Guru Purnima
Our saints have allocated the month’s most special day, Purnima (full moon) in the
month of Ashadr, as Guru Purnima or Vyas Purnima.
The meaning of Guru is one who removes (Ru) darkness (Gu) from our lives. Devotees
worship their Guru on this particular day in recognition of him showing the light to his
shishya (disciples).
Guru Purnima is also known as Vyas Purnima because it was on this day
Ved Vyas-ji
started reciting the holy Granths for the benefit of humanity.
It was the great Ved Vyas-ji who classified the Vedas, wrote the 18
Puranas including
the Srimad Bhagavatamand the Mahabharata. He even is said to have
taught the
Guru of Gurus Avadhuta Dattatreya. We are all indebted to Ved Vyas-ji.
The importance of the Guru-shishya relationship is fundamental to the
progress of the
spiritual aspirant. All of our great preceptors themselves have had Gurus.
Even Lord Krishna – whom we call Jagatguru (Guru of the whole Cosmos) – deemed it
necessary to have his Guru Sandipani during his time in Vrindhavan.
Sri Ram had two Gurus – Vasishta Muni, being his Kul Guru (ancestral Guru), and
Vishwamitra whom he adopted as Guru while away from home, on the advice of his
Kul Guru.
It is often accepted that Guru Brihashpati is the main Guru of all Devis and Devtas. If
our Gods find it necessary to have a Guru then it surely must be necessary for humans
too.
The Guru shines a light on the spiritual path and guides the shishya towards moksha
(liberation), helping them to avoid pitfalls and giving them the knowledge and power to
cope with difficulties and progress on their path.
Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheswara
Guru Sakshat Para Brahma Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha
The Guru is none other than the creator, Lord Brahma;
he verily is Lord Vishnu, the preserver, and he is truly Maheshwara,
the destroyer. He is the supreme Brahman himself.
To such a Guru I offer my salutations.
Pandit-ji’s recommendations for fasting on Guru Purnima:
- Normal Purnima fasts apply - Nirjal if possible or if not then stay on fruits and milk only.
- Guru Purnima is the best time to remember your Guru and make offerings to him.
- On this day one should also chant at least one mala (108) of Guru mantra and or Gayatri mantra.
- If you have not received Guru Diksha this is the day to ask God to help you seek the perfect spiritual master for yourself.