Guru Purnima is a significant festival in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions that honours and expresses gratitude towards spiritual and academic teachers. On this day, disciples worship or pay respect to their Guru. Apart from religious significance, this festival also has great significance for Indian academics and scholars. Indian academics celebrate this day by thanking their teachers as well as remembering past teachers and scholars.In 2024, Guru Purnima will be celebrated on July 21, which is full moon of Ashadha Purnima.Sadhguru believesAccording to Sadhguru, the founder of the Isha Foundation, Guru Purnima is the day the first guru was born. In the yogic culture, Shiva is not seen as a god, he is seen as the Adiyogi or the first yogi. Guru Purnima is that full moon day when the first yogi transformed himself into the Adi Guru – the first guru.Why Guru Purnima is considered specialAccording to beliefs, the day is celebrated for the Guru-disciple relationship. Its a day to acknowledge the role of a guru (teacher) in ones spiritual and personal growth. The guru is seen as the guiding light who dispels ignorance and leads the disciple towards knowledge and enlightenment.Historical and cultural significance of Guru PurnimaThe festival has ancient roots in India. It is believed that on this day, Sage Vyasa, who is considered one of the greatest gurus in Hindu tradition was born or completed writing the Mahabharata, a major Hindu epic. It is also said that Sage Vyasa first imparted the knowledge of Bhagwadpurana. Thus, Guru Purnima is also called Vyasa Purnima in his honour.According to mythological beliefs, dispels express their gratitude towards the Guru. Disciples often offer puja (worship), seek blessings, and reflect on the teachings received.Spiritual SignificanceThe full moon day of Guru Purnima is considered auspicious for spiritual practices. Many spiritual seekers use this time to intensify their sadhana (spiritual practice) and meditation.The specific rituals and practices associated with it have evolved over time within various religious and cultural contexts, but the underlying reverence for spiritual teachers remains central.(Disclaimer: This information has been collected from various mediums like astrologers, almanacs, beliefs or religious scriptures and has been presented to you. Please consult experts while making related decisions. TopIndianNews does not hold accountability for this information.)
