Full Moon Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon of Ashadha month and is dedicated to honoring one's spiritual and academic teachers (Gurus). The day is also the birthday of Veda Vyasa — the sage who compiled the Vedas and wrote the Mahabharata and Puranas. Disciples perform Guru Puja (worship of the teacher's feet), offer flowers and fruits, and seek blessings. It also marks the beginning of Chaturmas (the four sacred months) when Jupiter is observed. Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath on Guru Purnima.
Last updated: 19 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
The most sacred day to honor one's teacher. In yogic tradition, this is the day when Shiva became the Adi Guru (first teacher) and transmitted yoga to the Saptarishis. The guru-disciple relationship is the foundation of spiritual progress.
Rituals & Traditions
Visit and worship Guru (teacher). Offer flowers, fruits, and dakshina. Perform Vyasa Puja. Read Guru Stotra. Fast (some devotees). Attend satsang or spiritual discourse. Chant Guru Vandana mantra.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon of Ashadha month and is dedicated to honoring one's spiritual and academic teachers (Gurus). The day is also the birthday of Veda Vyasa — the sage who compiled the Vedas and wrote the Mahabharata and Purana...
Q.What is the significance of Guru Purnima?
The most sacred day to honor one's teacher. In yogic tradition, this is the day when Shiva became the Adi Guru (first teacher) and transmitted yoga to the Saptarishis. The guru-disciple relationship is the foundation of spiritual progress.
Q.What are the rituals of Guru Purnima?
Visit and worship Guru (teacher). Offer flowers, fruits, and dakshina. Perform Vyasa Puja. Read Guru Stotra. Fast (some devotees). Attend satsang or spiritual discourse. Chant Guru Vandana mantra.
Q.What foods are made during Guru Purnima?
Prasad offered to Guru, Simple sattvik food