Sri
Sathya Sai Baba's MahaSamadhi
|
<<
Feb.
2011
|
Current Sai Baba News
|
March. 2011 >>
Sai
News Archive
2010:
|
Jan.
|
Feb.
|
March |
April
|
May
|
June
|
July |
Aug.|
Sep.|
Oct.|
Nov.
|Archive 2009
|
|
 Facebook Page:
Samadhi of Sri Sathya Sai Baba
|
|
Text & photo source - copyrights: Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust -
sssbpt.org - Radiosai.org Prasanthi Diary -
Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org . | Web layout - Photo
graphic design : saibabaofindia.com "SBOI"
| -
We gratefully acknowledge the publishers
Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust & Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation |
|
|
|
Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011 “...there are three baskets placed by
Bhagawan's Mahasamadhi. One basket is for flowers, one for letters &
one for Invitations..."
|
click to enlarge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Mahasamadhi - wallpaper |
|
|
|
Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011
The green scarved army with the message of peace from the
heartland of Islam gave their second presentation in two days in the holy
precincts of the Sai Kulwant Hall. After the soul uplifting performance of the
Whirling Dervishes of Turkey, the other devotees from the Region offered a
beautiful musical garland to their Lord.
Entitled "Sarva Devata Ateeta Swaroopa Karuna Sagar Sai"
(which translates to My Lord Sai who is the ocean of Mercy and transcendental of
all forms of God), the programme started with a brief introduction where in the
narrator spoke about the unity of religions, the compassion of Bhagawan and the
need to experience His love.
read more with photos
|
click to enlarge |
|
|
|
|
|
|
At the stroke of 8.00 in the morning, the Mahasamadhi of Bhagawan
Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba was unveiled with the offer of
Mahamangalarati. The sepulchre, if one can call it presented a
beautiful sight, the whole structure including the pillars on both
sides was draped in white colour.
|
VIDEO GURU POORNIMA -
15 JULY 2011 -
Unveiling of mahasamadhi |
The first programme for the
morning was Guru Vandana (salutations to the Guru) by the students
of Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions. This presentation was a
collection of melodious songs and Stotras (verses) interspersed with
beautiful incidents, experiences, interactions that the students had
with Bhagawan.
With the chanting of Sai Gayatri, the students
offered their salutations at the Lotus Feet of Sadguru, Bhagawan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. Twameva
Mathacha Pitha Twameva, Twameva Bandhuscha Sakha Twameva, Twameva
Vidya Dravinam Twameva, Twameva Sarvam Mama Devadeva. (Oh Lord! You
alone are my father and mother, friend and relation, wisdom and
wealth.
You are my everything). We have found our mother,
father, Guru and God in Bhagawan was the announcement by the
students. Describing a wonderful incident that happened during
Prasadam distribution when a child at the end of the hall could not
receive the Prasadam, the student said the merciful Lord Himself
went all the way to the child and gave the Prasadam. This world may
forget us, but the Lord will never forget us was the underlying
theme in this incident. Narrating another incident in the olden days
when the host was expecting Bhagawan for a function, but Bhagawan
had not come even after a long wait. When he went in search of
Bhagawan, he found Bhagawan arranging the footwear of people who had
come for the function. This incident is very much reminiscent of the
days of Dwapara Yuga. The song that followed was a composition of
Bhagawan, Sathya Dharmamu Santhi Premalato, Nee Nitya Jivamu Yatra
Saginchu (perform the journey of your life with truth,
righteousness, peace and love as your companions).
There was a cascade of experiences one after the other. This
incident of the mother and child during Narayana Seva is equally
touching. Once during Narayana Seva, Bhagawan found a woman sitting
with her baby. As the student was serving sweet rice and tamarind
rice, Bhagawan told the student that the child would not be able to
partake of the rice items. At this instance, the student ran inside
to get milk. The milk he brought was fresh and hot. Bhagawan asked
the student as to how the kid could drink hot milk. Bhagawan Himself
took the glass of milk in His hand, allowed it to cool and gave to
the child. After this experience, another Guru Stotram followed. A
student was suffering from Asthma, and was gasping for breath. His
every breath was a struggle. He cried out in front of Bhagawan’s
photograph and expressed his anguish. Once Bhagawan called him for
an interview where he could see Bhagawan gasping for breath, and His
face had turned blue. Bhagawan told him that He had removed his
suffering of ten births. The experience that followed was elevating.
