarayan Puja because it is also Purnima. People with health conditions, pregnant or nursing women, children and the elderly should follow their doctor's advice and may keep a lighter fast.

Regional customs

In Maharashtra and Gujarat, disciples gather at ashrams and temples, and Datta and Sai Baba temples hold special pujas. In Shirdi the day is observed with large crowds. In Nepal, the day is Guru Purnima and students honour their teachers. In South India, many Mutts hold Vyasa Puja, which is also the start of the monks' Chaturmas stay. Some music and dance schools hold a ceremony for the teacher. Traditions vary; follow your family's custom or your own guru's guidance.

Celebrating in the USA

Many temples, ashrams and cultural centres hold a Guru Purnima programme, often on a weekend. If your guru lives in India, call them or write a message of thanks, remembering the time difference. Music and dance students can organise a small thanks ceremony for their teacher. At home, a small puja with a picture, flowers and a lamp is enough. If the full moon falls on a weekday, you can do the puja in the evening and read a passage with your family. Teachers in the school system can be thanked with a card or a short message.