Visual by: Pallab Neog
Article by Puja Mahanta, The North-Eastern Chronicle
Guru Purnima (Poornima) is a Karma Yoga-based custom honouring all spiritual and intellectual Gurus who are developed or enlightened individuals willing to give their expertise without expecting anything in return. Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists all commemorate it as a holiday in India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Purpose of the event
The purpose of this event is to honour one’s chosen spiritual instructors or leaders. In the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July). Mahatma Gandhi resurrected the event to honour his spiritual mentor, Shrimad Rajchandra. Vyasa Purnima commemorates the birth of Veda Vyasa, the sage who wrote the Mahabharata and collated the Vedas.
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Guru Poornima is commemorated by spiritual activities, which may include a ceremonial ceremony called Guru Pooja in honour of the Guru; that is, the instructors.
On Guru Purnima, the Guru Principle is believed to be a thousand times more active than on any other day. The words gu and ru are combined to form the term Guru.
The Sanskrit root gu signifies the removal of that darkness, whereas ru denotes the remover of that ignorance. As a result, a Guru is one who dispels the gloom of our ignorance. Many people consider gurus to be the most important aspect of life. On this day, followers worship or pay homage to their Guru by doing pooja (worship) (spiritual guide).
Significance in India
This event is significant for Indian academics and scholars, in addition to its religious significance. Academics in India commemorate this day by honouring their professors and commemorating previous instructors and intellectuals.
On this day, Buddhists celebrate uposatha, or the observance of eight commandments. On this day, Vipassana meditators practise meditation under the supervision of their masters.
The rainy season, also known as varsha vassa, begins on this day and lasts for three lunar months, from July to October. During this period, Buddhist monks like to congregate in a single location, usually their temples.
Monks devote the Vassa to rigorous meditation at certain monasteries. Many Buddhist laypeople renew their spiritual training and embrace more austere habits during Vassa, such as abstaining from meat, drink, or smoking.
Treenok Guha Purnima is a major day in Nepalese schools. For Nepalese, especially students, today is Teacher’s Day. Students celebrate their instructors by presenting them with sweets, garlands, and topi, which are unique caps made from indigenous cloth.
Students frequently arrange fanfares at schools to honour teachers’ efforts. It is seen as a fantastic chance to strengthen the teacher-student relationship.
Indian academics, regardless of their faith, commemorate this day by appreciating their professors. Students honour their instructors and memorialise former scholars at many schools, colleges, and institutions.
Alumni pay a visit to their professors and present them with presents as a token of appreciation. Mahanam Angan, a temple in Kolkata, celebrates Guru Purnima.
Not only should the Guru of Guru Purnima be revered, but so should the family’s elders. It is extremely important to serve the Gurus as much as possible on this holy day of Guru Purnima. As a result, this event must be observed with zeal. On Guru Purnima day, in the evening, a ghee lamp should be lighted near the Tulsi plant.
On this day, only satvik cuisine should be consumed. Foods having tamasic inclinations, such as meat and wine, should be avoided at all costs.
