Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Express gratitude to the beloved Gurus on Guru Purnima and receive divine grace and blessings!
Guru Purnima is a celebration in honor of the Guru, which includes both spiritual masters as well as educational teachers.
In sanskrit, “Gu” means darkness or ignorance and “Ru” means remover of darkness. So, the word Guru means “one who removes the darkness of our ignorance.”
Guru Purnima falls on the auspicious full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadh (June–July). In 2013, Guru Purnima is celebrated on July 22nd, however, at the Devi Mandir, we will honor the Guru from July 19-22nd.
The Spiritual Guru
Swami Satyananda Saraswati teaches that the spiritual Guru is not only a physical being, but also a reflection of divinity through a human body.
The Guru is the example we want to follow and provides the inspiration which gives us the energy to proceed.
Often, we hear Swamiji remind us of verse 96 of the Guru Gita: “na guroradhikam – na guroradhikam – na guroradhikam” which means “there is nothing greater than the Guru! there is nothing greater than the Guru! there is nothing greater than the Guru!”
The Guru Gita is an important scripture for understanding the relationship between the Guru and the disciple. Devi Mandir’s rendition of the Guru Gita can be found in the book Shree Maa: The Guru and the Goddess.
To learn more, listen to the Guru Gita Video Class, review the Guru Gita Q&A with Swamiji, or browse through the Ways to Worship:Gurus section.
Suggested Ways to Honor the Guru
On Guru Purnima, we honor the Guru by performing a Guru Puja and chanting the Guru Gita.
For disciples, this is an ideal opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to follow the Guru’s guidance and teachings. The greatest offering to the Guru is to show how their teachings and examples have influenced our understanding and actions.
A disciple has the opportunity to honor the Guru on a daily basis!
When we live like them – we honor them.
When we follow their example – we respect them.
When every action of ours is in accordance with their values – we are bowing to them.
The highest respect that anyone can show to any Guru is to become like them, to become one with God.
Guru Purnima Celebrations at the Devi Mandir
The Devi Mandir will celebrate Guru Purnima from Saturday, July 20th through Monday, July 22nd according to the schedule below. Please join us on live webcam and absorb the divine blessings!
Saturday, July 20th
- Early Morning – individual pujas and sadhana
- Mid-morning – group chanting at Napeshwar Shiva in the forest, followed by yoga asanas and meditation
- Evening, 6:00 PM – kirtan with Shree Maa and Swamiji!
Sunday, July 21st
- Early Morning – pujas and individual sadhana
- 9:30 AM – Group chanting of the Chandi Path
- Evening, 6:00 PM – kirtan and sat sangha with Shree Maa and Swamiji!
Monday, July 22nd
- Early Morning – pujas and individual sadhana
- Mid-morning – group chanting at Napeshwar Shiva in the forest, followed by yoga asanas and meditation
- Monday evening, 6:00 PM Guru Puja and group chanting of the Guru Gita with Shree Maa and Swamiji!
Special Blessings from Shree Maa and Swamiji on the auspicious day of Guru Purnima!
Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji!