Guru Purnima, about, history, facts, FAQs, timeline, wishing, significance, important to society, observance, date and time

### About Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is a festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. It is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains to express gratitude and reverence to their gurus. The festival falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July).

### History

The origins of Guru Purnima trace back to ancient times:

- **Hinduism:** It commemorates the day when sage Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and other significant texts, was born. He is considered one of the greatest gurus in Hindu tradition.

- **Buddhism:** It marks the day when Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath.

- **Jainism:** It honors Mahavira, who became the spiritual teacher (guru) of Gautam Swami, his first disciple.

### Facts

- **Guru Purnima is celebrated with rituals, prayers, and offerings to one's guru.**

- **Students and disciples often perform 'paduka puja' (worship of the guru's sandals).**

- **Many people observe fasts and attend satsangs (spiritual discourses).**

- **In academic institutions, the day is celebrated to honor teachers and their contributions.**

### FAQs

1. **When is Guru Purnima celebrated?**

   - It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Ashadha (June-July).

2. **Why is Guru Purnima important?**

   - It is a day to honor and express gratitude to one's teachers and spiritual guides.

3. **How is Guru Purnima celebrated?**

   - By performing rituals, offering prayers, attending satsangs, and fasting.

### Timeline

- **Ancient Times:** Celebration of Sage Vyasa's birth.

- **5th Century BCE:** Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath.

- **Historical Evolution:** Continued observance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

### Wishing

- **Traditional Greetings:** "Happy Guru Purnima" or "Guru Purnima ki Shubhkamnayein."

- **Messages:** "Thank you for guiding me on my spiritual journey. Happy Guru Purnima!"

### Significance

Guru Purnima underscores the importance of the guru in one’s life, symbolizing wisdom, enlightenment, and spiritual guidance. It reflects the bond between a teacher and disciple, emphasizing the role of a guru in shaping one’s life.

### Importance to Society

- **Education:** Highlights the value of teachers and education.

- **Spirituality:** Encourages spiritual growth and moral development.

- **Cultural Heritage:** Preserves ancient traditions and teachings.

### Observance

- **Rituals:** Performing pujas and offering prayers to gurus.

- **Fasting:** Many devotees observe fasts.

- **Discourses:** Attending spiritual discourses and satsangs.

- **Charity:** Acts of charity and service.

### Date and Time (2024)

- **Date:** July 21, 2024

- **Time:** Begins at 3:56 PM on July 20 and ends at 5:07 PM on July 21 (IST).

Guru Purnima is a day of deep significance, promoting the values of learning, respect, and spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact that teachers and spiritual guides have on our lives.