Guru Purnima: Celebrating wisdom and Ved Vyasa!

Guru Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of Ashadha (June-July), is a sacred festival in India honouring spiritual and academic teachers. The word "Guru" comes from Sanskrit, meaning one who dispels darkness (Gu) with knowledge (Ru). | (Sourced)

In India, Guru Purnima transcends religious boundaries, bringing together Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains in reverence for their gurus. In Nepal, it doubles as Teacher’s Day. | (Sourced)

The "Guru of the Gurus" Ved Vyasa, born Krishna Dwaipayana, is the legendary sage whose birth is commemorated as Guru Purnima. The son of sage Parashara and Satyavati, a fisherman’s daughter, he’s revered as the author of the Vedas and the Mahabharata, earning the title "Vyasa" (one who divides). | (Sourced)

Ved Vyasa was born to Satyavati, who later married King Shantanu, making Vyasa the stepbrother of Bhishma and the great-grandfather of the Pandavas and Kauravas | (Source: Raja Ravi Varma)

Vyasa’s monumental contribution was dividing the single Veda into four — Rig, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva, for easier study. He taught these to his disciples Paila, Vaisampayana, Jaimini, and Sumantu, ensuring the preservation of Vedic knowledge for generations. | (Sourced)

Vyasa is credited with composing the Mahabharata, one of the longest epics in the world. According to legend, Ved Vyasa narrated the Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha, who agreed to write it down on the condition that Vyasa would not pause. Vyasa cleverly inserted complex verses to give himself time to think! | (Sourced)

Vyasa is counted among the Ashta Chiranjivi, the eight immortals in Hindu tradition. His supernatural powers included granting divine vision, like when he enabled Sanjay to narrate the Mahabharata war to Dhritarashtra. | (Sourced)

Using his spiritual powers, Vyasa fathered Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura, key figures in the Mahabharata, ensuring the continuation of the Kuru dynasty. | (Sourced)