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Time of India
29-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
250-yr-old belief ties people to legend of Megh Raja
Surat: Bharuch is agog with activity. Here, at a special temple, days are marked by pujas, aartis and fervent prayers in a unique festival attended by thousands from across Gujarat. What makes this festival special is that an idol of 'Megh Raja' — or Lord Indra, the God of rain — is made afresh every year, and elaborately worshipped in a display of faith, devotion and dependence on blessings from the heavens. The legend of Megh Raja goes back 250 years, when Bharuch experienced a serious drought that threatened to suck the life out of land, rivers and livelihoods. "Our ancestors struggled for every drop of water," says Bhadresh Jadav, president of Bhoi Samaj, narrating how the belief was born. " by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo The people were in despair. Their prayers were going unanswered, and the situation kept worsening as if the heavens were angry. When all seemed lost, a seer guided our ancestors to make an idol of Megh Raja and pray to it to appease Indradev. People believed it was nothing short of a miracle when, after the 25 days of ritual, rain clouds happened to start building, and the heavens showered their blessings," says Jadav. The Bhois, happy and grateful, and believing it to be Megh Raja's blessing, honoured him with his own temple in the city, visited by devotees all year round, and made the ritual an yearly tradition. Megh Raja's idol is sculpted using clay only from the Narmada on the last day of Ashadh month, and immersed in the Narmada on the 25th day of Shravan, after a 7km procession thronged by thousands from across the state, some of whom arriving to fulfil their maanata (wish), others, bringing their children and newborns to seek's Megh Raja's blessing for their good health. This year, the idol was installed on July 23 and will be immersed on Aug 18. During the festival, two aartis are performed each day, with devotees making offerings in gold, silver, and other theme-based 'shringar' to Megh Raja. Like every time, this year too, a colourful festival will be held during the four days preceding the idol's immersion, the biggest draw being the Chhadi Utsav wherein Bhoi, Kharwa, and Valmiki communities come with a 30 foot auspicious sticks to celebrate the deity. "Because water is the lifeline for farmers, fishermen and other communities, we have continued this tradition. People of Bharuch city have not faced a similar crisis since," says Jadav, adding, "The festival also teaches the importance of conserving precious resources to younger generations." Mention in Class 5 textbook This tradition of respecting water and worshipping the Megh Raja finds a mention in Class 5 textbook of the Gujarat board in a chapter named 'Pani Sathe Na Prayog' (Experiments with Water). The chapter has a paragraph on the Indian knowledge traditions under which Bharuch's Megh Raja festival's 250-year-old history has been covered.
News18
17-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Guru Purnima 2025: Foods To Avoid For Health And Harmony
Thursday, July 10 marks the occasion of Guru Purnima. This day is celebrated on the full moon of the month of Ashadh to honour and show respect to the Guru, the one who leads us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. (News18 Bengali) Certain rituals and customs are observed on Guru Purnima, and it is believed that following them can help bring peace and remove sorrow from life. There are also specific dietary guidelines that people are advised to follow on this sacred day. Astrologer Pandit Kalki Ram shares some important do's and don'ts. (News18 Bengali) 3/8 Guru Purnima is falling on a Thursday this year, also known as Lakshmivaar, which increases its spiritual significance. On this holy day, it is considered inauspicious to consume non-vegetarian food. Instead, opt for sattvic (pure and balanced) vegetarian meals to maintain spiritual purity. (News18 Bengali)
India Gazette
10-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
"Bow to all Gurus...": EAM Jaishankar offers wishes on occasion of Guru Purnima
New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar offered wishes on the occasion of Guru Purnima on Thursday. In a post on X he said, 'Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, I bow to all the Gurus. The knowledge and guidance of the Gurus shape our lives.' A Guru is considered an essential guide for one's success in life. Thousands of people visit their respected Gurus on this day, presenting gifts to them as per their abilities. The belief is that respecting Gurus on Guru Purnima brings positive changes in one's life. There is also a tradition of receiving the Guru Mantra on this day in Varanasi. The Guru holds the highest importance in the religious city of Varanasi. On the day of Ashadha Purnima, bathing and giving donations are considered very auspicious. Devotees gathered on the eve of Guru Purnima to offer prayers at Chhatarpur's Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir today. The sacred Bhasma Aarti was also performed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain in the early morning on Thursday, on the occasion of Guru Purnima. Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the early morning ritual, which is considered very divine. The temple resonated with chants and spiritual fervour, marking the worship of Lord Shiva and spiritual gurus. At Ganga River at Har Ki Pauri, a large number of devotees gathered to take a holy dip on the occasion. Today also marks the end of the month of Ashadh and the beginning of the month of Sawan. From today, the Kanvar Yatra will also begin. After taking a holy dip, devotees visit the temple. Those who have taken initiation from their Guru and received the Guru Mantra will go to their Guru and worship them today. 