February 27, 2007:
Today morning Swami came at 8.45.a.m.
after taking the full round of darshan and talking to few devotees on the
verandah Swami went inside the interview room at 9.a.m. The bhajans
started inside the Bhajan mandir at around 9. 00. a.m. At around 9.10.am.
Swami came out of the Interview room and went inside the Bhajan mandir
while the Bhajans were in full swing. Swami listened to the Bhajans and
delighted all sitting inside the Bhajan mandir with His divine darshan.
Swami was given aarthi at appx.9.45 a.m. thus
concluding the morning darshan. Swami went back to His residence at 9.50
a.m. Photos of Chinese New Year celebration at Prasanthi Nilayam ,
Puttaparthi are now updated.
In the evening
Swami came at
3.45. P.m. Swami took a full round of the
hall after the darshan round Swami’s car stopped near ladies side ramp.
The boys and girls of 10th & 12th class were present today to receive the
blessings of Swami. Their board exams are soon to be started in the first
week of March. Swami blessed the girl students first; Swami passed between
the two neatly divided rows of girls students. Swami on His car chair took
many letters and blessed the girl students. After the girls student it was
the boy students turn they too were blessed by
Swami’s proximity. After
blessing the students Swami signalled them to go inside the Bhajan mandir.
The students were inside the Bhajan mandir with Swami from 4.15 – 5.10
p.m. they also sang few Bhajans for Swami. At appx. 5.15 p.m. the
customary evening bhajans started, at around 5.40 p.m. the Aarthi was
given to Bhagavan. Swami retired back to His abode at 5.45 p.m.
February 26, 2007:
Today morning Swami came out bit
earlier than usual surprising many devotees. Devotees outside the Sai
Kulwant hall rushed towards the entrance gate to get inside quickly. It is
quite impressive to observe the aged devotees running like young to have a
look at their beloved Bhagavan's beautiful form.
Swami took a full round of Sai Kulwant hall
in His car and went to verandah from Men's side ramp. Swami talked to
overseas
devotees from
South East Asia sitting on mens side and called two of them for interview.
Two western ladies were also called in for interview. Swami went inside
the interview room at 7.35. a.m. and was there till bhjanas started at
9.a.m. The morning Bhajan session ended at 9.30 a.m.
Swami retired back to His abode after receiving aarthi at appx. 9.35 a.m.
In the evening Swami came at 3.45 p.m. After
taking the full darshan round in His car Swami talked to few devotees
sitting on the verandah at around 3.55 p.m. Swami went inside the
Interview room, Swami was inside the interview room till the Bhajan
started. At appx. 5.00 p.m. Swami went inside the Bhajan mandir for the
evening Bhajan session; aarthi was given to Bhagawan at 5.30 p.m. Swami
drove back to His abode at 5.40 p.m.
February 25, 2007:
Swami didn't come for morning
darshan today. In The evening Swami came out looking radiant and
beautiful. Swami took a full darshan round on His car. After the darshan
round Swami went inside the Interview room. At
appx. 5.00. P.m Swami came out on His car chair and talked to few devotees
sitting on the portico. Swami was outside for quite a long time and took
another round from the ramp near
the ladies side down towards the
students and gents sitting place. Swami took many letters today and many
were lucky to be able to touch Swami’s lotus feet’s. After this round of
darshan Swami stopped near the Golden lion statue and talked to the
overseas
devotees from South East Asia,
Swami also created vibhuti for some. Darshan didn’t ended here actually
Swami took another round up to the dasa-avatara gateway and then again
towards gents side and talked again with Overseas devotees from South East
Asia. At around 5.20 Swami walked to His throne and sat while the students
chanted the Veda mantras. At around 5.35 Swami went inside the Bhajan
hall/mandir the evening Bhajans
ended with offering of Aarthi to Swami. At 6.10 Swami drove back to his
residence at the entrance
gate to His residence Swami got up
from His car chair and walked inside His residence compound, thus
concluding today’s amazing darshan. The Chinese New Year decorations are
being removed now. There is a possibility of a program tomorrow i.e. Lion
dance by overseas devotees from South East Asia. It is really amazing to
observe Swami’s dynamism and energy; indeed He is working constantly &
selflessly for the good of humanity all the time thus setting an ideal
example for all us to follow – My Life is My Message.
