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Guru Purnima

According to the Srutis, “To that high-souled aspirant, whose devotion to the Lord is great and whose devotion to his Guru is as great as that to the Lord, the secrets explained herein become illuminated”. In the Hindu culture religious and non-religious GURUS have always been given a paramount stature. Therefore on the day of full moon, largely known as Purnima, in the month of Ashadh, Guru Purnima is celebrated all over the country. This day is also known as Vyas Purnima and is celebrated to commemorate and venerate sage Veda Vyas. This festival like any other Hindu festival has a significance of its own because in Hinduism Guru is considered to be the holy exemplification of God.

According to the Hindu Mythology, Lord Vyas was the son of a fisherwoman who classified the Vedas into four segments that we know as Rig, Saama, Atharva and Yajur. Ved Vyas is considered not only portended the four majestic Vedas but also the eighteen sacrosanct Puranas, the Mahabharta and the Bhagvad Gita. It is because of his immeasurable contribution to the world of wisdom that he is considered to be the Master of Masters. This day teaches us how to renew our faith in God and above all our faith in ourselves. Since it comes in the Hindu month of Chaturmas it signifies setting up of long awaited rains that generates among all fresh waves pf deep spirituality.

The main meal of the day is fruits and milk. Devotees and pilgrims all over the country assemble in the courtyards, pay their tribute to Vyas Ji and conduct meetings called Vedanta Vicharas. Here the glories and rational teachings of the guru are discussed and the devotees are asked to follow the path of righteousness laid down by Guru. Also the Brahma Sutras are read by these devotees who engage themselves in philosophical investigations. The four most important excerpts of the Brahma Sutra say:
1. Athatho brahma jijnasaa—Now, therefore, the enquiry of Brahman.
2. Janmasya yathah—from which proceed the origin, etc.
3. Sastra yonitwat—the scriptures are the means of right knowledge.
4. Tat tu samanvayat—For, That is the main support (of the universe).