Guru Purnima 2023: Date, Significance, and Cross-Religious Importance of the Ocassion

In a display of devotion and gratitude, Guru Purnima 2023 is being celebrated on July 3. This sacred occasion holds great significance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists alike, as it honors the revered gurus and teachers.

History and Significance:

Not limited to India, the festival is also observed in Nepal and Bhutan, with Nepal recognizing it as the official Teacher’s Day. The day is marked by paying homage to the esteemed Ved Vyasa, considered a symbol of the guru-student relationship, and is also known as Vyasa Purnima.

Guru Purnima derives its name from the combination of two words: ‘Guru,’ meaning remover of darkness, and ‘Purnima,’ referring to the full moon night when the festival takes place. Originally, it was a celebration of spiritual and academic teachers who were regarded as illuminators, dispelling darkness from the lives of their disciples.

The festival falls in the month of Ashadha as per the Hindu calendar, corresponding to either June or July in the Gregorian calendar. Throughout history, disciples have performed rituals and observed fasts to honor their teachers on this day.

Guru Purnima is associated with various legends, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and enlightenment. According to the Yogic tradition, Lord Shiva imparted wisdom to humanity on this day, establishing himself as the first known guru.

Another prominent story revolves around the birth of Ved Vyasa, who shared the wisdom of the Vedas with his four disciples. In Buddhism, it is believed that Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath on Guru Purnima. Similarly, Jains commemorate this day as the occasion when Mahavira, a revered Tirthankara, found his first follower.

This cherished custom places teachers on a pedestal, recognizing their ability to eradicate ignorance and guide students towards higher realms. It underscores the value of knowledge and encourages the sharing of wisdom as a means of spiritual transcendence.

Guru Purnima serves as an opportune time to express respect and gratitude to teachers, regardless of their form, whether they be parents, academic mentors, or even elder siblings.

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