Significance
Guru Purnima is dedicated to honouring the guru (teacher). It falls on the full moon of Ashadha and is the day when Sage Vyasa was born. Devotees offer gratitude to their spiritual and academic teachers.
Mythology & Legend
According to tradition, Sage Vyasa was born on this day and composed the four Vedas, Mahabharata, and Puranas. Lord Shiva is also said to have become the first guru (Adi Guru) on this day when he began transmitting yoga to the Saptarishis.
Rituals & Observances
- At sunrise, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Offer flowers, fruits, and dakshina to the guru or guru's image.
- Chant Guru Stotram or Vyasa mantras; meditate on the guru.
- Visit the guru or a temple; avoid disrespect to teachers.
- In the evening, perform puja and distribute prasad.
Sacred Mantras
ॐ गुरुभ्यो नमः
oṃ gurubhyo namaḥ
Salutations to the Gurus
Traditional Foods
- ●Fruits
- ●Sattvic meals
- ●Prasad offered to guru
Regional Variations
Pan-India(गुरु पूर्णिमा)
Guru worship, disciples' offerings
Nepal(गुरु पूर्णिमा)
Teacher's day
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Honour your guru
- ✓Offer dakshina
- ✓Meditate and study
- ✓Stay humble
Don'ts
- ✗Do not disrespect teachers
- ✗Avoid ego
- ✗Do not skip gratitude