Latest news with #AshadhaPurnima
India Gazette
11-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is my
Agartala (Tripura) [India], July 11 (ANI): On the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha paid heartfelt tribute to his teachers and mentors, upholding the revered Indian tradition of the guru-shishya parampara, the eternal bond between teacher and disciple. CM Saha visited the residence of renowned educationist Dr Jagadish Gan Chowdhury in Agartala to personally seek his blessings. In a parallel gesture of respect, he also connected over the phone with one of his esteemed teachers currently residing in Bangalore, underscoring his gratitude and reverence for all those who guided him through life. Speaking to the media, CM Saha remarked, 'The visit was a gesture of respect and reverence towards the teachers who made me capable and what I am today.' His humble acknowledgement of his mentors reflects the enduring values of respect, learning, and gratitude embedded in Indian culture. In a significant and heartfelt declaration, CM Manik Saha described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his 'political guru.' Speaking to ANI, he said, 'Prime Minister Narendra Modiji is my political guru. I entered politics by watching him. On this special day, I seek his blessings.' He further stated, 'Anyone who imparts education is a guru.' Emphasizing the spiritual and cultural importance of Guru Purnima, CM Saha noted that, as in previous years, he made it a point to connect with his teachers, whether in person or over a call, as a mark of respect. The Chief Minister's observance of Guru Purnima stands as a strong testament to the deep-rooted values of Indian heritage, where teachers are seen not just as educators but as life-shaping guides whose influence endures across time. A Guru is considered an essential guide for one's success in life. Thousands of people visit their respected Gurus on this day, presenting gifts to them as per their abilities. The belief is that respecting Gurus on Guru Purnima brings positive changes in one's life. There is also a tradition of receiving the Guru Mantra on this day in Varanasi. The Guru holds the highest importance in the religious city of Varanasi. On the day of Ashadha Purnima, bathing and giving donations are considered very auspicious. Devotees gathered on the eve of Guru Purnima to offer prayers at Chhatarpur's Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir. The sacred Bhasma Aarti was also performed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain in the early morning on Thursday, on the occasion of Guru Purnima. Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the early morning ritual, which is considered very divine. The temple resonated with chants and spiritual fervour, marking the worship of Lord Shiva and spiritual gurus. At Ganga River at Har Ki Pauri, a large number of devotees gathered to take a holy dip on the occasion. It also marks the end of the month of Ashadh and the beginning of the month of Sawan. From Guru Purnima, the Kanvar Yatra will also begin. After taking a holy dip, devotees visit the temple. Those who have taken initiation from their Guru and received the Guru Mantra will go to their Guru and worship them today. 'Guru Govind dou khade kaake lagu paay balihari Guru aapne Govind diyo bataye,' a line composed by Kabir Das centuries ago, highlights the glory of the Guru, which remains relevant today. It translates to: 'If both Guru (teacher) and Govind (God) were to appear before me, whose feet should I touch first? I would bow to the Guru first, for it is the Guru who has shown me the way to God.'Guru Purnima is also known as Ashadhi Purnima and Vyas Purnima because Maharishi Ved Vyas was born on this day. The Guru holds special importance in worldly life, which is why, in Indian culture, a guru is considered more important than God. This festival is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. In Buddhism, Lord Buddha gave his first Dharma Chakra Pravartan on this day. (ANI)
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kandhei Yatra draws huge crowd in Berhampur's Bada Bazar
1 2 3 Berhampur: Hundreds of people thronged the Bada Bazar area in silk city on Thursday evening to witness Kandhei Yatra, the unique doll festival celebrated on Ashadha Purnima, also known as Vyas or Guru Purnima. Varieties of dolls, both traditional and modern, were exhibited at the festival, which continued until midnight. The event featured an impressive display of traditional and modern dolls at over 300 makeshift stalls stretching from Khaspa Street to Bada Bazar. While the festival showcased a variety of dolls — ranging from cow dung and clay to electronic toys — traditional dolls saw fewer buyers. "Very few people prefer to buy these dolls," said Sunita Moharana of Gudia Deula Sahi, who, along with her family, spent a month crafting them. Nilakanth Sahu of Jaura Street said, "My forefathers made these dolls for the festival, and we have continued the tradition." Although the festival has been observed for over 300 years, there is no historical evidence of its origin. "We