How to Celebrate?

In an era where modern lifestyles often distance individuals from their roots, His Holiness Sant Shri Asharamji Bapu has revived a timeless tradition that brings families together in a bond of selfless love. This celebration, known as Parents Worship Day (Matri Pitri Poojan Diwas), is observed annually on February 14th. It serves as a spiritual lighthouse, guiding the youth away from fleeting attractions and toward the eternal virtues of “Matridevo Bhava” (Treating the Mother as Divine) and “Pitridevo Bhava” (Treating the Father as Divine).

 

A Note on Naming Conventions

In the Indian spiritual tradition, a Guru is addressed with several honorifics that denote their spiritual height and the affection of their followers. In this guide, we refer to the visionary behind this movement as Sant Asharam Bapuji (a term of fatherly endearment used by millions), Sant Asaramji Bapu (meaning ‘the worshipful one’), or Sant Shri Asaramji Bapu. These terms reflect the deep reverence for His Holiness, who has dedicated Sant Asaramji Bapu’s life to the moral and spiritual upliftment of global humanity.

 

The Essence of the Celebration

Sant Asharam Bapuji teaches that real love is pure, selfless, and divine. While modern trends often focus on “Kaam” (lust), which leads to mental instability and physical decay, Sant Shri promotes “Ram-ras” (the nectar of the Divine), which fosters insight, health, and success. By worshipping parents, children tap into a reservoir of blessings that, according to the ancient scriptures, results in the growth of four vital assets: Longevity (Ayush), Knowledge (Vidya), Fame (Yash), and Strength (Bal).

 

Step-by-Step Procedure: How to Celebrate

To perform the worship correctly and invite a divine atmosphere into the home or school, Sant Asaramji Bapu has outlined a specific, heart-centered procedure.

1. Preparation and Seating

The ritual begins by inviting the parents to sit on a clean, elevated seat (Asana). This physical elevation symbolizes the high spiritual status parents hold in a child’s life. The child should stand before them with a heart full of gratitude, viewing them not just as biological creators but as representatives of the Divine.

2. The Sacred Tilak and Flower Offering

The child applies a Tilak of vermillion (Kumkum) on the foreheads of the mother and father. This act honors the divinity residing within them. Following this, the child offers flowers or grains (Akshat) upon the parents’ heads and places a flower garland around their necks. In a beautiful exchange suggested by Sant Asharam Bapuji, the parents may also apply a tilak to the child’s forehead and place a garland around the child, symbolizing the flow of protective parental grace.

3. Circumambulation (Pradakshina)

Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of Lord Ganesha, the child then performs seven circumambulations (Pradakshina) around the parents. As Sant Shri recounts, when Ganesha circled his parents, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, he earned the merit of circling the entire universe. By walking clockwise around their parents, children acknowledge that their parents are the center of their world and the source of all holy pilgrimages.

4. Performing the Aarti

With a lamp lit in a tray, the child performs the Aarti. While waving the lamp, the child should sing or contemplate the selfless sacrifices made by the parents—the mother who endured pain to give birth and the father who worked tirelessly to provide for the child’s future. Sant Asaramji Bapu encourages children to sing the “Matri-Pitri Aarti,” which contains powerful lines such as:

“How can I ever repay the debt? You gave me this body and protected me in your lap. By worshipping you, even Ganesha became the first among gods.”

5. Formal Prostration (Pranam)

After the Aarti, the child bows down and touches the feet of the parents. This act of Pranam is a powerful tool for dissolving the ego. Bapuji teaches that when a child bows with sincerity, the parents’ hearts naturally overflow with “Atma-Kripa” (spiritual grace), which acts as a shield for the child in the outside world.

6. The Exchange of Love and Hugs

Following the formal ritual, the atmosphere becomes one of tender affection. The parents should stroke the child’s head and give them a warm, loving hug. At this moment, Sant Shri advises that both should see the “Divine Spark” (Ishwariya Ansh) within each other. This physical and spiritual embrace heals emotional wounds and strengthens the family fabric.

7. Sharing of Prasad

The celebration concludes with the sharing of sweets (Madhur-Prasad). The child feeds the parents, and the parents feed the child, signifying that their relationship is filled with sweetness and mutual nourishment.

 

The Inner Work: Meditation and Resolve

Sant Asaramji Bapu emphasizes that the outer ritual must be matched by inner reflection.

• Silent Contemplation: After the worship, Sant Asharam Bapuji suggests that everyone sit in silence for a few minutes. Children should think: “The Divine is showering blessings upon me through my parents.” Parents should silently pray for the child’s well-being.

• The Child’s Vow: On this day, children should make a sacred pledge (Sankalp): “I will respect my parents and Guru daily. I will follow their guidance, which leads me toward greatness.”

• The Parental Blessing: Sant Shri provides a specific blessing for parents to bestow upon their children: “May you be courageous, patient, and wise. May your life blossom with devotion to God and Guru. May success kiss your feet in every field of life.”

 

Why This Celebration Matters: Lessons from the Greats

To enhance the celebration, Pujyashree recommends reading or narrating stories of great devotees:

• Pundalik: The devotee who made Lord Vitthal wait on a brick while he finished serving his parents. Bapuji explains that Pundalik’s devotion was so high that God himself had to bow to his service.

• Shravan Kumar: The symbol of ultimate filial duty, who carried his blind parents on his shoulders to every pilgrimage.

• Totakacharya: A disciple who attained all knowledge simply through the selfless service of his Guru, proving that the path of service is the shortest route to wisdom.

 

Global Observance and Impact

Sant Shri Asaramji Bapu has spread this “Brahma Sankalp” across the sky, inviting people of all faiths—Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs—to join in. Pujyashree’s vision is to see every street and village celebrating this day to create a “character-rich” society. Prominent leaders and saints have lauded Sant Asharam Bapuji‘s initiative, noting that it has transformed the lives of millions, replacing depression and irritability with joy and purpose.

Conclusion

Celebrating Parents Worship Day as taught by His Holiness is not just an event; it is a transformative experience. It is a way to say, “I remember your countess favors,” and to seek the blessings that make life truly meaningful. By following the path shown by Bapuji, families can turn their homes into temples and their lives into a celebration of divine love. As Sant Asaramji Bapu reminds us: “Forget everything else, but never forget your mother and father.”