Gurupoornima Mahotsav, India
Friday, July 18, 2008 ~ Gurukul Rajkot & Surat

 As per Indian culture, Gurpurnima means the ceremony of worshiping of Vayasa, in a traditional way.  It was celebrated in Gurukul this year, with same importance as every year. This ceremony was start with three day Dharmajeevan Vyakhyanmala (Lectures)  from 15th to 17th. At 6am on 18th the ceremony was started with maha-abhishek with shadopchar rituals of Shree Ghanshyam Maharaj, residing in Gurukul Prathna mandir and sankalp purnakarta (one who completes all wishes) Shree Harikurshna Maharaj, along with annakut of 108 items in front of many disciples.
 The Ceremony of Gurupujan was started by Kothari Swami Shri Harijivandasji Swami, the first student of Gurudev Shashtriji Maharaj, by worshiping Lord Shree Hari's Statue, Shree Hari's Paduka (sleepers), and statue of Gurudev Shashtriji Maharaj. After that all students and disciples had taken part in gurupujan, by worshiping Gurudev Shashtriji Maharaj.
 Students worshiped Gurudev by performing dance on songs 'Dhanya ho Bharat Bhumi na Bhagya ..' and 'Gurudevna Charan ma Kariye Crore vandan..'. On this occasion Sadguru Shri Dharmavallabhdasji Swami, reminded all about the Lord Shree Ved Vyasa, Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu, and also explained guru-mahima about our guru hierarchy in Swaminarayan Sect. starting from Sadguru Shri Gunatinand Swami to Gurudev Shashtriji Maharaj. What is important in Guru's life ? Moksha (Akashardham/Heaven) is obtained only with help of Guru, with this lectures he explained the importance of this ceremony.
 On this special occasion the book written on Gurudev Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dhramajeevandasji Swami – 'Shadhuta na Shangar' was released. On this occasion people from all across country and people from foreign had come, also MLA of Rajkot Shree Govindbhai Patel, Chairman of Sargam Club Shree Gunvantbhai Delavala etc were present. Alumni of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot and Director of Durdarshan Shree Dhirubhai Kakdia said in his speech that Gurudev Shastriji Maharaj was one true saint who gave Bhramvidhya (Heavenly knowledge).  And while he was still alive he made Devkrushnadasji as our Gurudev, which is his obligation on us.
 At the end, when Gurudev Shree Devkrushnadasji Swami gave his blessing via phone from USA, who is on Satsang trip, everybody were pleased and happy. Also everybody listened to one of the Gurudev Shastriji Maharaj's recorded speech. In this event more than fifteen thousand disciples had come and enjoyed pujan, katha and Prasad. Yuvak mandal's youth taken a great responsibility of organizing Stage and food.