Guru Purnima is an auspicious day in Hindu mythology and holds special significance for a number of reasons, many of them associated with Gurus and Saints of the past. Some believe it to be the birth tithi (Moon phase) of Brihaspati, the Teacher of the Gods, while others believe it to be the day Shiva appointed Brihaspati as the Teacher of the Gods. Others believe that on this day Lord Shiva placed Brihaspati in the cosmos in the form of Jupiter to watch over the world and provide humanity with the wisdom required for it to progress and uphold Dharma. Guru Purnima is also associated with the birth of Sage Vyasa, a very important figure in Hindu mythology who is credited with the Vedas, the most important and the oldest body of knowledge in Hinduism. The day also holds importance in other religions namely Buddhism and Jainism. This year the tithi falls on July 10th, roughly between 2am on 10th till 2am on 11th in India.
My research has indicated that the full moon is an auspicious time of the month and is associated with heightened universal energies. Purnima is associated with the gateways to the heavens, and Pitras or the departed. Rituals conducted and good deeds done on this day have an exponential reciprocative impact; on this day, you will gain more than you give.
Over the years I have spent time studying Moon phases. I have looked at births and events associated with different tithis, and have attempted to develop some rationality about why different Moon phases have significantly unique impacts on life. This is how I think about it – while the Sun represents ‘your’ light, the Moon, in some way, represents how much of that light is reflected or spread. As such, deeds done on Purnima can fully be ‘reflected’ back in the universe. While a waxing Moon, especially after the Ashtami or the 8th day represents progress given the Moon is growing, a full moon is associated with the spreading of light, even peak achievements. I have observed that people born during the full moon often find it easier to influence others; the world reflects their energies i.e. ideas, opinions and actions, more naturally. This year Guru Purnima is particularly unique because Jupiter is placed along with the Sun, right opposite the Moon, creating a powerful yoga and an even more auspicious day.
While activities and rituals for Purnima are aplenty, I am proving some precautions and very simple activities that anyone can easily do. Firstly, maintain a sattvic or pure lifestyle – stick to vegetarian foods such as fruits, milk and nuts. Avoid the consumption of substances that cause changes to moods and feelings such as alcohol and inhalants. Needless to say that promiscuity or paid physical pleasures are totally forbidden.
Secondly, spend time with your teacher, mentor, superior, or supervisor. Take him (or her) out for a meal, seek his blessings, and express your gratitude. Call those who have influenced your education and career and thank them for having a positive impact on your life. Jupiter is associated with the right thing to do. Do not call your professors because you hope for blessings in return. Simply call them because you want to, and are genuinely thankful.
Finally, a ritual that anyone can do – one day before Purnima, i.e. on the 9th, take some water in a clean copper vessel and add some gur or jaggery with chana daal or split chickpeas to it. Leave it overnight. Pour it on the roots of a banana tree the next day i.e. on Purnima. You can even light a candle or ghee diya under the banana tree. This simple act can attract divine blessings, drive out negative energy, and increase your luck.
Additionally, this is also a good day to plant a banana tree, preferably around the vicinity of a temple from where the tree can be taken care of. It is a very good day for gau seva or feeding cows, especially with jaggery. Offerings made to cowsheds, priests, old people or old age homes will accumulate positive karma. We strongly recommend the above rituals for those who have a debilitated Jupiter, or Jupiter placed in the 7th house, or Jupiter placed in conjunction with Rahu.