Nitaibadi- Ekchakra Garvabas

Regardlessly the differences in individual opinion and varied ranges of logical admittances, the existence of 'Guru' in every sphere of life, is unquestionably acclaimed. Barring formal initiations, whoever aims to achieve some accomplishment in whichever field, he or she calls for a leader, a visionary to harbour steady, sustainable influence. It helps the seeker or learner to grow within the gradual qualitative excellence in specific fields of expertise. Sometimes it partly rises out of imitation, partly of subconscious adaptation. But here too, the primordial impetus comes from an inspirational as well as an admirable figure. Any inspiring personality be he direct or passive, major or minor, eventually clambers to the stature of guru in this regard. Therefore, the cult of mentorship has been sustaining unremittingly almost from the dawn of civilization. Literally the concept of 'guru' seeks to convey something which is not 'laghu' i.e. insubstantial or shallow. In an elevated sense, it symbolically signifies a luminary who kindles up the fire of knowledge and leads to the enlightened revelation of lofty epistemological,esoteric and spiritual truth. Therefore commemorating the auspicious spell of 'Gurupurnima' during the onset of a monsoon full moon, appears to be a memorable observance. To trace back the origin of this pious tradition, worshipping and recollecting the memories of Vedavyasa, the mighty poet, the monumental epitome of divine wisdom, seemed to establish the cult of lifting tribute to the 'Sanghaguru'. Maharshi Vyas was the chief proponent of Sruti, Smriti and Nyay --- all the three prasthanas. He was the greatest exponent of Purana and the tripartition of Veda. Athrva Veda was comparatively a belated appendage. However, the solemn recollection of Vedavyasa was actually an acknowledgment of his peerless contribution to Indian anthological literature. Therefore all the scholastic centres used to commemorate the hallowed occasion with befitting ritual perfections and innermost surrender.

Nabadwip, an enlightened seat of all scholarly grandeur should have been no exception. Even before the earthly arrival of Sriman Mahaprabhu, the traditional heritage of 'Vyaspuja' had already been on song. Gurupurnima or Vyaspuja had a remarkable significance while unfolding the concurrent and magical alchemy of Chaitanya--Nityananda divine duo. Chaitanyabhagavata, enlivens our intrinsic vision where we witness Mahaprabhu soliciting Nityananda's proposal and approval regarding a flawless observation of Vyaspuja. It calls for a special allusion regarding this context that Prabhu Nityananda arrived at Nabadwip on the fourteenth lunar day of Monsoon i.e. the day before Gurupurnima. Till that historical landmark of so divinely orchestrated commemoration, the tradition of Gurupurnima tends to exist as a bond among the followers and their pathfinder. But this bond is way beyond the seeming limit of an earthly union rather it is an encompassing one with celestial celebration. It is a promise of oneness in witness of the blissful eternity. Another perfect embodiment of Gurupurnima is Sri Sanatan Goswami Mahashaya who, despite being enriched with enormous power, pelf, incredible scholarly prominence -- gateways to all temporal success, ultimately became an inimitable emblem of spiritual surrender, austerity and tolerance. Thus the Vaishnava prototypical remembrances are also dedicated to the doleful memories of Sri Sanatana together with Sridhar pandit and Sri Mukunda who too, departed on the graceful eve of such piously glorious an occasion.

Sri Guru Purnima