Today is Guru Purnima, an occasion observed on a full moon day, or Purnima, in the Hindu lunar month of Ashadha. The festival is also known as ‘Vyasa Purnima’ since it commemorates the birth anniversary of ‘Veda Vyasa,’ the author of the Mahabharata. Guru Purnima is to appreciate our professors and mentors’ guidance and teachings that have motivated us to become better versions of ourselves.
Guru Purnima, a holiday celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, is devoted to all intellectual and spiritual gurus or teachers. Traditionally, Buddhists celebrate Guru Purnima to commemorate Gautam Buddha’s first sermon to his first five students in Uttar Pradesh’s Sarnath. Hindus and Jains also observe this event to honour their masters.
The Essence of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, which occurs between June and July. Every year on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, or the Ashadha Purnima Tithi, Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains celebrate the event. Guru Purnima will be observed on July 13 this year.
Significance of Guru Purnima
The festival has a deeper significance and an interesting history. On this day, it is claimed that Gautam Buddha, the founder of the Buddhist faith, delivered his first sermon. Buddha travelled from Bodhgaya to Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, five weeks after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. On the full moon day, he delivered a sermon there.
Gautam Buddha’s disciples observe Guru Purnima honour him, and the Ashadha Purnima Tithi is crucial for Buddhists. Guru Purnima also commemorates Maharishi Ved Vyasa’s birth anniversary, the author of Mahabharata. Vyasa Purnima is another name for this day.
Guru Purnima commemorates the bond between students and instructors.
