Jaipur, Jul 10 (PTI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday highlighted the importance of the "guru-shishya" tradition, saying 'gurus' dispel the darkness of ignorance and guide devotees on the path of knowledge and liberation.

He marked Guru Purnima by performing rituals and honouring spiritual teachers at the historic Shri Nath Ji temple in Poonchari ka Lotha of Deeg district.

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He offered prayers and sought blessings from local gurus by presenting them with coconuts, applying 'tilak' and performing 'charan pujan'.

The Rajasthan unit of the BJP launched a statewide initiative to honour saints and spiritual leaders on Guru Purnima.

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Senior BJP leaders, including former state president Arun Chaturvedi, visited Jain monk Sundar Sagar Maharaj in Sanganer. "Saints and monks are pillars of our culture. Their guidance is essential for public service," Chaturvedi said.

Former leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore paid respects at Siddheshwar Mahadev temple while Ashok Parnami honoured Mahamandaleshwar Siyaram Das Maharaj at Kanak Bihari temple.

According to an official statement, BJP general secretary Shravan Singh Bagdi visited Sant Navratan Giri at Khasoli Dham in Churu and former MP Ramcharan Bohra offered prayers at Vidhani Dham and ISKCON Jagatpura.

Civil Lines MLA Gopal Sharma visited Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple and read out a message from the chief minister before visiting Govind Devji temple to honour Mahant Anjan Kumar Goswami.

The BJP said the initiative was aimed at reinforcing spiritual values and honouring the guru tradition across the state.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)