Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is the day dedicated to all the persons, teachers or things from which we all have learnt something. It is the time to express our love and warmth to all those who have believed in us and who helped us in excelling in whatever way we wished to.
Meaning of Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima or Vyasa Purnima is celebrated every year. Since the beginning of the universe, a Guru is considered to be one of the most important part of one’s life. This day is dedicated to all the academic teachers and the spiritual teachers in one’s life.
The word Guru is divided into two parts: “Gu” & “Ru” originating from the Sanskrit language. The Word “Gu” signifies darkness and “Ru” signifies the one who removes the darkness; means one who is the remover of the darkness. The second word Purnima means the Full Moon day. As per the Hindu Calendar,Guru Purnima falls in the month of Ashadh (i.e June or July). Since ages, Guru has been worshiped next to God.
Ved Vyasa: The Guru Of All Ages
Guru Ved Vyas has been considered as the biggest and the most knowledgeable Guru of all times. Guru Purnima or Vyasa Purnima is dedicated to Guru Ved Vyas and is celebrated as his birthday. Ved Vyas has taught us the real values and has helped us in differentiating the wrong from right.
The greatest epic of all times, Mahabharat, written by Ved Vyas, is a live example. The teachings  we get from Mahabharata are still prevalent in today’s time and these teachings still guide us from all the wrongs that are prevailing in the society.
Ved Vyasa had classified the Vedas into four different texts. These Vedas in today’s time are known as Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Kaam Veda, and Atharva Veda. Ved Vyasa also wrote the “Srimad Bhagwat Geeta”.  The teachings in these texts are the biggest and best offering to the mankind.
Guru Purnima Rituals
Since the medieval times, on this day, the students (Shishya) offer special pujas and greetings to their Gurus.
All Gurus have been treated as gods. Their wish, command and advice was considered ultimate. The below mentioned Shloka signifies it all:
|| Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwara,
Guru Sakshaat ParBrahma Tasmay Shri Guru Namaha ||
Meaning
Guru is Brahma, Guru is Vishnu, Guru is Lord Maheshwara | Guru is the personification of the supreme power, I bow to the holy Guru in homage ||
The Mantra clearly signifies that a Guru is trinity (Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh), and it is believed that through a Guru one can achieve the ultimate result and reach to the supreme power.
It has been stated in Hindu mythology that a Guru is the ultimate path setter. The biggest example of the devotion towards one’s Guru is of Eklavya. Who on the command of his Guru (Dronacharya) cut his thumb as respect and order (Guru Dakshina) to  him. There are a lot of examples which have defined the relation of a Guru and his Shishya.
Guru Purnima is not only an important day for Hindus, but also for Buddhists and Jains throughout the globe.
Guru Purnima celebrations:
Every year, Guru Purnima is celebrated in different religious sects. But the common aspect remains throughout, and that is tribute or thanks giving to one’s Gurus, be it Ved Vyas, Gautam Buddha or Lord Mahavira.
In Buddhism, the day is celebrated by performing meditation. Whereas in Hinduism, some  songs and Bhajans are sung at temples.
It has been rightly said God cannot come and teach you everything. Hence, he created a teacher, a Guru. The child takes his first step at home and he learns his basics from his parents, but these steps are put in the best efforts by his Guru. His basics learnt are polished and well defined by a teacher or a Guru.