Guru Purnima : Tributes Towards Gurus

Who is a Guru

Do you know who is a Guru? In Sanskrit, this word is defined as ‘Gu’ means darkness & ‘Ru’ means the removal of darkness. So, a guru is a definition of pure spirit that removes the darkness and fills the light in your life by giving knowledge. He teaches us the lesson to reach God. Guru Purnima Celebration or Asadh Purnima falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of July (Ashad), according to the Hindu calendar.

It is celebrated by both the Hindus and Buddhists in their own beliefs. It is a special day when people offer prayers and honourable worship to their Gurus or teachers. It is also known as Vyas Purnima as this sacred day is celebrated by Hindus in the memory of Guru Ved Vyaas. In the Buddhist community, this day is welcomed and celebrated in the honour of Lord Buddha as he did his very first preaching on this day at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.

This day is very important for all such disciples, devotees and spiritual seekers. Guru Purnima celebration is an auspicious day when shishyas devote their feelings and love in the feet of their Guru.

Why to celebrate Guru Purnima

In ancient times, the famous Vedas were passed on by people to other generations by word of mouth. Then only, Maharshi Ved Vyas took this responsibility of classifying the Vedas in an ordered manner. He collected and edited the 4 Vedas so that they could be read easily by people. He also wrote 18 Puranas along with Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagvata.

Since, he gifted the world with such a divine and simplified knowledge about life and God, this made him Gurus of all Gurus, and hence, he is known as the Original Guru of Hindu Dharma.

Ways of Guru Purnima Celebration

Gurus are regarded as God in Hindu culture. On this day, Guru is worshipped in the same way as we worship Hindu Gods and Goddesses. All the Shishyas goes to the Ashrams of their Gurus and present their faith and spirit in their lotus feet. The Shishyas offer flowers and sweets to their spiritual gurus. In return, they receive words of long life and blessings from their gurus. Gurus also provide spiritual lessons to their shishyas.

Apart from this, many devotees or true believers of Guru Seva organizes Bhojan Samarohas, cultural performances and other several activities at the place that makes the day more special.

In today’s modern world, the name ‘Guru’ is not given only to spiritual masters. Everyone feels free to express their thankfulness and faith towards the school teacher, professor or any other type of guide or mentor who has shown you the path of success and positiveness towards life.

This is the famous Shlok that every devotee offers to his Guru during Pujan:

Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur devo Maheshwaraha
Guruhu Sakshat Parambrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha.!

The meaning of the Shlok is – Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv and through him God, or Parabrahma is present. This shlok shows the importance of a Guru in our lives. It is only through a Guru that we can reach God.