10 Jul 2025, Amritapuri – Guru Purnima Celebrations
Guru Purnima was observed with deep devotion at Amritapuri Ashram, drawing devotees and visitors from across India and abroad. The day began with a Maha Ganapati Homa performed by 150 brahmacharis and brahmacharinis. Swamiji offered a talk on the significance of the Guru and conducted the traditional Guru Pada Puja.

Speaking on the occasion, Amma described the Guru as both the moon of love — which dispels sorrow and brings joy — and the sun of wisdom — which destroys the darkness of ignorance.
“Guru Purnima is a symbol of the disciple’s surrendering a heart full of gratitude at the feet of the guru, who severs the bonds of countless lifetimes.
“The Guru is both the moon of love as well as the sun of wisdom. Like the cool moonlight that spreads serenity and joy, the guru dispels the sorrows of the disciple; thus, “the moon of love.” By destroying all the bonds and negativities of ignorance, the guru becomes “the sun of wisdom.”

“In reality, Guru Purnima is not about rituals or ceremonial worship. It is in the surrendered mind of the disciple that the full moon of the guru shines. The guru is always, constantly, Purnima—shining like a full moon. For there is no darkness of ignorance or ego in the guru”

“The guru is the inner moon of the true self that dispels the darkness in the minds of disciples and showers goodness on all. But the light of the guru’s full moon can be truly experienced only if the disciple holds the right attitude and surrender in their heart.”
“The disciples’ debt to the guru—who holds their hands and leads them from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality—is something that can never be repaid.”
Amma emphasized that “Only one who has attained can give. Only one who knows can teach. Only one who has experienced peace can impart peace. No matter how great an ascetic or scholar one may be, to attain completeness, one must seek the guidance of a guru who is himself complete.”
“Gurus are those who have fully transcended all desires. Yet, out of compassion, they dedicate themselves to uplifting those struggling in sorrow in the endless cycle of saṁsāra. The heart of the disciple who intensely yearns for liberation and the heart of the guru who responds compassionately must come together.
Amma always cautions: Even our next breath is not in our hands. Life is like a bubble; it can burst at any time. Our true lifespan is not measured in years but in the moments when we live with awareness and discernment.”
Amma called all her children to remember this and live with that awareness.
After delivering her message, Amma led everyone in meditation, followed by a series of bhajans in which all participated wholeheartedly.
-Kannadi

A grand Nadopasana followed — an offering of music by hundreds of vocalists and instrumentalists seated in organised lines before Amma, singing and playing in unison. A vibrant group dance performance added to the celebratory atmosphere of Guru Purnima.