Guru Purnima 2023: Dates, Origin, Significance, Celebration and Interesting Stories

Guru Purnima is an auspicious day celebrated in India and Nepal on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July) to honour the importance of the Guru or teacher in one’s life. The day is dedicated to expressing gratitude to one's spiritual and academic teachers who have played a significant role in shaping the life of a person. It is a day to pay homage to the guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship and acknowledge the knowledge and wisdom that the guru imparts to the shishya.

When will Guru Purnima be celebrated in 2023?

Guru Purnima will be celebrated on Monday, 03 July, 2023.

The Origin of Guru Purnima

The history of Guru Purnima dates back to ancient times when the concept of guru-shishya relationship was at its peak. The word "Guru" is derived from the Sanskrit language, which means "remover of darkness." The guru is the person who removes the darkness of ignorance and bestows the light of knowledge on the shishya. The guru is considered as the guiding light who shows the path of righteousness and truth.

According to Hindu folklore, Guru Purnima is the birth anniversary of Ved Vyasa, the author of the great epic Mahabharata. He is considered as one of the greatest gurus in the Hindu tradition, who not only wrote the epic but also classified the Vedas into four parts – Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva became the first guru by imparting the knowledge of yoga to the Saptarishis (seven sages).

Celebration of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm across India and Nepal. People pay homage to their gurus and express their gratitude by performing various rituals and customs. The day begins with devotees taking a holy bath in a nearby river or lake and then visiting temples to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Guru Purnima is also a day of giving back to society. Many educational institutions and organisations organise charity events, seminars, and workshops to help underprivileged children and promote education. The day is also significant for spiritual seekers who use this day to intensify their spiritual practices and connect with their gurus.

In the Indian tradition, the guru is not just a teacher but also a mentor, guide, and spiritual leader. The guru is considered as a person who leads the shishya from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge, and from mortality to immortality. Hence, the relationship between the guru and the shishya is considered to be one of the most sacred and important relationships in one's life.

Importance of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is not just a day to express gratitude to the guru but also a day to acknowledge the importance of education and the role of teachers in shaping one's life. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about imbibing values, ethics, and morals. The guru not only teaches the shishya about academic subjects, but also guides them in their personal and spiritual growth.

In today's world, where the education system is focused more on grades and marks, the importance of values and ethics is often overlooked. Guru Purnima reminds us of the importance of holistic education and the role of teachers in imparting it.
It is a day to reflect on the teachings of our gurus and implement them in our lives.

Interesting Stories About Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is celebrated through a plethora of interesting traditions, practices and offerings across India. Here are some interesting stories around Guru Purnima and its importance in our culture:

1. Guru Purnima is not just celebrated in India and Nepal, but also in Tibet, Bhutan, and other countries where Buddhism has a strong presence.
   
2. The celebration of Guru Purnima is not limited to just spiritual gurus but can also include academic and professional mentors who have had a significant impact on one's life.
   
3. The day is considered highly auspicious for starting any new endeavour or beginning a new phase of life, as it is believed that the blessings of the guru bring success and prosperity.
   
4. In some parts of India, Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima, as it is believed to be the birth anniversary of Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata.
   
5. On Guru Purnima, devotees often offer special puja (worship) to their gurus, which can include flowers, fruits, sweets, and other offerings.
6. In some ashrams and spiritual centres, Guru Purnima is celebrated with a three-day event that includes chanting, meditation, and spiritual discourses.
   
7. The celebration of Guru Purnima is not limited to just Hinduism but is also celebrated in Jainism, where it is known as Guru Mahima Parva.
   
8. Guru Purnima is also considered a time for introspection and self-reflection, as it is believed that one can connect with the teachings of their guru on a deeper level.
   
9. In some parts of India, Guru Purnima is celebrated by organising a traditional dance called Guru Vandanam, where devotees pay homage to their gurus through dance and music.
   
10. The celebration of Guru Purnima has been a part of the Indian tradition for thousands of years and continues to be an important cultural event that honours the importance of the guru-shishya relationship.

Conclusion

Guru Purnima is a day of celebration, gratitude, and reflection. It is a day to honour the importance of the guru-shishya relationship and acknowledge the knowledge and wisdom that the guru imparts to the shishya. The day reminds us of the importance of education and the role of teachers in shaping our lives. It is a day to reflect on our own personal growth and the teachings we have received from our gurus. Guru Purnima is a time to renew our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and to the guidance of our gurus.

In conclusion, Guru Purnima is a celebration of the guru-shishya relationship, which is at the heart of the Indian tradition. It is a day to express our gratitude to our gurus and to honour the role of teachers in shaping our lives. As we celebrate Guru Purnima, let us remember the teachings of our gurus and strive to live up to their ideals of knowledge, compassion, and service.