All About Guru Purnima 2024: Significance, History, and the Best Gifts to Show Respect

What is Guru Purnima? Guru Purnima Meaning In English

Guru Purnima 2024: Translates literally to “Full Moon of the Guru” and is a significant festival observed in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Here’s a breakdown of its meaning and importance:

Meaning:

• Guru: In Sanskrit, “Guru” means “dispeller of darkness” or “one who removes ignorance.” It refers to a spiritual teacher, guide, or mentor who helps a student on their journey towards knowledge and enlightenment.
• Purnima: “Purnima” means “full moon” in Sanskrit. Full moon days are considered auspicious in Hinduism and mark important festivals.

Guru Purnima 2024: Date, Time & Tithi

• Guru Purnima on Sunday, July 21, 2024
• Purnima Tithi Begin – 05:59pm on July 20, 2024
• Purnima Tithi End – 03:46pm on July 21, 2024

Guru mantra in Hindi & Meaning in English For Guru Purnima 2024

Here are two popular Guru mantras in Hindi for Guru Purnima, along with their meaning in English:

1. Om Guruve Namah (ॐ गुरुवे नमः)

• Meaning: This is a simple and powerful mantra that translates to “I bow to the Guru.” It expresses reverence and gratitude towards all Gurus in your life.

2. Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwaraha Gurur Saakshaat Parabra Brahma Tasmai Sri Gurave Namah (गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णु गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः। गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरुवे नमः।)

• Meaning: This is a longer mantra that elevates the Guru to the status of the divine. It translates to:

“The Guru is Brahma (creator), the Guru is Vishnu (preserver), the Guru is Shiva (destroyer). The Guru is the embodiment of the supreme Brahman. I bow to that Guru.”

The history of Guru Purnima? Why it’s celebrated?

The history of Guru Purnima stems from a confluence of traditions and beliefs, making it a rich and multifaceted celebration. Here’s a breakdown of the origin stories:

• Vedic Hindu Tradition: Celebrates the sage Ved Vyasa, considered one of the greatest gurus in ancient Hinduism. Tradition holds that he was born on this day and also began writing the Brahma Sutras, a foundational philosophical text.
• Yogic Tradition: Believes this day marks the moment Lord Shiva became the first guru. He is said to have transmitted yogic knowledge to the Saptarishis (seven sages) for the first time on this full moon.
• Buddhist Tradition: Observed as the day Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. This sermon laid the foundation for Buddhist teachings.
• Jain Tradition: Believed to be the day Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara (spiritual leader) in Jainism, gained his first follower.

While the specific reasons for celebrating Guru Purnima differ, the core message remains consistent: reverence for teachers and the importance of the Guru-Shishya tradition.

Importance of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima holds significance across various religions and spiritual paths in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Here’s a breakdown of its importance:

• Honoring Teachers: It’s a day dedicated to expressing deep respect and gratitude to all Gurus in one’s life. These Gurus could be spiritual teachers, academic teachers, mentors, or anyone who has imparted knowledge and guidance.
• Celebrating Knowledge & Learning: The day serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from a Guru. The Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) relationship is considered sacred, and Guru Purnima strengthens this bond.
• Spiritual Growth: For those on a spiritual path, Guru Purnima is a time for reflection and introspection. It’s an opportunity to recommit oneself to one’s spiritual practice and teachings received from the Guru.

Who celebrated the Guru Purnima? How it’s celebrated?

Guru Purnima is celebrated with a variety of practices and traditions, depending on the specific religion or spiritual path someone follows. Here’s a breakdown of how and who celebrates:

General Celebrations:

• Respect for Teachers: Across religions, Guru Purnima is a day to show respect and gratitude to teachers and mentors. This can be done through:
  • Offering gifts or cards
  • Performing puja (worship rituals) dedicated to Gurus
  • Chanting mantras
  • Simply expressing thanks verbally or in writing

Who Celebrates:

• Religious Followers: Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs (though not a major festival for Sikhs) all celebrate Guru Purnima.
• Students: Students of all ages and disciplines express gratitude to their teachers, professors, or academic mentors.
• General Public: Even those without a specific religious affiliation might observe the day by showing respect to teachers and acknowledging the importance of knowledge.

Some Best Gifts for Guru Purnima 2024?

Choosing the perfect gift for your Guru on Guru Purnima depends on their interests and your budget. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Traditional Gifts:
  • Puja Items: If your Guru is religious, they might appreciate puja items like incense sticks, dhoop (aromatic resin), lamps, or a beautiful murti (idol) of their favorite deity. Sish Desi Puja Items

Scriptures & Books: A religious book or scripture related to their faith or a book on philosophy or self-improvement can be a thoughtful gift.

Sweets & Dry Fruits: A box of delicious traditional Indian sweets or a basket of healthy dry fruits is always a crowd-pleaser.

Handmade Gluten Free Healthy Snacks: A delicious & nutritious handmade healthy snacks can make the health more joyful. Sish Desi Handmade Gluten-Free Snacks.

Handmade Gifts: A handmade card expressing your gratitude or a small craft item you made yourself can be a meaningful and personal gift.

Experiences:

• Donate to Charity: Donate to a charity of their choice in their name. This is a great way to show your Guru that you care about the causes they support.
• Class or Workshop: If your Guru enjoys learning new things, consider gifting them a class or workshop related to their interests, such as yoga, meditation, or cooking.
• Spa Day or Retreat: Help your Guru relax and de-stress with a spa day or a weekend retreat at a peaceful location.

Personalized Gifts:

• Photo frame or Album: A photo frame or album filled with pictures of you and your Guru is a sentimental gift they will cherish.
• Guru Themed Gifts: You can find a variety of Guru-themed gifts online or in stores, such as mugs, t-shirts, or jewelry with inspirational quotes.

No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that your gift comes from the heart and expresses your sincere gratitude for your Guru’s guidance and teachings.