By Jasmine Cooper Instagram @jascooper31 TadEkam Sadhak • Pune
“The greatest offering we can place at the feet of the Guru is not merely flowers, but a life transformed by Their teachings.”
The beautifully decorated Guru Sthan for Mahavatar Babaji and Guruji Naushir at the Guru Purnima 2024 celebrations, Pune.
As a TadEkam sadhak, Guru Purnima has always held a very special place in my heart. Over the years, every Guru Purnima has given me an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express heartfelt gratitude to the Guru Parampara. Yet every celebration brings with it new lessons, fresh blessings, and moments that remain etched in the heart.
Guru Purnima 2024, celebrated in the divine presence of revered Himalayan Mahatma Sant Swami Dattapadanandji, was one such unforgettable occasion. More than a celebration, it was a deeply moving experience that renewed my faith, strengthened my devotion, and reminded me that the greatest way to honour our Gurus is by living Their teachings.
As I look back on that beautiful day, I realise it was not the grandeur of the event that touched me most. It was the countless little moments of devotion, humility, and grace that quietly unfolded throughout the day.
A Sacred Beginning
Every spiritual journey begins with an invocation.
As the resonant sound of the conch echoed through the hall, followed by the soulful chanting of Ganesh Vandana, the atmosphere changed almost instantly. The chatter faded, minds became still, and hearts gently turned towards the Divine.
Walking into the beautifully decorated venue, I could not help but admire the intricate rangoli, the lovingly arranged Guru Sthan, and the care with which every detail had been prepared. It was evident that this celebration had not simply been organised — it had been offered with devotion.
Long before the programme formally began, the atmosphere itself had become a silent teacher.
The beautiful TadEkam rangoli at the entrance — ‘तद् एकम् फाऊंडेशन सुस्वागतम्’ — welcoming all sevaks and guests to Guru Purnima 2024.
Lighting the Lamp of Wisdom
The formal beginning of the celebrations was marked by Swamiji lighting the traditional Samai. As the gentle flame illuminated the hall, I found myself reflecting on its deeper meaning. Just as a single lamp dispels darkness, the Guru quietly removes the ignorance that clouds our vision and lights the path towards Self-realisation.
Swamiji then offered flowers at the Guru Sthan, while the devotional chanting of the Guru Stuti created an atmosphere of profound reverence. As its sacred verses filled the hall, I was reminded that gratitude is not merely spoken — it is experienced.
Sometimes, the deepest prayers are offered in silence.
Swami Dattapadanandji lighting the Samai to formally begin theGuru Purnima 2024 celebrations.Swami Dattapadanandji offering flowers at the Guru Sthan of Mahavatar Babaji and Guruji Naushir.
The Blessing of Sitting at the Feet of a Guru
One of the greatest blessings of Guru Purnima is simply being in the presence of a realised Master.
Sant Swami Dattapadanandji’s discourse was profound, yet remarkably simple. As He spoke about the significance of the Param Gurus and Their role in guiding humanity, I found myself reflecting on how fortunate I have been to walk this path under the guidance of my Gurus.
Yet beyond His words, it was His presence that touched me the most.
There is a peace that cannot be explained, only experienced. Sitting quietly in the presence of such a Master, one begins to understand that the greatest teachings are often transmitted without words.
Sant Dattapadanand Swamiji — his presence itself a teaching,his stillness a transmission of grace.
When Spirituality Blossoms into Seva
Guruji Naushir often reminded us that spirituality cannot remain confined to meditation halls. True spirituality must naturally express itself through compassion and selfless service.
Watching the presentation on Mahavatar Babaji TadEkam Foundation’s charitable initiatives — including temple restoration, humanitarian work, and various seva projects across Andhra Pradesh — I felt deeply grateful to be part of a family that believes spirituality is not merely practised, but lived through selfless service.
Every project reflected the same timeless message: inner transformation and service to society are not separate paths. They flow together.
Perhaps that is one of Guruji Naushir’s greatest teachings: every act performed with love and selflessness becomes an act of worship.
