Guru Purnima 2024 Date and Shubh Muhurat
Guru Purnima in 2024 will be celebrated on July 21st, which is a Sunday. This special day is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which usually falls in June or July.
Guru Purnima on Sunday, July 21, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Begins – 05:59 PM on Jul 20, 2024
- Purnima Tithi Ends – 03:46 PM on Jul 21, 2024
Why is Guru Purnima Celebrated?
Guru Purnima is dedicated to honoring spiritual and academic teachers, known as gurus, who impart wisdom and knowledge. The festival commemorates the birth anniversary of the great Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and other significant Hindu texts. It is a day for disciples to express gratitude to their gurus and seek their blessings for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
How is Celebrated?
Guru Purnima is celebrated with reverence and devotion across India and in many Hindu communities worldwide.
- Puja and Offerings: Devotees perform special pujas (prayer rituals) and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to their gurus or to images of Veda Vyasa.
- Guru Dakshina: Disciples present gifts or donations (dakshina) to their gurus as a token of respect and gratitude.
- Meditation and Study: Many people spend the day engaging in meditation, reading scriptures, and reflecting on the teachings of their gurus.
- Satsangs and Discourses: Spiritual gatherings (satsangs) and discourses are organized where gurus impart teachings and wisdom to their disciples.
Puja Rituals
The rituals performed on Guru Purnima are designed to honor and show respect to the gurus.
- Abhishekam: The idols or portraits of gurus are bathed with water, milk, and other sacred substances, symbolizing purification.
- Arti and Bhajans: Devotees perform arti (a ritual of worship with light) and sing bhajans (devotional songs) in praise of their gurus.
- Chanting Mantras: Disciples recite guru mantras and shlokas (verses) to seek blessings and guidance.
- Paduka Puja: In some traditions, the sandals (padukas) of the guru are worshipped as a representation of the guru’s presence.
Best Indian Places to Visit During Guru Purnima
Several places in India are renowned for their grand Guru Purnima celebrations.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Known for its spiritual heritage, Varanasi hosts elaborate rituals and gatherings to honor gurus.
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: As a hub of yoga and spirituality, Rishikesh sees numerous satsangs and spiritual discourses on this day.
- Pune, Maharashtra: The Osho Ashram and other spiritual centers in Pune hold special events and meditation sessions.
- Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu: The Ramanashram in Tiruvannamalai is a significant place where followers of Sri Ramana Maharshi gather to pay their respects.
- Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai: Many devotees visit this temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from their spiritual guides.
Guru Purnima is a day to honor and express gratitude to the gurus who guide us on our spiritual and academic journeys. By participating in the various rituals and celebrations, we can deepen our connection with our teachers and seek their blessings for continued growth and enlightenment.
