Vyasa Purnima (Veda Vyas Poornima) or Guru Pournami is one of the most auspicious purnima days as per the Hinduism. In 2009, the date of Vyas Purnima or Guru Pournami is July 7, Tuesday. Some scriptures described that on Ashada Poornima day, Vyasa completed writing and editing the compilations of Chaturvedas. Thus, Ashada Poornima is also called as Vyas Poornima.

Sage Vyas is the presenter of Chaturvedas (four Vedas), Astadasha Puranas (18 Puranas) and the ithihas Mahabharata.

Vyas Purnima is also observed as Guru Pournami because Veda Vyasa Bhagwan is considered as the Aadi Guru (first teacher). During Vyasa Jayanthi people worship Veda Vyas along with Guru parampara and Lord Sri Krishna. In some regions, the day is also celebrated as Guru Puja.

Vyasa Purnima – Chautur Mas Vrata – Shiva Shayanotsava Vratam:

In some sects, on Vyasa Purnima is considered as the beginning of Chaturmas Vrata. During the four holy months in Hinduism, Lord Vishnu goes into sleep. Some Shaiva sects observe Vyasa Jayanthi as the Shiva Shayanotsav Vrata arambham. It marks the first day of Shiva Shayanotsav Vratam. On this day, Shiva Dolotsav is also celebrated.

In Veda Vyasa temple at Basar where Goddess Gnana Saraswati Devi temple is located, Vyasa Pournami celebrations are held with utmost devotion.

Merits of Observing Vyasa Purnima – Vyasa Jayanthi Phal Stuthi:

Worshipping Veda Vyasa bhagwan and observing Vyas Purnima with reverence is highly meritorious. The one who donates Vishnu Purana on Ashada Purnima would attain salvation and reaches Vaikuntam, the Vishnu lokam, after the death. Reciting the stotra of Veda Vyasa on Vyas Pournami routes the devotee to Brahmatva (salvation).

Lord Shiridi Saibaba said that Guru Purnima is the compulsary festival that his devotees should celebrate.

The sloka or stotra to recite on Vyasa Purnima:

Shankaram Shankaracharyam

Govindam Badarayanam

Sootra bhashya kruthou vande

Bhagavanthou punah punah