Essay on Guru Purnima: Story and Importance

Guru Purnima or Poornima refers to a tradition that is dedicated to all the academic and spiritual Gurus, who are considered to be evolved or enlightened human beings. Guru or teacher has always been given an equal position as a god, in the Hindu culture. On this day, people should dedicate themselves to following Guru’s teachings and principles and practise them. Here are a few sample essays on Guru Purnima.

This Story also Contains

1. 100 Words Essay on Guru Purnima
2. 200 Words Essay on Guru Purnima
3. 500 Words Essay on Guru Purnima
4. Story of Guru Purnima
5. Importance of Guru Purnima

100 Words Essay on Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima, also called Vyas Purnima, is the day which marks the birth anniversary of Guru Ved Vyas, the one who wrote one of the most prominent and revered works of all time, the Mahabharata. It is not only celebrated by the Hindus, but by several other religions, like Buddhists and Jains. Rishi Vyas or Guru Vyas was not just a saint but also the courtroom advisor of the Kauravas, who fought against the Pandavas in the great battle of Kurukshetra. During these days, people perform a lot of rituals and pay homage to their own Gurus - somebody who enlightens them and guides them towards the right path, which would help them to make important life decisions.

200 Words Essay on Guru Purnima

On guru purnima, the Hindus, who have received diksha and who have Gurus from their birth, pay respect to their teachers and visit the holy temple of Teernok Guha. The caves that have now been transformed into temples or worship, were considered to be holy sites and were visited by devotees, in the past. There they provide various forms of incense and offer flowers. The disciples and the devotees wait for the Charan Amarita, which is considered a divine elixir from the feet of the Gurus. Hindu religions pay their respect in this form, to their Gurus.

Art competitions are arranged for the kids in the temples, in order to generate the teachings of the Gurus. This is done so that the kids keep up with the tradition of the festivals, where they write, paint, and engage themselves in various forms of art. Guru Purnima, by Jains, is celebrated as Treenok Guru Purnima, as they have a different way of celebrating this festival. By this, they mark the beginning of the Chautarmaas, which means four months. In these four months, Jains pay tribute to Mahavira, who sets out on a four-month retirement during the rainy season. He was also a Teernok Guha, as he became a Gandhara. Like every other religion, Jainism spread the word of wisdom and told every individual to seek out in the search for life’s true meaning.

500 Words Essay on Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is a festival which reminds the students of the roles of teachers in every student's life. Students pay their respect towards their Gurus, on the eve of Guru Purnima. Various Ashrams and even temples organise Guru Purnima rituals, where people visit, take part in the rituals and pay floral tributes to their Gurus.

Buddhists also celebrate the festival of Guru Purnima, where they remember the first sermon of Lord Buddha, preached by him in Sarnath, Varanasi. Also, the monks perform intensive meditation in Buddhist monasteries. On the eve of Guru Purnima, the link between the Guru and the disciple is honoured, also a symbolic Kheer is prepared. This festival is considered the purest and most spiritual occasion. It is believed that, in order to preach Vedas to Humankind, God has sent Gurus, as the teachings, great values, and ideologies, provided by Gurus are honoured by all. A common event known as Padpuja is performed by the disciples towards their Gurus, where they wash the feet and footwear of Gurus as a token of showing respect.

Many programs, such as dance, kirtans, recitations, and songs are organised by the disciples on this day. It is believed that on the day of Guru Purnima, if the disciples worship the Guru, then they will receive the full fruits of the Guru’s initiation. If one wants to achieve great success, then he or she should find a good Guru. Even in the present time, teachers are expressed as Guru Ji in villages. It is very difficult for one to achieve success without education, and for that matter, a Guru is very important in everyone’s life.

Story of Guru Purnima

According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva transferred his knowledge to the Saptarishis or his seven followers on the day of Guru Purnima. Because of this reason, Lord Shiva is also known as Guru, and the day of Guru Purnima is celebrated to honour him, as well as his teachings. According to Jain Mythology, Mahavir, the twenty-third Tirthankara in Jainism, became a Guru on his day after getting his first follower. Thus, the Jain celebrated in order to honour Mahavir. On the other hand, Gautam Buddh gave his first sermon on this day, five weeks after his enlightenment. Thus, the Buddhists celebrate it to honour Gautam Buddha.

Importance of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is a festival, which is celebrated to honour our teachers, that is, gurus, who help to remove the darkness from our minds. Since Ancient times, Gurus have had a special place in the lives of their followers. The extraordinary bond between the Shishya and Gurus, and the importance of Gurus, have been dictated by all the Holy Books. According to ‘Mata, Pita Guru Daivam’, a Sanskrit phrase, hierarchically the first place goes to mother, followed by father, Guru, and then God. Evidently, Guru has been given a higher pedestal than Gods in Hindu tradition. Disciples conduct Pujas on this occasion, to attain the blessings of their Gurus. Guru Purnima is celebrated by people living in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Great prominence is given to Guru Purnima by people from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Also Read: Speech on Guru Purnima