Bhagawan had gone to Santhi Vedika to see the students doing their
morning exercises.
Then Bhagawan was explaining to them showing His
forearm that students have to be strong and sturdy. A student felt
how is that Bhagawan who is looking frail could explain about sinews
and strength! It is then that Bhagawan turned towards the boy,
smiling mischievously asked him to try arm wrestling with Him. The
boy too felt happy to wrestle with Bhagawan. At first the boy took
it lightly and was not using his full strength, but later he used
his full force, and even three more boys tried arm wrestling with
Bhagawan. But all in vain. The boy told Bhagawan since He was God,
he had so much strength. Bhagawan laughed at the boy and told him,
“Do you think that I will use my divine power to arm wrestle with
you?” You too can have such strength if you have purity in thought,
word and deed. The song Maa oh Maa, Maa Sai Maa followed.
The next
experience shows Bhagawan care and concern for the devotees. A
student saw that Bhagawan had clipped his nails to the maximum that
blood was oozing out. When the student asked Him, Swami told that
since devotees touch His feet during Darshan, there is a possibility
that they may injure themselves while doing Padanamaskar. That is
why I am cutting My nails so small. The song that followed was a
Telugu song. Bhagawan’s care and affection for the little ones of
the Primary School has to be seen to be experienced. Once Bhagawan
was giving ice creams to students of Primary School. Suddenly Swami
asked the students, “Do you know the qualities of God”? A boy
quickly answered, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.
Then Bhagawan said, “God is cool, sweet and soft like ice cream.”
Once in Poornachandra Hall, Bhagawan was distributing items of
everyday use like toothpaste and deodorants. Some of them got
toothpaste, while some got deodorants. They were discussing what
they got and what they did not get in Bhagawan’s presence.
Then
Bhagawan went to the stage and asked, “Who wants Me?” The students
could not answer this question succinctly. The message was when God
gives, do not compare. Ask for Swami and everything will be given to
you. It was at this point a student announced that usually we wait
for Bhagawan’s Darshan when He glides in the hall. Let us be aware
that now He is always waiting for us in the hall. A student summed
up that on this Guru Purnima day, let us be aware that God is always
with us. He has not gone anywhere. The presentation of the students
ended with a Telugu song. Prof. Anil Kumar paid encomiums to
students for their performance.
After the music programme of students Sri Leonardo Gutter from
Argentina, a psychologist, a successful businessman and a member of
the Prasanthi Council addressed the audience. He has the distinction
of being the first president of Latin American Sathya Sai Council.
Offering his salutations at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet, Sri Gutter
narrated an experience of his first visit to Prasanthi Nilayam. When
he came here, Bhagawan was on a visit to Chennai. 50,000 people were
waiting for him. He felt an inner urge and Bhagawan returned. So,
the heart know prior, it is aware. Sri Gutter remarked that Swami
says to be born as human is rare, and to be born when the Avatar
comes down is still rare. Not only to know God, but to be selected
by Him is a great fortune. Sri Gutter told the audience that some of
us have travelled thousands to kilometres to be here. But let me
tell you even residents of Prasanthi Nilayam should have taken so
many births to be permanently in this place. We have to intensify
our Sadhana not by the increasing the hours of Bhajans but by
wearing the glasses of Sai. When we wear those glasses, we will not
criticise anyone. To be a devotee, we have to deserve His love. Sri
Gutter said that he has travelled far and wide in Latin America.
