Agartala (Tripura) [India], July 11 (ANI): On the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha paid heartfelt tribute to his teachers and mentors, upholding the revered Indian tradition of the guru-shishya parampara, the eternal bond between teacher and disciple.

CM Saha visited the residence of renowned educationist Dr Jagadish Gan Chowdhury in Agartala to personally seek his blessings. In a parallel gesture of respect, he also connected over the phone with one of his esteemed teachers currently residing in Bangalore, underscoring his gratitude and reverence for all those who guided him through life.

Speaking to the media, CM Saha remarked, 'The visit was a gesture of respect and reverence towards the teachers who made me capable and what I am today.' His humble acknowledgement of his mentors reflects the enduring values of respect, learning, and gratitude embedded in Indian culture.

In a significant and heartfelt declaration, CM Manik Saha described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his 'political guru.'

Speaking to ANI, he said, 'Prime Minister Narendra Modiji is my political guru. I entered politics by watching him. On this special day, I seek his blessings.'

He further stated, 'Anyone who imparts education is a guru.' Emphasizing the spiritual and cultural importance of Guru Purnima, CM Saha noted that, as in previous years, he made it a point to connect with his teachers, whether in person or over a call, as a mark of respect.

The Chief Minister's observance of Guru Purnima stands as a strong testament to the deep-rooted values of Indian heritage, where teachers are seen not just as educators but as life-shaping guides whose influence endures across time.

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. 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. It also marks the end of the month of Ashadh and the beginning of the month of Sawan. From Guru Purnima, 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)