Guru Purnima

What is the Guru Purnima and Its Significance? Guru Purnima Rituals for Educational and Career Success

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः, गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः।

गुरुः साक्षात् परं ब्रह्म, तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः॥

Guru Purnima, also recognized as the Vyasa Purnima or Vyasa Puja, is one of the most auspicious and notable events in Hinduism. However, it also occupies an important place in Jainism and Buddhism.

The Guru, or teacher, is always considered akin to God in Hindu culture. On this sacred day, many people honor their Gurus, mentors, and teachers. Teachers serve as guiding lights on the spiritual and educational journey of individuals.

Today, we will explore what Guru Purnima is, its meaning, and its significance. We will also discuss the Guru Purnima rituals for educational and career success.

What is Guru Purnima and Its Significance? Meaning of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima consists of two words, Guru and Purnima. The word Guru means remover of darkness and ignorance, and who brings wisdom and knowledge in the life of the individuals, while the Purnima means “the full Moon Day.” Guru Punima is observed in June or July, on the full Moon Day of the Ashadha month. This holy day is to honor all our Gurus who have enlightened and illuminated our life’s journey.

In Hinduism, devotees celebrate Guru Purnima in honor of the birth of the sage Ved Vyasa, who wrote the Mahabharata. He is one of the greatest Gurus in the Hindu traditions and history. On this sacred day, the devotees honor his literary contributions and remember his teachings.

In Buddhism, this auspicious day is observed as the day the Lord Buddha delivered the first sermon at Sarnath after achieving enlightenment.

In Jainism, the devotees honor and remember Lord Mahavir’s teachings. He had spread the message of compassion, non-violence, and truth. Thus, it is the day for self-reflection, self-discipline, devotion, and dedication to the spiritual path.

How to Celebrate Guru Purnima?

Guru Purnima is a highly auspicious day, and one must dedicate this day in honor and remembrance of the Gods and Gurus. The devotees should dedicate this day to following the principles of their Gurus and bringing them into practice. Some devotees also worship Lord Vishnu on this day, as it is also associated with him. One may chant Lord Vishnu Mantras and should recite the “Vishnu Sahastranam” (thousand names of Lord Vishnu). The mantras include "ॐ गुं गुरुभ्यो नम:”, "ॐ ब्रह्म बृहस्पतये नमः," and "ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय नमः"

Some devotees also observe a fast on this day. The fasting rules include refraining from eating salt, heavy foods, rice, and tamasic food. The devotees can eat fruits or milk products. They break their fast in the evening, after performing Puja. There are special arrangements in the temples, and they distribute Charnamrita and Prasada.

What are the Guru Purnima Rituals for Educational and Career Success?

The rituals for educational success on Guru Purnima include honoring Gurus and teachers through the acts of prayers, gratitude, and learning. The Puja Vidhi consists of setting up the altar after taking a bath and wearing neat and clean clothes.

Place the idol or picture of your Guru. Honor your Guru with fruits, flowers, incense, and sweets. The devotees or the students can place their books, notebooks, and stationery items in the Puja. Light a lamp in front of the idol and offer prayers for guidance and wisdom. Chant mantras and conclude the Puja with the aarti recitation.

The other rituals include the following:

• Visit your Gurus and show them respect and seek their guidance and blessings.
• Read spiritual scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita.
• Perform charitable deeds and support educational causes to honor and respect your Guru's teachings. 
• You can also offer Guru Dakshina to your Guru as per your capacity.
• Spend time meditating to connect with your inner self and the wisdom of your Guru.
• You can also wear a yellow sapphire on Guru Purnima, if it falls on a Thursday, after the recommendation from an experienced and knowledgeable astrologer. Also, one should also gain profound understanding of the proper rituals of wearing this gemstone.

Guru Purnima is an auspicious day for self-reflection. It is also the day to honor the Gurus and teachers and to express gratitude to them. To gain deep insights into its Puja rituals, you can contact AstroKavach and also benefit from the Guru Purnima special personal astrology offers!