Guru Purnima 2024: Date, Timings, History, Rituals and Significance
Guru Purnima, a revered and devout occasion, is joyfully celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha, marking a momentous day in various spiritual customs, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. This sacred day serves as a heartfelt tribute to the spiritual mentors, or gurus, who have selflessly guided individuals on their profound quest for spiritual growth. Within this article, we explore the essence of Guru Purnima, delving into its historical and cultural roots, as well as the sacred practices intertwined with this auspicious day.
Guru Purnima 2024 Date in India: 21st July, Sunday
Guru Purnima 2024 Overview
| Festival Name | Guru Purnima |
| Meaning | Guru Worship on a summer full moon day |
| Observed by | Jain, Hindu devotees & Buddhist disciples in Bhutan, India and Nepal |
| Type | National, religious, cultural |
| Significance | To express gratitude towards spiritual teachers |
| Celebrations | Worship of Guru and temple visit |
| Observances | Guru Puja |
Guru Purnima 2024 India Calendar
Celebrate Guru Purnima 2024 with this special India Calendar; featuring a unique design for each month and special cultural highlights.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 |
| 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | 31 |
Guru Purnima 2024 Time in India
Guru Purnima, a significant spiritual celebration, is set to take place on Sunday, July 21, 2024. The auspicious Purnima Tithi, a lunar day known for its fullness and abundance, will commence at 05:59 PM on July 20, 2024, and conclude at 03:46 PM on July 21, 2024. This sacred occasion is marked by devotees paying homage to their gurus, expressing gratitude for their wisdom and guidance. It is a time of deep reverence, where disciples gather to honor their spiritual teachers and seek their blessings for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
When is Guru Purnima 2024?
| Guru Purnima 2023 Date | Monday, 3 July |
| Guru Purnima 2024 Date | Sunday, 21 July |
| Guru Purnima 2025 Date | Thursday, 10 July |
| Guru Purnima 2026 Date | Wednesday, 29 July |
Significance of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is a day dedicated to paying homage to gurus, who are considered the guiding lights in one’s spiritual journey. The word “guru” is derived from Sanskrit, where “gu” means darkness and “ru” means remover. Thus, a guru is believed to be someone who dispels the darkness of ignorance and leads their disciples towards enlightenment. On this day, disciples express their gratitude and respect towards their gurus for imparting knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual guidance.
Story of Guru Purnima Festival
The origins of Guru Purnima can be traced back to ancient times. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva, the supreme deity, became the first guru or Adi Guru on this day. He transmitted his profound knowledge to his disciples, known as the Saptarishis or the Seven Sages. This event marked the beginning of the guru-disciple tradition.
Additionally, Guru Purnima has deep roots in Buddhism. It is believed that Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon on this day at Sarnath in India. The sermon, known as Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, laid the foundation of the Buddhist teachings, known as the Dharma.
In Jainism, Guru Purnima holds significance as it commemorates the day when Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, made Indrabhuti Gautam his first disciple. This event marked the beginning of the Jain tradition of spiritual teachers.
Observances of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is observed in various ways across different spiritual traditions. Devotees wake up early and begin the day with meditation and prayers. They visit temples, ashrams, or monasteries to seek blessings from their gurus. Many disciples offer flowers, fruits, or other symbolic offerings to their spiritual teachers as a token of gratitude.
Discourses and spiritual talks are organized on this day, where gurus share their wisdom and insights with their disciples. These gatherings provide an opportunity for seekers to deepen their understanding of spiritual teachings and gain clarity on their path.
In some places, disciples observe a fast on Guru Purnima as a mark of devotion. The fast is broken only after receiving blessings from their gurus. This practice symbolizes the disciple’s commitment to discipline and self-control.
Essence of Guru-Disciple Relationship
The guru-disciple relationship is considered sacred and profound. The guru is seen as a spiritual guide who not only imparts knowledge but also helps the disciple in their personal growth and transformation. The disciple, on the other hand, is expected to be sincere, humble, and receptive to the teachings of the guru.
The relationship between a guru and disciple is built on trust, respect, and unconditional love. The guru provides guidance, support, and encouragement to the disciple, while the disciple learns and implements the teachings in their life. This bond extends beyond the physical presence of the guru and continues to influence the disciple even after the guru has left the mortal realm.
Happy Guru Purnima 2024 Wishes
- May the light of knowledge and the blessings of your gurus illuminate your path and lead you to success and happiness. Wishing you a joyous Guru Purnima!
- Today, I honor and thank all the teachers and gurus who have shaped my life and guided me towards the right path. Happy Guru Purnima!
- On the occasion of Guru Purnima, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to all the teachers who have inspired me and instilled in me the love for learning. Thank you for being my guiding light!
- May the divine blessings of your gurus empower you with knowledge, wisdom, and inner peace. Happy Guru Purnima to you and your loved ones!
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