In the sacred city of Haridwar, a venerable sage, presently receiving medical care at AIIMS, Rishikesh, designated his spiritual heir through the age-old ritualistic practice of ‘guru-shishya parampara’—all conducted within the confines of the hospital.
This noteworthy occurrence unfolded in Haridwar when Mahamandaleshwar Gopal Das, in a frail state of health, bestowed the esteemed title upon his devoted disciple, Mahant Abhishek Das, executing the intricate ‘mangal tilak’ ceremony from his hospital cot.
The ‘guru-shishya parampara,’ a time-honored mentor-disciple tradition wherein the teacher imparts wisdom and guidance to the pupil, remains deeply embedded in the fabric of our nation. Within this venerable tradition, the mentor personally designates his successor, entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the sect’s profound philosophy and cultural heritage.
Mahamandaleshwar Rupendra Prakash of Shri Bada Udasin Akhara elucidated that Mahamandaleshwar Gopal Das, ailing for an extended period, currently undergoes medical treatment at AIIMS, Rishikesh. “He has formally appointed Mahant Abhishek Das as his successor. It is customary among our revered sages to announce their chosen heir during their lifetime,” Prakash expounded.
Continuing this ritualistic legacy, Mahamandaleshwar Gopal Das orchestrated the ‘mangal tilak’ ceremony at AIIMS, Rishikesh. This ritual involved the application of the sacred ’tilak’ on Mahant Abhishek Das’s forehead, thereby proclaiming him as the rightful successor.
It has been ascertained that, upon recuperation, Mahamandaleshwar Gopal Das plans to orchestrate a grand ‘Bhandara’ at the ashram to officially declare his chosen successor. A considerable assembly of venerable saints congregated at AIIMS, Rishikesh, to witness the sacred ‘mangal tilak’ ceremony unfold.