The full moon day of the month of Ashadh of the Hindu calendar is traditionally celebrated as Guru Purnima. On the day of Guru Purnima devotees offer pujas to their Gurus.
On this day Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa the author of the Mahabharata is believed to be born.
Veda Vyasa exercised beefeater service to the cause of Vedic studies by gathering all the Vedic hymns extant during his times. Then he divided them into four parts based on their use in the sacrificial rites. He taught them to his four chief disciples namely; Paila, Vaisampayana, Jaimini and Sumantu. It was this dividing and editing that earned him the honorific "Vyasa" title which means to edit or divide.
The spiritual Gurus are worshiped on this day by remembering their life and teachings.
The ‘Chaturmas’ commonly known as four months begin from this day. In past times wandering spiritual masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discuss on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa and engage themselves in Vedantic discussions.
The day of Guru Purnima is celebrated by following the mentioned steps:
- Devotees wake up at Brahmamuhurta i.e. at 4 o'clock. They meditate on the Guru and chant his prayers.
- Later on that day the sacred worship of the Guru's Feet is performed. Regarding this puja it is said in the Guru Gita that; Dhyaana moolam guror murtih; Pooja moolam guror padam; Mantra moolam guror vakyam; Moksha moolam guror kripa, This means ‘the Guru’s form should be meditated upon; the feet of the Guru should be worshipped; his words are to be treated as a sacred Mantra; his Grace ensures final liberation’.
- Sadhus and Sannyasins are then worshipped and fed with delicacies prepared at home during the noon.
- Continuous Satsang take place during which discussions are held on the glory of devotion to the Guru in particular and also on spiritual topics.
- Earnest disciples fast and spend the whole day in prayer. They also take fresh resolutions for spiritual progress.
Thus the Guru Purnima holds a religious and spiritual significance in the life of the Hindus.
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