Significations of Guru Purnima 2023
Importance of Guru Purnima:
Guru Purnima is a Hindu festival that is celebrated annually in the month of Ashadha (June-July) on the full moon day. It is a day to honor and pay respect to one’s spiritual guru, or teacher. The word “guru” means “weighty” or “heavy,” and it is used to refer to someone who is wise and knowledgeable, and who has the ability to guide others on the path to enlightenment. Also, this day is the disappearance day of Sanatan Goswami.
Guru Purnima is popularly known as Asada Purnima. Krishna Dvaipayana Vedavyasa appeared on this day. He was an empowered (shaktya vesha) incarnation of Krishna. The great sage Parasara was his father. He divided the Vedas into four sections. He is the universal guru. All gurus are directly or indirectly his adherents. All Vedic sects belong to his discipleship. His puja is performed on this date, as one worships his own guru on his respective birth date.
Vyasa Puja in the time of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:
In Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya Sri Chaitanya Mahāprabhu introduced Vyasa puja in Srivasa Angana. Srivasa Pandita played the role of priest. He gave a garland to Nitananda Prabhu and asked him to offer it to Vyasa. But he put that garland around the neck of Mahaprabhu and offered obeisances. This has a special significance. Krishna Dvaipayana is the Vyasa (Guru) of the entire world. Nityananda is the Vyasa (Guru) of Krishna Dvaipayana, and Gauranga Mahaprabhu is Nityananda Prabhu’s Vyasa. This pastime shows that one should not only worship his own spiritual master but Vyasa also.
Worship of Vedavyas is obligatory:
On Guru Purnima Tithi it is the duty of all Sanatana Hindus to worship Vyasa.
Although all Vedic gurus are Vyasa’s adherent, particularly Vyasa should be worshipped on his birth date. Guru Puja is Nitya. Therefore one should worship his own guru first and then beg permission of worshiping Vyasa from him. When one worships the avatara, he indirectly worships the avatari too, and vice versa. This is Kaimutika Nyaya. As stated in Chaitanya Charitamrita: “avatarira dehe haya avatarera sthiti” (The avataras reside in the body of the avatari).
However, it is the rule to worship the person whose date it is. Even if you are a devotee of Krishna and it is Lord Rama’s tithi, then worship of Krishna alone is not enough. Though Krishna is in the original form and by his puja all of his expansions get satisfied. But, it is true that the puja of Rama and others should be performed on their respective dates.
“The Ultimate Guru is Srimati Radha Thakurani”
Here are some unknown facts about Guru Purnima:
- Guru Purnima is not just celebrated by Hindus. It is also celebrated by Buddhists and Jains.
- In Buddhism, Guru Purnima is known as Vaishakha Puja, and it is celebrated to commemorate the day when the Buddha gave his first sermon.
- In Jainism, Guru Purnima is known as Acharyas Puja, and it is celebrated to commemorate the day when Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, made Indrabhuti Gautam his first disciple.
- Guru Purnima is not just a day to celebrate spiritual gurus. It is also a day to celebrate secular teachers, such as parents, professors, and coaches.
- In some parts of India, Guru Purnima is celebrated as a harvest festival.
- Guru Purnima is a time for giving and receiving gifts. Traditionally, students would give their gurus offerings of flowers, fruit, and sweets. Today, people may also give their gurus books, jewelry, or other gifts.
- Guru Purnima is a time for spiritual practice. Many people will spend the day meditating, chanting, or reading sacred texts.
- Guru Purnima is a time for the community. People often gather together to celebrate Guru Purnima at temples, gurudwaras, or other religious centers.
Guru Purnima is a day to reflect on the importance of teachers and mentors in our lives. It is a time to express our gratitude for their help and to renew our commitment to following their guidance. It is also a time to celebrate the spiritual and intellectual traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Guru Purnima, take some time to reflect on the role that Guru has played in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate their guidance and support. And remember, the best way to honor a guru is to live a life that is true to their teachings.