February 24, 2007:
Today morning
Swami came at 8.25.a.m. Swami was welcomed out side His residence gate
with drums followed by the lion dance also devotees in time-honored kings costumes were
there to welcome Swami for this Chinese New year
day celeberation at Prasanthi Nilayam. Small boys and
girls led the procession! A true, spiritual beginning of Chinese New Year
at Prasanthi Nilayam.Swami’s car didn’t took the full
round but went from the ladies side up to the dais. After alighting down
from His car Swami
lit the candles at around 8.30 thus ceremoniously auspicating the program.
There was brief chanting of Vedam
then the program started with a speech by a oversee devotee, after that ,
traditional Chinese offering were presented to Bhagavan like tea leaves
and sweets along with other things; one by one the overseas devotees came
and presented their offerings to Swami. Also, the Music & Bhajans by the
South East Asian devotees were wonderful and mellow. Prasadam was
distributed at appx. 9.00 a.m. After that Swami went inside the Bhajan
hall the Customary morning bhajans started at 9.15 a.m. after the aarthi
Swami left for His abode at 9.45 a.m.
In the Evening Swami came out a 4. 00. pm. Swami took a full round of Sai
Kulwant Hall in His car, after alighting Swami walked few steps and talked
to few devotees sitting near the dais & then turned back and went inside
the interview room, after only 5 minutes Swami came out and walked up to
His throne outside. The Drama “My parents my treasure” started themed on
How the traditional Chinese customs and traditional Chinese culture has
always respected and sacrificed for the parents. The participants were
very fortunate
since Swami walked
down to them and pictures were taken thus bringing lots of smiles and
absolute delight.
At 5. 00 p.m. the South East Asian devotees sang Bhajans at 5 .15 p.m.
they offered Aarthi to Bhagavan. Subsequently Prasadam was distributed.
Swami went inside the Bhajan hall at 5.16. P.M. a fresh session of
customary evening bhajan started inside the Bhajan hall at 6.00 p.m. Swami
received the customary evening Aarthi, (Swami was offered aarthi twice
today evening) At 6.05. p.m Swami drove back to His abode.
Sevadal doing Seva (service) at Swami’s residence compound are really
enjoying Swami’s heavenly hospitality, Swami sends them lots of food and
other eatables & savoury dishes etc. Nothing compares
Swami’s love for His devotees.
February 23, 2007:
Today
morning Swami came out to bless us for darshan at 9.a.m. Swami took a full
round.
At the mandir portico the Budhist lamas from Tibet chanted the mantra,
around 36 Lamas from Tibet have arrived here in Prasanthi Nilayam the 6
head Lamas sat on the portico and chanted mantras. After alighting from
His car Swami talked (interacted) with these Lamas for nearly 5 minutes
after 10 minutes Swami called these Lamas inside the interview room, the
interview got over at 8.40 a.m.
After that Swami went inside the Bhajan hall; after the customry morning
Bhajan and reciving aarthi Swami left for His abode.
In the evening Swami came at 4.00 p.m. and
took a full round of Kulwant hall.
Tibet Lamas chanted the mantras. The
Bhajns were sung by devotees
comprising mainly
from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and
Indonaesia. At around 5.30
P.m. Swami went inside the Bhjan hall. Bhajnas went on till 6.00 p.m. At
one time the aarthi was started but then stopped again since Swami walked
back to the portico and sat on His throne giving wonderful darshan to all,
here Swami talked to Captain Ong and created a gold chain for him. After
that Swami directed prasad to be distributed, Later Swami called the lamas
for group photo, Swami had group photos with devotees from
Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonaesia, Swami also received aarthi from devotees from south east
asia. Swami retired back to His abode at 6.30 p.m. The
practice sessions for tommorow's program of Chinese
New Year 2007 is going on in Sai Kulwant
hall -
February 22, 2007:
In the morning Swami came at
8.05.a.m. Swami took a full round of Kulwant hall giving His darshan to all from
inside the car. After alighting from the car Swami walked to the
interview room. For the most part Swami was
inside the interview room, after the Bhajans Swami returned back to
His abode at appx. 9.35.a.m. In the evening Swami came at 3.45 p.m. the
bhajan ended at 5.45 p.m. Decorations in Sai Kulwant hall and in ashram
for the
Chinese
New Year 2007 are in full swing The 1st Batch
of Madhya Pradesh Seva dal left today, Swami got distributed One Sai
Photo and two packets of Vhibuti to outgoing batch of Sevadal.
February 21, 2007:
Maha Shivaratri Divine Discourse
This evening, the passing out batches of school students of the
X and
XII classes presented their "gratitude programme".
