Varanasi: A unique expression of India’s guru-disciple tradition was witnessed at Kashi’s Patalpuri Mutt on Wednesday, as several Muslim women performed the aarti of Peethadheeshwar Jagadguru Balak Devacharya Maharaj and sought his blessings by touching his feet on Guru Purnima.Transcending religious, caste and social divisions, the mutt opened its doors to devotees from all communities. A large number of members of tribal communities and Muslim families visited the mutt from the morning to participate in the celebrations.Some devotees also received diksha during the programme.Rampanth Panthacharya Rajiv Shriguruji said the guru-disciple tradition is one of the broadest and most harmonious traditions of Indian culture, where knowledge is the basis for choosing a guru and worthiness is the criterion for accepting a disciple. He said a guru plays an essential role in providing the right direction in life and added that awareness about traditional and cultural values is increasing within the Muslim community as well.Jagadguru Balak Devacharya Maharaj said thousands of his disciples belong to the Muslim community and that this tradition has continued uninterrupted for generations. He said the duty of a guru is to eliminate untouchability and discrimination while uniting society. He added that Rampanth does not accept discrimination based on religion, caste, language or nationality.