There are so many people who know Swami. Many years ago when the Sai
Organisation was at its infant stage in Brazil, he met a person
there. The person was narrating his experience when he came to
Prasanthi Nilayam. He could see angels everywhere in Prasanthi
Nilayam. When he saw Swami, he could only visualise love, nothing
else. With our physical eyes, we cannot gauge the energy that is
there in the Ashram. He made an appeal to devotees, “Don’t ever stop
coming here.” Nothing has changed here. We have to travel from the
form to formless. He is alive, eternal; He does not go anywhere.
Swami says, “If you look to Me, I look to you.” Sri Gutter made an
emphatic statement that he was fully convinced in his first visit
that Bhagawan is a Poornavatar.
Narrating the experience when Bhagawan formed the Prasanthi Council,
He called the members to His residence. Bhagawan said, “You have the
good fortune of knowing His message. You have to share it with all.”
We should do everything to spread His message. The time is now for
us. We have to take advantage of every moment of our life, we have
to become beacons of His love. Sri Leonardo Gutter concluded his
talk by expressing his gratitude to Bhagawan for all that He has
given. He is our father, mother and closest friend and everything.
The last speaker for the morning session was Sri Nimish Pandya,
District President of Mumbai, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. Sri
Pandya said that Bhagawan wanted us to realise that not only He is
God, but we are also God. Man searches for God in different places
like Gurudwara, temples, churches and mosques. But He resides in our
hearts. Sri Pandya remarked that it is not that we have unveiled the
Mahasamadhi, but Bhagawan has unveiled the ignorance in us. This is
a unique Mahasamadhi; it breathes every moment. In the Shirdi
Avatar, Shirdi Baba lit the Dhuni, but in this Avatar there is no
Dhuni. He is going to live for ages through man’s devotion. Bhagawan
has said that His words have the power of His presence. Many people
had questions in their minds as to whether Bhagawan has left. Sri
Pandya asserted, “How can He leave us, He is always with us.
Bhagawan had a definite plan.
|
click to enlarge |
He had decided to leave. It was a
grand departure. He has taken the back seat. Now it is we who have
to take the lead. Sri Pandya informed the audience that many
questions were asked regarding the legacy of Sathya Sai. His legacy
is the hospitals, university and the Ashram. Only God can make such
hospitals for mankind. It is an emissary of Bhagawan’s love. It is
God who has set up these hospitals and it is He who will run them.
Sometimes I envy the students because I am not young enough to join
the university. It is the alumni who will spread the light of
effulgence of Bhagawan’s teachings in the world, opined Sri Pandya.
If you want to experience love, this is the place. During dramatic
performances Bhagawan bestows his benevolent look on the children
and inspires them. Bhagawan has inspired so many millions to do
service in Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. It is only God who can do
such a stupendous task. No one could achieve what Sathya Sai Avatar
could achieve. Bhagawan gave the feeling to everyone that He has
come only for him. This is the personal experience each one had with
Bhagawan. No individual can shake the foundation of Sri Sathya Sai
Organisation, the legacy of love. Surrender everything to His love.
This divine legacy of love will unflinchingly be present in every
humankind. Manifestation of love through Sathya Sai Educare will
live forever. Sri Pandya declared, “He will speak from within us, He
will never leave us”. Bhagawan brought us to Him. Now is the time to
reflect on His Divinity. Keep coming to Prasanthi Nilayam. At the
end of all, we have to merge in Him. Every time you look in the
mirror, think emphatically, you are God, told Sri Pandya. Bhagawan
gave this Guru Dakshina (offering) on the 24th of July 1965: “Give
Me your unselfish and unwavering mind. I will appear and give
Darshan to you”.
After Sri Nimish Pandya’s speech, there were a few Bhajans by
students. An announcement was made that Radio Sai has started a new
service in Telugu on this day of Guru Purnima. It can be heard over
Radio Sai Telugu Stream. Radio Sai Telugu has become a 24 hour
channel from this day. Radio Sai can also be heard over mobile
phones. Radio Sai will also start broadcasting the proceedings in
the Mandir. Arati was offered at 10.25 am.