At 4.15, Bhagawan came onstage after His darshan round, and
the students began their
presentation. Students from various parts of India
spoke feelingly in their languages about how Swami's love had touched
their lives. The short talks by the students were interspersed with group
songs. After the hour-long programme, Bhagawan blessed the students and
had ladoos distributed for them. Then, He came towards the Bhajan Hall,
where Bhajans began. Swami sat for Bhajans till just past six o'clock,
when He accepted Arati and left for His residence. Also lots of Chinese
devotees in Prasanthi Nilayam preparing to celebrate the Chinese
New Year 2007 on 24th Feb.
February 20, 2007
Today
morning Swami didn't come for darshan, in the evening Swami came at around
3.15 p.m. at this moment while we are writing this darshan news (4.30
p.m.) Swami is inside the Interview room.
February 19, 2007
This morning, Swami came out
of His residence very early - 6.45 - and proceeded immediately on a drive.
After taking a round of the Indoor Stadium complex, Bhagawan visited the
Primary School and then returned to the Mandir at 7.20 am. He came to the
Bhajan Hall at 8.50 and interacted with the students there who were
waiting to serve to Bhagawan after their studies. Bhajans began when Swami
went into the interview room at 9.20. After 45 minutes of Bhajans, Swami
came to the Bhajan Hall, accepted Arati, and left for Yajur Mandiram.
In the evening, after His darshan round at around 4.30 pm, Bhagawan came
down the upper verandah and sat onstage while the Vedam chanting went on
for around 20 minutes. He then came towards the Bhajan Hall. Bhajans began
and Bhagawan retired for the day post-Arati after half an hour.
February 18, 2007
:
Today Evening Swami came out to bless us with His darshan at appx.
4:15p.m, today the bhajans were sung while Swami gave His darshan inside
the Kulwant hall on His mobile Throne. Swami also went towards the back
side of the Bhajan hall. In fact, devotees were quite blessed to witness
Swami taking many rounds of the hall.
At around 5.20 P.M. Swami sat on dais outside, the Bhajans went on til
7.00 P.M, disturbed by an “electrical failure” for few short minutes, but
Swami signalled for Bhajans to continue. Sitting on His throne Swami
seemed so magnificent and detached from this world in His Avataric form.
Mr.Satyajeet & Mr.Ratnakar came from Swami's residence and then Swami
retired back to His abode after receiving aarthi. On the whole, a
breathtaking and unusually long and close up darshan for many devotees
today.
Here are
more details of today's extraordinary Darshan: Bhagawan said in
His Shivarathri Discourse, "Soon I will make all of you happy" - and He
did that so soon! Today witnessed more outpourings of Divine Love. In the
morning, Swami came to Sai Kulwant Hall after the morning Bhajans began at
9 o'clock. He sent word for clothes to be distributed to the students.
Some of the senior students went to the store-room at the western end of
Sai Kulwant Hall and started bringing carton boxes full of white suit
material. When sufficient numbers had been collected onstage, the
distribution began, on Bhagawan's instructions, by the Warden of the
Brindavan campus. Swami then asked whether all had received, instructed
that the Prasanthi Nilayam students and teachers also be given the
cloth-material, and told some of the students to continue the
distribution. He made sure that those seated in the Bhajan Hall did not
miss out in the distribution. The Headmistress of the Primary School was
called, and Swami asked her to distribute to the bigger boys in Primary
School, too. Swami sat onstage and watched the distribution till He was
satisfied that all had received, and only then went to the Bhajan Hall. He
accepted Arati and left for Yajur Mandiram at 10 o'clock.
The evening session was remarkable. Swami sent word for Bhajans to begin
before He arrived at Sai Kulwant Hall. The students began the Bhajans
before 4.30. After coming to the verandah in His car after a full darshan
round, Swami asked to be taken around, once again, for another full round
of darshan, in the chair this time. He came to the Bhajan Hall, sat for a
few minutes, and then asked to be taken on another round - down the upper
verandah, and entering the Bhajan Hall from the rear door, all the way up
the aisle, collecting letters from many on the way. After a few minutes,
He again asked to be taken around, and indicated that He wanted to go out
through the ladies' side door of the Bhajan Hall. Taking a round there, He
returned to the front of Sai Kulwant Hall alongside the water-cooler on
the Eastern side of the Hall.
