“Acquire the transcendental knowledge from a Self-realized master by humble reverence, by sincere inquiry, and by service. The wise ones who have realized the Truth will impart the Knowledge to you.” – Bhagvad Geeta

The above verses of The Holy text Bhagvad Geeta were spoken by Shree Krishna in a conversation with Arjuna which points out the significance of Guru or Master in an individual’s life to acquire knowledge, love and mysticism. In Hinduism the Importance of Guru or Spiritual teacher is often considered equal to the God.

A spiritual guru teaches his student or shishya the basic and the simplest ways to purify the inner soul by doing good deeds to others and to own self. Shishya respectfully serves his guru with self submission, obedience and dedication. Thus make a divine relation between the two.

Guru Purnima, in a simplest form is a thanksgiving day for student to his spiritual teacher in Hindu religion.

A full moon day in the month of Aashadh (July- August) is practiced as the day of Guru Purnima.  It is highly believed that Veda Vyasa completed the Chatur Vedas (Four Vedas: Rig, Yazur, Sama and Athar) on this day so this day is also known as Ved Vyasa Purnima or Vyasa Purnima. The period of Chatur Maas (four months) also starts from this day.

Traditionally, students or devotees of a spiritual guru gather at a place probably in a temple and remember the teachings of their guru by reading the lessons, sermons or by various other ways like Jaap or bhajans on this auspicious day. They also perform fast while praying whole day and revise the divine teachings given by their respected Gurus.

In Udaipur

On the day of Guru Purnima there are various religious activities executed in several temples and mats like Sita Mata Temple at Sisarma, Hanuman Temple near fateh school, Asthal Temple at Suraj Pol and Savina Mat. Every temple or mat have their administrator or spiritual gurus to undertake all activities like Suresh Giri Maharaj of Hanuman Temple, Maharaj Bhopal Giri of Savina mat etc.

Modernization of this Day

Though, historically Guru Purnima is dedicated to spiritual guru but nowadays this day is also celebrated like a traditional version of Teacher’s Day. Schools, colleges or any other institutes celebrate this day in the respect of their teachers. Students arrange various programs for the day. The celebration generally commences with the worship of Goddess Saraswati and continues with traditional Pooja, Tilak, cultural programs and a note of thanks to the teachers.

Though we have traveled a long journey of centuries, seen enormous of development, technical advancements and scientific achievements, there is something which always keeps us binding with our mother land. That “something” is the “Sanskaars” that our parents, teachers and elders have given to us.

On this auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima I heartily thank all my teachers, parents and elders who gave me enough strength with their teachings, thoughts and sanskaars and made it possible for me to become self-dependent…