Guru Sakshat Param Brahma Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah ||
The whole world knows the Guru tradition that has been going on uninterruptedly since the era of Maharshi Vyas.
A Guru is a Sadguru who removes the darkness of ignorance and leads one towards the light of knowledge. Without a Guru, life has no direction and no salvation. The place of the Guru in our life is extraordinary and incomparable.
The Sadguru transforms the soul and guides seekers on the righteous path. Just as iron turns into gold by the touch of the philosopher’s stone, the Guru gives proper guidance for the welfare of the seeker and continuously inspires the path of Parmartha.
Courtesy, cheerfulness, honesty and integrity are naturally present in the Sadguru. A seeker should learn these virtues throughout life from the Guru. If the lamp of Sadguru’s teachings is always kept close, life will never remain in darkness.
Other worldly knowledge has little importance without the grace of the Guru. We are fortunate to witness the divine work of such great souls who transformed countless lives through their wisdom and guidance.
Sadguru Chaitanyaswarup Bhalchandra Dattatreya Limaye (Anna) and Sadguru Lakshmiswarup Sushma Bhalchandra Limaye (Aai) carried forward the tradition of Sadguru Seva and started celebrating Gurupournima with deep devotion at the feet of Shri Swami Samarth.
This sacred tradition continued under the blessings of Anna’s Sadguru, Raosaheb Sahastrabuddhe. Through this glorious tradition, many devotees found the path of devotion and made their lives meaningful with the sweetness of Swami Naam.
Devotees experienced spiritual bliss by uniting their inner light with the divine light of the Sadguru. Even today, Gurupournima remains a very important occasion for devotees to express gratitude towards the Sadguru.
Gurupournima Festival Schedule
| Morning - 7:00 AM |
Arrival of Shri Swami Samarth Maharaj’s Paduka from Ganesh Krupa to Nandivali Math. After placing the Paduka, the festival begins with lighting of the traditional lamps and chants in praise of Swami Maharaj.
During the Gurupournima gathering, names are selected through lots according to Swami’s blessings and those devotees receive the honour of performing the Pooja. |
| Morning - 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM |
Mahapuja, Sahasranamavali and Manaspuja are performed by the selected couple whose names appear in the lots.
This is followed by Padyapuja of Sadguru Anna and Aai, who transformed the lives of seekers and guided them on the righteous path. Devotees who are fortunate enough to receive this golden opportunity through the lots perform this sacred ritual. After this, seekers who have received Guru Mantra from Sadguru Anna are guided appropriately. Collective chanting of Guru Mantra is performed in meditation posture with closed eyes. Devotees eagerly listen to the divine thoughts and blessings of Sadguru. This is also the only special day when devotees get an opportunity to bow at the holy feet of the Guru. |
| Afternoon - 12:00 PM | Naivedya offering and Mahaprasad begins. |
| Afternoon - 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM |
Sevekari Vrinda of the Mandal offers Bhajans, devotional songs and spiritual discussions at the feet of Sadguru as Gurudakshina.
Such heartfelt Gurudakshina is very dear to the Guru and is considered the purest offering. |
| Evening - 5:00 PM |
Felicitation of successful students from 10th and 12th standard takes place.
Dedicated sevekari’s who silently serve Swami with humility and devotion are also honoured. Senior sevekari’s who have contributed through body, mind and wealth towards this noble cause are respectfully felicitated. |
| Evening - 6:30 PM | After Aarti, the palanquin procession carrying Shri’s Paduka departs from Nandivali Math towards Ganesh Krupa, the residence of Sadguru. |
