What's Guru Purnima all about? Check out the Background and legends linked to celebration of Guru Purnima

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• Jul 3, 2023 | Poonam Nath

Guru Purnima is extremely important in all three religions and groups, and it will be observed on July 3...

Digital Desk: Guru Purnima is a Hindu, Jains, and Buddhist holiday dedicated to commemorating gurus or educators. This day is extremely important in all three religions and groups, and it will be observed on July 3, 2023.

Aside from India, Guru Purnima is observed in Nepal and Bhutan, with Nepal declaring it the official Teacher's Day. Ved Vyasa, a symbol of the guru-Shiksha (teacher-student) connection, is a significant figure associated with Guru Purnima. Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima since it commemorates his birth anniversary.

Here's the Background as well as the significance of Guru Purnima in History-

Guru Purnima was originally a celebration of spiritual and academic instructors. The term "Guru Purnima" is derived from two sources: 'guru,' which means a remover of darkness, and 'Purnima,' which refers to the full moon night on which the celebration takes place. Teachers were thought to be the ones who lit their students' lives by eliminating darkness in ancient times.

Guru Purnima is celebrated during Ashadha in the Hindu calendar, which coincides with June or July in the Gregorian calendar. On this day, disciples would traditionally do pujas (rituals) for their educators and even fast in their honour.

Guru Purnima Legends

Guru Purnima has connections with several legends. According to Yogic legend, Lord Shiva bestowed his wisdom to humans on this day, becoming the first recognised guru. Another well-known tale is the birth of Ved Vyasa, who taught the Vedas to his four disciples. 

On Guru Purnima, Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon to his followers in Sarnath. Furthermore, Jains believe that Mahavira, a notable Tirthankara, found his first disciple on this auspicious day.

Guru Purnima honours a teacher's significant role in ending ignorance and directing students to higher realms of knowledge. It is said to be a testament to the wisdom and information that instructors possess and pass on to their students. The festival promotes the value of information exchange as a path to enlightenment.