Then He indicated that He wanted to sit onstage - and there He remained
for the next one hour. For the last part of the
session, Bhagawan's body was completely still, similar to the condition in
which He used to go into "trances" in the old days. When it was nearing
seven o'clock, Bhagawan was taken inside the interview room. In a few
minutes, He emerged smiling, and returned to His residence in the chair
itself, granting close darshan to many more on the way.
The Bhajans had gone on all the while - the two and a half hour session
was the longest Bhajan session in recent times except for the Akhanda
Bhajans.
February 17, 2007
:
Shivaratri Photos
-
Gist
Of Swami's Shivaratri Discourse Also
read:
Eye witness account of Shivaratri celeberations
2007 - sent by a devotee
in Puttaparthi "
" I WILL
VERY SOON GO AROUND THE WORLD. Lots and lots of devotees from
(South) Africa and Russia are present here. You cannot estimate the
devotion of Russians. In this gathering many are from Russia. All are very
happy now. they have intense devotion loud applauds). I bless you all. You
are no longer Russians you belong to ME (loud applauds) I LOVE YOU…" read more
-
Morning “Shivarathri was the festival which
manifested most of the God that Baba is” wrote Sri N. Kasturi in his
narration of the festivity of the seventies and eighties. If God is Love
and if that Love has embodied in human form, He is bound to shower that
Love…and it was that all-encompassing Love, all-conquering Love that
probably precipitated in the heart of each devotee to treasure as most
valued…to carry home…and further on…
Love My uncertainty…Bhagawan seemed to have wanted the thousands assembled
to take a note of this often mentioned dictum…The Sacred Vigil that began
with the Divine Discourse followed by Akhanda Bhajan continued beyond the
scheduled hours as Bhagawan, the One who has an attribute, as beyond
time…has to present Himself, to solemnise the occasion…the concluding part
of Akhanda Bhajan. With the buzz of another Lingodbhavam still lingering
in the minds of thousands, with every baited breath seemed to have
prolonged to eternity, it was suspense all around as the whole of Sai
Kulwant was in rapt attention with one supplication, invoking the Lord.
It was nearing 8:00 a.m. All eyes glued to the pathway leading from
Bhagawan’s residence…and lo! The dazzling red clad Divine Form just
emerged out of Yajur Mandiram, in the wheel chair, in open…Bhagawan was
wheeled through the entire pathway through the assemblage of devotees on
to the dais. As Bhajans were still continuing Prof. G.Venkataraman, former
Vice Chancellor of the Institute was asked to address the gathering…
Thanking Bhagawan for the rare privilege of the most exhilarating and
elevating experience of Maha Shivarathri in the Divine Presence Prof.
Venkataraman made a mention about the recently concluded Divine visit to
Chennai. Referring to the official function organised by the Chennai
Citizen’s Conclave, Prof. Venkataraman said that the meeting was indeed a
most extra-ordinary one as luminaries from the political scene were
sharing the dais with Bhagwan sinking ideological difference and offering
themselves at His Divine Lotus Feet. Making a special mention about the
Youth, Prof. Venkataraman observed that it was time for the youth to come
forward with Bhagawan’s Divine Message to save the world that was in
doldrums. Talking on behalf of the old generation, he prayed to Bhagawan
for New Role, New Vision and New Action…to rejuvenate and move ahead…He
pleaded Bhagawan to help them take the Youth forward…
Man is estimating himself to be great. Without being human he cannot be a
human being; if he understands the qualities and manifest human nature, he
can be called a true human, exhorted Bhagawan beginning His Divine
Discourse. Ego and attachment are the two worst enemies of man today. Man
will loose everything because of the poison called ego. Referring to the
story of Laila and Majnu, Bhagawan said, Love is grossly misunderstood
today and this is because of the effect of bad tendency in the society.
Think of Mother and Father with gratitude…Narrating the story of a person
in danger of being killed, wherein instead of calling out God for help as
Mother or Father instead he yelled ‘ayyo’ Bhagawan said, Divine Mother is
ever ready to come running…He hailed Mother Parvathi as Mother in Love.
Mother is God; there is no other God beyond the Mother; once we forget
this fact we will have problems. Bhagawan further exhorted the gathering
to respect every woman gratitude and serve them…this is the proper
relation between man and woman.
Greatness does not lie in the number of books read; instead it depends on
how one conducts himself. By virtue of humility, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
attained great name…
After the Divine Discourse bhajans were again started at His Divine
Command...after 2-3 bhajans Arathi was offered to Bhagawan. Prasadam was
distributed to one and all gathered on the occasion and Bhagawan retired
to Yajur Mandiram at 9:50 a.m.
