The only remaining physical relic of Sree Narayana Guru – his divine tooth (Divya Dantam) – preserved at Gurudevagiri, will be displayed for public viewing on Feb 2.
The display of the relic is one of the major highlights of the 24th Gurudevagiri Pilgrimage and the anniversary celebrations of the temples at Gurudevagiri, organized by the Sree Narayana Mandira Samiti, to be held from January 31 to February 2
The relic can be viewed on Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, under the supervision of Swamis from Sivagiri Ashram.
On Jan 31, the festival begins with a series of special prayers to the presiding deities , followed by the flag-hoisting ceremony at 9 AM. This will be followed by Mahaprasadam at 1 PM. The samiti will also conduct various cultural programs in the evening. “ It is a very auspicious occasion for the community and will see major participation during the week-long celebration,” said the Samiti President M.I. Damodaran
Prior to the celebration at the temple complex, the Dharmapataka (flag of righteousness) to be hoisted at Gurudevagiri will begin its journey on Jan 29 at 2 PM from Daman Guru Centre, stopping at Vapi and Tarapur Guru Centres for receptions, and halting at Tarapur for the night.
From 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM, cultural programs by members of Samiti’s units numbered 1 to 30 will take place. Mahaprasadam will be served again at 9 PM. Feb 1, Saturday, marks the temple anniversary celebrations.
On February 12, besides the displaying of the holy teeth, from 10 am onwards, a grand procession will start from Shivaji Chowk, Nerul East, featuring cultural performances, tableaux and recitals using traditional musical instruments like Nadaswaram, Chenda Melam, Shingari Melam. Women devotees will accompany a flower-decorated chariot carrying a portrait of Sree Narayana Guru. “The procession will conclude at Gurudevagiri, where Mahagurupooja will commence, followed by a community feast (Mahaprasadam) attended by thousands,” said the Chairman N. Mohandas.
The samite has also planned a spiritual conference on February 12 which will be attended by various heads of the community including Samiti President M.I. Damodaran. N.K. Premachandran, MP, will be the chief guest, and Swami Subhangananda, General Secretary of Sivagiri Mutt, Swami Guruprasad, and MLA Mandamathre will be the special guests. Other dignitaries, including Samiti Chairman N. Mohandas, Vice Chairman S. Chandrababu, General Secretary O.K. Prasad, and Treasurer V.V. Chandran, will also deliver speeches.
