Things To Know About Guru Purnima

Introduction

It is no doubt that our life is incomplete without having a Guru or Mentor. A Guru provides us with the knowledge, guidance, and path we need to follow to achieve success. Children, especially, need a Guru in their lives as they are the future of our society. Guru Purnima is a special day to honour and thank our Gurus for their selfless contributions. This blog will discuss Guru Purnima and what your child needs to know about it. 

What is Guru Purnima?

Guru Purnima is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the full moon day in the month of Ashadh (June-July). The word ‘Guru’ means teacher or priest, and ‘Purnima’ means full moon. Guru Purnima  is also known as Vyasa Purnima, as it is believed that this was the day when Ved Vyasa, the author of Mahabharata, was born. Guru Purnima is a day to show gratitude towards our Gurus who have imparted knowledge and wisdom to us. It is also a day to remember Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.

The story behind Guru Purnima

The story behind Guru Purnima is associated with Lord Siva. On this day,  Lord Siva is said to have imparted the knowledge of yoga and meditation to his disciple, Guru Purnimantaka. Guru Purnima is also significant for Buddhists as it is believed that Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath after enlightenment on this day.

The Significance Of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is a day to celebrate the Guru-Shishya relationship – the relationship between a teacher and their disciple. It is also a day to show gratitude towards our Gurus, who have imparted knowledge and wisdom. It is also a day to remember Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism.

On this day, Guru Nanak Dev Ji used to take a bath early in the morning and offer prayers to God. He would then sit under a tree and give a discourse to his disciples.

How is Guru Purnima celebrated?

Guru Purnima is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. In Maharashtra, Guru Purnima is known as ‘Ashadi Pournima’, and celebrations begin a week before the festival with the worship of Lord Dattatreya. On Guru Purnima day, people offer puja to their Gurus and take their blessings. In North India, Guru  Purnima is known as ‘Vyasa Pournima’ and is celebrated to honour Guru Vyasa, the author of Mahabharata. People take a holy dip in River Ganga on this day and offer puja to Guru Vyasa.

Things your child needs to know about Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is a special day to honour our Gurus and thank them for their guidance and teachings. Here are some things your child needs to know about Guru Purnima:

• Guru Purnima is also known as ‘Vyasa Pournima’ and is celebrated to honour Guru Vyasa, the author of Mahabharata. 

• Guru Purnima is celebrated in different parts of India in different ways. In Maharashtra, Guru Purnima is known as ‘Ashadi Pournima’, and celebrations begin a week before the festival with the worship of Lord Dattatreya. Whereas in  Tamil Nadu, Guru Purnima is celebrated as ‘Adi Guru Poornima’; on this day, people offer puja to Guru Vyasa. 

• Guru Purnima is also considered a day of thanksgiving. We should thank our Gurus for their guidance and teachings. 

• On Guru Purnima, people also exchange Guru Mantras with each other. 

• Guru Purnima is an important festival for Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus believe that on this day, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Vyasa to write Mahabharata. At the same time, Buddhists believe that on this day, Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath. 

• Guru Purnima is also known as ‘Vyasa Purnima’, ‘Adi Guru Poornima’ and ‘Maha Guru Poornima’. 

• Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Ashadh (June – July).

How can children celebrate Guru Purnima?

• Children can celebrate Guru Purnima by doing Guru Puja. Guru Puja is the worship of the Guru. 

• On Guru Purnima, children can make cards and write poems for their Gurus. 

• They can also gift books, chocolates or anything their Guru would like. 

• Children can also participate in Guru Purnima celebrations at their local temple or community centre.

• It can also be a time for children to reflect on their Guru’s teachings and how they can apply them in their lives. 

• Guru Purnima is also a day to show gratitude towards our Gurus, who have imparted knowledge and wisdom to us. We can do this by following their teachings in our everyday lives.

• Children can also take Guru Purnima as an opportunity to learn more about their Guru and the Guru-shishya tradition. Do read books, watch videos about Guru Purnima, or listen to stories about Gurus. 

Conclusion

Guru Purnima is a special day to remember and honour our Gurus, who have imparted knowledge and wisdom to us. We can show our gratitude by following their teachings in our everyday lives. Guru Purnima is also a day to learn more about the Guru-shishya tradition and how we can apply its principles in our lives.

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