February 16, 2007
:
Shivaratri Photos
.
Gist
Of Swami's Shivaratri Discourse
Shivaratri Evening:
An electrifying Divine Discourse, an inspiration rhetoric excellence and
Akhanda Bhajan
were the highlights of the glitzy Shivarathri evening session at Prasanthi
Nilayam in the immediate Divine Presence. In the afternoon it was indeed a
long waiting for the capacity crowd assembled in the Sai Kulwant Hall; the
hall was occupied by the general devotees, students and staff by as early
as 12 noon... and Bhagawan arrived in the evening at 4:15 p.m. Sri A.V.S.
Raju. a senior devotee was the recipient of Divine benediction to render
his Telugu compositions on Bhagawan...This poetic rendering was followed
by an exhilarating, inspirational rhetoric excellence by Sri Ajit Popat
from the United Kingdom. His inspirational speech, a fine blend of Divine Teachings, poetic verses from
spiritual classics suffused with wit and practical wisdom was indeed a
treat to the huge assemblage of devotees. We are all assembled here with a
purpose and the purpose is to contemplate on the journey ahead...and that
journey is a journey Onward, Forward, Godward and Upward and not Outward
but Inward...and that is our duty...exhorted the speaker...Ending his
exhilarating speech the speaker prayed to Bhagawan to hold the humanity to
walk the path of Truth and Righteousness...
Also read darshan news Morning Session of
Shivaratri
Gist Of Swami's Shivaratri
Discourse
Bhagawan began His Divine Discourse at 5:55 p.m. and
it indeed was the treat for the afternoon session...Truth is all
pervasive...It is everywhere...and lo! He materialised a golden ring
substantiating His statement...Everything originates from Truth.
Righteousness emerges from Truth. When Truth and Righteousness come
together Peace emerges and this is followed by Love. It is Love that
brings everyone together. From Love comes Bliss. With Love, there is no
room for hatred and this makes way for Non-violence...said Bhagawan.
Exhorting the students to follow the culture of Bharat, Bhagawan declared
that very soon all would recognise the culture of Bharat. Acknowledging
the devotion of devotees from overseas countries,, Bhagawan sounded, All
are one...The Russian blocks, both men and women in the congregation were
the recipients of a special Divine appreciation and the group cheered back
with raised hands in reverence to the Divine remark. Bhagawan left for
Yajur Mandiram at 7:15 p.m. when Prasanthi Nilayam was abuzz with the
Akhanda Bhajan... Gist of Bhagawan's Divine Discourse
After Sri Ajit Popat’s speech Bhagawan began His Divine Discourse with a
poem which reads thus:
The creation emerges from Truth and merges into Truth,
Is there a place in the cosmos where Truth does not exist?
Visualise this pure and unsullied Truth. (Telugu Poem)
Truth pervades everywhere. Vision, audition and sense of touch, they all
carry with them Truth. Truth is everywhere and has no specific form.
Brahma Sathyam Jagan-mithya (Brahman alone is real, the world is unreal).
God is the only Truth and the world is illusion. Truth is one and
manifests in different forms. Dharma (righteousness), Santhi (peace),
Prema (love) and ultimately Ananda (bliss), all have originated from
Truth.
Mamaivamsho Jivaloke Jivabhuta Sanathana (the eternal Atma in all beings
is a part of My Being). You are I and I am you. Each body has a name for
identification, but the Atma is the same in all. Loving the Atma amounts
to loving yourself. People think that the relationship between husband and
wife, between mother and son is love, but they all represent your feelings
and sentiments. Love is one. When there is no duality, there is only one.
“A man with dual mind is half blind.” “Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood
of God.” When we live up to this dictum, there will be no chance for
conflict. Only then will humanity be One.
Who is Manava? Do you mean to say that Manava is a combination of limbs?
Manava means one who has no differences whatsoever. Though the bodies are
different, Atma is one. We should not develop differences based on name
and form.
Jewels are many but gold is one
Cows are many but milk is one
Beings are many but breath is one (Telugu Poem)
(Pointing to the array of bulbs in the Hall), Bhagawan said, “Bulbs are
many, but current is one.” Speaking on the manifestation of Linga,
Bhagawan said that He received many letters from devotees and the doctors
were also of the view that manifestation of Linga strains His body and
that His body was very important for everyone. All have prayed to Bhagawan
to save His energy. They were all of the view that Bhagawan should not
strain His body to give this joy to devotees. Bhagawan should retain this
energy to confer bliss on everyone. Very soon Bhagawan will give infinite
bliss.