The Darshan of Mahasamadhi started immediately after the programme
and will continue throughout the day. As people were having Darshan
of the Mahasamadhi, a few songs and commentaries by students were in
progress. This was followed by continuous chants of Sai Gayatri.
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, Jul 14,
2011
Morning Programme:
As a curtain raiser to the Guru Purnima festival, on the morning of 14th July,
the programme commenced with Veda chanting at 8.00 a.m. Sai Kulwant Hall was
filled to capacity. The Hall was tastefully decorated with Chinese lanterns and
buntings which added aesthetic value to the ambience. The altar with...read
more |
|
|
Wednesday, Jul 13,
2011
The Sri Sathya Sai World Youth Conference began with prayers at 0830hrs in the
Poornachandra Auditorium.
Sri Shitu Chudasama, International Youth Coordinator,
welcomed the delegates and introduced the purpose and purport of the conference.
He also mentioned to the gathering the personal instructions Bhagawan...read
more |
|
|
|
Monday, Jul 12, 2011
The third block (the section of Sai Kulwant Hall directly in front of the stage)
was empty. Backdrops were in place. A few official looking people running around
with tension on their faces. Thousands of others sitting packed in the Sai
Kulwant Hall with anticipation writ on their faces. Familiar sites in Prasanthi.
But the first time since the Maha Samadhi...read
more. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
| click to enlarge
Sai Baba wallpaper |
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, Jul 11, 2011
Prasanthi woke up this morning to a festive ambience and who better to add
colour to an occasion than Maharastra.
The Varkaris continued their grand
tradition of Palkhi Seva. Every year they carry a Paduka for Bhagawan in a pada
yatra ( through walk) from Dharamavaram to Puttaparthi. Sri Nimish Pandya
(District President of Mumbai), who played the master of ceremony today,
recollected how Bhagawan used to always enquire about the welfare of these
simple devotees from him again and again over the years.
The programme for the day started at 8:00 AM with the chanting of the Holy
Rudram. At 8:20, Sri S.V. Giri, after taking Bhagawan's blessings, lit the lamp
to start the proceedings. It started with the sacred sound of the conch. The
sound of victory, the sound of truth, the sound of clarity, lit joy in the
hearts of all as it declared the festivities open.
Sri Pavithra Bhat who has performed on numerous occasions in front of Bhagawan
led the procession with a rhythmic dance. The flag bearers followed behind and
then came the solemn bearers of the Palkhi. The Palkhi was brought near
Bhagawan's throne and the bearers, removed the Padukas from it and placed it at
the lotus feet before lovingly adorning it with a garland made from Tulasi. At
the conclusion of the dance, Sri Pandya announced the music programme by the
Mategaonkar family.
Sri Parag Mategaonkar led the family in taking Bhagawan's blessings. He played
the keyboard. His wife Smt Suvarna Mategaonkar and daughter Ketaki Mategaonkar
were the singers of the morning and Sri Amit accompanied them on the tabla. Smt
Suvarna started the proceedings with a dedication to Lord Vittala, "Sundare ke...".
She was followed by her daughter Ketaki who sang the Bhajan, "Ram ke gun gaan..."
(Sing... Sing the glory of Lord Rama). There was an emotional piece by Kum
Ketaki, "Sai Ke Sang..." which spoke about the travails in the path of devotion
and how a true devotee sticks to the Lotus Feet even when everything is taken
from him. They concluded traditionally with a Vittala Bhajan. The participants
were honoured with clothes.
Bhajans began at 9:30 AM and Arati was offered at 9:45 completing the morning's
programme. A dance ballet by Balvikas children from Maharashtra is scheduled for
the evening.
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, Jul 8, 2011
The festival season is here. Ashadi
Ekadasi which often marked the first programme in the festival calendar of
Prasanthi Nilayam will be celebrated tomorrow and four days thence,
we shall have the
unveiling of the Mahasamadhi of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba fittingly on the
holy occasion of Guru Purnima. The complete schedule is available here:
A two day International Youth Conference
is also scheduled to be held in the Poornachandra auditorium on the 13th and
14th of July. This will be an event attended by delegates from various countries
across the globe.
|
SBOI GROUP
MESSAGE |
Mahasamadhi will be unveiled for public darshan on
Gurupoornima day...
