Divine History of the sacred Tripurari Pournima
This auspicious Pournima has, through time, witnessed several deeply significant events in history and spirituality:
- On the day of Tripurari Pournima, Param Shiva brought an end to the tyranny of Tripurasur by slaying him. This victory over evil is also celebrated as ‘Dev Diwali’, that is, the Deepavali of the Gods.
- On this very day, Shree Parshuram shot an arrow into the sea, causing its waters to recede and thus creating the coastal land from Konkan in Maharashtra to Malabar in Kerala. This reclaimed land is often referred to as ‘Parshuram Bhumi’.
- It was on Kartik Pournima that Shree Hanumant opened his heart to the world, revealing the divine presence of ShreeRam, Lakshman and Janaki dwelling within Him.
- It is on the sacred day of Kartik Purnima that the glory of Shree Vitthal and His Bhakta Pundalik shines the brightest. Such was the intensity of Pundalik’s bhakti that ShreeKrishna Himself, in the form of Shree Vitthal, came to meet him at his home in Pandharpur.
- And much later, in the year 2009, it was on this very day that the first-ever poojan of ‘Swayambhagwan Trivikram’ — the Supreme Personality of Godhead — was performed.
Each of these moments adds depth to the sacredness of the Tripurari Pournima. They stand like lamps, illuminating the spiritual beauty of the day on which Sadguru Shree Aniruddha was born.
The Utsav, the Celebration by Shraddhavans
Every year, the organisations associated with Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu and his Shraddhavan devotees come together to celebrate Shree Aniruddha Pournima in an atmosphere filled with love, devotion and heartfelt enthusiasm. This gathering becomes a place where devotion flows naturally and where every bhakta feels embraced by the grace of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha.
The Flow of the Day’s Sacred Events
The Sadguru Upasana
The Utsav begins with the recitation of Sadguru Aniruddha Upasana, setting a devotional rhythm and invoking calm, faith-filled energy in every heart present.
Darshan of the Sadguru and Shree Krupachaitanya Paduka
Bhaktas who gather for this Utsav await with eager anticipation that one priceless moment, the darshan of their beloved Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu.
Until 2015, this cherished longing was fulfilled through Bapu's physical presence among His bhaktas during the Utsav. Since 2016, however, being completely immersed in His tireless mission and responsibilities, Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu has not appeared on the stage in person during this or any other Utsav. Yet, the yearning of the bhaktas for their Sadguru has not diminished; if anything, it has grown deeper and more profound.
Though not physically present on the stage, Bapu continues to remain ever-present in the hearts of His bhaktas. The longing for His darshan, the love for His presence, and the gratitude for His grace continue to draw countless devotees to these sacred celebrations year after year.
Sadguru Bapu never forsakes His bhaktas. In keeping with this assurance, and as per His sacred resolve, the Shree Krupachaitanya Padukas have been made available for darshan to all Shraddhavans since 2024. During the Utsav, these sacred Padukas are placed in front of the main stage, allowing every Shraddhavan the opportunity to receive their darshan.
They are not merely a symbol, but his very presence. For the Shraddhavan, these Padukas are not separate from him; they are Sadguru Aniruddha himself — his very heart, his very soul. Shraddhavans consider that having darshan of the Krupachaitanya Paduka is to receive the Sadguru’s grace directly and be blessed with well-being and welfare. It is the deep faith of Shraddhavans that these Padukas radiate a living, compassionate presence of Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu, a presence that embraces every bhakta who bows before them.
Moreover, a giant screen comes alive during the Utsav, just beside the main stage, and plays sacred moments such as glimpses of Bapu from yesteryears blessing Shraddhavans, looking at them with that same boundless love. Watching these highly emotionally charged moments, bhaktas do not feel, ‘This is from the past.’ Instead, their hearts whisper, ‘Bapu is here… He is seeing me. He is blessing me now.’
Drawn by this living presence, countless bhaktas gather before the screen not as viewers, but as seekers receiving darshan. For them, it is not merely a video; it is their Sadguru standing before them, just as always. They long for even a single glance of Bapu, which, for them, is a soft, soothing radiance like the gentle glow of the full moon quietly dissolving every darkness within.
And so, whether through the sacred Shree Krupachaitanya Padukas resting on the stage, or through those loving glimpses that come alive on the screen, his presence, just like his name, remains Aniruddha, meaning boundless, incessant and unstoppable, and for the bhaktas, every moment touched by that auspicious and loving fatherly presence becomes Aniruddha Pournima itself.
Garhane — An intense plea from the Heart
On this sacred day, bhaktas offer the ‘Garhane’ to their Sadguru. Garhane is a heartfelt call, rising from the depths of one’s being, asking for blessings, strength and support at all times. This call is sung continuously in groups, allowing every bhakta to participate and express devotion.
Offering the Sweet ‘Appe’
Sadguru Shree Aniruddha is fond of sweet ‘Appe’ (small, rounded sweets made from rava). Bhaktas lovingly prepare these at home and bring them to the Utsav venue. Here, these offerings are received as expressions of Bhaktas’ love and gratitude toward their Sadguru, their dearest Friend who loves them unconditionally. All the offered Appe are distributed to devotees as Prasad.
Abhishek on the Idols of ShreeRam–Laxman–Seeta–Hanumant
The sacred idols of Shree Ram, Laxman, Seeta and Hanumant, which are worshipped daily at Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu's residence, are reverentially brought to the Utsav venue on this auspicious day. Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu lovingly reveres Shree Ram as His "Karta Guru"—the doer Guru.
Amidst the continuous recitation of the Ramraksha Stotra by Shraddhavans, a sacred Abhishek is performed on these divine idols. Every devotee is welcome to sit before the deities, participate in the collective recitation, and immerse themselves in their divine darshan for as long as their heart desires.
Sudeep and Uud
Many Bhaktas light the ‘Sudeep,’ before the photograph of the Sadguru, while others offer Uud (उद). Shraddhavans believe Sudeep and Uud are simple yet highly profound tools for navigating the trials of worldly life.
Lighting a Sudeep is a heartfelt offering through which devotees convey their prayers to Bhagwan Dattaguru, Maa Jagdamba and the Sadguru. Shraddhavans light different types of Sudeeps according to their prayers and intentions—Ichhapurti Sudeep for the fulfilment of wishes, Badhanivaarak Sudeep for the removal of obstacles, Peedanaashak Sudeep for relief from suffering and distress, Janmadin Sudeep on birthdays, and Darshan Sudeep for the blessed darshan of their beloved Sadguru. Every flame becomes a silent messenger, carrying the devotee's heartfelt prayers and sentiments to their Sadguru.
