Guru Purnima 2025, observed on Thursday, 10th July, is a revered festival in India that celebrates the invaluable role of gurus—spiritual teachers and mentors—in guiding individuals towards knowledge, truth, and enlightenment. Falling on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha, this sacred occasion is dedicated to paying homage to one’s guru with deep respect and devotion.
The festival holds great importance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In Hindu tradition, Guru Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Maharshi Ved Vyasa, the sage who compiled the Vedas and authored the Mahabharata, making it also known as Vyasa Purnima. Followers commemorate this day by performing Guru Puja, attending spiritual discourses, meditating, and reflecting on the teachings of their spiritual guides.
In yogic tradition, Guru Purnima symbolizes the moment when Lord Shiva became the Adiyogi, the first yogi, and began imparting knowledge to the Saptarishis (seven sages). Across India and Nepal, ashrams, educational institutions, and spiritual centers observe the day with rituals, offerings, and community gatherings.
As spiritual awareness continues to grow globally, Guru Purnima 2025 is set to be a significant celebration, both online and offline, uniting seekers in gratitude and reverence for their gurus.
Guru Purnima | Date, Time, Rituals & Significance
Guru Purnima 2025 will be observed on 10th July 2025, aligning with the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha. This deeply spiritual occasion is dedicated to honoring the gurus—those who enlighten us with knowledge and wisdom. In many traditions, Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima, commemorating the birth anniversary of Maharshi Ved Vyasa, one of the greatest sages in Indian history.
Ved Vyasa is credited with compiling the four Vedas, authoring the Mahabharata, and laying the foundation for many Puranas. His contributions are the backbone of Hindu philosophy and scriptures. Due to his immense spiritual and literary contributions, he is revered as the Adi Guru in the lineage of gurus.
According to yogic lore, Guru Purnima also marks the sacred day when Lord Shiva, regarded as the first yogi (Adiyogi) and Adi Guru, began imparting divine knowledge to the Saptarishis—the seven sages who became the first carriers of yogic science. This profound spiritual transmission laid the foundation of the guru–disciple tradition.
Legends Associated With Guru Purnima
According to Hindu legend, Ved Vyasa, who was also the author of Mahabharata, was born on this day to sage Parashara and a fisherman’s daughter named Satyavati. Due to this, Guru Purnima is also celebrated as Vyasa Purnima. The great sage is best known in Hindu culture for dividing the Holy Vedas into four distinct parts: Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva Veda.
After Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, he found his five former companions, who had left him in between while seeking the ultimate nature of life. He taught them the true meaning of dharma. With this, he passed on his teachings and made them enlightened.
This established the Buddhist sangha on the full moon day of the Asahdha month. It is said that soon this sangha grew to 60 members. This was when Lord Buddha sent them in every direction possible to spread the divine message of Dharma.
Sai Baba is also recognised as a great mentor whose teachings are deeply honoured on the occasion of Guru Purnima. The Sai Baba Guru Purnima in 2025 is a not-to-miss event for devotees who honour the highest preachings of Shri Sai Baba, the saint of Shirdi.
Major Attractions Of Guru Purnima 2025
Here are some of the major attractions of Guru Purnima in July 2025
1. Guru Purnima Rituals and Guru Pooja
Guru Poornima is celebrated with various spiritual activities and rituals. Guru Pooja is also conducted at various temples and places.
2. Vishnu Pooja
Guru Poornima and Vishnu Pooja are closely associated. On this auspicious day, devotees recite Vishnu Sahastranam or the thousand names of Lord Vishnu. This helps channel energies and sync the soul with the self.
3. Cultural Performances
Many cultural performances are also held at various places as well. In several ashrams and monasteries, chanting and prayers are offered by the students and disciples in the honor of their respective gurus. Many disciples recite Vishnu Sahatranam a thousand times.
