Guru Purnima: Honoring the Spiritual Teacher

The Sacred Day of the Guru

Guru Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha (July), is one of the most important festivals in the spiritual tradition. This day is dedicated to honoring the Guru — the spiritual teacher who guides us from darkness (gu) to light (ru).

The Tradition

In the yogic tradition, the Guru is regarded as the manifestation of the Divine. The Guru is not just a teacher but a living bridge between the seeker and the ultimate truth. On Guru Purnima, devotees express their gratitude through special prayers, offerings, and renewed commitment to their spiritual practice.

Celebrations at Kriyayog Mission Foundation

At our ashrams, Guru Purnima is celebrated with great devotion:

• Early morning meditation and special Kriya practice
• Guru Puja — elaborate worship ceremony
• Havan (sacred fire ceremony) for the Guru lineage
• Satsang with GuruMaee Maa Rudratmika
• Sharing of prasad and community feast
• Evening bhajan and kirtan (devotional singing)

The Guru-Disciple Relationship

The relationship between Guru and disciple is the most sacred bond in the spiritual tradition. It is through the Guru's grace that the Kundalini is awakened and the path of self-realization becomes accessible. As the scriptures say:

"Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara. Guru Sakshat Parabrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah."

The Guru is Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the transformer). The Guru is the Supreme Consciousness itself. To that divine Guru, I bow.