"...This year, Gurupoornima will be celebrated for the first time
and for years to come in Swami's physical absence. The only
consolation is that the Mahasamadhi will be unveiled for public
darshan on Gurupoornima day i.e. on 15 July. According to sources,
Mahasamadhi which was built with high quality marbles which will
remain cool even in temperature as high as 50 degrees, is very much
complete. According to the information I have, the samadhi is
constructed with white marble with gold coloured border. The
Mahasamadhi will symbolise Unity of Faiths concept. The Ganesha
which used to be on the dais has been removed and it will be a big
surprise to see the new look on the dais.
The unveiling of MahaSamadhi will commense at 8am with Vedic chants
and bhajans by the students. The evening of the 15th July will have
a musical concert in Sai Kulwanth Hall, the first of its kind after
unveiling of Mahasamadhi. The statue which will be made of marble,
placed by the samadhi will be unveiled for Swami's birthday. As
against the reports in various media, atleast as of now, the ashram
authorities are not having any plans to put up a golden statue of
Swami. While I type this email, I still cannot believe myself that I
will be typing words like "Swami's Mahasamadhi", "Swami's statue"
etc but even this is Swami's divine plan and atleast we were blessed
to drench in the love of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar which in itself is a
rare gift...." Read the complete message at
SBOI group page -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/saibabaofindia/join |
| |
|
|
Swami
we Love you Forever and Ever,
You are always alive in our hearts...
|
|
|
Friday, May 27, 2011
It is said that a ring around the sun or moon in the warmer months is an
indication that there might be rain within 12 to 24 hours. No sign in Prasanthi
Nilayam passes without fulfilling its promise.
No wonder then that we had a soothing rainfall the very same night. ...And
last evening (26th May) being the final darshan of Maha Samadhi before the
commencement of a proposed six-week long construction phase, good number of
devotees filed past the Samadhi before the curtains came down at 2000 hrs. |
Wednesday, May 25,
2011
With today being the penultimate day of final darshan, before a six week
construction phase that is scheduled to begin on 26 May, there have been good
number of devotees filing past the Maha Samadhi seeking Divine Darshan.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Maha Samadhi is going to be built
as per Vedic injunctions and traditions, and it is likely to go on for six
weeks. Understandably during this period, there will be no Samadhi Darshan,
however from May 27, Swami's chair and the Divine footrest will be placed in
front of the dais in the Sai Kulwant Hall to facilitate devotees to offer
their prayers and salutations.
|
Source:Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust -
sssbpt.org - Graphic web
design saibabaofindia.com |
Please note that the regular Vedam and Bhajan sessions both morning and
evening will continue everyday as per original schedule. Please do inform
all your family and friends about this important announcement.
In the meanwhile, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh K. Rosaiah visited
Puttaparthi today paying tributes to Beloved Bhagawan.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
- Shraddha Ceremony - Re-dawn of the Avatar
Today, being the 11th day of Bhagawan's
shedding the mortal coil, a special function was held in the Sai Kulwant Hall.
