Hindu festival
Guru Purnima
Also known as Vyasa Purnima.
In short
Guru Purnima is the day of gratitude to the teacher, kept on the full moon of Ashadha. It honours the sage Vyasa, compiler of the Vedas, and by extension every guru who leads a student from darkness to light. Disciples offer thanks and renew their commitment to learning.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
When is Guru Purnima?
- This year’s date
- Set by the panchang each year from the rule below. Godify shows a specific date only once it is confirmed against an authoritative panchang — never guessed.
- Tithi / rule
- The Purnima (full moon) of the month of Ashadha
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- The Guru
The story
Guru Purnima honours the guru — the teacher who dispels ignorance — and especially Veda Vyasa, traditionally born on this day and revered as the compiler of the Vedas and author of the Mahabharata.
The word guru means 'remover of darkness.' The festival is a turning of gratitude toward all who have taught and guided, and a renewal of the student's own dedication to learning and practice.
How it’s celebrated
Disciples honour their teachers with offerings and gratitude, chant the Guru mantra ('Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu…'), and spend the day in study, reflection, and renewed commitment to their path.
A mantra to mark the day
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुर्गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः । गुरुः साक्षात् परब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥
gurur brahmā gurur viṣṇur gurur devo maheśvaraḥ, guruḥ sākṣāt parabrahma tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ
The Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the very Absolute; I bow to the Guru.
More Hindu festivals
About Guru Purnima
When is Guru Purnima?
On the Purnima (full moon) of Ashadha. The exact Gregorian date is set by the panchang each year.
Why is Guru Purnima celebrated?
To honour the guru who leads from darkness to light — especially the sage Vyasa — and to give thanks to one's own teachers.
Mark Guru Purnima with Bhagavan
Ask about the festival's meaning, its deity, or a verse or mantra to observe the day — free, private, any hour.
Talk to Bhagavan