Guru Purnima 2026 Today: Guru Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashadha month, is a highly significant festival in the Sanatan tradition. Today, this festival is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. This day is considered an occasion to express reverence, respect, and gratitude towards one's Guru. According to religious beliefs, Maharshi Vedavyasa was born on this very day. He bestowed an invaluable treasure of knowledge upon humanity by classifying the four Vedas, composing the Mahabharata, and compiling the 18 Puranas. For this reason, he is revered as 'Adi-Guru' (the primordial teacher), and 'Vyasa Puja' is performed on this day. Let us explore the significance of Guru Purnima and the reasons behind its celebration...

Religious Significance of Guru Purnima
In Indian culture, the Guru is accorded a status even higher than that of God. The Guru is the divine force that dispels the darkness of ignorance and illuminates the path with the light of knowledge. In the Upanishads and the Guru tradition, the Guru is described as worthy of worship, akin to the Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The famous 'Guru Mantra'—*Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwarah*—reflects the supreme position held by the Guru. It is believed that attaining spiritual wisdom and *Moksha* (liberation) is difficult without the guidance of a Guru. From a spiritual perspective, Guru Purnima is a festival of introspection, self-purification, and the acquisition of knowledge. This day is not limited merely to honoring teachers; it is also an opportunity to express gratitude towards all those individuals who have shown us the right direction in life.

Why is Guru Purnima Celebrated?
According to ancient legends, the great sage Maharshi Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa—also known as Vedavyasa—was born on the full moon day of Ashadha. He is the revered author of the Mahabharata, the Shrimad Bhagavata, and the 18 Puranas. Maharshi Vedavyasa is regarded as the 'Adi-Guru' because he introduced humanity to the Vedas and Puranas. Consequently, the full moon day of Ashadha is known as both Guru Purnima and Vyasa Purnima.

Lord Shiva as the *Adi-Guru* (Primal Guru)
Guru Purnima is also associated with Mahadev—the God of Gods. Lord Shiva is revered as the first Guru, or *Adi-Guru*. According to ancient scriptures, it was on this sacred day that Lord Shiva imparted knowledge of the entire universe—including Yoga and Tantra—to the *Saptarishis* (the seven great sages) who were deeply engrossed in penance. Thus, assuming the role of a Guru, Shiva imparted wisdom to his disciples, liberating them from ignorance and inspiring them to work for the welfare of society.

Rituals for Worshipping the Guru
On Guru Purnima, bathe early in the morning and wear clean clothes. Place a portrait or the *Charan-Paduka* (symbolic footwear) of your Guru or Maharshi Vedavyasa at the place of worship. Light a lamp and offer sandalwood paste, *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains), flowers, fruits, and *Naivedya* (sacred food offering). Chant the Guru Mantra or the *'Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu...'* shloka; if your Guru is physically present, touch their feet to seek blessings. Depending on your devotion, you may also donate items such as clothing, books, food grains, or *Dakshina* (a voluntary offering).

Serving the Guru on Guru Purnima
Serving the Guru, participating in *Satsang* (spiritual discourse), chanting, meditation, and performing acts of charity on Guru Purnima bring blessings of wisdom, discernment, and spiritual growth. This is why the festival is considered the most significant and inspiring celebration of the *Guru-Shishya* (teacher-disciple) tradition in Indian culture. In Yoga, Vedanta, and various spiritual traditions, Guru Purnima is regarded as an extremely auspicious day to commence spiritual practice (*Sadhana*) and seek the Guru's blessings.

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