Acharya Veda Vyasa
Based on various sources Acharya Veda Vyasa’s period could be placed possibly around 3000 BCE – 2800 BCE, though these dates are debated. Acharya Veda Vyasa is the son of sage Parashara and Satyavati. His full name is Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, where “Krishna” denotes his dark complexion, and “Dvaipayana” signifies his birth on an island.
Acharya Veda Vyasa is credited with several monumental compilations and compositions that have had a lasting impact on Hindu literature, philosophy, and culture, as given here:

1. Compiling and categorising the Vedas into four distinct texts:
   • Rigveda: The oldest of the Vedas, it consists of hymns dedicated to various deities.
   • Samaveda: Focuses on the melodic chanting of hymns, largely derived from the Rigveda.
   • Yajurveda: Contains rituals and instructions for performing sacrificial rites.
   • Atharvaveda: Includes hymns, spells, and incantations for everyday life and magical rites.
2. Mahabharata : One of the longest epic poems in the world, it narrates the story of the Kurukshetra War between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The Mahabharata includes the Bhagavad Gita.
3. Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture, is part of the Mahabharata. It is a philosophical and spiritual dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Krishna. Krishna serves as his charioteer.
4. Puranas: Vyasa is credited with composing eighteen Puranas, which are a genre of ancient Indian texts that cover a wide range of topics, including cosmology, mythology, history, and legends.
   These eighteen Puranas are Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Narada Purana, Markandeya Purana, Agni Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Brahmavaivarta Purana, Linga Purana, Varaha Purana, Skanda Purana, Vamana Purana, Kurma Purana, Matsya Purana, Garuda Purana and Brahmaanda Purana.
5. Brahma Sutras (Vedanta Sutras): These aphoristic texts systematise and summarise the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads. The Brahma Sutras are one of the foundational texts of Vedanta philosophy.
6. Other Compilations: Harivamsa, An appendix to the Mahabharata, focusing on the life of Krishna and Adhyatma Ramayana, A spiritual rendition of the Ramayana attributed to Vyasa.
   Acharya Veda Vyasa’s work represents a synthesis of diverse spiritual and philosophical traditions of ancient India. By systematising and preserving the vast corpus of spiritual knowledge, he ensured its transmission through generations. His works continue to be studied, revered, and followed by millions around the world.
   Guru Purnima is celebrated in honour of Acharya Veda Vyasa and all spiritual gurus.