Ashadha Purnima
Also called: Guru Purnima, Vyasa Purnima
Celebrated as Guru Purnima and Vyasa Purnima, honoring Sage Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, who compiled the four Vedas, composed the Mahabharata and eighteen Mahapuranas, and structured the Brahma Sutras. Disciples honor their spiritual preceptors, teachers, and mentors.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Shukla Paksha
- Lunar month
- Ashadha
- Deities
- Sage Veda Vyasa, Spiritual Gurus, Lord Shiva (Dakshinamurti)
The story
Ancient texts record this day as the birth anniversary of Sage Vyasa and the day he began composing the Brahma Sutras. In Buddhist tradition, it marks the day Buddha delivered his first sermon, turning the wheel of Dharma (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) at Sarnath.
Practices
- Performing Padapuja (worship of the guru's feet or sandals)
- Offering flowers, fruit, and dakshina to spiritual teachers
- Monks and ascetics formally entering the four-month rainy retreat (Chaturmas Vrata / Varshavasa)
Regional variations
- Celebrated across ashrams, educational institutions, and monasteries throughout India and Nepal
Common questions
- What is the meaning of the word Guru?
- Gu means darkness or ignorance, and Ru means the dispeller. A Guru is the spiritual guide who dispels ignorance and reveals inner light.