Speaking on the acronym of the word Hindu, Bhagawan said that the five
letters represent five sheaths and five human values.
H – Humility
I – Individuality
N – Nationality
U – Unity
When once there is Unity, you can develop Divinity. We should uphold
Nationality. So, it is the individual who safeguards Nationality.
Elaborating on the nature of life, Bhagawan said that without
difficulties, we cannot be happy. Pleasure is an interval between two
pains. The pain may last for a short while. We should be prepared to face
minor difficulties. It also happens that good people face problems. A
fruit laden tree always faces a barrage of stones.
One should have total faith in the principle of the Atma. Consciousness
(Atma) is verily God. The Atma is the fundamental principle. It is not
possible to fragment Atma.
Commenting on the progress of science and technology, Bhagawan said that
in countries like America, cows are fed with meat to yield more milk, but
it contracts diseases which in turn are transferred to humans. Speaking on
the loftiness of the culture of Bharat, Bhagawan said that the culture of
Bharat is highly sacred. Very soon even people from overseas will realise
the greatness of culture of Bharat.
Speaking about Himself, Bhagawan said: Right from childhood, He was for
the betterment of the poor and forlorn. He used to convene meetings in the
Puttaparthi village prior to the Independence on the plight of farmers. He
would share His food and clothes with the poor. Help Ever, Hurt Never is
the motto of Bhagawan and He never expressed His anger or hatred towards
anybody. Commenting on the wrong propaganda, Bhagawan said that it was
because of jealousy in people. He is Truth personified. Truth has no fear.
There is not even an iota of mistake in Bhagawan. “All of you follow Sai.”
Sing the glory of God treading the path of Truth. “Whatever I do is for
you.” Your life will be redeemed when you follow the path of Truth.
Speaking on the water project undertaken in the East and West Godavari
districts of Andhra Pradesh, Bhagawan said that He is spending crores of
rupees for the sake of giving pure drinking water for the people of East
and West Godavari, and that He would be shortly visiting East and West
Godavari districts.
On the free education being given to students, Bhagawan said that not a
pie is taken from students with respect to their education, be it
examination fees or library fees. Bhagawan made an announcement that very
soon He would go on trips round the world. There are lots of devotees in
Africa and Russia. In this gathering, many are from Russia. “You are no
longer Russians, you belong to Bhagawan. Russians, Japanese, Americans,
Italians, all belong to Me. We have to learn many things from them.” These
overseas devotees go to all places that Bhagawan goes. “They even came to
Chennai in spite of all difficulties and expenditure.”
After this, Bhagawan signalled to the students to commence the nightlong
Bhajans. Bhagawan retired to His abode at around 7.15 p.m.
Morning Session
The unprecedented gathering converges in Prasanthi Nilayam during the
occasion, thoroughly unmindful of the inconveniences that is indeed
natural for an assemblage of gigantic proportions, is an apparent
testimony of the inner urge of man to realise his essential Truth. The
inflow of this ‘would be’ unprecedented rush began filling every inch of
space available in Prasanthi Nilayam from 15th evening onwards and one
could see long disciplined queues making a beeline, much before the first
rays of the Sun peeped through the eastern horizon, to ensure a safe place
on the coveted occasion in the Sai Kulwant Hall that is estimated to
accommodate nearly 40,000 devotees.
On the auspicious morning Bhagawan came out in His car at 8:00 a.m.,
moving gently among the devoted assemblage, completing one full round
reaching the dais…Craning necks, glued eyes, folded hands and prayerful
lips, minds attuned to the ecstatic vibrations and hearts beating to the
melody of souls…He was the focal point….for the weak and the meek, rich
and the poor, men and women…for one and all…The special Shivarathri Cakes
prepared by the overseas group of devotees as well as by the students were
blessed and cut by Bhagawan before He chose to occupy His seat on the
dais.
His Glory does note require any catalyst to express…Sai Kulwant Hall
filled to capacity reverberating with the Vedic chants, and the every
single heart beating with bated breath and all the eyes glued to the
beauteous form of the Lord with rapt attention, Bhagawan sat through the
session for nearly fifty minutes, blessing the privileged folk of
Prasanthi Nilayam…His Students! Bhagawan blessed the Primary and Higher
Secondary School children who came forward with Shivarathri Greeting to
their Beloved Bhagawan. This was followed by a musical bouquet by the
senior students glorifying Eashwara. Music Programme intertwined with
short commentary dwelling upon the Greater Glory of the Lord of Kailash
Mountains…Sambha Shiva…Students declared: You are the Puppeteer and the
world dances to Your tunes…and ending the programme they offered a
prayer…You are Samba Shiva…Mother and Father…and we seek solace and refuge
in Thee… Prasadam was distributed and after receiving Managala Aarathi
Bhagawan left for Yajur Mandiram at 9:30 a.m.
