Guru Purnima
The full moon of gratitude, honoring spiritual teachers and the tradition of the guru.
Guru Purnima falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashadha, usually in July and sometimes in late June.
When Is Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashadha, usually in July and sometimes in late June.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Guru Purnima is traditionally honored as the birthday of the sage Vyasa, who by tradition compiled the Vedas and composed the Mahabharata. It is a day to honor one's spiritual teacher. In Buddhism it coincides with the Buddha's first teaching (Asalha Puja).
How It Is Observed
Pada puja (worship of the guru's feet), offering of flowers and gifts, meditation under the guru's guidance, recitation of Guru Stotras, spiritual study.
Sacred Text
“Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshvara, The guru is Brahma, the guru is Vishnu, the guru is Shiva. The guru is the supreme Brahman itself.”
, Guru Gita ↗