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Celebrating Guru Purnima under the Full Moon in Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra
As the full moon rises on July 20, 2024 around 8:42pm, the stage is being set if not already on fire, for the tradition known as Guru Purnima. The full moon moment peaking during Brahma Muhurat time around 3:30am when Sun and Moon are aligned to the same degree. This day holds profound importance for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists alike, and is dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude to our gurus — those spiritual, academic, and life teachers who have imparted wisdom and knowledge.
The Significance of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is a day to pay homage to the teachers and mentors who guide us through life’s journey. In the Vedic tradition, the term “guru” refers not only to spiritual teachers but also to anyone who has shared their expertise or knowledge with us, including academic teachers, advisors, consultants, and experts in various fields. This is a time to reflect on the invaluable contributions of these individuals and express our heartfelt gratitude for their guidance.
The Astrological Context: Full Moon in Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra
This year’s Guru Purnima coincides with the full moon in the Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra, a significant lunar mansion in Vedic astrology. Uttara Ashadha is symbolized by the tusk of an elephant 🐘 and is closely associated with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and knowledge.
Checkout this page for more on (21) Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra.
The Mythological Connection: Ganesha and Veda Vyasa
The connection between Uttara Ashadha and Ganesha is deeply rooted in the legend of the Mahabharata. According to the myth, the great sage Veda Vyasa approached Lord Ganesha with a request to write down the epic as he dictated it. Ganesha agreed, but with a unique condition: Vyasa had to recite the verses in a continuous stream without pausing, or Ganesha would stop writing. Vyasa, in turn, stipulated that Ganesha must comprehend each word…