have no idea about the origin of the festival, but it is connected with the return of Lord Jagannath to his abode after the Rath Yatra," said Jagannath Panda, a priest of Jagannath Temple, Khaspa Street. On Kandhei Yatra night, Lord Jagannath's idol at Khaspa Street was given pattabhisheka (installation of legs and hands), and the temple doors remained open until midnight for devotees. The doors of other temples in the area, including the famous Budhi Thakurani temple, were also opened at night. Police maintained tight security to ensure the event passed off peacefully. Berhampur: Hundreds of people thronged the Bada Bazar area in silk city on Thursday evening to witness Kandhei Yatra, the unique doll festival celebrated on Ashadha Purnima, also known as Vyas or Guru Purnima. Varieties of dolls, both traditional and modern, were exhibited at the festival, which continued until midnight. The event featured an impressive display of traditional and modern dolls at over 300 makeshift stalls stretching from Khaspa Street to Bada Bazar. While the festival showcased a variety of dolls — ranging from cow dung and clay to electronic toys — traditional dolls saw fewer buyers. "Very few people prefer to buy these dolls," said Sunita Moharana of Gudia Deula Sahi, who, along with her family, spent a month crafting them. Nilakanth Sahu of Jaura Street said, "My forefathers made these dolls for the festival, and we have continued the tradition." Although the festival has been observed for over 300 years, there is no historical evidence of its origin. "We have no idea about the origin of the festival, but it is connected with the return of Lord Jagannath to his abode after the Rath Yatra," said Jagannath Panda, a priest of Jagannath Temple, Khaspa Street. On Kandhei Yatra night, Lord Jagannath's idol at Khaspa Street was given pattabhisheka (installation of legs and hands), and the temple doors remained open until midnight for devotees. The doors of other temples in the area, including the famous Budhi Thakurani temple, were also opened at night. Police maintained tight security to ensure the event passed off peacefully.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kashi aglow with spirituality; hundreds throng ghats, ashrams on Guru Purnima
1 2 3 4 5 6 Varanasi: The holy city of Varanasi reverberated with spiritual fervour on Thursday as Guru Purnima was commemorated with immense enthusiasm. As the sun rose, devotees from far and wide congregated at revered temples and ashrams, seeking the blessings of their revered gurus and spiritual mentors. In tandem, the Buddhist community observed Dhammachakkappavattana Day with great fervour at the esteemed Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath, paying homage to the timeless wisdom of the Dhamma on the auspicious occasion of Ashadha Purnima." The ghats of the Ganga were bathed in a divine aura as throngs of devotees gathered to perform sacred pujas and rituals, their prayers and hymns merging with the gentle flow of the river. Spiritual discourses and soul-stirring bhajan sessions resonated through the city, as seekers of truth paid homage to their revered gurus. Guru Purnima in Varanasi was a testament to the city's enduring reverence for its spiritual luminaries, its ancient traditions and its timeless quest for spiritual enlightenment. " The revered Aghor Peeth in Kashi, a spiritual haven nestled along the sacred Ganges, was abuzz with devotion as thousands of devotees flocked to Baba Kinaram Sthal, Kreem-Kund, to pay homage to the saints and gurus. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ditch the cinema with boAt Boat Buy Now Undo The samadhis of illustrious aghoris, including the revered Baba Kinaram, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, were lavishly decorated, exuding an aura of spirituality. The Aghor throne, graced by the presence of Aghoracharya Maharajshri Baba Siddharth Gautam Ram Ji Maharaj, was a magnet for devotees seeking blessings. Meanwhile, Shri Vidya Math at Kedar Ghat, Padao Ashram, Annapurna Mandir, and other revered mutts and ashrams, were also thronged by devotees eager to pay their respects to their gurus. As the sun rose over the ghats, the city of Kashi came alive with the sound of prayers and chanting, with long queues of devotees forming outside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and other sacred sites. Guru Purnima was also celebrated in the adjoining districts. Crowds of people were seen at Aghoracharya Baba Kinaram Janseva Sansthan Devsthanam at Muriar village in the Saidpur area of Ghazipur district to take blessings of Guru Dharmarakshit Ram. The local administration and police made adequate security arrangements along the ghats and other places of gathering to maintain peace. Meanwhile, Buddhists celebrated Ashadha Purnima in Sarnath with great enthusiasm and devotion to mark the first sermon delivered by Lord Buddha after attaining enlightenment. Devotees from various parts of the world gathered in Sarnath to participate in the celebrations. The day began with prayers and meditation sessions, followed by a series of religious discourses.
