The words Gu and Ru are combined to form the term Guru. Gu denotes ignorance or darkness, and Ru denotes one who dispels darkness. Thus, the guru is a person who dispels uncertainty from the lives of their followers and students. The festival of Guru Purnima, which honours a guru's teachings, is observed by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists throughout India as well as in nearby nations like Bhutan and Nepal.
Date, time, rituals, and significance of Guru Purnima
As suggested by the festival's name, it is customarily observed on a full moon day during the Hindu month of Ashadha. Due to the fact that Guru Purnima coincides with the great rishi Ved Vyasa's birthday, it is also referred to as Vyasa Purnima in many cultures. Many of our ancient texts, including the Puranas and the Mahabharata, make reference to him. The four Vedas, the Puranas and their basis, the Mahabharata epic, and extensive Hindu encyclopaedias were all structured by this sage. On this day, the seven rishis, or seven seers, of the Vedas were instructed by Lord Shiva, the Ultimate Guru, the Adi Guru. Om or Ishwara is regarded as the Adi Guru of yoga, according to the Yoga Sutras. According to Buddhist sources, Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath on this day. The event honours those who educate us or set us free from ignorance, including teachers, saints, sages, and others. Even though it is a national holiday, Varanasi is one location where you can truly appreciate the celebration of Guru Purnima. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival's date changes. The year 2023's Guru Purnima fell on July 3.
Myths Related to Guru Purnima
The Hindu myth states that Ved Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and son of the sage Parashara and Satyavati, the daughter of a fisherman, was born on this day. As a result, Vyasa Purnima is another name for Guru Purnima. In Hinduism, the great sage is well renowned for splitting the Holy Vedas into four separate sections known as the Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Vedas.
After achieving enlightenment, Gautama Buddha tracked down his five old comrades, who had abandoned him in the interim while looking for the essence of life, and imparted to them the actual meaning of dharma. He transmitted his teachings and enlightened people through this.
On the day of the Asahdha month's full moon, the Buddhist sangha was thus created. It is believed that this Buddhist sangha soon attained a membership of 60. They were then dispatched by Lord Buddha in all directions in order to propagate the great Dharma word.