As per the Hindu Calendar, Guru Purnima occurs on the tithi of Full Moon or Purnima, in month of Ashadha, that is, in July or August. It is a significant Hindu Festival, as on this day, the devotees convey their gratitude to their masters. The tribute is made to the gurus for guiding all across and directing them towards enlightenment.

Throughout the country, the festival is welcomed with great enthusiasm and honor. To convey gratitude to their gurus, individuals conduct rituals and offer prayers. The pupils of multiple ages and cultures honor their gurus by offering them presents and obtaining their blessings as a form of tribute. 

In addition to the customary traditions, the festival presents a setting for the get-togethers and cultural events where individuals can celebrate and talk about their stories to their gurus. Additionally, this day announces the start of the monsoon season in India, which brings in fresh optimism and regeneration after the heat of the summer.

Let us now get into detail the information about Guru Purnima celebration -

Guru Purnima 2024 Date And Time

Guru Purnima 2024 shall fall on Monday, July 21, 2024. The Purnima Tithi shall commence at 04:26 am on July 08, 2024 and continue up to 04:59 am on July 08, 2024.

Story of Guru Purnima

The story of Guru Purnima marks a significant event according to the scriptures. As per Jainism, Gautam Swami became the first disciple of his Guru, Lord Mahavira, on the day of Guru Purnima. Thus, people worship Lord Mahavira on this day and recall the spiritual guidance he provided to his devotees. 

As per Buddhism, it is believed that Gautam Buddha, after he migrated to Sarnath from Bodhgaya, taught his preachings to his first five disciples for the first time on this day. Sangha or his disciples' community commenced on this very day. It was on Guru Purnima that Lord Buddha explained the essence of learning and knowledge in a person's life, as well as the role of a Guru in the journey of spirituality.

As per history, this day is also known for worshiping the deities to provide them with good rainfalls for the upcoming harvest. They further thank the Gods and seek blessings for the outcomes received.

Moreover, Guru Purnima meaning is also related to the renowned sage, who revised the Vedas by bifurcating them into four parts. He then continued to write the fifth Veda, or Puranas, as well as the Mahabharata. So this day is his birth anniversary, and devotees mark his contributions to Hindu literature, as well as the knowledge imparted to his disciples. The Guru Purnima Celebration is done by seeking blessings for wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual growth from the gurus. 

Also See: Ganga Dussehra Date, Mantras and Pujan Vidhi

Astrological Importance of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima or Vyasa Purnima falls on the Purnima tithi, or the full moon day, at the time of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha. During this time, the Moon continues to be in the Jupiter-ruled house of Sagittarius, according to astrology. It also remains in the Venus-ruled Purvashada Nakshatra. The thoughts and feelings of an individual are substantially affected by the location of the Moon. Thus, our Gurus leverage this relationship to encourage moral and practical behavior.

Ashadha is a month of dismal, dark, and cloudy skies. On Purnima day, however, the Moon finally shines brightly, driving away the shadows. Therefore, according to the Puranas, Ved Vyas and Sukhdev, the Vedic interpreters, are honored on this day. 

Furthermore, we pay gratitude to the teachings and beseech blessings to help us on the right path by honoring these great sages. The significance of Guru Purnima is for the Gurus to teach their followers and pass on their pearls of wisdom, promoting their spiritual advancement.

Spiritual Benefits of Guru Purnima Vrat

The spiritual benefits of fasting on Guru Purnima are - 

• Our digestive system also needs a break so as to detoxify itself and eradicate toxins. Fasting serves to be an excellent tool for cleansing not only the body but the mind too. It further keeps our minds free from negativity and emotions and makes us calm and clear. 
• Fasting can help deepen the spiritual practices of an individual as fasting makes us conscious of our mental and physical states. It thus enables an individual to focus on meditation and prayers. 
• Fasting helps to keep a check on our thoughts and actions and thus get in line with our spiritual objectives. 
• When we fast, we can connect ourselves with our better selves. It is due to the sacrifice of meals we get closer to our inner selves as well as our spiritual needs.
• One can express gratitude by fasting to their Gurus or teacher. It is an attempt to respect their knowledge and teachings and to recognize their contribution to our spiritual development.

Also See: Jyeshtha Amavasya

Guru Purnima 2024: Things To do

The Guru Purnima celebration can be accomplished by following the below-mentioned rituals:

• Devotees pay homage to their Gurus who have given them spiritual wisdom and academic knowledge or have been their mentors or guides. The disciples present offerings, such as fruits, flowers, sweets, etc., at their Guru's feet and achieve their blessings.
• Guru Purnima puja vidhi is done by worshiping Gurus and offering them incense, flowers, etc. Disciples do this to express gratefulness for the learnings and mentorship received by the Gurus. 
• Disciples chant the Guru Mantras such as - “Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara, Guru Sakshat Param Brahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah”.
• Devotees attend the discussions or summits organized by the Gurus, Scholars, and Spiritual Leaders to acquire learnings.
• To honor their Gurus, some devotees observe a fast on this day and withhold from eating and even drinking water. They then spend the day meditating and offering prayers.
• To leverage the benefits of Guru Purnima, individuals spend a day introspecting and self-reflect. They also acquire suggestions from their mentors and gurus on ways to improve themselves and overcome any shortcomings in life. 
• Disciples even get together to do Satsang and conduct the conversation on topics related to philosophy and spirituality. 
• Giving away as charity is yet another way to celebrate Guru Purnima 2024. Worshipers can donate everyday essentials such as food and clothes to the needy and seek blessings from their Guru.

In case you face any issues while performing the rituals mentioned above, feel free to talk to the best astrologers and seek help from them.

Know About: Pisces Free Daily Horoscope

Guru Purnima Puja Vidhi

The puja vidhi to be done for Guru Purnima celebration are -

• Wake up early before sunrise on the day of Guru Purnima, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
• Place a clean cloth in the Northern direction of the house and position the pictures or idols of your Gurus on it. Then after, seek blessings from them and express gratefulness for their guidance. 
• As a part of the Guru Purnima Pooja Vidhi, offer flowers and bhog to the deities and gratify them.
• Chant the Guru Mantra and reminisce about the knowledge and guidance given by the teachers.
• Lastly, do the aarti and gratify the Gurus for all the significant lessons learned from them. 

Endnote

As per the story of Guru Purnima, the importance of Guru Purnima holds considerable value. So, if you wish to honor the gurus who made a difference in your life, gratify them and mark the day of Guru Purnima.

Wish you all a very Happy Guru Purnima!