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Guru Purnima (Poornima) is a custom that is devoted to all the teachers whether they are Spiritual Gurus or Dance/Music Gurus or Academic teachers, that are involved in the spiritual or mental development to share the wisdom. This festival is not only celebrated in India but also in Nepal and Bhutan by Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus. This festival is celebrated on full moon day in Ashadha according to the Hindu calendar to express gratitude to gurus. This is also known as Vyasa Purnima ( Birthday of Ved Vyasa).
Indian Classical Dance and Music are still following the old tradition of Guru Shishya Prampara. The base of Guru Shishya Parmpara completely depends on the dedication, attachment, and mutual trust between teacher and student. This relationship is for a lifetime. Guru Shishya Prampara has its root from ancient times nearly around 5000 years ago.
The practice of Guru Shishya Parampara is also followed in Indian Classical Dance and music. Renowned Guru’s tie Ganda (गंडा) to their favorite student and by this student can’t make another Guru (teacher). This ritual of Gath Bandhan (गठबंधन) is literally performed with worship (पूजा). This allows the Guru to include his disciple in his Gharana.
It is said that Lord Shiva is the first Guru who taught Yoga, Dharma & Shastras to the Sapta Rishi (saints) and these saints taught these to the yogis of that time.
The relationship of Guru Shishya can be understood by the story of Eklavya and Dronacharya. Eklavya was of low caste and Dronachayra was a royal teacher. Dronaharya denied making Eklavya as his student. But Eklavya was so fond of Guru Dronacharya, he decided to practice in front of mud idol of Dronacharya. One day when Dronacharya along with his students practicing in the forest watched the skill of Eklavya archery and asked him about his guru. Eklavya told him the entire story. Arjuna, a royal student of Dronacharya who said to be the finest archer was stunned with the archery of Eklavya and got jealous of him as he can surpass him. Knowing this Dronacharya asked to cut the right-hand thumb as Guru Dakshina. Eklavya cut his right-hand thumb as Guru Dakshina on demand of his Guru Dronacharya even though he won’t be able to do archery anymore.
Guru Shishya tradition has been going on since the Vedic period. Gu means darkness and Ru means remove. Literal meaning Guru is removing the darkness. The teacher is the one who removes the darkness of ignorance. There is a famous distich (दोहा) of Kabir Das Ji.
गुरू गोविन्द दोऊ खड़े, काके लागूं पांय।
बलिहारी गुरू अपने गोविन्द दियो बताय।।
If Guru and Gobind (God) stand together, then who should bow down to Guru or Gobind? In such a situation, it is best to bow the head in the steps of the Guru, whose blessings offered the privilege of seeing Govind. This distich (दोहा) not only attached to spirituality. It is followed in every stream. Even Lord Krishna said in Geeta that even people can’t get salvation without Guru.
According to the Hindu religious scriptures, there should be some qualities of guru also. Guru should be committed to students, instruct, and guide the students, and unfolding the qualities without partiality and must be dedicated to each and every student. True Guru is the one who never differentiates between his disciples.
The ultimate Dakshina is the right of every disciple on the education which he can never repay to his guru. Only taking his teachings further with their own intellect is the biggest Dakshina for Guru. True Guru always would be happy to see your progress.
FAQ’S Related Guru Shishya Parampara:
On Which Guru Mantra classical dancers generally perform?
गुरुर ब्रह्मा गुरुर विष्णु ,
गुरुर देवो महेश्वरः ,
गुरुर साक्षात परम ब्रह्म ,
तस्मै श्री गुरुवे नमः
गुरुर ब्रह्मा: Guru is similar to Brahma (Creator).
गुरुर विष्णु : Guru is like Vishnu (mentor).
गुरुर देवो महेश्वरः Guru is like Maheshwar (Destroyer).
गुरुर साक्षात परम ब्रह्म : Guru is like Supreme Brahma
तस्मै श्री गुरुवे नमः I bow to that only true Guru.
About the Author: – Neha Khunteta
She is a Kathak Artist and has been associated with it for more than 10 years and the founder of Kathak By Neha the best Kathak dance academy in Jaipur.
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