Guru Purnima

Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa — son of Parashara and Satyavati, born on an island in the Yamuna. Why he is called Veda Vyasa: he divided the one Veda into four (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva) so that different priests could specialise. Author of the Mahabharata and the eighteen Mahapuranas. One of the seven Chiranjeevis still said to walk the earth. Why his birth tithi became the day every shishya honours their guru.

On the full moon day of Ashadha, after attaining enlightenment, Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. This pivotal discourse was given to his five ascetic companions at the Deer Park in Sarnath, near Varanasi. The sermon expounded the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, laying the foundational principles of Buddhism and marking the beginning of the Sangha (Buddhist monastic order). This day is celebrated as Dhamma Day or Asalha Puja in Buddhist traditions.

Ashadha Purnima is considered an auspicious day for observing the Satyanarayan Vrat, a devotional fast and puja dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Satyanarayan. Devotees perform this vrat to seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and fulfillment of desires. The narrative and rituals associated with the Satyanarayan Vrat are primarily detailed in the Skanda Purana.

On Ashadha Purnima, Jain monks and nuns traditionally commence their four-month rainy season retreat, known as Varsha Yoga or Chaturmasya. During this period, they reside in one place to minimize harm to small creatures that emerge during the monsoon and to intensify their spiritual practices, study, and meditation. This ancient practice is rooted in the conduct of Tirthankaras like Mahavira.

Asalha Puja, also known as Dhamma Day, commemorates the Buddha's first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion), delivered to the five ascetics at Sarnath. This pivotal event marks the establishment of the Sangha (Buddhist monastic community) and the formal beginning of the Buddha's teachings, including the Four Noble Truths. It is a significant day for Buddhists worldwide.

The Satyanarayan Vrata is a popular Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Satyanarayan, the embodiment of Truth. Devotees perform this puja on various auspicious days, including Purnima tithis, to seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and fulfillment of desires. The observance involves reciting the Satyanarayan Katha and offering prayers, often with specific emphasis on Ashadha Purnima.

According to Jain traditions, Ashadha Shukla Purnima is significant as it marks the day when Lord Mahavira, after attaining Kevala-jnana (absolute knowledge), made Gautama Swami his first disciple (ganadhara). This act established Mahavira as a Guru and is a foundational moment for the Jain Sangha. The day also coincides with the beginning of Chaturmasya, a four-month period of spiritual discipline and austerity for Jains.