Who is a Guru?
A guru is a symbol of teaching, guidance, and knowledge. The word “guru” in Sanskrit combines “gu” (darkness) and “ru” (removal), signifying “one who removes darkness” or “bringer of light.” The guru represents a beacon of light.
What is Guru Purnima?
The Ashadha Shukla Purnima, known as Guru Purnima, falls on the full moon of the Ashadha month in the Hindu calendar, usually in July or August.
Guru Purnima is a day dedicated to showing respect and gratitude to various gurus, including parents, Gayatri Mantra gurus, Diksha Mantra gurus, Vedic and Shastra teachers, and school or university teachers.
Hindu scriptures emphasize the importance of mothers, fathers, and gurus in imparting knowledge. Women consider their mother, father, and husband as primary gurus and express gratitude through letters, SMS, and calls to seek blessings. This festival is a significant opportunity to acknowledge the teachings of gurus and show them respect.
The Glory of Gurus
During Guru Purnima, the importance of gurus is acknowledged, and they are revered as Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara.
There is a Sanskrit shloka that describes this.
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः।
गुरुः साक्षात् परमब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः।
ध्यानमूलं गुरोर्मूर्तिः पूजामूलं गुरोः पदम्।
मन्त्रमूलं गुरोर्वाक्यं मोक्षमूलं गुरोः कृपा॥
This verse emphasizes the significance, role, and greatness of teachers.
Meaning of the Shloka:
- गुरुर्ब्रह्मा: The guru is considered Brahma, the creator, through whom one can gain the power of creation and innovation.
- गुरुर्विष्णुः: The guru is Vishnu, the preserver, who guides disciples on the right path through knowledge.
- गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः: The guru is Shiva, the destroyer, who eliminates darkness and hardships in life, bringing peace.
- गुरुः साक्षात् परमब्रह्म: The guru is considered the supreme Brahma, the ultimate soul or God, whose teachings help disciples attain true knowledge and understand the essence of Brahman.
- तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः: This concludes the shloka with a gesture of respect and devotion to the guru. The disciple accepts the guru’s blessings and teachings with reverence. Shorten: तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः: This concludes the shloka with respect and devotion to the guru. The disciple accepts the guru’s blessings and teachings with reverence.
- ध्यानमूलं गुरोर्मूर्तिः: The basis of meditation is the physical form (murti) of the guru, emphasizing that meditating on the guru’s form is essential for true meditation.
- पूजामूलं गुरोः पदम्: The foundation of worship is the feet of the guru. Offering respect and reverence to the guru’s feet is the essence of worship.
- मन्त्रमूलं गुरोर्वाक्यं: The true essence and power of a mantra are found in the words of the guru, serving as the foundation for its meaning and effectiveness.
- मोक्षमूलं गुरोः कृपा: The basis of liberation (moksha) is the guru’s grace. The guru’s mercy and blessings open the path to moksha.
Celebrating Guru Purnima
On Guru Purnima, devotees celebrate by organizing special pujas and rituals. They offer flowers, light lamps, sing bhajans, and give respectful gifts to their gurus or teachers to express gratitude for their knowledge and teachings.
Devotees on this day follow the tradition of taking the “Charanamrit” of the guru by placing water at the guru’s feet and drinking it to receive blessings.
- Offering Flowers: Flowers are offered to the guru’s image as a sign of respect.
- Lighting Lamps: Lamps are lit to seek the guru’s blessings.
- Bhajans and Kirtans: Devotional songs praising the guru are organized.
- Worship and Rituals: The guru is worshipped and revered through various rituals.
Date of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashadha Shukla Paksha (July–August) each year.
Origin of Guru Purnima
The festival of Guru Purnima has its origins in ancient Indian tradition. It is connected to the contributions of Adi Shankaracharya, who emphasized the Guru-Shishya tradition and highlighted the importance of gurus. His teachings have given special significance to the Guru Purnima festival.
Therefore, the formal recognition and practice of Guru Purnima are believed to have started around the 8th century during Adi Shankaracharya’s time.
