Guru Purnima

3 July 2023

Guru Purnima is a festival dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude towards one's spiritual teacher or guru

The festival falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu Lunar month of Ashadha (June-July) and is celebrated by Vaishnavas.

The word "guru" is derived from Sanskrit and means "dispeller of darkness.

The guru is seen as a guide or mentor who helps the disciple navigate the path of spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Guru Purnima is considered an auspicious day for spiritual seekers to offer their respects and seek blessings from their guru. It is believed that the blessings of the guru can help one progress on the path of spiritual evolution.

The festival has its roots in the ancient tradition of Guru-Shishya Parampara (teacher-disciple tradition) in all Vaishnava sampradayas.

It is said that on this day, the great sage Vyasa was born, who is revered as the guru of all gurus.

On Guru Purnima, devotees offer puja (worship) to their guru, seek their blessings, and listen to their teachings.

As an ISKCON follower, it is our duty to offer our gratitude and prayers to THE ISKCON FOUNDER ACHARYA , SRILA PRABHUPADA as our eternal Guru and spiritual mentor.

On this day, ISKCON followers perform various *activities such as offering special prayers and worship to their spiritual masters, reading and studying Vedic scriptures, chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, and performing devotional service to Lord Krishna.

It is also a day for introspection and self-reflection, as one reflects on their spiritual journey and seeks guidance for the future.

The festival is celebrated with great fervor in ashrams, temples, and all Iskcon centers across India and the world.

It is a time for spiritual renewal and rededication to the path of spiritual growth.

This year, Guru Poornima will be celebrated on 3rd July 2023.