Guru Purnima is being observed across India today. It generally falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha.
As the name suggests, the day is specifically dedicated to Guru, both spiritual and academic ones, as they bring one from darkness to light, from ignorance to enlightenment.
Guru Purnima, also known as Vyasa Purnima, is the birth anniversary of Vyasa Muni, who not only authored the Mahabharata but also played a role in it.
Vyasa Muni, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped by devotees on this day.
It is believed that puja and yanja on the Guru Purnima day is performed to seek blessings of Lord Vishnu and Vyasa Muni.
Similarly, worshipping of the Guru Graha (Jupiter) on Guru Purnima day is also considered auspicious.
As it is believed that the planet Jupiter is associated with knowledge and wisdom, devotees also worship the Jupiter for attaining wisdom and better memory power.
Astrologers advise those who are facing problems such as lack of growth, loss of prosperity, hurdles in study etc., due to Guru Dosha, to perform this puja.
The Buddhist community also celebrates this day with great pomp and enthusiasm as on this day, Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh.