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Guru Purnima 2024 is set to be observed on July 21st, marking the full moon day of the Ashadha month. Guru Purnima 2024 is a sacred time set aside for showing respect and appreciation to spiritual guides and mentors. Explore the significance of Guru Purnima in India and learn about the various ways this revered festival is observed throughout the nation.
Guru Purnima 2024
Guru Purnima is an important festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists every year during Ashadha, a month that falls between June and July in the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, people will observe Guru Purnima on July 21st. On this special day, we honor spiritual and academic teachers who dedicate their lives to guiding and uplifting others.
People celebrate this festival not just in India but also in Nepal and various countries with a Buddhist majority. It is a time to pay respect to esteemed teachers and mentors, especially Maharishi Ved Vyas, who is one of the most revered figures in spiritual and academic history.
Guru Purnima usually takes place on the full moon day of the Ashadha month, and in 2024, the festival will fall on this full moon, adding to its spiritual significance.
Traditionally, this day includes ceremonies where priests and spiritual leaders deliver discourses on the importance of a guru (teacher) in both spiritual growth and educational advancement.
Educational institutions across the nation, including schools and colleges, organize special events to honor Maharishi Ved Vyas and recognize the contributions of teachers. Students often participate in activities and programs to express their gratitude.
The festival also holds particular importance for Buddhists, who use this day to commemorate Gautam Buddha, their first spiritual teacher. Special ceremonies and gatherings are held at historical sites like Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. Thousands of visitors flock to Sarnath to join in the spiritual observances of Guru Purnima.
Also Check: Guru Purnima Essay In English
Guru Purnima 2024: Date, Time and Tithi
| Event | Details |
| Date of Guru Purnima | July 21, 2024 |
| Purnima Tithi Starts | 05:59 PM on July 20, 2024 |
| Purnima Tithi Concludes | 03:46 PM on July 21, 2024 |
When is Guru Purnima Celebrated?
On the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, people celebrate Guru Purnima, which typically falls in June or July. In 2024, devotees will observe Guru Purnima on July 21. This sacred day focuses on honoring teachers and spiritual guides.
Nomenclature
The term “Guru” comes from two Sanskrit words: “Gu” and “Ru.” Here, “Gu” signifies darkness, and “Ru” denotes one who dispels. Thus, a “Guru” is someone who removes ignorance or guides others from darkness to light, be it in academic or spiritual realms. Consequently, the festival dedicated to honoring these revered teachers, celebrated on the full moon day known as “Purnima,” is called “Guru Purnima.” This day is set aside to express gratitude for those who enlighten and lead us on our journeys.
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Why Guru Purnima is Celebrated?
On Guru Purnima, we celebrate and show respect to the gurus who play a crucial role in guiding and enlightening us. We take this day to appreciate the wisdom and teachings that our mentors impart to us. By celebrating Guru Purnima, we acknowledge the significant impact of a guru on our personal and spiritual growth.
In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, people revere and honor their gurus as esteemed spiritual leaders. These respected figures guide their followers on spiritual paths and educational journeys. Among the notable Hindu gurus are Swami Abhedananda (1866-1939), Adi Shankara (c. 788-820), and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1534). Although these names represent only a few of the many gurus who have shared their wisdom, we celebrate their contributions on Guru Purnima. For Buddhists, this special day also commemorates the significant event of Gautam Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath, symbolizing the start of the transmission of his profound teachings.
Significance of Guru Purnima 2024
In 2024, Guru Purnima holds special significance as it continues the tradition of honoring the guru-disciple relationship. It is a time for devotees to reflect on their spiritual journeys and express their thanks to those who have provided guidance and support. The day symbolizes the light of knowledge overcoming darkness and ignorance.
Also Check: Buddha Purnima 2024
Why Is Guru Purnima Known as Vyasa Purnima?
We also know Guru Purnima as Vyasa Purnima because it celebrates the birth anniversary of Sage Vyasa, a highly revered sage in Hindu tradition. Sage Vyasa composed the Mahabharata and compiled the Vedas, establishing himself as a central figure in Hindu spirituality. On this day, followers honor him for his immense contributions to spiritual literature and philosophy.
Guru Purnima Mantra And Its Meaning
A well-known chant for Guru Purnima is:
“Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara; Guru Sakshat Para Brahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.”
The translation of this chant is: “The Guru is Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The Guru represents the ultimate reality. I bow to this holy Guru.”
This chant shows deep respect for the guru, acknowledging the guru as a divine entity with the powers of creation, preservation, and transformation. It signifies that the teachings of the guru guide one toward spiritual awakening.
