Governance – Bhupendra Patel Offers Prayers at Tribal Shrine and Shamlaji Temple on Guru Purnima
Governance –Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel observed Guru Purnima by visiting two significant religious sites in Aravalli district, where he participated in traditional ceremonies and prayed for the state’s peace, prosperity, and overall development.
Chief Minister Begins Guru Purnima Visit at Lusadiya Dham
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel celebrated Guru Purnima on Wednesday with a visit to Lusadiya Dham, a revered tribal pilgrimage destination in Aravalli district. During his visit, he joined saints, devotees, and members of the local tribal community in religious observances dedicated to the occasion. The Chief Minister offered prayers at the Samadhi of the respected tribal saint Surmaldas and paid homage at the sacred Dhuno situated near the idol of Ramdev Pir, a place deeply associated with the saint’s spiritual legacy.
Tribute to the Spiritual Successors of Saint Surmaldas
As part of the Guru Purnima celebrations, Bhupendra Patel honoured the sixth-generation spiritual successors of Saint Surmaldas by presenting them with ceremonial shawls. In return, the saints welcomed the Chief Minister with a portrait of Saint Surmaldas and extended their blessings.
During the event, Lusadiya Dham Trust President D.M. Bhoi shared the historical significance of Saint Surmaldas and the importance of the Samadhi for devotees across the region. The Chief Minister also spent time greeting saints and worshippers gathered at the shrine before participating in devotional activities alongside tribal families.
Guru Purnima Draws Devotees From Gujarat and Rajasthan
Guru Purnima holds special importance in India’s Guru-Shishya tradition, celebrating the bond between teachers and disciples. Every year, Lusadiya Dham attracts thousands of devotees from tribal regions of Gujarat as well as neighbouring Rajasthan. Visitors gather at the shrine to pay respects to Saint Surmaldas and seek blessings from the resident saints during the annual observance.
Prayers at Shamlaji Temple for State’s Prosperity
Following his visit to Lusadiya Dham, the Chief Minister travelled to the Shamlaji Temple, another prominent place of worship in the region. There, he performed religious rituals and offered prayers seeking the holistic development, happiness, prosperity, peace, and well-being of the people of Gujarat.
The temple visit formed the second part of his Guru Purnima programme, reflecting the government’s participation in cultural and religious traditions observed across the state.
Interaction With Villagers and Schoolchildren
While travelling towards Shamlaji, Bhupendra Patel briefly stopped his official convoy in Lusadiya village to interact with local residents. Stepping away from the scheduled protocol, he met schoolchildren waiting along the roadside and encouraged them during a short conversation.
Young girls observing Gauri Vrat welcomed the Chief Minister by carrying decorated kalash on their heads as part of the traditional ritual. Villagers and children also greeted him warmly during the brief halt, adding a community-oriented aspect to the day’s religious engagements.
Senior Leaders Accompanied the Chief Minister
Minister of State for Tribal Development and Food and Civil Supplies P.C. Baranda accompanied the Chief Minister throughout the visits. Former minister and MLA Bhikhusinh Parmar, MLA Dhavalsinh Zala, and former Member of Parliament Deepsinh Rathod were also present during the Guru Purnima programme at Lusadiya Dham and Shamlaji Temple.