Ashadha Purnima is one of the most important full moon days in Hinduism. The full moon day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the month of Ashadha is called Ashadha Purnima. The festival of Guru Purnima is also celebrated on this day, hence the religious and spiritual significance of this date increases further.
On the occasion of Guru Purnima, people honor and express gratitude to their gurus, acharyas, and spiritual guides. According to religious belief, performing Guru Puja, worshipping Lord Vishnu, bathing, donating, and chanting mantras on this day is considered especially fruitful.
What is Ashadha Purnima?
According to the Hindu calendar, the last day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in every month is Purnima. The full moon day of the month of Ashadha is called Ashadha Purnima.
Ashadha Purnima is also known as Guru Purnima. On this day, there is a tradition of remembering and worshipping Maharishi Ved Vyas. For this reason, it is also called Vyas Purnima.
Ashadha Purnima and Guru Purnima
The most important religious aspect of Ashadha Purnima is Guru Purnima.
In Indian culture, the Guru is considered a source of knowledge and guidance. The Guru is considered a guide who leads the disciple from ignorance to knowledge.
On Guru Purnima, people:
Respect their Guru.
Seek Guru's blessings.
Offer Guru Dakshina or service as per their faith.
Chant Guru Mantra.
Practice spiritual practice and study.
Remember Maharishi Ved Vyas.
Maharishi Ved Vyas and Ashadha Purnima
In religious tradition, Ashadha Purnima is especially associated with Maharishi Ved Vyas. He is considered one of the great sages of the Indian knowledge tradition.
Ved Vyas is especially respected as the author of the Mahabharata. He is also considered to have an important place in the tradition of preservation and compilation of Puranas and Vedic knowledge.
For this reason, Guru Purnima is also called Vyas Purnima at many places.
are worshipped.Guru and Acharya are respected.
Maharishi Ved Vyas is remembered.
There is a tradition of taking bath in a holy river or pilgrimage site.
Donations are given to the needy.
Mantras are chanted and religious texts are recited.
The day is considered special for spiritual practice.
Ashadha Purnima Puja Vidhi
On the day of Ashadha Purnima, devotees can worship as per their tradition.
1. Take a bath in the morning
Wake up early in the morning and take a bath. If possible, there is a tradition of taking a bath in a holy river, lake or pilgrimage site. God can also be remembered while taking a bath at home.
2. Worship Lord Vishnu
Clean the place of worship and light a lamp in front of the idol or picture of Lord Vishnu.
To the Lord:
Yellow flowers
Tulsi leaves
Fruits
Naivedya
Incense and lamps
can be offered.
3. Worship the Guru
If your Guru or Acharya is present, touch his feet and seek his blessings. The Guru's picture or Charan Paduka can also be worshipped with devotion.
4. Remember Maharishi Ved Vyas
On the occasion of Guru Purnima, Maharishi Ved Vyas is meditated and remembered. Studying or reciting religious texts is also considered auspicious.
5. Chant the mantra
Famous mantras of Lord Vishnu:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya॥
This can be chanted with devotion.
Expressing reverence towards the Guru:
Gurur-brahma Gurur-vishnu:
Gurur-devo Mahesh-warah.
Guruh Sakshat Para-brahma
Tasmai Shri Guruve Namah॥
is also recited.
6. Donate
According to your capacity, food, clothes, grains, fruits or other useful materials can be donated to the needy person.
Fast of Ashadh Purnima
Some devotees observe fast on the day of Ashadh Purnima. The method of fasting may vary according to the family and regional tradition.
People observing the fast can consume fruits or Satvik food. Those who cannot fast due to health or other reasons can worship and remember God with devotion.
During the fast:
- Remember Lord Vishnu.
- Respect the Guru.
- Eat Satvik food.
- Read religious texts.
- Help the needy.
Importance of charity on Ashadha Purnima
In Hinduism, the Purnima date is considered important for charity and good deeds. There is a tradition of donating as per one's faith on Ashadha Purnima as well.
Donations can be given as per one's capacity:
- Food
- Clothes
- Fruits
- Books
- Educational material
- Food
- Dakshina
etc.
On the occasion of Guru Purnima, there is also a tradition of giving Guru Dakshina to the Guru as per one's faith.
What to do on Ashadha Purnima?
According to religious beliefs, the following works can be done on this day:
Take a bath in the morning and remember God.
Worship Lord Vishnu.
Respect and worship the Guru.
Remember Maharishi Ved Vyas.
Chant the Guru Mantra or the mantra of Lord Vishnu Do it.
Study religious texts.
Donate to the needy.
Follow sattvik food and positive thoughts.
Do seva work as per your capacity.
Avoid unnecessary disputes.
Do not insult guru or elders.
Try to avoid negative thoughts.
Do not donate for show.
Do not spend beyond your capacity.
Do not put unnecessary strain on the body due to fasting.
What not to do on Ashadha Purnima?
From a religious point of view, it is advised to follow restraint and sattvikta on this day.
Therefore:
Ashadha Purnima and the Moon
The moon is fully visible on the full moon day. In Hindu religious tradition, the full moon is also associated with the moon.
The tradition of moon viewing and offering prayers to the moon is prevalent in some regions on this day. Devotees can pray by offering water to the moon.
Spiritual Message of Ashadha Purnima
Ashadha Purnima is not just a religious date, but also an opportunity to express gratitude towards the Guru and knowledge.
Guru Purnima gives us the message that we should respect our teachers for the knowledge, values, and right guidance we receive in life.
Respect for the Guru is not limited to worship but is also reflected in following the righteous path shown by them.
FAQ: Ashadha Purnima
1. When does Ashadha Purnima occur?
The full moon day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashadha is called Ashadha Purnima. Guru Purnima is also celebrated on this day.
2. Why is Ashadha Purnima called Guru Purnima?
Ashadha Purnima is associated with Guru worship and remembering Maharishi Ved Vyas. Therefore, this day is also known as Guru Purnima and Vyas Purnima.
3. Who is worshipped on Ashadha Purnima?
On this day, there is a tradition of worshipping and remembering Guru, Maharishi Ved Vyas and Lord Vishnu.
4. Which mantra should be recited on Ashadha Purnima?
Lord Vishnu's mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” and Guru mantra “Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnuh…” can be recited with devotion.
5. Is a fast observed on Ashadha Purnima?
Yes, many devotees observe a fast on this day. The method of fasting and the diet may vary according to the traditions of the family and region.
6. What should be donated on Ashadha Purnima?
According to one's capacity, one can donate grains, clothes, food, fruits, educational materials or other necessary items.
7. Why is Ashadha Purnima called Vyas Purnima?
Due to reverence for Maharishi Ved Vyas and his contribution to the knowledge literature, Ashadha Purnima is also called Vyas Purnima.
Ashadha Purnima is an important full moon day in Hinduism, which holds special significance as Guru Purnima and Vyas Purnima. On this day, there is a tradition of expressing gratitude towards the Guru, worshipping Lord Vishnu, remembering Maharishi Ved Vyas, chanting mantras, self-study and donating.
This festival inspires us to respect our teachers and the knowledge tradition and to be grateful for the right guidance received in life.