Guru Purnima 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Disciples and Students: Those who follow a spiritual guru or a teacher honour them on this day, seeking their guidance and blessings.
• Families: Parents and children remember their elders and teachers, and offer them respect (Guru Dakshina) for the knowledge received.
• Devotees of Sage Vyasa: Seekers and scholars of the scriptures worship Maharishi Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas and the Mahabharata.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathing and the sankalp are done early in the morning, from Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period before sunrise). Many devotees also take a holy dip in a river.
• Guru Puja: The puja of the guru and Sage Vyasa is done in the morning, after sunrise. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Visiting the Guru: Disciples visit their guru or teacher during the day to offer respects.
• Evening: Satsang, bhajans or a Satyanarayan Katha are often held (families differ), and the day closes with a Diya.

About the Festival

Guru Purnima is a deeply revered observance celebrated across India, on which disciples worship their guru and Maharishi Vyasa, who is honoured as the first teacher of the Vedas. It takes place on the Purnima (full moon day) of the month of Ashadha.

The Katha (Story of Maharishi Vyasa)

Once upon a time, the sage Parashara met Satyavati, a fisherman's daughter, on the banks of the Yamuna. A son was born to them on an island in the river, with a dark complexion, and he was named Krishna Dvaipayana, because he was born on a dvipa (island). He grew up very quickly, wise and radiant.

Soon after his birth, the child told his mother that he wished to leave for the forest and perform tapasya, so that he could attain knowledge and serve the world. Satyavati was sad, but she gave her permission. Vyasa comforted her and said: "Mother, go in peace. Whenever you think of me and need me, I will appear before you." Then he went to the forest to meditate.

Through his penance, he divided the one Veda into four (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva), wrote the Mahabharata and the Puranas, and taught them to his disciples. He is therefore called Veda Vyasa. Since that day, disciples have worshipped their gurus on Ashadha Purnima, remembering Vyasa as the first great teacher, and it is also known as Vyasa Purnima.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Seat: Picture of your Guru and of Maharishi Vyasa, or a clean seat (Asana) for your guru's footwear or padukas
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Chandan (sandalwood paste), and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Incense sticks
• Sacred Water Container: A small Kalash or vessel filled with fresh water, with Ganga Jal
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, sweets such as Kheer or Halwa, and Panchamrit
• Devotional Accessories: Fresh flowers, a garland, Kalava (sacred thread), white or yellow cloth, and Dakshina (a gift for the Guru)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, white or yellow clothes.
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Gurudev, today I bow before you with gratitude. Guide me on the path of knowledge, truth and devotion."
3. Keep the day simple and sattvic. Many devotees fast until the puja is complete.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or the eastern wall of your room.
2. Place the picture of your Guru or Maharishi Vyasa on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean white or yellow cloth.
3. Place the Kalash filled with water near the picture and keep all the samagri ready.

Step 3: Performing the Guru Puja

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense in front of the picture of your Guru.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan, Roli, and Akshat to the picture, and to the Guru if he or she is present.
3. Offering Flowers & Garland: Offer fresh flowers and a garland, and tie a piece of Kalava.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place fruits, sweets and Panchamrit before the Guru.

Step 4: Remembering Vyasa and Reciting Mantras

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully and recite the Guru Stotra or the verse "Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwarah", or listen to the story of Vyasa with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the recitation, offer the grains and petals at the Guru's feet or before the picture.

Step 5: Aarti and Guru Dakshina

1. Perform the Guru Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. If your Guru is present, bow down and touch his or her feet (Charan Sparsh), and offer Dakshina with a cloth and fruits.
3. If your Guru is not near, offer your respects before the picture and read a passage from his or her teachings.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders and teachers in your family to seek their blessings.
2. Distribute the Prasad among your family members and fellow disciples.
3. Break your fast by partaking in the Prasad and a simple sattvic meal.