Guru Purnima 2027 Date – 18 July

Why it is called Vyasa Purnima

Guru Purnima falls on the full moon of Ashadha and is traditionally the birth anniversary of Veda Vyasa, the sage credited with dividing the Vedas into four, composing the Mahabharata and compiling the Puranas. Because so much of the tradition passes through him, Vyasa is regarded as the guru of gurus, and the day is also called Vyasa Purnima. The word guru is often explained as 'one who removes darkness'.

Shiva as the first guru

In yogic tradition, this is the full moon on which Shiva, as Adiyogi, first taught yoga to the seven sages (Saptarishi), becoming the Adi Guru, the first teacher. As Dakshinamurthy, Shiva is depicted as a young teacher who instructs in silence.

Buddhist and Jain observances

For Buddhists, Ashadha Purnima marks the Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath, near Varanasi, where he taught the Four Noble Truths to his first five disciples – the 'turning of the wheel of dharma'. It is also the start of the Vassa, the rainy-season retreat for monks. Jains observe the day as well, honouring their teachers, and Jain monks begin the four-month Chaturmas stay in one place around this time.

How Guru Purnima is observed

• Ashrams and maths hold Vyasa Puja, where the guru's sandals (paduka) are worshipped, followed by satsang and bhandara.
• Students of classical music and dance honour their gurus in the guru-shishya tradition, often with a performance.
• Many people visit or call their teachers, and schools hold special assemblies.
• Sannyasis begin the Chaturmas period of staying in one place and studying.
• Some devotees keep a fast and read the Guru Gita.

Guru Purnima puja samagri (what you need)

• Picture of your guru or of Vyasa
• Guru's paduka (sandals), if available
• Flowers and a garland
• Chandan, kumkum and akshat
• Fruit and sweets
• A gift, cloth or dakshina for the teacher
• Diya and incense

How to do Guru Purnima puja, step by step

1. Bathe early and take a resolve to honour your teachers.
2. Place the guru's picture or paduka on a clean cloth and light a diya.
3. Offer chandan, akshat, flowers and a garland.
4. Offer fruit and sweets, and chant a guru mantra such as 'Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu'.
5. Read from the Guru Gita or a text your teacher gave you.
6. Visit or contact your teachers, touch their feet or thank them, and offer a gift or dakshina.