1. All aspirants awake at Brahmamuhurta, at 4 o'clock. They meditate on the Guru and chant his prayers.
2. Later in the day, the sacred worship of the Guru's Feet is performed. Of this worship it is said in the Guru Gita:
Dhyaana moolam guror murtih;
Pooja moolam guror padam;
Mantra moolam guror vakyam;
Moksha moolam guror kripa
"The Guru's form should be meditated upon; the feet of the
Guru should be worshipped; his words are to be treated as a sacred Mantra; his
Grace ensures final liberation".
3. Sadhus and Sannyasins are then worshipped and fed at noon.
4. There is continuous Satsang during which discourses are held on the
glory of devotion to the Guru in particular, and on spiritual topics in general.
5. Deserving aspirants are initiated into the Holy Order of Sannyas,
as this is a highly auspicious occasion.
6. Devout disciples fast and spend the whole day in prayer. They also
take fresh resolves for spiritual progress.
The Guru's Advice
Swami Sivananda recommends: "Wake up at Brahmamuhurta (at 4 a.m.) on this
most holy day. Meditate on the lotus feet of your Guru. Mentally pray to him
for his Grace, through which alone you can attain Self-realisation. Do vigorous
Japa and meditate in the early morning hours.
"After bath, worship the lotus feet of your Guru, or his image or picture
with flowers, fruits, incense and camphor. Fast or take only milk and fruits
the whole day.
In the afternoon, sit with other devotees of your Guru and discuss with them
the glories and teachings of your Guru.
"Alternatively, you may observe the vow of silence and study the books or writings of your Guru, or mentally reflect upon his teachings. Take fresh resolves on this holy day, to tread the spiritual path in accordance with the precepts of your Guru.
"At night, assemble again with other devotees, and sing the Names of the Lord and the glories of your Guru. The best form of worship of the Guru is to follow his teachings, to shine as the very embodiment of his teachings, and to propagate his glory and his message."
