Shiva (Adi Guru)
Guru Purnima
Honouring the teacher who dispels darkness
The full moon of Ashadha returns as a day of gratitude towards the teacher. In the Shaiva telling, Shiva as Dakshinamurthy is the Adi Guru who instructs in silence. It is a day for study, for stillness, and for the name held without hurry.
Add Guru Purnima to calendar (downloads an .ics file)
A recommended mantra for this sacred day
The Panchakshara asks for nothing and explains nothing, which suits a day given to listening rather than seeking.
Read the Sanskrit and meaning on the Om Namah Shivaya — Panchakshara Mantra page, or explore the full mantra library.
Date shown for New Delhi, India. Observance can differ by location because tithi, sunrise and timezone affect the applicable date — please confirm local temple or pañcāṅga timings if precise observance times matter to your practice.