Every year, on the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashadha, India celebrates Guru Purnima — a day to honor the spiritual teachers who lead us from darkness to light. In Indian tradition, the Guru is regarded even higher than God, as the Guru is the one who shows us the path to the Divine.
Guru Purnima 2025 Date and Timings
In 2025, Guru Purnima begins on the night of July 10 at 12 AM and ends on the night of July 11 at 12 AM. It is a powerful time for inner reflection, spiritual growth, and expressing gratitude towards one’s teacher or Guru.
The Significance of the Guru in Indian Culture
In Indian culture, the Guru holds a place above even the gods, as only through the Guru can we reach the Divine. This respect is deeply embedded in Indian philosophy, poetry, and spiritual tradition.
Kabir’s Verses on the Guru
Saint Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystic poet, beautifully expressed the greatness of the Guru in his couplets:
“Guru Govind dou khade, kaake laagu paay?
Balihaari Guru aapne, Govind diyo milaye.”
(If both Guru and God appear before me, to whom should I bow first? I bow to my Guru, who showed me the path to God.)
“Saath samundar mas karoon, lekhni sab banraay,
Dharti sab kaagad karoon, Guru gun likha na jaay.”
(Even if I use all the oceans as ink, all the forests as pens, and the earth as paper, I still cannot write the full glory of the Guru.)
What to Do on Guru Purnima?
1. First, Recognize the True Guru
Before bowing to anyone, it’s essential to identify whether the person is truly a Guru or not. Worshiping a false Guru is disrespectful to the genuine ones.
2. Understand and Live the Teachings
Guru Purnima is not just about rituals. It is a time to deeply study and apply the teachings of great spiritual masters in our daily lives.
3. Seek the Company of True Masters
If you cannot physically be with a Guru, you can still connect with the words and wisdom of great Indian saints like:
Adi Shankaracharya
Saint Kabir
Guru Nanak Dev
Ramana Maharshi
Gautam Buddha
J. Krishnamurti
Read their books, listen to their discourses, and absorb their wisdom.
Looking for a Living Spiritual Guide?
If you’re seeking a living teacher who can guide you through Vedanta, Gita, and other Indian scriptures, you can explore the teachings of Acharya Prashant — a modern-day spiritual teacher whose work bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary issues.
Through his online presence, you can access discourses, Q&A sessions, and writings that bring you closer to the core messages of India’s great spiritual tradition.
How to Begin Your Journey on Guru Purnima
Start by dedicating at least 15 minutes a day to reading or listening to the words of a true Guru.
Reflect on your life with honesty and a desire for inner clarity.
Join online satsangs or read spiritual literature left by enlightened beings.
Connect with teachers like Acharya Prashant to receive authentic, scripture-based wisdom in today’s context.
Conclusion: Respecting the Guru Every Day
Guru Purnima is not just a one-day celebration. It is a call to spiritual awakening. True Gurus ask for nothing; they come into our lives out of compassion to guide us toward truth, love, and liberation.
This Guru Purnima, instead of merely lighting lamps or offering flowers, take a vow to walk the path of wisdom, self-inquiry, and discipline — the true way to honor the Guru.
