Guru Purnima is a traditional Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain festival. It is dedicated to honoring spiritual and academic teachers. This auspicious full moon day is also known as Vyasa Purnima. It is traditionally believed that this day marks the birth anniversary of the ancient sage Veda Vyasa. The Guru is believed to remove the darkness of ignorance by guiding people toward wisdom. Guru Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Ashadha (June or July).
When is Guru Purnima in 2026?
The timings of Guru Purnima Tithi for the day are:
Tithi Beginning Time: 6:18 PM on July 28, 2026
Tithi Ending Time: 8:05 PM on July 29, 2026
What is the spiritual importance of Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima is a special festival to respect teachers, gurus, and mentors. It's a day to be grateful for their guidance and wisdom. In Hinduism, Guru Purnima is celebrated as a mark of respect to Sage Ved Vyasa and Lord Shiva, who is considered the Adi Guru (the first spiritual teacher). In Buddhism, it marks Lord Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath. Jainism celebrates Lord Mahavira's first disciple. This full moon day is chosen to celebrate this festival because it brings positive energy.
Who started Guru Purnima?
There is no known historical founder of Guru Purnima. Hindus, Jains, and Buddhist started celebrating many years ago, but there is no specific date when Guru Purnima started. But it is believed that the first Guru Purnima marks the day over 15,000 years ago when the Adiyogi (Lord Shiva) transformed himself into the world's first Guru. Veda Vyasa is credited it with compiling the Vedas and writing the 18 Puranas. Guru Purnima is also the day Lord Shiva became the Adi Guru (the first spiritual teacher).
How to celebrate Guru Purnima?
Guru Purnima can be celebrated by being thankful to teachers, gurus and mentors for their guidance. People wake up early, meditate, pray, and chant sacred prayers. You can offer flowers, fruits, and other gifts as a sign of respect and gratitude. You can chant your Guru or God's name according to your religion. Fasting is not necessary for Guru Purnima, but some devotees choose to fast voluntarily. Some devotees choose to fast voluntarily. It is widely celebrated in India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
What is the Guru Purnima Meaning?
The word "Guru" comes from the Sanskrit language. Where - "Gu" means darkness and "Ru" means remover: This represents the person who removes the darkness of ignorance.
So this Guru Purnima is a good time for Guru Dakshina. The Guru is the bridge that leads the disciple to the Divine. We cannot meet God without a True Guru. Finding a true Guru is not easy. There are many people in the present world that calling himself a Guru. But our gurus should be those who made our religion and religious scripture. Like Guru Granth sahib ji is the true Guru for Sikhs. Muslims regard the Quran as the holy book and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Hindus should follow Vedanta, the Gita, the Brahma Sutras, and Yoga Vashistha teaching.
Guru Purnima is considered highly auspicious for beginning spiritual learning and meditation.