Guru Purnima 2024
Guru Purnima has a special significance throughout India. Guru Poornima is celebrated in India with great enthusiasm and joy. Guru Purnima is known as ‘Ashadha Purnima’ and ‘Vyas Purnima’. This year’s Gurupurnima will be celebrated on 21st July (Sunday) 2024. In Hinduism, Guru is given the same status as God.
On this auspicious day Guru’s blessings are taken and Guru is worshiped with devotion. Guru Purnima is dedicated to Maharishi Vedavyas. Because Maharishi Vedavyas was born on this day. Hence, this day is celebrated to honor and respect the Guru. Why is this Gurupurnima celebrated? And what is the history behind it? So let’s find out.
Why is Gurupurnima celebrated?
Maharishi Vedavyas is called the creator of Vedas. According to legend, Maharishi Ved Vyas was born on a full moon day in the month of Ashadha. Hence, Vedavyas’ birthday is celebrated as Gurupurnima. The tradition of celebrating this day as Guru Purnima is very old. This tradition is followed till today. Maharshi Ved Vyas composed a total of 18 Puranas including Srimad Bhagavad Gita for the welfare and enlightenment of the people.
The Mythological Tale of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima, a sacred day in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated to honor gurus, the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom who guide individuals on their spiritual journeys. The mythological tale behind this auspicious occasion is deeply rooted in the life of Sage Vyasa, one of the most revered gurus in Hindu traditions.
The Birth and Early Life of Sage Vyasa
According to Hindu mythology, on the full moon day of the Ashadha month (Guru Purnima), Sage Vyasa was born to Rishi Parashara and Satyavati, a fisherwoman’s daughter. It is said that even as a child, Vyasa displayed exceptional wisdom and a profound understanding of the Vedas.
Vyasa’s Desire for Divine Vision
Young Vyasa, filled with an unwavering devotion, expressed a deep desire to his parents to witness the divine vision of the Supreme Lord. However, his mother, Satyavati, hesitant to grant such a wish, gently declined his request.
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Vyasa’s Journey into the Forest
Undeterred by his mother’s refusal, Vyasa’s determination to achieve divine darshan remained unshaken. His persistence led to a disagreement with his mother, who ultimately instructed him to venture into the depths of the forest and engage in rigorous spiritual practices. She assured him that he could return home only when he felt an overwhelming longing for his family.
Vyasa’s Austere Penance and Attainment of Enlightenment
Embracing his mother’s guidance, Vyasa immersed himself in the solitude of the forest, dedicating himself to intense penance and meditation. His unwavering dedication and unwavering devotion gradually bore fruit, as he attained immense spiritual knowledge and enlightenment.
Vyasa’s Contributions to Hindu Literature
Blessed with profound wisdom, Vyasa embarked on a remarkable journey of literary contributions. He is credited with dividing the Vedas into four distinct parts: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. His literary prowess extended further, as he authored the epic Mahabharata, the philosophical treatise Brahmasutra, and the eighteen Puranas.
Vyasa’s Mastery of the Vedas
Sage Vyasa’s mastery over the Vedas was unparalleled. His deep understanding of these sacred texts earned him the title of “Vyasa,” meaning “the one who divides.” His contributions to Hindu literature have left an indelible mark on Indian culture and spirituality.
The Tradition of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima commemorates not only the birth of Sage Vyasa but also the initiation of the guru-shishya tradition, the sacred relationship between a guru and their disciple. It is believed that on this day, Sage Vyasa imparted his profound knowledge to his first disciple, Shukadeva. This event marked the beginning of the tradition of gurus passing down their wisdom to their disciples, ensuring the continuity of spiritual knowledge and enlightenment.
Celebrating Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is celebrated with great reverence and devotion across India. Devotees express their gratitude to their gurus through prayers, offerings, and acts of service. It is a time to reaffirm our commitment to the path of spiritual growth and seek blessings from our gurus.
The mythological story of Guru Purnima serves as a reminder of the profound impact gurus have in our lives. They illuminate the path towards self-realization, guiding us through the intricacies of spiritual growth and transformation. Guru Purnima is an opportunity to honor their selfless contributions, strengthen our connection with them, and embrace the path of enlightenment.
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