Why Do People Across the Nation Throng Temples on Guru Purnima?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Guru Purnima is a day to honor spiritual mentors.
- Celebrations include rituals, prayers, and gatherings.
- It unites various communities across India.
- Significant locations include Ayodhya and Shirdi.
- Devotees express gratitude towards their gurus.
New Delhi, July 10 (NationPress) On this significant day of Guru Purnima, individuals from all corners of India flocked to temples and ashrams, celebrating a momentous occasion that honors both spiritual and academic mentors.
Infused with profound respect and spiritual zeal, this day is deeply rooted in Indian culture, recognizing the enlightening role of gurus in guiding individuals from ignorance to knowledge.
Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, Guru Purnima, also referred to as Vyasa Purnima, marks the birth anniversary of the sage Veda Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas.
In Ayodhya, a remarkable display of faith was evident at the Saryu Ghats, where thousands of devotees gathered from dawn to partake in a holy dip.
The spiritual atmosphere was filled with chants and prayers as followers, after their sacred bath, approached their gurus for blessings and engaged in rituals aligned with the ancient guru-disciple tradition.
Varanasi also saw an influx of devotees visiting esteemed sites like the Aghor Peeth Keenaram Ashram. Long lines formed as people bowed to their gurus and prayed for spiritual advancement.
"Today is Guru Purnima, a truly auspicious day for us. It resembles a festival," expressed a devotee to IANS.
Another visitor remarked, "We are here to offer our prayers to Baba Keenaram. I hope Guru Ji blesses everyone."
"After my holy dip, I prayed for Guru Ji's blessings. The arrangements here are fantastic. I am thrilled to be with my family," another devotee shared.
In Maharashtra, large crowds gathered at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. The Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust organized a three-day Guru Purnima festival, with the main day attracting thousands.
CEO Goraksh Gadilkar conveyed best wishes to all Sai devotees, stating that the event is held with utmost devotion.
Purohit Gopal Das highlighted the spiritual significance of the day, stating, "Guru Purnima celebrates the glory of the Guru, who illuminates the path to God."
In Prayagraj, devotees took holy dips at the Triveni Sangam and later visited temples and monasteries to seek blessings from saints and spiritual leaders.
"This is Purnima, particularly significant as Guru Purnima -- a day dedicated to the Guru, who connects us to Brahma, to God, imparts divine knowledge, and shows us the right path," said one devotee.
Another devotee shared with IANS, "I dipped in the River Ganga and sought the Goddess's blessings. Now, we will continue to seek the blessings of saints and seers."
Guru Purnima remains a powerful symbol of the sacred bond between the Guru and the disciple, celebrated with devotion, prayer, and gratitude across India.