History/Legend Of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is a significant festival with rich legends in various traditions.
1. Hindu Belief
Hindus celebrate Guru Purnima to honor Lord Shiva as the first teacher or Adi Guru. According to legend, around 15,000 years ago, a mystical yogi appeared in the Himalayas. Curious followers gathered around him, but only seven stayed and prepared for enlightenment over 84 years. On the full moon day of Ashadha, the yogi, who was Lord Shiva, taught these seven sages, marking the origin of the Guru Purnima celebration.
2. Buddhist Belief
For Buddhists, Guru Purnima commemorates the day Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. After attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, Buddha traveled to Sarnath to teach his five companions about the path of dharma on a full moon day in Ashadha.
3. Jain Belief
In Jainism, Guru Purnima celebrates Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who made Indrabhuti Gautam his first disciple. This tradition is also known as Trinok Guha Purnima.
Each tradition observes Guru Purnima to honor spiritual teachers and reflect on their teachings.
How is Guru Purnima Celebrated?
- Worship of Gurus and Teachers: Devotees pay respects to their spiritual teachers or gurus. This can include offering flowers, lighting candles, or performing rituals at home or in temples.
- Special Prayers and Pujas: People participate in special prayers and pujas. Temples and homes hold ceremonies dedicated to honoring the wisdom of gurus and spiritual guides.
- Reading Sacred Texts: Followers read and reflect on spiritual texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, or Mahabharata to connect with the teachings of great sages.
- Offering Gifts and Donations: It is customary to make donations to temples, charitable organizations, or support the needy as a gesture of gratitude for the guidance received from teachers.
- Spiritual Discourses and Teachings: Spiritual leaders or gurus often give talks or discourses on religious teachings. This is an opportunity for devotees to learn and deepen their spiritual knowledge.
- Attending Guru Purnima Festivals: Public festivals are organized in temples and community centers where people gather for spiritual activities, cultural performances, and communal meals.
- Meditation and Reflection: Many people use this day for personal meditation and introspection, seeking to enhance their spiritual growth and express gratitude for their mentors.
- Recitation of Mantras: Devotees recite mantras dedicated to their gurus. This practice is believed to invoke blessings and reinforce the spiritual connection.
Guru Purnima Quotes in Hindi
- “गुरु का आशीर्वाद जीवन में सुख और सफलता लाता है। गुरु पurnिमा की शुभकामनाएँ!”
Translation: The blessings of a guru bring happiness and success in life. Best wishes for Guru Purnima! - “गुरु का महत्व बहुत बड़ा है, वे ही जीवन की सच्ची दिशा दिखाते हैं। गुरु पurnिमा की शुभकामनाएँ!”
Translation: The importance of a guru is immense; they show the true direction of life. Happy Guru Purnima! - “गुरु ही भगवान हैं, जिन्होंने हमें जीवन की सही राह दिखाई। गुरु पurnिमा की बधाई!”
Translation: A guru is God, who shows us the right path in life. Happy Guru Purnima! - “गुरु की मूरत में छिपा है जीवन का सार। गुरु पurnिमा पर उन्हें श्रद्धा से नमन।”
Translation: The essence of life is hidden in the form of a guru. On Guru Purnima, pay homage to them with reverence.
Guru Purnima 2024 FAQs
Is Guru Purnima observed on the 23rd or 24th of the month ?
In 2024, Guru Purnima is celebrated on July 21. Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Ashadha according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Why is Guru Purnima so special?
Guru Purnima is significant as it is a day dedicated to pay homage to and show appreciation for teachers and spiritual mentors. It is believed to be the day when the sage Vyasa was born, who is considered one of the greatest sages in Hindu tradition. The day acknowledges the importance of spiritual and educational mentorship in one’s life.
Is Guru Purnima once a year?
Yes, Guru Purnima is an annual celebration. It falls on the full moon day in the month of Ashadha (June-July) according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Which god is worshipped on Guru Purnima?
On Guru Purnima, devotees primarily worship Sage Vyasa, the revered sage who compiled the Vedas and wrote the Mahabharata. While Sage Vyasa is the central figure of worship, the day is also an opportunity to honor all spiritual teachers and guides.
Whose birthday is on Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima is celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of the great sage Vyasa. Vyasa, also known as Ved Vyasa, is credited with composing the Mahabharata and dividing the Vedas into four parts. This day is a tribute to his immense contributions to Hindu scriptures and is observed by paying respect to all teachers and gurus who guide their disciples towards enlightenment.
