People across India thronged temples and ashrams on Thursday to celebrate Guru Purnima, a sacred occasion dedicated to honouring spiritual and academic mentors.
Marked by deep reverence and spiritual fervour, the day holds a special place in Indian tradition, as it acknowledges the guiding light of gurus in one’s journey from ignorance to enlightenment.
Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, Guru Purnima—also known as Vyasa Purnima—commemorates the birth anniversary of Sage Veda Vyasa, the revered author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas.
In Ayodhya, a powerful display of devotion unfolded at the Saryu Ghats, where lakhs of devotees gathered from early morning to take a holy dip. The spiritual city resonated with chants and prayers as followers, after bathing in the sacred river, visited their gurus to seek blessings and performed rituals in accordance with the ancient guru-disciple tradition.
Varanasi too witnessed a sea of devotees, especially at revered sites like the Aghor Peeth Keenaram Ashram. Long queues wound through the city as people bowed at the feet of their gurus and prayed for spiritual growth.
“Today is Guru Purnima — a very auspicious day for us. It feels like a festival,” a devotee told IANS.
Another visitor said, “We are here to offer prayers to Baba Keenaram. I wish that Guru Ji showers his blessings on everyone.”
“After taking a holy dip, I prayed for Guru Ji’s blessings. The arrangements here are excellent. I feel blessed to be here with my family,” shared another devotee.
In Maharashtra, large crowds gathered at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, where the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust organised a three-day Guru Purnima festival. The main day drew thousands of devotees.
CEO Goraksh Gadilkar extended greetings to all Sai devotees, stating that the event was being conducted with utmost devotion.
Purohit Gopal Das reflected on the spiritual essence of the day, saying, “Guru Purnima celebrates the glory of the Guru, who shows the path to reach God.”
In Prayagraj, devotees took holy dips at the Triveni Sangam, followed by visits to temples and monasteries to seek blessings from saints and spiritual leaders.
“This is Purnima, and it is especially significant as Guru Purnima — a day dedicated to the Guru, who connects us to Brahma, imparts divine knowledge, and shows us the right path,” said one devotee.
Another devotee added, “I took a holy dip in the Ganga and prayed to the Goddess. Now, we’re heading to seek blessings from saints and seers.”
Guru Purnima continues to resonate across India as a profound celebration of the sacred bond between guru and disciple — observed with devotion, gratitude, prayer, and reverence.
(With inputs from IANS)
