Teachers' Day is a momentous occasion to honor teachers (both spiritual and academic) who guide us in knowledge and wisdom. In Hinduism, the Guru is equated with divinity, often represented by the phrase Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara. Here’s a detailed guide on how to celebrate Teachers' Day with prayers, puja, and rituals.
1. Simple Prayers for Teachers
Guru Vandana
This is the foundational prayer offered to the Guru to seek blessings for wisdom and enlightenment:
Mantra:
Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara,
Guru Sakshat Parabrahma, Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.
(Meaning: The Guru is Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and the manifestation of the Supreme. I bow to the Guru.)
Saraswati Prayer
Invoke Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and wisdom, with this simple prayer:
Ya Kundendu Tushara Hara Dhavala,
Ya Shubhra Vastravrita,
Ya Veena Varadanda Manditakara,
Ya Shveta Padmasana,
Ya Brahmachyuta Shankara Prabhritibhir,
Devaih Sada Pujita,
Samampatu Saraswati Bhagavati,
Nishesh Jadyapaha.
(Meaning: May Goddess Saraswati, pure as a white lotus and adorned with the veena, bless me and remove all ignorance.)
2. Simple Puja Steps
Preparation:
- Clean the Space: Purify the puja area by sprinkling Ganga jal (holy water) or clean water.
- Decorate: Use flowers like jasmine, marigold, or lotus. Place a clean white or yellow cloth on the altar.
- Gather Items: Arrange items like kumkum, turmeric, rice, diya, incense sticks, fruits, and sweets.
Steps to Perform the Puja:
- Invoke Ganesha: Start by praying to Lord Ganesha for obstacle-free proceedings:
Mantra: Om Gan Ganapataye Namah. - Worship Saraswati: Place an idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati. Offer white flowers, fruits, and sweets. Chant Saraswati mantras.
- Offer Diyas: Light a lamp (preferably ghee) and incense sticks to symbolize enlightenment.
- Recite Guru Mantras: Repeat the Guru Vandana mantra. Meditate on your teachers, seeking their blessings and guidance.
- Conclude with Aarti: Perform an aarti for Goddess Saraswati or your chosen deity.
3. Clothes and Colors to Wear
- Ideal Colors: Yellow and white are considered auspicious as they represent wisdom and purity, respectively.
- Attire Suggestions:
- Men: Traditional dhoti or kurta-pajama in white/yellow.
- Women: Saree or salwar kameez in pastel shades or yellow.
4. Gods and Goddesses to Worship
- Saraswati: The goddess of wisdom, learning, and arts.
- Mookambika: Known as a form of Saraswati, worshipped for intellectual clarity.
- Sharada Devi: Particularly revered in South India as the epitome of knowledge.
- Shiva: Known as the Adi Guru, the original teacher.
- Vishnu: Represents the preserver of knowledge and dharma.
5. Important Mantras
- For Saraswati:
Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah. - For Shiva:
Om Namah Shivaya. - For Vishnu:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. - For General Worship:
Om Tat Sat.
6. Rare Facts about Teachers' Day in Hinduism
- Guru-Shishya Tradition: The ancient system of Guru-Shishya emphasized the Guru as a channel of divine wisdom, often likened to a parent.
- Gurudakshina: In Vedic times, students offered Gurudakshina—a token of gratitude to their teachers.
- Saraswati Yantra: Keeping a Saraswati Yantra in the puja place enhances learning and memory.
- Akshara Abhyasam: The initiation ceremony of writing, performed in many temples like Mookambika, is an age-old Teachers' Day practice.
7. Practical Ideas for Modern Times
- Virtual Guru Vandana: Conduct a virtual prayer session for teachers if meeting in person isn’t possible.
- Books as Offerings: Gift spiritual or knowledge-enhancing books to teachers or students.
- Write Gratitude Letters: Pen heartfelt messages to express gratitude to your mentors.
- Plant a Tree: Symbolize the growth of knowledge by planting a tree in honor of your teacher.
- Social Media Tribute: Share quotes or memories of your teachers with their blessings on platforms.
By following these steps and prayers, you can meaningfully celebrate Teachers' Day, honor the Guru-Shishya tradition, and invoke divine blessings for continued growth in knowledge and wisdom.