On Guru Purnima, special gurus or religious figures are worshipped and honored in various religions and traditions. Here are some prominent gurus who are revered and honored on the occasion of Guru Purnima:
- Adi Shankaracharya:
Adi Shankaracharya (8th century) is a prominent guru and religious teacher in Hinduism. He promoted the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and made significant contributions to the Guru-Shishya tradition. Adi Shankaracharya is revered and celebrated on Guru Purnima. - Gautama Buddha:
Followers of Buddhism worship Gautama Buddha on the occasion of Guru Purnima. This day is considered as the day of Buddha’s first sermon. Followers of Buddha perform puja and meditation at Bodh Gaya or other major Buddhist sites on this day. - Ved Vyasa:
Ved Vyasa is a major guru and sage in Hinduism who compiled the Vedas and wrote the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. On Guru Purnima, Ved Vyasa is particularly worshipped and honoured. - Guru Nanak:
The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, is also revered on Guru Purnima. This day holds special significance in honouring his teachings and the establishment of Sikhism. - Guru Gobind Singh:
The tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh, who made significant contributions to preserving Sikh teachings and traditions, is also honored on Guru Purnima. - Other Gurus:
In various religious traditions, other important gurus and teachers are also revered on Guru Purnima. These mentors have contributed to enhancing and guiding people’s lives through their teachings.
On the occasion of Guru Purnima, disciples remember and honor their gurus by worshipping them and reflecting on their teachings.
Meaning of Guru Shloka
Sarva Gurubhyo Namah
“Sarva Gurubhyo Namah” means expressing reverence and respect to all gurus. This acknowledges the importance of various gurus and honors their contributions. Here is a shloka that honors all gurus:
सर्वगुरु महादेवा सर्वगुरु महेश्वरः।
सर्वगुरु परं ब्रह्म सर्वगुरु नमो नमः।
Meaning of the Shloka:
- सर्वगुरु महादेवा: All gurus are as holy and divine as Mahadeva (Shiva). The teachings of gurus help disciples gain truth and knowledge in life.
- सर्वगुरु महेश्वरः: Gurus are eternal and all-powerful like Maheshwara (Shiva). Their teachings bring peace and devotion to life.
- सर्वगुरु परं ब्रह्म: All gurus are considered the supreme Brahma (ultimate soul). Their knowledge guides disciples to understand the reality and true essence of the soul.
- सर्वगुरु नमो नमः: Repeated salutations and respect to all gurus. This phrase expresses the sentiment of acknowledging and honoring the teachings of the gurus.
This shloka acknowledges the divinity and importance of all gurus. Each guru imparts their knowledge and guidance to the disciple, and their teachings assist the disciple in walking the right path and understanding the deeper meaning of life.
The feeling of “Sarva Gurubhyo Namah” honors the contributions and teachings of all gurus.
The glory of gurus is infinite and invaluable, and it can be understood from various perspectives.
Source of Knowledge: Gurus are the primary source of knowledge. They present the deeper aspects of life, various subjects, and solutions to life’s problems. Their teachings help disciples understand the world and adopt a new perspective.
Spiritual Guidance: In religious and spiritual life, the role of gurus is unique. Gurus guide disciples in religious teachings, meditation, practices, and spiritual exercises, helping them attain inner peace and spiritual progress.
Moral Teaching: Gurus provide not only educational knowledge but also moral education. They help the disciple differentiate between right and wrong, make correct decisions, and follow moral values in life. Thus, gurus play a crucial role in character building and moral development.
Positive Influence: The inspiration and guidance of gurus bring positive changes in the disciple’s life. The messages and teachings of gurus help us to achieve our goals.
Guru Purnima is not just an occasion to honour teachers but also a significant opportunity to internalize the importance of education and knowledge. By celebrating this festival, we can acknowledge the contributions of our teachers in our lives and be inspired to expand our own knowledge.
On the occasion of Guru Purnima, let us honour the teachings of our teachers and acknowledge their influence on our lives. This festival provides a unique opportunity to reflect on and value the priceless contributions of teachers, which enhance our lives with wisdom and motivation.
