Guru Purnima is a sacred day in the Hindu tradition, celebrated to honor the Guru-disciple relationship. On this day, disciples express their gratitude to their Gurus for their guidance and wisdom. Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry, India, is a spiritual community dedicated to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. On Guru Purnima, the ashram hosts special pujas and satsangs to honor their spiritual lineage and to celebrate the Guru-disciple tradition.
The atmosphere at Sri Aurobindo Ashram on Guru Purnima is one of deep reverence and devotion. Disciples from all over the world gather at the ashram to participate in the celebrations. The day begins with a special puja in the Samadhi, the shrine where Sri Aurobindo and The Mother are laid to rest. The puja is followed by a satsang in the Meditation Hall, where disciples sing hymns and listen to readings from the works of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
In the afternoon, there is a special meditation session, during which disciples offer their gratitude to their Gurus and to the Divine. The evening concludes with a cultural program, which may include music, dance, and poetry.
Here is a more vivid description of the Guru Purnima celebrations at Sri Aurobindo Ashram:
- The Samadhi: The Samadhi is a white marble shrine located in the heart of the ashram. It is a place of great peace and tranquility. On Guru Purnima, the Samadhi is decorated with flowers and incense. Disciples gather around the Samadhi to offer their prayers and to meditate.
- The Meditation Hall: The Meditation Hall is a large hall where disciples gather to meditate and to attend satsangs. On Guru Purnima, the Meditation Hall is specially decorated for the occasion. Disciples sit in rows on the floor, facing the stage. On the stage is a photo of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, and a bouquet of flowers.
- The Puja: The puja is a ritual ceremony performed to offer worship to the Divine. On Guru Purnima, the puja is performed in the Samadhi. The priest chants mantras and offers flowers, incense, and lamps to Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
- The Satsang: The satsang is a spiritual gathering where disciples listen to readings from the works of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, and to the insights of spiritual teachers. On Guru Purnima, the satsang is held in the Meditation Hall. Disciples sing hymns and listen to readings about the Guru-disciple relationship.
- The Meditation Session: In the afternoon, there is a special meditation session held in the Meditation Hall. During this meditation session, disciples offer their gratitude to their Gurus and to the Divine.
- The Cultural Program: The evening concludes with a cultural program, which may include music, dance, and poetry. The cultural program is a celebration of the Guru-disciple tradition and of the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.
Guru Purnima at Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a truly sacred and inspiring occasion. It is a time to celebrate the Guru-disciple relationship, to reflect on the spiritual path, and to offer gratitude to the Divine.