In Hinduism and Buddhism, the Guru is revered as the Supreme Being and Lord Brahma. That is why people worldwide observe Guru Purnima as a sacred occasion held in honour of Gurus or teachers.
Do you know when Guru Purnima is celebrated? This year, it falls on a Sunday, July 21. The auspicious moment begins at 5:59 pm on July 20 and ends at 3:46 pm on July 21.
So, are you eager to know more about this age-old festival of celebrating the gurus? Let’s discover more about Guru Purnima 2024 in this blog post.
History of Guru Purnima
Do you know Guru Ved Vyasa composed all four Vedas recited by Lord Brahma and even the commoners? Also, Saint Vyasa is the creator of numerous Puranas. Thereon a day called Guru Purnima was demarcated to celebrate the Gurus and thank them for building the learner’s future.
In Buddhism, it is said that the enlightened Buddha preached his first sermon to five monks on this day. So, Buddhists pay their respects to him by worshipping the Uposatha, or eight precepts.
What’s more? This day is called the Varsha Vassa or the first day of the rainy season. Also, in Jainism, this occasion marks the beginning of the fourth month of the monsoon. The 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira, is said to have made Indrabhuti Gautam his disciple on this holy day and became a Guru himself.
Significance of Guru Purnima 2024
Gu: darkness, Ru: remover of darkness; this Sanskrit term, therefore, refers to the one who eradicates ignorance and guides you towards knowledge. In other words, like ‘Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya,’ a Guru takes his followers/shishas to light and learning.
While Guru means teacher, Purnima refers to a full moon day, giving the name ‘Guru Purnima.’ Since it is a day to honour the gurus, people from all races and castes come together to pay tribute to their mentors.
That being said, let’s explore some more facts about Guru Purnima (2024).
- Teacher-student bonding was an integral component of our culture in ancient times. Little kids were made to wear sacred threads and sent off to Pathshalas to learn various subjects under a guru’s guidance. This aspect of our glorious culture is celebrated even today in the form of Guru Purnima.
- The Guru Purnima tradition can also be extended to our parents, who were the first teachers in our lives.
- Ved Vyas is one of the greatest gurus in Indian philosophy who is believed to have finished the Brahma Sutras on the Guru Purnima occasion.
- In the traditional culture, a shishya (student) thanked his Guru for his mentorship before leaving the ashram. Similarly, people nowadays give valuable gifts and seek their teacher’s blessings on every Guru Purnima, including Guru Purnima 2024.
Guru Purnima 2024: Traditions
If you are wondering how to make Guru Purnima 2024 a memorable one, here’s a list of things you may want to try out:
- A significant opening Hindu ritual is washing the Guru’s feet, decorating his neck with flower garlands, serving him offerings, and singing devotional songs.
- The Vedic scriptures mention that Aadi Shankaracharya is the Jagatguru or everyone’s teacher. Therefore, on Guru Purnima 2024, you may worship and pay tribute to Him.
- Since Vedic astrology considers Jupiter/Brishaspati the signifier of higher ideals and education, worshipping Him would also be a good idea.
- Guru Dattatreya, or Guru’s Guru, is also considered a revered mentor. Reciting Dutt Baavani can be a great way of worshipping Him.
- Take some time out of your busy schedule to meet the people you are indebted to for all your learnings in life. Spend some time expressing your warm gratitude to them on this Guru Purnima.
Guru Purnima 2024: Quotes
Kabira te nara andha hai guru ko kahate aura… hari ruthe guru thaura hai guru ruthe nahi thaura II
It means that one who cannot understand one’s teacher is blind. If the Lord is not pleased with you, only your Guru can rescue you from His wrath and consequent suffering. But, if your teacher is angry with you, nobody can save you.
Here are some Guru Purnima quotes you can put as your next Guru Purnima (WhatsApp) status.
- “A Guru is not someone who holds a torch; he is the torch.”- Sadhguru.
- “When the disciple is ready, the Guru appears.”- Gautam Buddha.
- “Gratitude towards the Guru is the secret to your spiritual progress.”- Bhagavad Gita.
- “Let your Guru’s teachings be your guiding light, leading you away from darkness and towards liberation.”- Upanishads
- “The Guru’s teachings are timeless treasures, guiding you through life’s storms.”- Adi Shankaracharya.
- “Let us celebrate Guru Purnima by sharing the light of knowledge- a gift worthy of any Guru. Happy Guru Purnima!”
Checkout: List of Important Days in July 2024
Conclusion
Guru Purnima is not just a spiritual or religious event but has also become a cultural occasion dispelling all religious and social boundaries. It is a day when people come together to appreciate the impact of their gurus in illuminating their minds and lives.
May Guru Purnima 2024 be a communal celebration of all those people who have made us wiser, brighter, and better!
FAQs
Q1. Why do we celebrate Guru Purnima?
Ans – While the celebration has multiple explanations, the fundamental essence is to pay homage to our revered gurus and seek their blessings.
Q2. When is Guru Purnima 2024?
Ans – Guru Purnima continues from 5:59 pm on July 20, 2024, until 3:46 pm on July 21, 2024.
Q3. What is Guru Purnima’s (2024) history?
Ans – According to Jainism, Guru Purnima is celebrated on the day Mahavira gained his first followers. Again, the Hindus observe it to mark the occasion of Vyasa’s composition of Vedas. In Buddhism, it is celebrated in honour of Lord Buddha.
Q4. What gift should we give to Guru Purnima 2024?
Ans – A gold or silver coin, idol, or diya is a beautiful way of expressing respect to your Guru on Guru Purnima 2024.
Q5. Which God to worship on Guru Purnima?
Ans – You may worship Lord Vishnu after observing fast from dawn to dusk on Guru Purnima.
