(卐) Guru Poornima  22 July 2013 (卐)

Srila Vyasadeva, who is the incarnation of Lord Narayana, was born on the full moon day of the month of Asadha (July-August).. Full moon day during Ashadha month is known as Guru Purnima day. Traditionally this day is reserved for Guru Puja or Guru Worship. On this day disciples offer Puja or pay respect to their Gurus. Guru refers to spiritual guide who enlighten disciples by his knowledge and teachings. 

Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima and this day is commemorated as birth anniversary of Veda Vyasa. Veda Vyasa was the author as well as a character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. 

Throughout the ages, Moon has been identified and recognized to bring bountiful blessings to those seeking God’s Grace. This Divine Moon occurs once a year and is the most important time by far for accessing the Divine. This day is significant for disciples who seek to get initiated by their Guru, students who desire to get the blessings of their teachers, and for everyone who wants to honor persons of great wisdom and learning.

In India, everyone worships their spiritual master on this day, which is celebrated with great honour and reverence as Sri Vyasa-puja, or Sri Guru-puja. It is essential, however, that we understand the true significance of Sri Vyasa-puja.Devotional worship of the Guru - the preceptor - is one of the most touching and elevating features of the Hindu cultural tradition. The auspicious moment of Vyaasa Poornima, chosen for observing this annual festival, is no less significant.

The period 'Chaturmas' ("four months") begins from this day. In the past, wandering spiritual masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic discussions.

The word 'Guru' means remover of darkness (In Sanskrit, “Gu” means darkness, “Ru” means remover). Traditionally, the Guru is considered as an embodiment of the Hindu Trinity Gods namely Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Thus, Guru Purnima is the day of eradicating ignorance and illuminating our lives with knowledge.