Devotee:
Pronam (Greetings), Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to you.
Devotee:
This coming 21st, Sunday, is Guru Purnima. We all celebrate Guru Purnima—we worship the Guru and honor them. But could you tell us why this specific day is called Guru Purnima?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is a deeply rooted Vedic tradition. One specific full moon (Purnima) is dedicated to the Guru, which is why it is called Guru Purnima. Its significance is immense. In our scriptures, it is said that if the Gods are angry with you, the Guru can save you; but if the Guru is angry, even the Gods cannot save you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The word "Guru" has a profound meaning. "Gu" refers to that which is hidden, unknown, or the darkness of ignorance. "Ru" refers to light. Therefore, the one who leads us from the darkness of ignorance toward the light of knowledge is the Guru. A Guru's role is not just to provide Diksha (initiation) but also to provide Shiksha (education and guidance) to their disciples.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This day is also intricately linked with Lord Shiva in his form as Dakshinamurti. During this time, Mahadev assumed the form of Dakshinamurti to impart supreme knowledge. It is also related to the Sapta Rishis (the Seven Sages).
Devotee:
Yes, the Seven Sages.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
These seven sages are Atri, Vashistha, Pulaha, Pulastya, Angira, Marichi, and Ketu. They are represented in the sky as the Saptarshi Mandal (the Big Dipper constellation). There is also a "Little Saptarshi" (the Little Dipper), which we often associate with the North Star.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In Varanasi, at the temple of Lord Vishwanath, the Sapta Rishis are symbolically worshiped on Mahadev's head. There is a specific priest, Guddu Maharaj, who performs this Aarti and puja daily. This tradition is very strong not just in India, but also in Nepal and Bhutan, where Buddhist and Bhutanese Tantric traditions hold this day in high regard.
Devotee:
How is Ved Vyasa connected to this day?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
To understand that, one must know the story of his birth. His father was Parashar Muni and his mother was Satyavati.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The legend goes that one day, Goddess Durga asked Lord Shiva to tell her the Amrit Katha—the secret of immortality. Shiva agreed but said, "I cannot tell it here because anyone who overhears it will become immortal." He took her to a remote place in Amarnath. On the way, he left behind his attendants, his serpents, and even the moon from his hair so they wouldn't hear the secret.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When they arrived, Shiva noticed the forest was full of birds and animals. To ensure absolute privacy, he created a massive fire to clear the area so not a single living soul remained. Then, he began narrating the secret to Parvati.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
However, Parvati eventually fell asleep. In the meantime, there was one parrot egg that had survived the fire. It hatched, and the young parrot heard the entire narration. When Shiva realized the parrot had heard the secret, he grew angry and chased it with his trident.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The parrot flew away and eventually reached the hermitage where Parashar Muni and Satyavati were. At that moment, Satyavati happened to yawn, and the parrot flew into her mouth and entered her womb. That parrot was reborn as Ved Vyasa.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Because he had heard the Amrit Katha in his previous form and continued to meditate in the womb, he was born with supreme knowledge. He is credited with dividing and organizing the four Vedas—Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva—and writing the Mahabharata. He is considered one of the two greatest "Kavi" (poets) of our tradition, alongside Kalidasa.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Because Vyasa was born on this full moon day, it is also known as Vyasa Purnima.
Devotee:
And it is said that on this day, the Sapta Rishis, as well as Brahma and Vishnu, received supreme knowledge from Dakshinamurti (Shiva).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. Shiva is the Adi Guru—the first and original Guru. All knowledge flows from him. This is why Guru Purnima holds such a special place in the hearts of seekers.
Devotee:
We will be celebrating at our temple as well, right?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, every temple that has a Guru celebrates this day. Many disciples come to offer their respects and take part in the festivities. We will also observe it here with great devotion, as we do every year. I invite everyone who believes in the path of the Guru to join us.
Devotee:
Thank you, Gurudev. This was a wonderful explanation.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You are welcome. May you all stay healthy and well. Pronam.
Devotee:
Pronam, Gurudev.