The Beginning of Guru Purnima Celebration
Guru Purnima 2024 will be celebrated on Sunday, July 21. This auspicious festival is linked to Maharishi Ved Vyas Ji, whose life and contributions hold great importance in Hindu traditions. On this day, disciples worship their Gurus, seek their blessings, and offer Guru Dakshina as a token of respect and gratitude.
Importance of the Guru in Sanatan Dharma
In Sanatan Dharma, the Guru is revered as equivalent to God. It is through the Guru’s teachings that one attains devotion to God. This year, Guru Purnima falls on July 21. According to the Hindu calendar, this festival is celebrated on the full moon day of Ashadha Shukla Purnima. But why is the Guru worshipped on this specific day? There is a significant story behind this tradition.
The Story of Maharishi Ved Vyas
Maharishi Krishna Dwaipayana Ved Vyas, the author of one of the Hindu epics, the Mahabharata, was born on Ashadha Shukla Purnima. Ved Vyas Ji was the son of Maharishi Parashara and Mata Satyavati. On his birth anniversary, his disciples began the tradition of worshipping the Guru and offering Guru Dakshina.
Since then, it has become customary for disciples to worship their Gurus on this day. They offer prayers at the feet of their Gurus, give Guru Dakshina, and receive blessings. This day is also known as Vyas Purnima in honor of Ved Vyas Ji.
How to Receive the Guru’s Blessings
The festival of Guru Purnima is of great significance to those who follow the path shown by their Guru and achieve success. On this day, disciples honor their Gurus by offering garlands and worshipping their feet. They present Guru Dakshina along with a coconut and seek blessings.
Disciples also observe fasts on Guru Purnima. Those who have received initiation and mantras from their Gurus chant these mantras. Donating to temples and the needy on this day is also considered highly beneficial and a way to receive the Guru’s grace. This day is not only for honoring spiritual Gurus but also for paying respect to anyone who has guided you in life.
The Devotion of Maharishi Ved Vyas
From a young age, Maharishi Krishna Dwaipayana Ved Vyas was devoted to God. He expressed his desire to meditate in the forest to his parents, Maharishi Parashara and Mata Satyavati. Concerned about his safety in the dense forest, his mother initially refused to let him go. However, Ved Vyas Ji assured his mother that he would be safe and emphasized that he needed to meditate to have a vision of God.
After much persuasion, Mata Satyavati agreed to let him go. With his parents’ blessings, Ved Vyas Ji went into the forest, where he meditated rigorously for many years and gained profound knowledge. During his time in the forest, he memorized the four Vedas. His path of knowledge led him to spread the glory of God.
Contributions of Maharishi Ved Vyas
After his meditative years, Ved Vyas Ji authored the great epic, the Mahabharata. He also composed the Brahma Sutras and 18 Puranas. His vast knowledge and writings earned him the status of a revered Guru. Reading his religious texts leads to spiritual advancement. His disciples began worshipping him on his birth anniversary, Ashadha Shukla Purnima, marking the beginning of Guru Puja.
