Guru
Purnima
2026

The full moon in the month of Ashadha is known as Ashadha Purnima.

Ashadha Purnima is one of the most sacred full moon days in the Hindu calendar. Celebrated as Guru Purnima, this auspicious occasion is dedicated to honouring gurus, teachers, and spiritual guides. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu, observe Gopadam Vrat, and seek blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Ashadha Purnima is also observed as Guru Purnima and Veda Vyasa Purnima. On Ashadha Purnima, it is considered very auspicious to honour the teachers(gurus), parents and all those who have guided one on the right path.

When is Ashadha Purnima in 2026?

Occasion Date and Time

Ashadha Purnima 2026: Wednesday, 29 July 2026

Purnima Tithi Begins: 06:18 PM on 28 July 2026

Purnima Tithi Ends: 08:05 PM on 29 July 2026

Approx. Moonrise Time: 07:21 PM on 29 July 2026

Significance of Ashadha Purnima

According to Hindu beliefs, Ashadha Purnima becomes particularly auspicious when the Moon is in Uttarashada Nakshatra, making the day favourable for prosperity and good fortune. Devotees observe Gopadam Vrat and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu for blessings and happiness.

The day is also celebrated as Guru Purnima, when people pay respect to their gurus and seek their guidance and blessings. Budhists also celebrate Guru Purnima in honour of Gautam Budha. It is believed that Lord Budha gave his first lecture at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh on this day.

Ashadha Purnima is also known as "Vyasa Purnima" as it marks the birth anniversary of Ved Vyasa who wrote "Mahabharata".

What is Gopadma Vrat? Gopadma Vrat Puja Rituals

Gopdma Vrat is observed by married women for the welfare and prosperity of their families. It is observed during Chaturmaas.

Chathur Maas Vrat commences on the Ashada Shukla Ekadashi and ends on Uthanna Ekadashi of Karthika month.

In this vrat, Lord Vishnu and cows are worshipped. The rituals for Gopadma Vrat are as follows -

• Wake up early before sunrise, bathe and wear clean clothes
• Take the Sankalpa (Vow)
• Setup the Pooja Altar (Pooja table)
• Use flowers, deep, dhoop and other ingredients while worshiping God.
• Worship the Lord Vishnu and recite Lord Vishnu mantras and aartis
• Worship the cow, apply Tilak and offer first roti to the cow
• Once the puja is completed, donate food, clothes, jewelry etc. to Brahmins.

What to do on Ashadha Purnima?

People observing Purnima vrat may follow customs such as:

• eating satvik food,
• avoiding onion and garlic,
• mantra chanting,
• reading religious texts,
• avoiding anger or harsh speech,
• and performing charity.

Some devotees keep a full-day fast, while others consume fruits and milk depending on family customs and health considerations.

Satyanarayan Katha and it's relevance on Ashadha Purnima

On the auspicious day of Ashadha Purnima, a lot of devotees perform Satyanarayan Katha in their homes. It is believed that those who observe Satyanarayan vrat on Ashadha Purnima gradually see their sincere wishes fulfilled and their home blessed with peace.

To perform Satyanarayan Katha at home, first worship Lord Ganesha, then place the sacred pot, followed by the Satyanarayan Katha. Once the Katha is finished, perform the Satyanaran or Lord Vishnu aarti and distribute prasaad.

Nakshatra Puja and the role of Ashadha Purnima

Ashadha Purnima 2026 is considered a favourable time for Nakshatra-based worship, especially for those born under Purvashada and Uttarashada Nakshatra. Many devotees use this sacred full moon day for mantra chanting, meditation, charity, and simple puja to seek divine blessings. It is also regarded as an ideal occasion to honour the ruling deities of these Nakshatras and pray for peace, protection, and steady progress in life.

Performing Saraswati Puja on Ashadha Purnima 2026

Worshipping Goddess Saraswati on Ashadha Purnima is considered especially beneficial for students, teachers, writers, musicians, artists, and anyone pursuing knowledge, wisdom, or creative excellence. Since this sacred day is also observed as Guru Purnima, it represents the divine connection between the Guru's guidance and the blessings of knowledge bestowed by Maa Saraswati.

A simple Saraswati Puja Vidhi for Ashadha Purnima is given below:

• Begin the day with a holy bath and clean the puja area thoroughly.
• Spread a clean white or yellow cloth on the altar.
• Place an idol or picture of Goddess Saraswati on the altar and keep a Kalash (water-filled pot) nearby.
• First worship Lord Ganesha and then offer prayers to the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) for peace, balance, and auspiciousness.
• Offer white flowers, white garments, rice grains (Akshat), vermilion, ornaments, and yellow fruits to the Goddess.
• Prepare and offer traditional sweets such as kheer or malpua as bhog.
• Recite Saraswati Vandana, Saraswati Stotra, or other hymns dedicated to the Goddess and spend a few moments in silent meditation.

It is believed that worshipping Maa Saraswati on Ashadha Purnima helps students improve concentration, memory, and academic performance. For artists, writers, and spiritual seekers, this sacred observance is said to inspire creativity, wisdom, clarity of thought, and inner growth.