Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel observed Guru Purnima on Wednesday, 29 July by visiting two significant religious sites in Aravalli district — Lusadiya Dham, a revered tribal pilgrimage centre, and the Shamlaji Temple — where he offered prayers for the welfare, prosperity, and peace of the people of Gujarat.

Prayers and Tributes at Lusadiya Dham

At Lusadiya Dham in Shamlaji taluka, CM Patel paid homage at the Samadhi of tribal saint Surmaldas and offered prayers at the Dhuno before the idol of Ramdev Pir, associated with the revered saint. He also honoured the sixth-generation successor saints of Surmaldas by presenting them with shawls as a mark of respect on the occasion.

In turn, the saints of Lusadiya Dham presented the Chief Minister with a portrait of Saint Surmaldas and conveyed their blessings. Lusadiya Dham Trust President D.M. Bhoi narrated the history of the saint and the Samadhi during the programme.

Significance of Lusadiya Dham on Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima holds deep spiritual significance as a celebration of the Guru-Shishya tradition. Every year, thousands of devotees from the tribal regions of Gujarat and neighbouring Rajasthan converge at Lusadiya Dham to pay homage at the Samadhi of Saint Surmaldas and seek blessings from the resident saints. CM Patel joined tribal families in the devotional celebrations and interacted with devotees gathered at the site.

Unscripted Stop in Lusadiya Village

While travelling to Shamlaji, CM Patel briefly halted his convoy and stepped outside official protocol to interact with residents in Lusadiya village. He spoke with schoolchildren gathered along the roadside and offered words of encouragement. Young girls observing Gauri Vrat, carrying decorated kalash on their heads, welcomed the Chief Minister, while villagers and children also greeted him warmly.

Prayers at Shamlaji Temple

The Chief Minister subsequently visited the Shamlaji Temple, where he performed rituals and prayed for the 'holistic development, happiness, prosperity, peace and welfare of the people' of Gujarat. The visit underscored the cultural and spiritual importance of Shamlaji as a landmark pilgrimage destination in the region.

Officials and Dignitaries Present

Minister of State for Tribal Development and Food and Civil Supplies, P.C. Baranda, accompanied CM Patel throughout the visits. Also present were former minister and MLA Bhikhusinh Parmar, MLA Dhavalsinh Zala, and former MP Deepsinh Rathod. The visits reflect the state government's continued engagement with tribal communities and their cultural heritage on significant religious occasions.