'Guru Govind dou khade kaake lagu paay balihari Guru aapne Govind diyo bataye,' a line composed by Kabir Das centuries ago, highlights the glory of the Guru, which remains relevant today. It translates to: 'If both Guru (teacher) and Govind (God) were to appear before me, whose feet should I touch first? I would bow to the Guru first, for it is the Guru who has shown me the way to God.' Guru Purnima is also known as Ashadhi Purnima and Vyas Purnima because Maharishi Ved Vyas was born on this day. The Guru holds special importance in worldly life, which is why, in Indian culture, a guru is considered more important than God. This festival is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. In Buddhism, Lord Buddha gave his first Dharma Chakra Pravartan on this day. (ANI)
India Gazette
10-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Rahul Gandhi extends Guru Purnima greetings, thanks Gurus for guidance
New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday extended his greetings on the occasion of Guru Purnima. In a post on X Rahul Gandhi stated,'Heartiest greetings to all of you on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. Thanks to all the Gurus who show us the path of compassion, kowledge, patience and truth in life.' A Guru is considered an essential guide for one's success in life. Thousands of people visit their respected Gurus on this day, presenting gifts to them as per their abilities. The belief is that respecting Gurus on Guru Purnima brings positive changes in one's life. There is also a tradition of receiving the Guru Mantra on this day in Varanasi. The Guru holds the highest importance in the religious city of Varanasi. On the day of Ashadha Purnima, bathing and giving donations are considered very auspicious. Devotees gathered on the eve of Guru Purnima to offer prayers at Chhatarpur's Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir today. The sacred Bhasma Aarti was also performed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain in the early morning on Thursday, on the occasion of Guru Purnima. Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the early morning ritual, which is considered very divine. The temple resonated with chants and spiritual fervour, marking the worship of Lord Shiva and spiritual gurus. At Ganga River at Har Ki Pauri, a large number of devotees gathered to take a holy dip on the occasion. Today also marks the end of the month of Ashadh and the beginning of the month of Sawan. From today, the Kanvar Yatra will also begin. After taking a holy dip, devotees visit the temple. Those who have taken initiation from their Guru and received the Guru Mantra will go to their Guru and worship them today.'Guru Govind dono khade kaake lagu paay balihari Guru aapne Govind diyo bataye,' a line composed by Kabir Das centuries ago, highlights the glory of the Guru, which remains relevant today. Guru Purnima is also known as Ashadhi Purnima and Vyas Purnima because Maharishi Ved Vyas was born on this Guru holds special importance in worldly life, which is why, in Indian culture, a guru is considered more important than God. This festival is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. In Buddhism, Lord Buddha gave his first Dharma Chakra Pravartan on this day. (ANI)
India Gazette
10-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Delhi: Prayers offered at Chhatarpur's Aadya Katyayani Mandir on Guru Purnima
New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): Devotees gathered on the eve of Guru Purniam to offer prayers at Chhatarpur's Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir today. Earlier, the sacred Bhasma Aarti was also performed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain in the early morning on Thursday, on the occasion of Guru Purnima. Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the early morning ritual, which is considered very divine. The temple resonated with chants and spiritual fervor, marking the worship of Lord Shiva and spiritual gurus. Today also marks the end of the month of Ashadh and the beginning of the month of Sawan. From today, the Kanvar Yatra will also begin. After taking a holy dip, devotees visit the temple. Those who have taken initiation from their Guru and received the Guru Mantra will go to their Guru and worship them today. 'Guru Govind dono khade kaake lagu paay balihari Guru aapne Govind diyo bataye,' a line composed by Kabir Das centuries ago, highlights the glory of the Guru, which remains relevant today. A Guru is considered an essential guide for one's success in life. The Guru holds the highest importance in the religious city of Varanasi. Thousands of people visit their respected Gurus on this day, presenting gifts to them as per their abilities. The belief is that respecting Gurus on Guru Purnima brings positive changes in life. There is also a tradition of receiving the Guru Mantra on this day in Varanasi. On the day of Ashadha Purnima, bathing and giving donations are considered very auspicious. Guru Purnima is also known as Ashadhi Purnima and Vyas Purnima because Maharishi Ved Vyas was born on this day. The Guru holds special importance in worldly life, which is why, in Indian culture, a guru is considered more important than God. This festival is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. In Buddhism, Lord Buddha gave his first Dharma Chakra Pravartan on this day. (ANI)