|
Ritwiks performing Havanam (sacrifice) |
 |
|
Source:Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust - sssbpt.org - Graphic web
design saibabaofindia.com |
The 11th day of the passing
for mortals is normally celebrated as a Shraddha Ceremony. However, in Prasanthi
Nilayam, the day was sanctified with a prayer for the Re-dawn of the Avatar. The
programme commenced at the scheduled hour, at 0630 am, with "Punya Vachana",
which is a prayer to
|
Sri
R.J.Ratnakar, the nephew of Bhagawan's physical frame took part in
the proceedings... |
 |
|
Source:Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust - sssbpt.org - Graphic web
design saibabaofindia.com |
Beloved Bhagawan for the
proper conduct of the programme. As one set of Ritwiks performed Havanam
(sacrifice) through which various offerings were presented to the Lord, a second
set of Ritwiks did Parayana (study) of Rudra Krama followed by Upanishads. At
the conclusion of this,
|
Sri
R.J.Ratnakar, the nephew of Bhagawan's physical frame took part in
the proceedings... |
 |
|
Source:Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust - sssbpt.org - Graphic web
design saibabaofindia.com |
there was a Tirtha Pooja
(offering oblations with water from holy rivers) which was then sprinkled on the
gathering by the Ritwiks as an assurance of Divine Benediction. Sri R.J.Ratnakar,
the nephew of Bhagawan's physical frame took part in the proceedings,
representing the family. The programme concluded with Mangala Arathi at 0930
hrs. Thereafter bhajans continued for the next half an hour to conclude at 1000
hrs. with Arathi.
|
Four
eminent speakers shared the dais, speaking on the nostalgic golden
days with Bhagawan. |
 |
|
Source:Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust - sssbpt.org - Graphic web
design saibabaofindia.com |
Evening was marked by a
special programme, wherein four eminent speakers shared the dais, speaking on
the nostalgic golden days with Bhagawan. The programme was introduced by Sri S
Rangarajan, Controller of Examinations, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
Learning. Prof. Anil Kumar, Sri Sanjay Sahani, Dr. Naredranath Reddy and Sri V.
Srinivasan shared the dais that lasted
for almost two and a
half-hour. While Prof. Anil Kumar took the audience to the wonderful life of
Bhagawan, narrating the beauty of the Avatar narrating various incidents in
lucid Telugu,, Sri Sanjay Sahani had interesting incidents, especially that
related to the student fraternity to share with. While Dr. Narendranath Reddy
who spoke next reasserted the intention of the Organisation to continue with the
programmes, with much more intensity and devotion, Sri V. Srinivasan, President,
All India Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, gave a reassurance on behalf of the
Trust to continue with every single activity Bhagawan has initiated.
Referring
to the activities of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sri Srinivasan mentioned that
the Trust would exemplify itself in its mission, with transparency, to become a
role-model trust to other charitable trusts. It is also proposed to release
annual reports, with transparency, of all activities of various institutions run
by the Trust, national and International, said Sri V.Srinivasan. Bhajans
continued for some time before Arathi was offered at 1940 hrs.
It is admission time in
Prasanthi Nilayam. Entrance 2011 for Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
began today with many girls participating in the first set of exams conducted
today, for Anantapur Campus.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Following are the prevalent timings for Vedam, Bhajans and Darshan. In the
morning, Vedam starts at 0800 hrs. for 45 minutes which will be followed by 45
minutes bhajans. Darshan in the morning will be from 0930 hrs. till 1100 hrs.
In the evening, Vedam starts at 1630 hrs. till 1715 hrs. and Bhajans will
continue for next 45 minutes, till 1800 hrs. Darshan starts at 1800 hrs. to go
up to 1930 hrs.
Saturday, Apr 30,
2011
An announcement was made this evening after the session that reads as follows:
In order to express our love and gratitude to our Beloved Bhagawan, who gave
hope and succour to millions and millions of people across the globe and
inspired them to tread the path of love and service by making His life His
message, a congregation of devotees will be held in Sai Kulwant Hall in the
evening of 4th May, i.e. the 11th day after Bhagawan left for His divine abode.
Elders who are fortunate to serve Bhagawan's Mission will address the
congregation on Bhagawan's Divine Commandments, His expectations and the
responsibilities of His devotees.
The details of that day's morning programme will be announced soon.
Friday, Apr 29, 2011
With devotees flocking in for "Maha Samadhi" Darshan, there was an
announcement made in the evening at the end of the session. As per the
announcement, morning session would begin at 0800 hrs. with Vedic chanting
for an hour followed by Bhajans till 0930 hrs. and Darshan would continue
till 1100 hrs. Evening session begins at 1630 hrs. with an hour long Vedic
chanting fto end with Mangala Arathi at 1800 hrs. after half-an-hour
Bhajans. Darshan in the evening will continue till 1930 hrs.
