As the name indicates, Guru Purnima is a day that falls on the full moon and is celebrated for the Guru. As per the Hindu calendar, on Ashadha month’s Purnima, Guru Purnima is celebrated. This year Guru Purnima is on July 5, Sunday. The glory of the Guru is unimaginable. Without a Guru, knowledge can’t be attained. It is believed that on this day, Adiguru, the composer of the Mahabharata, and the four Vedas’ lecturer, Maharshi Ved Vyas, was born and that’s why the day is also called as Vyas Purnima.  In fact, worship of the guru is important because, by his grace, one can achieve anything.

The Guru concept is prevailing in Indian civilization and culture since ages. A Guru is important for the study of all sciences- educational and spiritual. The guru is not only an instructor, but also a guide, a mentor, a role model, a friend, and the parent. A guru is one who removes the ignorance with his knowledge and experience.

Now the question comes who can become a Guru?

Following are some of the qualities of a Guru:

• 1. He must have unflinching faith in God.
• 2. He must be free of egotism, jealousy, and corruption.
• 3. He must understand the sacred mantras along with the meaning.
• 4. He must be able to explain the meaning of the ancient Scriptures to others in a skillful manner.
• 5. He should be free from any attachment.
• 6. He should be compassionate and have unimpeachable conduct

Not everyone can be chosen as Guru but who is experienced and have the knowledge and can impart good thoughts and habits to others can be treated as Guru. Guru Purnima is a day to pay gratitude towards our Gurus/ teachers who helped us to gain knowledge in every form.