February 14, 2007
:
Yesterday, instead of coming first
to Sai Kulwant Hall, at around 8.50 am Swami went for a drive through
Vidyagiri and returned via the rear gate of the Ashram. Then He came to
the Bhajan Hall where the morning Bhajans had begun, and later left for
His residence after Arati.
This evening, after His darshan round, Swami came down the upper verandah
at around 4.20, and turned back via the lower verandah, speaking to and
Blessing some of those seated on the way. He came into the Bhajan Hall and
spent some time there talking to a few of the teachers and students there
before returning to the interview room. Later, He came to the Bhajan Hall
again for Bhajans.
February 11, 2007
:
This morning, Swami came for darshan
at 8.10. The devotees from Adilabad were seated in the centre of Sai
Kulwant Hall where the students usually sit. Bhagawan came onstage and
asked the Adilabad group to begin their programme.
They sang songs for nearly an hour. Swami was pleased with their effort
and Blessed three of them with chains. Some young boys who had learnt
Vedam chanting came up to Bhagawan and chanted for a few minutes. Then, He
decided to speak to the gathering. Seated on His chair, without
translation, Swami spoke for 20 minutes. He stressed the adherence to the
Human Values of Satya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa: Money comes and
goes, while virtues come and grow.
This He illustrated with the story
of Alexander, who set out to conquer
the world and finally had to leave this world empty-handed. Swami ended
with 'Bhajan Bina' and asked for prasadam to be distributed to all. The
Vedam chanting by the students started again. After a few minutes of
Vedam, Swami left for His residence after Arati at around 10.15.
(click on the [right] pic to
download 6 new Saiart-Wallpapers)
In the evening, Swami came to Sai Kulwant Hall by 3 o'clock. A large
number of the Adilabad devotees were waiting near Shanthi Bhavan for
coming in procession to the Mandir and present their dances and songs to
Swami. At nearly 4.30, Swami sent word from the interview room that the
procession may begin. As the procession reached the stage, in
ten minutes' time, Swami also came onstage to Bless them. More than twenty
dance troupes, many presenting various tribal dances, came up and went to
their designated spots in just fifteen minutes. Then the Telugu drama
prepared by them was presented. Swami's message of Unity of Faiths and getting joy
from community service was developed as the theme of the drama, revolving
around the plans of a group of youth for New
Year celebrations. The participants were Blessed by Bhagawan after their
presentation. Bhajans by the devotees went on as prasadam was distributed
to all, following which Bhagawan accepted Arati and retired for the day.
The devotees then went on to have a procession through the Puttaparthi
village outside the Ashram.
Evening report & Photos of Procession and Skit by Adilabad Devotees
Photos: Music Programme by
Adilabad Devotees February 11, 2007
Thousands of devotees from Adilabad have arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam as a
group and were seated together, filling half of Sai Kulwant Hall. Youth
from Mumbai have also arrived in strength, to collectively invite Bhagawan
to their city for the next Ati Rudra Maha Yagnam. During His evening
Darshan round, Bhagawan paused near the Adilabad group and had a few words
with them. Then He came onstage and sat there for nearly half an hour
while the Vedic chants went on. Some of the students who were to write the
GATE exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) were Blessed. One of the
students got a chain from Swami, too. Later, Swami came into the Bhajan
Hall as the Bhajan were going on, and had a few words with some of the
students and teachers there too.
February 9, 2007 :
This evening, after His darshan round in the car, Bhagawan went into the
interview room and emerged in a few minutes. He came to the Bhajan Hall
and enquired whether the "Meera boys" were ready - the Music College
students who sing Meera bhajans for Him.
He called in a group for interviews
and later came to the Bhajan Hall during the second bhajan. At the end of
that bhajan, He asked the "Meera boys" to start. After three Meera
bhajans, the song "Chal re man" was sung, and that ended the session as
Swami indicated for the Arati.
