Guru Purnima 2024: Know date, timings, history, rituals, puja vidhi and significance

Guru Purnima 2024: Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashadha month. This day is dedicated to Guru Puja, where disciples honor and pay respects to their Gurus, the spiritual mentors who enlighten them with knowledge and wisdom.

Guru Purnima 2024: Date and Timings

In 2024, Guru Purnima will be observed on Sunday, July 21. The celebrations will commence at 5:57 AM and conclude at 7:09 PM on the same day. The Purnima tithi (full moon period) will start at 6 PM on July 20 and end at 3:47 PM on July 21.

Guru Purnima: History and Significance

The day marks the birth anniversary of Veda Vyasa, the revered author and a character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

In Buddhism, this day is significant as it is believed that Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon to his initial five disciples, forming the foundation of his "sangha" or community of followers.

According to Jain tradition, Guru Purnima honors Lord Mahavira, who became the Guru of his first disciple, Gautam Swami, on this day.

Guru Purnima 2024: Rituals

Hindus celebrate by chanting mantras in honor of the Maha Guru and seeking his blessings. Devotional songs and hymns are recited throughout the day, and the Guru Gita, a sacred scripture, is read. Offerings of flowers, gifts, and 'prasad' (also known as 'charanamritha') are made.

In some ashrams, sandalwood pujas are performed, believed to be dedicated to Sage Ved Vyasa. Many disciples visit their spiritual teachers, renewing their commitment to their spiritual journeys and pathways.