Guru Purnima 2024: Significance, celebrations and how to honour your Gurus

Guru Purnima 2024: Significance, celebrations and how to honour your Gurus

Mumbai: This year, Guru Purnima falls on July 21st, 2024. Celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashadha month in the Hindu calendar, Guru Purnima is a sacred day dedicated to honouring Gurus, those who illuminate our path with knowledge and guidance.

The word ‘Guru’ itself holds immense weight. It signifies not just a teacher, but a source of inspiration, wisdom, and light. Gurus can be spiritual guides, academic mentors, or even role models who shape our lives. On Guru Purnima, we express our deepest gratitude for their invaluable contributions.

History of Guru Purnima

The origins of Guru Purnima are rich and diverse. One popular belief links it to the birth anniversary of Lord Ved Vyasa, the revered sage who compiled the Vedas, Mahabharata, and Puranas. Another tradition holds significance for Lord Krishna’s choice of this day to impart knowledge to his Guru, Sage Sandilya. Additionally, some believe it marks the day Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his disciples.

How is Guru Purnima Celebrated?

Traditionally, Guru Purnima is a day filled with devotion and appreciation. Devotees visit temples dedicated to Gurus and participate in special puja ceremonies. They express their gratitude by:

Touching their Gurus’ feet as a sign of respect.
Offering sweets and flowers as a token of appreciation.
Seeking blessings for continued guidance on the spiritual path.

The concept of a Guru extends beyond the realm of spirituality. Everyone has someone they look up to – a teacher, a mentor, or an elder who has played a significant role in shaping their life. Guru Purnima is a beautiful opportunity to acknowledge these individuals and express your heartfelt gratitude.

Reach out to your teachers – both past and present – and thank them for their dedication and guidance.
Show appreciation to your mentors who have offered support and helped you navigate life’s challenges.
Acknowledge your role models who inspire you with their actions and achievements.

Things to Do on Guru Purnima

There are specific practices believed to deepen the Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) relationship:

Chanting the mantra “Om Bri Brihaspataye Namah” 108 times is believed to invoke blessings from your Guru.
Seeking blessings from your parents is also considered important, as it helps overcome any potential Guru dosha (negative influence) in your horoscope.
Taking a bath in a holy river like the Ganges and making donations are considered particularly auspicious on Guru Purnima. You can also bathe in any local holy river and donate yellow items, a colour associated with knowledge and learning, to those in need. These acts are believed to strengthen the Guru planet in your horoscope and overcome any Guru dosha.

Guru Purnima is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of knowledge and the enduring bond between a Guru and their disciple. Let’s celebrate this special day by honouring those who have guided us and expressing our gratitude for the light they bring into our lives.

 Discover the significance of Guru Purnima 2024 and why it is celebrated. Learn what to do on this auspicious day and the traditional practices to honour your gurus.  Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips