The relationship between a Sadguru and his disciple (sishya) is like a combination of milk and water. A disciple who takes shelter in a Guru will ultimately turn into ‘kova’ (the final product that remains when milk is simmered for a long time).
Guru destroys spiritual ignorance (ajnana)! Ignorance can be compared to the water in milk. The disciple approaches and follows a Guru so that his spiritual ignorance is destroyed. Some even follow a Guru to learn worldly knowledge in a systematic manner. However it is advisable to follow the Sadguru for spiritual knowledge only!