Guru Purnima

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः।
गुरुर्साक्षात्‍परब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवेनमः॥

Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu, Guru is Lord Maheshwar (Shiva) । Guru is the personification of the Supreme Power,
I bow to the holy Guru in homage ||

Guru Purnima is dedicated to the great teachers and mentors who build up our future. Guru or a teacher is someone who acts like a guide in our lives directing us to the right path for our betterment. Therefore, it is a fine way of paying the homage to them through the day of Guru Purnima. In 2019, it will be celebrated on Tuesday, 16th of July. The Mantra clearly signifies that a Guru is trinity (Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh), and it is believed that through a Guru, one can achieve the ultimate result and reach to the supreme power.

Meaning of Guru :

The word Guru is divided into two parts : “Gu” & “Ru”. Both originating from the Sanskrit language. The Word “Gu” signifies darkness and “Ru” signifies the one who removes the darkness. Thus, the complete word Guru means one who is the remover of the darkness. Gurus are believed by many to be the most necessary part of life. On this day, disciples offer puja (worship) or pay respect to their Gurus (spiritual guide).

Significance of Guru Poornima :

The Guru Principle is said to be a thousand times more active on the day of Gurupurnima than on any other day. Guru is the one who holds a very significant role throughout one’s life. We all, throughout our lifetime, learn about new things and get a new understanding of the things and this is all because of a Guru. In addition to having religious importance, this festival has great significance for Indian Academics and Scholars. Indian Academics celebrate this day by thanking their teachers as well as remembering past teachers and scholars.

Legend behind Guru Purnima :

Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima and this day is commemorated as Birth Anniversary of Ved Vyas. Ved Vyas was the author as well as a character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is said that Guru Ved Vyas has wrote the Four Vedas (Yajurved, Saamved, Rugved, Atharvaved) that were recited by Lord Brahma. Ved Vyas is referred as one of the greatest Gurus in Indian Philosophy. He symbolizes the Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) tradition. It is also believed that he completed the Brahma Sutras on the day of Guru Purnima. His service to Vedas has been commendable. Ved Vyasa also wrote and compiled the epic Mahabharata. His contribution to the scholarly principles of the Hindu Vedas had earned him the stature of being a Guru or teacher.

Since ages, Gurus have been worshiped next to God. Guru Purnima is the time to remember all those Gurus who helped you attain what you desired for.