India Gazette
10-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Devotees gather at Sarnath to celebrate Ashadha Purnima and Buddha's first sermon
Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 10 (ANI): Under the golden hues of the setting sun and the sacred full moon of Ashadha, Sarnath--the site of the Buddha's first sermon--became a vibrant hub of spiritual reflection and cultural reverence as devotees from across the world gathered at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara. The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Mahabodhi Society of India, hosted a solemn and graceful celebration to mark Ashadha Purnima, a day revered as the Buddha's First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. This sacred day also marks the onset of Varsha Vassa, the traditional monastic rain retreat--a period of contemplation and study for the Buddhist Sangha, mirroring the inward journey as rains quiet the world outside. The event commenced with a meditative parikrama (circumambulation) of the Dhamek Stupa. Monks, nuns, and lay followers walked in peaceful unison, hands folded in devotion, as ancient chants filled the air. The solemnity of the moment was amplified by the stupa's timeless presence--its weathered stones standing as sentinels of centuries-old teachings. In his welcome address, Ven. Summitananda Thero, In-charge of Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, reflected on the spiritual weight of Sarnath and the gathering's deep symbolism--where memory and devotion unite beneath the open sky. One of the highlights was the heartfelt message by Ven. Dieu Tri, a senior nun from Vietnam, who spoke of the powerful emotions felt during the recent Relic Exposition of the Buddha in Vietnam. A short film showcased the event, which saw an overwhelming 17.8 million devotees venerate the sacred relics across nine cities. Ven. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, Vice Chancellor of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, beautifully blended scholarship with spirituality, highlighting the symbolism of Ashadha Purnima--the Buddha's first teachings, the formation of the Sangha, and the legendary dream of Queen Mahamaya, who envisioned a six-tusked white elephant foretelling the Buddha's birth. Representing the long-standing spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka, Most Ven. Sumedha Thero, President of the Indo-Sri Lanka International Buddhist Association, emphasized the historic friendship nurtured through the shared Dharma. He lauded the Indian government for selecting Sarnath as the venue for this year's celebrations, calling it 'a most fitting and sacred choice.' The event concluded with powerful words from Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of IBC, who stressed the importance of unity, empathy, and mindful action in today's interconnected world. 'Bridging differences and fostering inclusive dialogue is not just noble--it is essential,' he noted. Ven. Seelawanso Thero, Principal of Pali and Buddhist Dhamadoot College, closed the event with a sincere vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to all attendees and supporters for their trust and unwavering commitment to the Dharma. As twilight deepened and prayers echoed in the air, the celebration stood as a testament to Buddhism's timeless message of peace, compassion, and inner awakening--offering hope and harmony to a world in need. (ANI)
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Grand ‘Ashadha Purnima' celebrations held at Indrakeeladri
The Indrakeeladri, abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga, resonated with devotion and vibrant cultural fervour on the occasion of 'Ashadha Purnima', as thousands of devotees participated in the 'Giri Pradakshina' organised by the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam, here on Thursday. The goddess was adorned in a splendid 'Swarna Kavacha' (golden armour) and appeared to devotees in the form of Sakambari Devi, decorated with a variety of dry and fresh fruits, and vegetables. The temple's senior priest, Shivaprasad, alongside the vedic committee, and other archakas, performed the 'Saptashati Homam', 'Maha Vidya Parayanam', 'Shanti Paushtika Homam', and 'Kushmanda Bali'. Speaking on the occasion, temple executive officer V.K. Seena Naik said that prayers were offered for timely rains, bountiful harvest, and the prosperity of the nation and the State. Over the three days — from July 8 to 10— approximately 36 tonnes of vegetables, fruits, and dry fruits were used to decorate the sanctum sanctorum and sub-shrines. Devotees were offered 'Kadambam prasadam', prepared with vegetables, free of cost throughout the celebrations. As part of 'Guru Purnima', also known as 'Vyasa Purnima', a special felicitation ceremony was held honouring spiritual teachers and Vedic scholars. Those felicitated included: Tangirala Venkateswara Ghanapati, vedic scholar from the Devasthanam; Shankaramanchi Shivaprasad, senior chief priest of the temple; Ahitagni Guntur Sri Ramachandra Somayajulu, vedic scholar from Krishnalanka. Mr. Seena Naik, along with his spouse, initiated the 'pradakshina' with special pujas and coconut breaking rituals. Devotional fervour marked the procession with performances of 'Kolatam' (traditional stick dance), bhajans, sankeertanas, cultural presentations, and vedic chants by scholars. The route passed through Ghat Road temple, Kummaripalem Centre, Vidyadharapuram, Milk Factory, Chittinagar, Kothapet, Brahmin Street, and culminated at Indrakeeladri, with thousands of devotees walking in reverence and seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga and Lord Malleshwara. In conjunction with the full moon day, the temple witnessed the conclusion of the three-day 'Mahapurnahuti celebrations. The events included Kalashodvasana, Marjanam, Prasadam distribution, and the ceremonial conclusion (Utsava Samapti) of the festivities.
