Varanasi: Some moments in life transcend time, leaving an imprint that shapes one’s future in ways unimaginable. One such moment unfolded on the sacred evening of Guru Purnima in 2005 at the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi.
Amid the glow of countless lamps, the chanting of Vedic mantras, and an atmosphere filled with devotion, two brothers experienced a spiritual initiation that would go on to define the course of their lives.
Dr. Ankur Pare and his younger brother, Dr. Ambar Pare, natives of Duliya village in Madhya Pradesh’s Harda district, received Guru Diksha (spiritual initiation) from Pujya Gurudev Shri Jamuna Prasad Chaturvedi Ji on that auspicious day.
At the time, it appeared to be a sacred spiritual ceremony. However, the years that followed revealed it to be the foundation of their character, worldview, and lifelong commitment to serving society.
In Indian culture, a Guru is far more than a teacher. A Guru is a guide who illuminates the path of life, nurtures wisdom, and inspires purposeful living. Guru Purnima is a celebration of this timeless Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition—a day dedicated to gratitude, reflection, and reverence. The true purpose of a Guru is fulfilled only when the knowledge imparted is reflected in a disciple’s thoughts, conduct, and actions.
Pujya Gurudev Shri Jamuna Prasad Chaturvedi Ji belonged to the revered spiritual lineage of Mahayogi Mahavatar Shri Babaji. He possessed profound knowledge and practical expertise in Ayurveda, Mantra Vidya, Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, Astrology, and Herbal Science. His teachings extended far beyond scriptures and philosophy.
He encouraged his disciples to embrace discipline, spiritual practice, selfless service, and the timeless wisdom of India’s ancient knowledge traditions. For him, education was never limited to acquiring information—it was a way of life. He firmly believed that the ultimate purpose of knowledge was not personal achievement alone, but meaningful service to society.
Following their initiation at Dashashwamedh Ghat, both brothers spent years under their Guru’s guidance, practising spiritual discipline, selfless service, and a life rooted in values. His mentorship gave them not only spiritual clarity but also a deep sense of social responsibility. Although each brother eventually chose a different professional path, both remained united by a shared commitment to serving society.
Inspired by these values, Dr. Ankur Pare devoted himself to research, writing, social studies, and entrepreneurship, working to promote India’s traditional knowledge systems and herbal heritage on a broader platform.
Dr. Ambar Pare, on the other hand, dedicated his life to advancing Ayurveda, Yoga, natural healthcare, and public awareness of holistic wellness rooted in India’s ancient medical traditions.
Over the years, both brothers have earned recognition at both national and international levels in their respective fields. Yet despite their achievements, they continue to attribute every milestone to the values, guidance, and blessings they received from their revered Guru.
The Guru’s legacy continues through his son, Pujya Pandit Hemchand Chaturvedi Ji (Bhaiya Maharaj), who has been guiding people for many years in the fields of Mantra Vidya, Vedic Havan rituals, and Ayurveda.
Carrying forward the rich Guru tradition, he continues to spread the ideals of spiritual wisdom, Indian knowledge systems, and selfless service, helping countless seekers and devotees find direction on their spiritual journey.
Ultimately, a Guru is remembered not merely through words or teachings, but through the lives and actions of the disciples shaped by those teachings. When the values imparted by a Guru are reflected in work that benefits society, the true essence of the Guru-Shishya tradition comes alive.
The Guru Diksha received by these two brothers on Guru Purnima in 2005 at Dashashwamedh Ghat remains a living testament to this enduring truth: a true Guru does not merely transform an individual—through that individual, the Guru inspires positive change in society itself.