4. Fasting and Feasting
Many people also fast on this day. At temples, feasts are organised, including Charnamrit (a combination of sweet curd and dry fruits) and other simple yet delicious delicacies, such as Ladoos, gulab jamuns, khichdi, Puri Choley, Barfi, and a few others.
5. Meditation
The highlight of Guru Purnima is the disciples meditating and dedicating themselves to following the teachings and principles of the Guru and putting them into practice.
Best Places in India to Witness Guru Purnima
Though Guru Purnima is celebrated with utmost reverence and devotion all over India, there are some special temples and places in different regions where this festival is uniquely celebrated at a grand scale. Check out the major places in India where the Guru Purnima festival and its distinctive rituals can be witnessed.
1. Guru Purnima in Varanasi
Varanasi, the city of temples, witnesses crowds thronging at various temples where devotees gather to pray to saints, sages, and deities. Long queues can be seen outside the temples on this day. The devotees' enthusiasm is worth watching, and it strikes a chord with the onlookers, showing the height of respect people have for their Gurus. Baba Keenaram Sthal in Varanasi also witnesses huge crowds of devotees on this day.
How to Reach Varanasi
- Nearest Airport. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Banaras Junction
2. Guru Purnima in Nagpur Maharashtra
Sai Temple in Nagpur is another place where devotees gather in large numbers to offer their prayers and respects to the deity. Sai Baba is revered all over the country, even in different parts of the world but Nagpur is one step ahead when it comes to Guru Purnima celebrations.
How to Reach Nagpur
- Nearest Airport. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur
- Nearest Railway Station. Nagpur Junction Railway Station
1. Guru Purnima in Hyderabad
Hyderabad also witnesses Guru Purnima celebrations at a very vast scale at Mata Amritanandamayi Math where devotees gather in huge numbers. They wait hours to attend Maha Aarti and Maha Prasadam.
How to Reach Hyderabad
- Nearest Airport. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
- Nearest Railway Station.Nampally Railway Station
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Frequently Asked Questions About Guru Purnima
Q1. What is the date of Guru Purnima 2025?
A1. Guru Purnima 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, 10th July 2025, coinciding with the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha.
Q2. Why is Guru Purnima celebrated?
A2. Guru Purnima is celebrated to honor and express gratitude to spiritual gurus and teachers who guide individuals on the path of knowledge, self-realization, and enlightenment.
Q3. Who is Maharshi Ved Vyasa and why is he worshipped on Guru Purnima?
A3. Maharshi Ved Vyasa was a legendary sage credited with compiling the Vedas and writing the Mahabharata. Guru Purnima is also known as Vyasa Purnima and marks his birth anniversary.
Q4. What is the spiritual significance of Guru Purnima in Hinduism?
A4. In Hinduism, Guru Purnima signifies the relationship between a guru and disciple. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva became the Adi Guru (first teacher) and taught the Saptarishis.
Q5. How is Guru Purnima celebrated in India?
A5. Devotees observe Guru Puja, visit ashrams, listen to spiritual discourses, and offer prayers to their gurus. Many also meditate and reflect on their guru’s teachings.
Q6. What is the importance of a guru in Indian culture?
A6. In Indian culture, a guru is considered more important than God, as they remove ignorance and help one attain spiritual liberation and knowledge.
Q7. Is Guru Purnima celebrated only by Hindus?
A7. No, Guru Purnima is celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. In Buddhism, it marks the day when Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.
Q8. What rituals are performed on Guru Purnima?
A8. Rituals include Guru Puja, offering flowers and sweets, reciting mantras, attending satsangs, and reading scriptures written by or about spiritual masters.
Q9. What is the difference between Guru Purnima and Teacher’s Day?
A9. Guru Purnima is a spiritual and religious celebration honoring spiritual gurus, while Teacher’s Day is an academic and secular event recognizing school and college educators.
Q10. How can I celebrate Guru Purnima at home?
A10. You can celebrate by meditating, reading spiritual texts, watching guru discourses online, offering gratitude to mentors, or performing a simple puja in honor of your guru.
