Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Guru on Guru Purnima in Hinduism
Guru Purnima is a sacred festival in Hinduism, dedicated to expressing reverence to spiritual and academic teachers. Observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month Ashadha (June-July), it honors the invaluable role of the Guru (teacher or mentor) in guiding and enlightening the disciple's path. Worship on this day is a way of showing gratitude and seeking the blessings of the Guru. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to perform Guru Purnima Puja, emphasizing eco-friendly traditions.
1. Preparations for Guru Purnima Puja
Cleanliness and Environment
- Cleanse the home, particularly the prayer area, as a sign of purity. Ensure the place is clutter-free.
- Use natural cleansers like cow dung, turmeric water, or Gomutra (cow urine) diluted with water to purify the surroundings, as per tradition.
- Ensure that your body and mind are pure. Take a bath with herbal products like turmeric and sandalwood paste for cleanliness and sanctity.
2. Best Time for Guru Purnima Puja
- The ideal time for Guru Purnima puja is during sunrise or Brahma Muhurta (around 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM).
- If morning isn’t possible, anytime during the day, especially when the mind is calm, is suitable for worship.
3. Clothes to Wear
- Wear simple, clean, and light-colored clothes, preferably white, yellow, or saffron. These colors signify purity, knowledge, and devotion.
- Avoid synthetic fabrics, and opt for eco-friendly materials like cotton or linen.
4. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
Use biodegradable, eco-friendly, and traditional items for the puja:
- Kalash (water vessel): For offering water to the Guru.
- Fresh Flowers: Marigold, lotus, and jasmine are ideal (avoid plastic garlands).
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves: Symbolizing purity and devotion.
- Natural Incense sticks: Made from herbs, cow dung, or sandalwood.
- Organic Diya (lamp): Made of clay, with ghee or sesame oil for lighting.
- Sandalwood paste: To apply on the forehead of the Guru idol or photograph.
- Fruits: Seasonal and local fruits.
- Uncooked rice (Akshat): Colored naturally with turmeric.
- Betel leaves and nuts: For offering.
- Cow milk, curd, and honey for Abhishekam (ritual bath of the idol).
- Eco-friendly decorations: Made from leaves or flowers, avoiding plastic.
5. Simple Steps to Perform Guru Purnima Puja
Step 1: Purify the Self and Space
- After taking a bath, purify the space with Gomutra or Ganga Jal (holy water).
Step 2: Set up the Altar
- Place a picture or idol of your Guru or a representation of Lord Vyasa (the first Guru).
- Arrange the Kalash, flowers, fruits, and other puja items on a clean, elevated surface.
Step 3: Light the Lamp
- Light a clay diya with ghee or sesame oil, symbolizing wisdom and knowledge.
Step 4: Perform Abhishekam (Bathing the Idol or Picture)
- Use water, milk, curd, honey, and Tulsi leaves to bathe the Guru’s image. This ritual is performed as an act of devotion, purity, and sanctification.
Step 5: Offer Flowers and Akshat
- Offer fresh flowers and Akshat (turmeric-colored rice) at the feet of the Guru’s idol or photograph.
Step 6: Chant Guru Mantras
Chant the Guru Stotram or the following popular mantra:
Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwaraha,
Guru Saakshat Para Brahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha.Meaning: “The Guru is Brahma (the creator), the Guru is Vishnu (the sustainer), the Guru is Maheshvara (the destroyer), and the Guru is the supreme God. Salutations to that revered Guru.”
You can also recite the Vyasa Puja Mantra:
Namostute Vyasa Vishala Buddhe, Phullara Vindayata Patra Netra.
Yena Tvaya Bharata Tailapurnah, Prajvalito Jnanamayah Pradipah.
6. Prasad to be Prepared
Prepare simple, sattvic (pure) food as prasad using organic and natural ingredients:
- Panchamrit: A mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar.
- Fresh Fruits: Seasonal and locally sourced fruits.
- Sweet Dish: Prepare a traditional sweet like halwa, kheer, or modak, using organic ingredients like jaggery, rice, and ghee.
- Coconut: Grated coconut can also be offered.
7. Concluding the Puja
- Perform Aarti: Using a ghee diya, wave the light in a circular motion in front of the Guru’s image while chanting mantras or singing Guru Aarti.
- Offer Prasad: Distribute the prepared prasad to all members of the family or devotees present.
- Seek Blessings: After completing the puja, bow down and seek blessings from your Guru (if present physically or symbolically).
8. Importance and Benefits of Guru Purnima Puja
- Significance: Guru Purnima is a day of gratitude toward the Guru, who leads the disciple from darkness to light, from ignorance to wisdom.
- Spiritual Growth: By performing this puja, one purifies the mind, soul, and body and receives the Guru’s grace, which accelerates spiritual progress.
- Improved Focus: The blessings of the Guru help improve focus, mental clarity, and wisdom.
- Removal of Obstacles: It is believed that reverence to the Guru removes obstacles and hardships from life.
9. Eco-Friendly Disposal of Puja Leftover Items
To maintain an eco-friendly approach:
- Flowers and Leaves: Gather the used flowers, Tulsi leaves, and other biodegradable items, and place them under a tree or in a garden. You can also make compost from them.
- Abhishekam Water: If any milk, curd, or honey was used in the Abhishekam, dilute it with water and pour it into a garden or at the roots of plants.
- Incense Ashes: Dispose of the ash from incense sticks in your garden or potted plants.
- Prasad Leftovers: Share prasad with neighbors, or donate it to those in need. Ensure no food is wasted.
- Cloth and Decorations: Reuse or repurpose the materials for future pujas or for decoration in eco-conscious ways.
By following this guide, you can conduct a meaningful and spiritually enriching Guru Purnima puja, while maintaining respect for the environment and tradition.