During the next week Guru Purnima functions, I wanted to explain the significance of Guru Paduka and photo. But since you asked, I shall explain now itself.

Keeping Guru Paduka at home means Swamiji is present in your house. If you worship Paduka, it means Swamiji is standing in your house. You can visualize His presence and experience it daily. You can talk to Swamiji or touch Him. For this reason, devotees who are aware of it do not unnecessarily talk in front of Guru Padukas. They do not quarrel, abstain from telling lies and eating meat in their homes as Swamiji personally resides there. If Guru Paduka are kept in your home, then it implies Swamiji is eternally present in your home.

Why do we keep Swamiji’s photo at home? This is because we are all being bound by karma. Caught up in this world, we tend to forget everything. Seeing His photo reminds us of our goals and duties. Why do Sanyasis wear saffron clothes? Because at times their buddhi (intellect) tends to forget that they have renounced everything. Saffron cloth acts as a reminder. It is a uniform. Same is the case with police. Their uniform reminds them of their duties.

Likewise your intellect tends to stoop to low levels very often. At such moment, Swamiji’s photo acts as a reminder. It alerts you. It reminds you of your association towards Swamiji, your affection towards Him.

As such, both Paduka and photo are a must.

(Q &A Trinidad 22nd July 2018)