Guru Purnima 2023 is an auspicious day celebrate in India and Nepal on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July) to honour the importance of a guru or teacher in one’s life. The day is dedicated to expressing gratitude to spiritual and academic teachers who have significantly contribute to the shaping of a person’s life. It is a day to pay tribute to the Guru-sishya (teacher-disciple) relationship and acknowledge the knowledge and wisdom imparted by the guru to the sishya.
When will Guru Purnima be celebrated in 2023?
Guru Purnima will be celebrate on Monday, July 3, 2023.
Origin of Guru Purnima
The history of Guru Purnima dates back to ancient times when the concept of Guru-sishya relationship was at its peak. The word “Guru” is derive from Sanskrit, meaning “remover of darkness”. A guru is a person who removes the darkness of ignorance and bestows the light of knowledge on the sishya. The Guru is consider a guiding light that shows the path of righteousness and truth.
According to Hindu folklore, Guru Purnima is the birth anniversary of Ved Vyasa, author of the great epic Mahabharata. He is consider one of the greatest gurus in the Hindu tradition who not only wrote the epic. But also divided the Vedas into four parts – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. It is believe that on this day Lord Shiva. Became the first guru by imparting the knowledge of yoga to the Saptarishis (seven sages).
Celebrating Guru Purnima 2023
Guru Purnima 2023 is celebrate with great fervour and enthusiasm all over 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 pray and seek blessings.
Guru Purnima is also a day of rewarding society. Many educational institutions and organizations organize charity events, seminars and workshops to help disadvantaged children and promote education. This 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, a guru is not only a teacher but also a mentor, guide and spiritual leader. Guru is consider to be the person who guides the sishya from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge and from mortality to immortality. Therefore, the relationship between guru and sishya is considering one of the most sacred and important relationships in a person’s life.
Significances of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is not only a day to express gratitude to the Guru, but also a day to recognize the importance of education and the role of teachers in shaping one’s life. Education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about imbibing values, ethics and morals. The guru not only teaches the sishya about academic subjects but also guides them in their personal and spiritual growth.
In today’s world, where the education system is more focus on marks and grades, the importance of values and ethics is often neglect. 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.
History: Interesting Stories
Guru Purnima is celebrate through a plethora of interesting traditions, practices and offerings across India. Here are some interesting stories about Guru Purnima and its significance in our culture:
- Guru Purnima is celebrate not only in India and Nepal but also in Tibet, Bhutan and other countries where Buddhism has a strong presence.
- The celebration of Guru Purnima is not limited to spiritual gurus but can also include academic and professional mentors who have significantly influence one’s life.
- The day is consider very auspicious for starting any new endeavour or starting a new phase of life as it is believe that the Guru’s blessings bring success and prosperity.
- In some parts of India, Guru Purnima is also know as Vyasa Purnima because it is believe to be the birth anniversary of Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata.
- On Guru Purnima, devotees often offer special puja (worship) to their gurus, which may include flowers, fruits, sweets and other offerings.
- In some ashrams and spiritual centres. Guru Purnima is celebrate as a three-day event that includes chanting, meditation and spiritual discourses.
- The celebration of Guru Purnima is not limited to Hinduism. But is also celebrate in Jainism where it is know as Guru Mahima Parva.
- Guru Purnima is also consider a time for introspection and self-reflection. As it is believe that one can connect with their guru’s teachings on a deeper level.
- In some parts of India, Guru Purnima is celebrate by holding a traditional dance called Guru Vandanam. Where devotees pay homage to their gurus through dance and music.
- The celebration of Guru Purnima has been part of 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-sishya relationship. And acknowledge the knowledge and wisdom that the guru imparts to the sishya. This 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 seek knowledge and guidance from our gurus.
In conclusion, Guru Purnima is a celebration of the guru-sishya relationship that is at the heart of the Indian tradition. It is a day when we express our gratitude to our gurus. And honour the role of teachers in shaping our lives. As we celebrate Guru Purnima. Let us remember the teachings of our Gurus. And try to live up to their ideals of knowledge, compassion and service.
