Vedic & Spiritual Festivals
Complete Guide to Guru Purnima: Veda Vyasa Jayanti, Guru Paduka Puja & Chanting
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भक्ति वॉइस
Celebrated on the full moon day of the Vedic month of Ashadha.
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Guru Purnima, historically revered as Vyasa Purnima, is observed on the full moon (Purnima) day of the sacred Ashadha month. This sublime festival is dedicated to expressing boundless gratitude to spiritual masters, teachers, and guides who dispel the darkness of ignorance (Gu = darkness; Ru = remover of darkness). The day commemorates the appearance of Sage Krishna Dvaipayana Veda Vyasa—the legendary compiler of the four Vedas, author of the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata, and the Brahma Sutras. Disciples and spiritual seekers perform Guru Paduka Puja, take vows of self-restraint, and start the four-month monastic period known as Chaturmasya.
The story
Traditions
Puja at home
Frequently asked questions
Why is Guru Purnima also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima?
It marks the birthday of Sage Veda Vyasa and the day He began dictating the Brahma Sutras to His disciples, establishing the unbroken lineage of Vedic transmission.
How is Guru Paduka Puja performed at home?
Place the Guru's Padukas (wooden sandals) or portrait on a clean cloth, bathe/anoint with holy water and Chandan, offer fragrant flowers, light a ghee lamp, and chant the Guru Stotram.
What is the connection between Guru Purnima and Chaturmasya?
On Guru Purnima, Sannyasis and sadhus take vows to stay in one place for four rainy months (Chaturmasya) to study scriptures, meditate, and impart spiritual discourses.