Saints and Mahants present on the dais during 'ShriGuru Gaurav Deeksha Shatabdi' programme

Sanatan Sanstha's Sadguru Swati Khadye with the Guru Parampara of the Datta Sampradaya

Pune, 29 March - A senior revered Saint in 'Datta Parampara', Param Pujya Gulawani Maharaj, was initiated into spiritual practice 115 years ago. On this occasion, 'ShriGuru Gaurav Deeksha Shatabdi Mahotsav 2020 - 2026' was organised by 'Shri Paramhansa Parivajrakacharya Vasudevanand Saraswati Tembe Swami Maharaj and Shri Paramhansa Parivajrakacharya Shri Loknathteertha Swami Maharaj Trust'. This year, i.e. 2026, is being celebrated for the diamond jubilee year of establishment of 'Shri Vasudev Niwas'; the silver jubilee year of Param Pujya Brahmashri Datta Maharaj Kavishwar Punyatithi, who was the disciple of Param Pujya Gulawani Maharaj; the birth centenary year of Param Pujya Yogatapaswi Shri Narayan Dhekane Maharaj and the twenty-fifth year of 'Yoga-bhakti' of Pujya Sharad Joshi, who is the incumbent in the lineage of 'Datta Parampara'. On this occasion, 15 Saints were felicitated on 28.03.2026, and eleven Saints were felicitated on 29.03.2026, i.e., a total of 26 Saints were felicitated.

Sadguru Swati Khadye is being presented a memento by a lady seeker of Datta Sampradaya

A scene from this blissful moment

The Memento presented during the ceremony

On this occasion, Sanatan Sanstha's founder, Sachchidananda Parabrahman Dr Jayant Balaji Athavale, was honoured for his contribution to religious, cultural and social fields and for the social service in different forms rendered through Sanatan Sanstha. The memento, including a shawl, shriphal (coconut), and a pearl necklace, was accepted by Sanatan Sanstha's Sadguru Swati Khadye. Many Saints and Seers have shown the path of righteousness to people in India, and Maharashtra is known to be a land of Saints. The programme was held to honour these Saints and seek their blessings.

Pujya Sharad Joshi being felicitated by Sadguru Swati Khadye

Sadguru Swati Khadye felicitated Pujya Sharad Joshi with a shawl, shriphal and a memento on behalf of Sanatan Sanstha. The honourable guests were welcomed with a shower of flowers on them. Later, the programme was started with performing 'pujan' of 'ShriGuru-paduka', recitation of 'Veda-mantras', singing devotional songs and chanting of 'Digambara Digambara Shripad Vallabh Digambara'. The honourable Saints addressed and blessed the programme. The programme was concluded with Shri Shirishkumar Upadhye and Shri Arunkumar Upadhye playing, on violin, 'Shri Datta Tripadi' composed by Param Pujya Tembe Swami. The programme was held at Shri Waman Niwas in Erandwane.

Sadguru Swati Khadye taking 'Darshan' of 'Padukas'

Two hours of daily spiritual practice is required to acquire Guru's grace - Param Pujya Sugandheshwari Prabhu Ba, Kashi, Shivpuri Ashram, Udaipur, Kheda

My son suffered from blood cancer, but he was cured with the blessings of Param Pujya Gulawani Maharaj. Minimum two hours of spiritual practice are required for acquiring the Guru's grace.

Honouring Guru's guidance and obeying him is important - Pujya Anna Maharaj, Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Param Pujya Narayan Dhekane Maharaj asked to translate the 'Dwisahastridhrut' book in Hindi. It is a very difficult book to understand, but it was translated only with Guru's grace. People from Indore's Hindi Department came together, and they corrected the errors, and the book was ready. Guru's resolve is always active. It is important to respect the Guru's advice and obey him. Saints help to bring equality, virtue, and harmony in society.

Everyone should earnestly feel the need for serving one's Dharma - Ajitdada Tukdev, President Ved Vasudev Pratishthan

This country is under stupor. One needs to constantly ponder over our acts to check if we are moving towards self-introspection and self-honour. Many temples are in a dilapidated condition. Swami Vivekananda had asked for 100 enthusiastic youth to transform India. We need to become one of the 100 youth demanded by Vivekanand and lay the foundation of the country's welfare. Capable seekers will have to be created. Everyone should have the solemnity to serve Dharma.