The community at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury celebrated the annual auspicious occasion of Gurupoonam on Sunday 29th July, with disciples gathering at the Mandir from early afternoon.

Gurupoonam is one of the three main annual festivals of the Swaminarayan sampradaya; Jeevanpran Swamibapa Himself has explained the significance of this day, in that it is a day to recognise the importance of one’s true Guru and homage to Him with the utmost reverence. The word Guru is derived from Sanskrit – Gu, meaning darkness and Ru, meaning light. Thus, he who enlightens the ignorant, i.e. shines light to those in darkness, is called a Guru. At Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, we are truly fortunate to have the resort of the ultimate Guru, the supreme Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa and Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.

Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band commenced the day’s celebrations by saluting Gurudev Jeevanpran Swamibapa, who was presiding on a golden palanquin held aloft by the sponsoring disciple. Jeevanpran Swamibapa was led into the Mandir by this procession of the Band and gathered disciples, before everyone had the opportunity to offer poojan and aarti to Him. Acharya Swamishree Maharaj and Jeevanpran Swamibapa then showered their divine Ashirwad on everyone. Jeevanpran Swamibapa explained that one may scrutinize a potential Guru before he is adopted as such, but once a Guru was embraced, one’s dedication to him must be perfect, unfaltering and unwavering at all times and forevermore.

The evening concluded with everyone receiving Prasad dinner in Purushottam Mahal.