Installation and idol Pratishtha of Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Varu with Sri Devi & Bhu Devi at the newly constructed temple at Surampalem, Andhra Pradesh.Guruji Naushir and sevaks during the Moorti Pratishtha ofSri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at Tirumalayapalem,East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.Telugu newspaper coverage of TadEkam Foundation’s seva: tri-cycles distributed to 30 specially-abled individuals in Andhra Pradesh throughcollaboration with Jana Sena Party.TadEkam Foundation distributed tri-cycles to 30 specially-abled individuals — empowering them with greater mobility, independence, and dignity.One month’s ration distributed as seva to specially-abled individuals in Kotturu byGuruji Naushir and TadEkam Foundation — from suffering to solution in collaboration with Jana Sena Party and MLC Kakinada Rural Shri Pantham Nanaji Garu
When Music Became Prayer
The atmosphere grew even more devotional as Prajakta Sathe, a disciple of Guruji Naushir, offered soulful bhajan seva.
Her voice carried a depth of feeling that words alone cannot describe. As she lovingly encouraged everyone to join in reciting a few beautiful verses composed by Swamiji during a meditation retreat, individual voices merged into one collective prayer.
In those precious moments, there were no performers and no audience.
There were only seekers united by devotion.
Bhajan Seva by Prajakta Sathe — her voice carrying the devotion of the entire gathering to the feet of the Guru.
Expressed Through Dance
Prajakta’s graceful Kathak performance was another beautiful offering of Nritya Seva.
Every movement, every expression, and every gesture became an expression of bhakti. Watching her dance, I was reminded that every talent becomes sacred when it is offered at the feet of the Divine. Art, too, can become meditation.
Nritya Seva by Prajakta Sathe — each movement a prayer, each gesture an offering at the feet of the Guru.
Passing the Light Forward
Among the moments that touched my heart most deeply was the children’s heartfelt chanting of the Ram Raksha Stotra.
Watching the children chant with such innocence, sincerity, and devotion, I could not help but wonder how many seeds of spirituality were quietly being planted in those young hearts that day.
Perhaps that is the true strength of our Guru Parampara: not merely preserving ancient wisdom, but lovingly passing it on to future generations.
Children chanting the Ram Raksha Stotra — ancient sacred wisdom placed in young hearts, seeds of devotion planted for generations to come.
When Gratitude Became Worship
As the sacred chanting of the Guru Paduka Stotram resonated through the hall, Guru Puja and Guru Dakshina were reverentially offered to Swamiji. It was a simple yet deeply moving moment, reminding me that Guru Purnima is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express our gratitude to the Guru Parampara.
Beyond the rituals lies the quiet resolve to live the values our Gurus have lovingly taught us.
Guru Dakshina humbly offered to Swami Dattapadanandji —Dr. Seema Khaire (Head of Family, TadEkam) standing to the right.Guru Paduka Stotram devotionally chanted by sevaks — in saffron and gold,the TadEkam family gathered in one voice of gratitude.
Carrying the Blessings Home
As the programme concluded and while before offering prayers at the Guru Sthan, I found myself remembering a beautiful message shared by our beloved Guruji Naushir during his Guru Purnima discourse in 2018:
“Every Guru Purnima that you participate in such a function, such an occasion, you are honouring the Gurus. This is your day when we accept your gratitude and give you blessings in return. Not just we alone, the entire Guru Tattva. Your being here today has a significance, has a meaning, and you will take something back. You will not go empty-handed.”
— Guruji Naushir, Guru Purnima 2018
As I drove home that evening, those words stayed with me.
Once again, Guruji was right.
I did not return home empty-handed.
I carried with me renewed faith. A deeper sense of gratitude. A stronger commitment to continue my sadhana and seva. And the quiet reassurance that no matter where life takes us, the Guru’s grace continues to guide every sincere step.
Sevaks with Swami Dattapadanandji at Guru Purnima 2024 — the TadEkam Family gathered in one joyful moment of blessing and grace.Our revered Swami Dattapadanandji — the living channel of Mahavatar Babaji’s and Guruji Naushir’s blessings for the TadEkam Family.
Perhaps that is the true beauty of Guru Purnima. Every seeker receives something different, yet everyone leaves with a heart that is just a little fuller than when they arrived.
May I continue to honour my Gurus each day — not only through prayers and rituals, but by striving to live Their teachings with kindness in my actions, sincerity in my sadhana, selflessness in my seva, and humility in my heart.
For when the Guru’s teachings begin to shape theway we live, gratitude naturally becomes worship.
Jasmine Cooper
TadEkam Sadhak • Pune Guru Purnima 2024 — Mahavatar Babaji TadEkam Foundation
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