Guru Purnima Date 2023 in India

Guru Purnima Date Calendar 2023 in India

Guru Purnima 2023 in India is observed on the full moon date of the Hindu month Ashadha. The Guru (teacher or mentor) is worshiped On this day. A guru is a person who carries us out to the light from the darkness by inspiring us with wisdom. This festival is commemorated with complete belief and sentiments throughout the country.

Guru Purnima is a significant festival celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains to honor and express gratitude towards their spiritual teachers or gurus. Observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July), this auspicious day holds great importance in the lives of devotees who seek spiritual enlightenment. The festival not only pays homage to the gurus but also serves as a reminder of the invaluable role they play in shaping individuals’ lives. Let us delve deeper into the significance and customs associated with Guru Purnima.

Guru Purnima Muhurat Time 2023

The best Guru Purnima muhurat is during the Purnima Tithi through the first 3 muhurats after sunrise. Without Purnima’s 3 Muhurats after sunrise, celebrations cannot take place on the earlier day.

Celebrate the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima on the splendid day of Monday, July 3, 2023. Delight in the divine Guru Purnima Muhurat of 2023, which commences at 08:21 PM on July 2, 2023, and concludes at 05:08 PM on July 3, 2023. Embrace this celestial event with reverence and gratitude.

Guru Purnima Puja Vidhi 2023

1. You are advised to wake up early and conduct daily routine tasks like bathing, Puja, etc.; and wear good clothes on this day.
2. Then, offer flowers and garlands to Vyasa Ji, and then see your own Guru.
3. Offer some garland to your guru as well.
4. Then, you are supposed to offer clothes, fruits, flowers, garland, and Dakshina or money to your Guru; and take their blessings on this auspicious day.

The Significance of Guru Purnima

As per the spiritual significance- Guru Purnima marks the birth of Ved Vyasa, the renowned sage who edited the Vedas and divided them into four. Also, he wrote the Puranas which is deemed as the ‘fifth Veda’ and the Mahabharata. Prayers reach the Mahaguru instantly and his blessings avoid darkness and ignorance from your life on this day. As per Buddhism- Gautam Budhha provided his first sermon or teaching to his foremost five disciples after he relocated from Bodhgaya to Sarnath. The ‘Sangha’ or the community of his disciples.

In Jainism, on this day- Lord Mahavira became the ‘Guru’ to his first disciple Gautam Swami and the day is marked as the venerate Mahavira. Besides, this day is of the greatest importance to farmers and they worship God and demand adequate rainfall for the next harvest season. Many people start their spiritual lessons on this day which is known as ‘Diksha’. In addition, many students of Indian classical music pay tribute to their music ‘gurus’. And, then repeat the guru-shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition).

Guru Purnima holds immense significance in various spiritual traditions. The word “guru” is derived from Sanskrit, where “gu” means darkness, and “ru” signifies the removal of darkness. Therefore, a guru is considered a spiritual guide who leads individuals from ignorance to knowledge, from darkness to light. This festival is an opportunity for disciples to express their gratitude and reverence towards their gurus for their wisdom, teachings, and guidance.

Customs and Rituals of Guru Purnima

1. Paying Homage: On Guru Purnima, devotees gather at temples, ashrams, or community centers to pay homage to their gurus. They offer flowers, fruits, and other symbolic items as a mark of respect and gratitude. The guru’s feet are often washed as a sign of humility and devotion.

2. Satsang: Satsang refers to a gathering where disciples come together to listen to the teachings of their guru. It is an opportunity for seekers to learn from the wisdom and experiences shared by their spiritual guides. Satsangs are held on Guru Purnima to commemorate the importance of knowledge and its transmission.

3. Discourse and Meditation: Many gurus deliver discourses on this day, sharing their insights and teachings with their disciples. These discourses often focus on the significance of a guru in one’s spiritual journey and the importance of self-realization. Disciples engage in meditation practices to deepen their connection with their gurus and seek inner peace.

4. Offerings and Seva: Devotees often make offerings to their gurus, such as clothes, books, or financial contributions, as a token of appreciation. Additionally, they engage in seva (selfless service) by volunteering at ashrams or participating in charitable activities, reflecting the teachings of their gurus in action.

Guru-Disciple Relationship

The relationship between a guru and disciple is considered sacred and profound. The guru acts as a spiritual mentor, guiding the disciple on the path of self-realization and enlightenment. The disciple, in turn, shows unwavering faith, trust, and obedience towards the guru. This relationship is built on mutual respect, love, and a shared commitment to spiritual growth.

The guru imparts knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual practices to the disciple, helping them overcome obstacles and attain higher levels of consciousness. The disciple, on the other hand, offers their sincere dedication, loyalty, and willingness to learn. This bond between the guru and disciple is believed to be instrumental in the disciple’s spiritual evolution.

The Universal Significance of Guru Purnima

While Guru Purnima is predominantly celebrated in Hinduism, its essence transcends religious boundaries. The concept of a spiritual guide exists in various cultures and traditions worldwide. Whether it is a guru in Hinduism, a spiritual teacher in Buddhism, or a master in Sufism, the presence of a mentor is crucial for seekers on their spiritual path.

Guru Purnima serves as a reminder of the universal importance of guidance and mentorship in one’s journey towards self-realization. It emphasizes the need for seekers to find a spiritual guide who can provide them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to navigate the complexities of life and attain spiritual enlightenment.

This day is also understood as Vyasa Purnima and is commemorated as the birth anniversary of Veda Vyasa, the author and a personality in the Vedic magnum opus Mahabharata. It is marked on the Full Moon day (Purnima) and in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July). The festival was restored by Mahatma Gandhi to pay homage to his spiritual guru, Shrimad Rajchandra.

The day of Guru Purnima is also advantageous to carry out yogic sadhana and meditation. This festival is traditionally commemorated to honor one’s selected spiritual teachers or leaders.

Guru Purnima defines the date on which Lord Shiva as the Adi Guru or authentic guru introduced the seven rishis who were the visionaries of the Vedas. Thus, lord Shiva is worshipped on this day.