Guru Purnima, also called Vyasa Puja, is celebrated on the first full moon of the Ashada month (June-July) of the Hindu Calendar. This day is commemorated in honour of the Guru (teacher), who guides the disciples and expels the darkness by taking them from ignorance to knowledge. It is called Vyasa Puja as the sage is considered the first and foremost Guru as per Hinduism, and hence it is celebrated as Vyasa Purnima or Guru Purnima. Guru Purnima 2024 falls on July 24.
Guru Purnima Date and Time
The Vyasa Purnima, or Guru Purnima, falls on the 24th of July, 2024. For the Puja to be conducted, the Purnima Thithi must pass through three Muhurats after the sun rises. If the Purnima day is less than 3 Muhurats after the sun rises, the festival takes place on the previous day. However, this year there is no such complication, and Guru Purnima is celebrated on 3rd July after sunrise.
Significance of Guru Purnima
Veda Vyasa was a great personality in ancient times. He is the author of the Mahabharatha, Brahma Sutra, Shrimad Bhagvat, and other Puranas. It is said that this great sage was born on Ashadha Purnima, and hence this day is celebrated. Veda Vyasa was the son of a sage named Parashara and was well-versed in the past, present, and future (Trikala Gnani). He is said to have seen the future through his divine eyes and saw that people had no interest in religion. Because of that, he saw that humans would have no or less belief in God, avoid their responsibilities, and also die sooner. So he thought that such people could not process the entire Vedas easily, and hence he divided them into four parts; Rigvedam, Atharvaveda, Samaveda, and Yajurveda.
After that, he took the name Veda Vyasa. He later transferred the Vedic knowledge to his students, Jaimin Vashampayana, Pail, and Sumantumni. Veda Vyasa created a fifth Veda called the Puranas as the Vedic knowledge was difficult and he explained it through interesting stories. He transferred the knowledge of the Puranas to his students, who further divided them into various branches. Due to his preachings and teachings, he is called the first Guru. The festival Guru Purnima is celebrated as the birthday of Veda Vyasa and is hence also called Guru Purnima.
The term Guru is derived by combining two words, Gu, which means ignorance, and Ru, which means overcoming ignorance. As per Hindu tradition, parents may give birth to a child, but it is the Guru who enlightens them, so the scriptures say that people should worship their Guru (teacher) as God. So on this day, the Gurus (teachers) become Veda Vyasa, and people worship their Gurus as God.
What are the rituals conducted?
Guru Purnima is a special day not just for Hindus but also for Buddhists and Jains. Many Hindus associate the day with the worship of Vishnu and perform fasts on this day. People who are on a fast on this day refrain from eating salt, pulses, cereals, and non-vegetarian foods. Many go on a complete fast and do not consume anything. Special poojas are conducted, and the Vishnu Sahasranama is chanted. People visit their teachers and seek their blessings on this auspicious day. Buddhist devotees conduct the annual Uposatha, where people start the ascetic life on this day.
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