Guru Purnima is a highly revered festival in Hinduism that honors the sacred relationship between the Guru (teacher) and the Shishya (disciple). Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Ashadha, it is also known as Vyas Purnima and Veda Purnima.
Date and Timings for Guru Purnima 2025:
- Purnima Tithi Begins: July 10, 2025, at 01:36 AM
- Purnima Tithi Ends: July 11, 2025, at 02:06 AM
Auspicious Timings (Muhurat):
- Brahma Muhurat: 04:10 AM – 04:50 AM
- Morning Sandhya: 04:30 AM – 05:31 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:59 AM – 12:54 PM
- Vijay Muhurat: 02:45 PM – 03:40 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat: 07:21 PM – 07:41 PM
- Evening Sandhya: 07:22 PM – 08:23 PM
- Amrit Kaal: 12:55 AM (July 11) – 02:35 AM (July 11)
- Nishita Muhurat: 12:06 AM (July 11) – 12:47 AM (July 11)
Religious Significance of Guru Purnima:
Guru Purnima is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maharishi Ved Vyasa, who is credited with compiling the four Vedas and writing the Mahabharata. For this unparalleled contribution, he is revered as the first Guru.
On this sacred day, disciples express gratitude and devotion to their gurus for guiding them from ignorance to enlightenment. In Hindu philosophy, the Guru is placed even above God, as it is through the Guru that one can attain spiritual wisdom and liberation.
Rituals and Worship on Guru Purnima:
- Wake up early in the Brahma Muhurat and take a holy bath. If visiting a sacred river is not possible, mix Ganga water in your bath water and meditate upon the holy rivers while bathing.
- Light a lamp in your home temple.
- Observing a fast (vrat) on this day is considered highly auspicious.
- Perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of deities with Ganga water.
- Worship Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, which holds special significance on this day.
- Offer satvik (pure vegetarian) food to Lord Vishnu. Do not forget to include Tulsi (holy basil), as it is believed that Lord Vishnu does not accept offerings without it.
- Perform Aarti of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and chant their names with devotion.
- Offer special prayers to Maharishi Ved Vyasa and remember his contributions.
- Meditate on and pay respect to your personal Guru or spiritual teacher.
- Worship the Moon after moonrise. Offering water (Arghya) to the Moon on this day is believed to eliminate doshas (flaws) and negative influences.
- Engage in charity and help the needy, as acts of kindness bring spiritual merit on this day.
Conclusion:
Guru Purnima is a time for introspection, gratitude, and spiritual growth. It reminds us of the irreplaceable role a Guru plays in shaping one’s life through wisdom and discipline. On this sacred occasion, pay homage to your Guru, follow their teachings, and walk the path of knowledge and virtue.