
By A STAFF REPORTER
MONTEBELLO, CA - Guru Purnima was celebrated at Shirdi Sai Temple over two days, beginning July 29. Despite the event being conducted on weekdays, over 3,500 devotees visited the temple, making it one of the most popular annual events of this religious center. Guru Purnima is where disciples and devotees honor...
MONTEBELLO, CA - Guru Purnima was celebrated at Shirdi Sai Temple over two days, beginning July 29. Despite the event being conducted on weekdays, over 3,500 devotees visited the temple, making it one of the most popular annual events of this religious center. Guru Purnima is where disciples and devotees honor...

and felicitate their guru and seek his or her special blessing. It assumes great importance for devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba as it is the only festival he is said to have asked his devotees to celebrate. All the deities at the temple including that of Shirdi Sai Baba were beautifully decorated for the occasion. A special feature was what the deity of Baba was adorned with - it was made using nearly 15,000 panchamukhi rudhrakshas.
A series of religious events ranging from Vighneshwara puja, Laghu Rudra-abhishekam for Baba, Mahanyasa-parayanam, Vishnu Sahasranama archana, aartis, homam and palaki seva kept devotees occupied throughout the day.
The whole atmosphere was vibrant and charged with the chanting of the scriptures led by Pandits Tagoor and Srinivasa. Everyone participated and enjoyed the Sai bhajans led by local singer Amit Anand
Everyone in attendance was served delicious Mahaprasadam. Among those present was Dr. Prabhakar Tummala, temple founder and administrator who also worked hard along with the volunteers to make sure all event logistics were taken care of. Nearly 100 volunteers worked together to make the event a successful one.
A series of religious events ranging from Vighneshwara puja, Laghu Rudra-abhishekam for Baba, Mahanyasa-parayanam, Vishnu Sahasranama archana, aartis, homam and palaki seva kept devotees occupied throughout the day.
The whole atmosphere was vibrant and charged with the chanting of the scriptures led by Pandits Tagoor and Srinivasa. Everyone participated and enjoyed the Sai bhajans led by local singer Amit Anand
Everyone in attendance was served delicious Mahaprasadam. Among those present was Dr. Prabhakar Tummala, temple founder and administrator who also worked hard along with the volunteers to make sure all event logistics were taken care of. Nearly 100 volunteers worked together to make the event a successful one.