In
the meanwhile, devotees who are willing to visit Puttaparthi may take notice
that life in in the township has come to normalcy with buses plying as per
schedule. Shops and other establishments are also opened and working normal.
On this third day of Maha Samadhi, there was a continuous stream of devotees
during the scheduled darshan hours, despite scorching summer.
Thursday, Apr
28, 2011
Today, on this auspicious Thursday, steady stream of devotees flowed in
to Prasanthi Nilayam, as the gates were opened at 0800 hrs. in the
morning, to have "Maha Samadhi" darshan of Beloved Bhagawan. Vedam and
Bhajans have been rescheduled to original timings, i.e., Vedam from 0800
hrs. till 0900 hrs. and Bhajans till 0940 hrs. and in the evening, Vedam
from 1630 hrs. for an hour and Bhajans from 1730 hrs. till 1815 hrs.
Wed, April 27, 2011:
On this first evening of Maha Samadhi of Beloved Bhagawan, there was a
change in programme scheudule. One hour Vedam chanting began at 1600
hrs. followed by bhajans at 1700 hrs. to end with Mangala Arathi at 1800
hrs.
As darshan of Maha Samadhi commenced this forenoon at 1145 hrs. a
continuous stream of devotees are pouring in to have a precious glimpse
of the Maha Samadhi in Sai Kulwant Hall. Many faces are writ with deep
emotion and suppressed feeling burst open at the site of Maha Samadhi.
At the end of Mangala Arathi, an announcement was made on the darshan
schedule for the next two days. Darshan of Maha Samadhi, for tomorrow
and the day after will commence at 0800 hrs. till 1200 hrs. and in the
evening from 1600 hrs. till 2000 hrs.
priests sit next to the burial place -
Samadhi of Sri Sathya Sai Baba inside the
Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram in Puttaparti.
|
" The curtains were removed after 40 minutes for the people to have a
glimpse of the ‘samadhi’ where the body was laid to rest in line with
the practice adopted for Hindu spiritual saints. Normally, Hindus
cremate their bodies.
Devotees
wait as the burial of Indian religious
leader Sathya Sai Baba takes place behind
the area, center covered with curtain, at
the Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram in Puttaparti,
India, Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Thousands
of tearful devotees, including top
politicians, gathered Wednesday for the
funeral of Baba,
|
Governor Narasimhan, Chief Minister Reddy, Advani, Chandra Babu Naidu
and other leaders went to the samadhi had a word with Ratnakar and
sprinkled sacred ash at the spot.
|
Sri Sathya
Sai Baba's Samadhi Place - Prasanthi Nilayam - Kulwant Hall |
Earlier, a little before 9 a.m. the glass casket in which Sai Baba’s
body was lying in state from Sunday night was removed and the body was
wrapped in national tri colour for a brief while.
Men of the Andhra Pradesh Armed Police sounded the last post and fired 21
shots in the air as a mark of respect.
Then the tri colour was removed and verses from Hindu, Christian, Islamic,
Sikh, Judaism and Buddhist scriptures were read out by leaders from these
sects. Later, they joined in sprinkling the sacred ash at the samadhi spot
as ‘mangal aarti’ was performed.
With Sai Baba’s body draped in his favourite saffron robe, the last rites
were performed by Mr. Ratnakar, who wept inconsolably, while priests recited
vedic chants. Mr. Ratnakar Swami's Nephew & also a member of the Sri
Sathya Sai Central Trust.
Water from sacred rivers from all over the country were sprinkled on Sai
Baba’s body along with ...honey, ghee and silk were given as gifts to
priests.
Nephew R. J. Ratnakar,
seated center right in white, weeps as he performs the last rites for
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at the Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram in Puttaparti,
India, Wednesday, April 27, 2011.
|
After the ceremony was over, Sai devotees gathered at the hall rushed to
have a look at the Samadhi, which was open for public viewing after 11.45
a.m."
|
