Guru Purnima, the festival which celebrates the bond of guru-shishya or teacher-student falls on July 5 this year. Along with India, the occasion is widely celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists of India, Bhutan, and Nepal. The Sikhs also honor their ten spiritual gurus on this day.
In Hinduism, the analogy of the moon is used to describe the all-important guru. The word “Guru” in Sanskrit is translated as “dispeller of darkness.” Therefore, the Guru dispels the darkness of ignorance and leads the students on the path to enlightenment.
The day of the Hindu lunar calendar is established for honoring all the guru figures, the teachers, educators, and teachings that play a prime role in shaping a disciple’s life.
This year, Purnima Tithi starts at 11:33 am on July 4 and ends at 10:13 am on July 5.
As per the American Institute of Vedic Studies, Guru Purnima marks the birthday of Veda Vyasa, who structured the four Vedas, composed the epic of the Mahabharata, and created the foundation for the many Puranas, the vast encyclopedias of Hindu sacred lore.
On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, we curated the famous guru-shishya pair:
Dronacharya and Arjuna
The Mahabharata, beautifully portrays the relationship between Dronacharya and Arjuna. Dronacharya, the royal guru of pandavas and kauravas was a master of advanced military arts, including the devastras. Arjuna was his favorite student. Drona’s love for Arjuna was only second to his love for his son Ashwathama.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda
It is said that, initially, Swami Vivekananda did not accept Ramakrishna as his master and found him “monomaniac”, but eventually he became one of the closest people in his life. Ramakrishna reportedly shaped the personality of Narendranath and prepared him to dedicate his life to serve humanity. After the death of Ramakrishna, Narendra and his other monastic disciples establishes their first monastery at Baranagar.
Birju Maharaja and Madhuri Dixit-Nene
The evergreen Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit also known as ‘Dhak-Dhak Girl’ is a graceful kathak dancer. Pandit Birju Maharaj is credited with some of Madhuri’s most spectacular dance performances having choreographed her in Devdas and Dil to Pagal Hai to name a few. Dixit started her kathak training with Maharaj at the age of six years.
Ramakant Achrekar and Sachin Tendulkar
Achrekar played a vital role in the master blaster’s cricket career. Achrekar’s relationship with Tendulkar and the role he played in the making of one of the greatest cricketers of all time gives us an understanding of the genius of the man. The first cricketer from the Achrekar stable to play for India was Ramnath Parkar, who made his debut against England in 1972 as Sunil Gavaskar’s opening partner.
Guru Purnima wishes to pay gratitude to your teacher:
You were a light for me in the dark, You were an inspiration and an aspiration, Support me always, I will succeed in all ways, Happy Guru Purnima!
Dear Guru, you are my only lamp
In a night of pain
Your thoughts, your words and your actions
With me shall always remain
Happy Guru Purnima
Guru is a pillar
Of strength wisdom and love
Guru is a gift of God
Sent from the heaven above
Happy Guru Purnima
It is an incomparable journey where the Guru leads you from the visible to the invisible, from the material to the divine, from the ephemeral to the eternal. Thanks for being my Guru. Happy Guru Purnima.
Many Teachers came in my life but I don’t think about the rest when it comes to making a difference. You are certainly better than the best. Happy Guru Purnima
At times life was a bumpy ride
But I am fortunate to have you by my side
Thanks for being a teacher a friend
It all seems worth in the end
Happy Guru Purnima
Guru is everything in our eternal life, nothing is possible without him. Happy Guru Purnima!
The best Guru teaches from the heart, not from the books.
Happy Guru Purnima