February 8, 2007
The Primary School students offered
an elaborate card to Swami during His darshan round in the car. On
reaching the Verandah, He went into the interview room and emerged a few
minutes later in His chair and proceeded to take a full round of the front
part of Sai Kulwant Hall, in front of the students. When He reached the
rear door of the Bhajan Hall, He came inside, and then again went out and
later entered the interview room. At around 4.15, He came again to the
Bhajan Hall, and spent a long time interacting with the students,
especially the Music College students who sing Meera bhajans. Bhajans were
at five o'clock as usual.
February 7, 2007 :
Today morning Swami came at 8.15
a.m. at around 9.10 a.m. Swami went inside the Bhajan mandir after
attending the bhajans for 20 minutes Swami accepted the aarthi and retired
back to His residence. In the evening too Bhajans began at
5.00 p.m
in the Bhajan mandir, and Swami sat
in the Bhajan Hall till He accepted Arati and retired at 5.45 p.m.
click on the picture (right/left) to enlarge
February 4, 2007 :
Today also Bhagawan sat onstage for
around half an hour after His darshan round in the car at 4.20 pm. He
blessed the "Birthday Boys" from among the students and sat there enjoying
the Vedic chants. The Primary School children were chanting with gusto,
and Swami asked the senior students to briefly stop chanting so that He
could listen to the younger ones chanting in their high-pitched voices.
Swami came into the Bhajan Hall and asked for Bhajans to start by 4.55 pm.
During the Bhajan, He enquired after some of the Music College students.
At 5.25, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
February 3, 2007 :
This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan at around 4.45 pm. Many Sai Youth
from Chennai had gathered over the weekend to express their gratitude for
the Ati Rudra Maha Yagnam at Chennai. Swami paused near them and spoke a
few words to them. After His darshan round in Sai Kulwant Hall, Swami went
out in the car for a drive up to the Music College. On His return, He sat
onstage listening to the Vedic chants till 5.25 pm. Bhajans then began in
the Bhajan Hall, and Swami sat in the Bhajan Hall till He accepted Arati
and retired at 5.50 pm.
February 2, 2007 :Swami came this morning at 8.50 a.m.
and left for His abode after the bhajan & aarthi. In the
evening, after Bhagawan's darshan round, He came and sat onstage at 4.15
pm. As announced last evening, Sri. S. V. Giri, former Vice-Chancellor,
who had accompanied Swami on His Chennai visit, was to narrate the
highlights of the trip. Sri Giri began after receiving instructions from
Swami.
In his hour long narrative, he
stressed on the subtlety of many of the events which occurred, and brought
out Bhagawan's overall themes of Unity, Purity, Divinity and redeeming
oneself by helping others. The devotion and discipline of the mammoth
gatherings at Chennai, the transformation Bhagawan brought about in the
hearts of the highest in the land and the joy of the people at Prasanthi
Nilayam on Swami's return were all highlighted. After Sri Giri's talk,
Swami asked for Bhajans to commence at Sai Kulwant Hall itself.
After a brief visit to the interview
room, Swami sat onstage while the bhajans went on, receiving Arati at 5.45
pm. read more
details from SBOI group post
February 1, 2007 :Kulwant hall was
packed with devotees today morning but Swami didn't come out for darshan.
In the evening Swami blessed us all with His darshan & quenched our thirst
to see His divine form. Swami spent nearly an hour inside the
bhajan
mandir after the bhajan session customory Aarthi was
offered to Swami. The car parked on the veranda drove forward and stopped
in front of the Interview room. Now, all eyes were fixed on the Bhajan
mandir door to see Swami coming out, smilingly Swami walked out from the
Bhajan mandir and alighted inside His waiting car and drove towards his
abode thus ending todays darshan. Puttaparthi is once again alive with joy
and hope of daily darshan of Avatar...Sairam
After Noon - UPDATE: 31-01-2007:
Swami's
plane landed at Puttaparthi airport this afternoon at
12.12 p.m. local time!
All the main roads were decorated with
Mango leaves decorations &
banners in Telugu and English language welcoming Swami back to
Puttaparthi. Devotees
mostly ladies decorated the road crossings and main gates with beautiful
rangoli showing sign of joy and welcome for our Swami. Swami's car drove
directly to His ashram amid a cheerful crowd of
devotees waving and cheering Swami all the way from
airport road to the main entrance of Prasanthi Nilayam. Swami's car drove
thru Kulwant hall to His residence, Yajur Mandir.
Welcoming The Lord - Prasanthi Nilayam – 31st January 2007. After
ten days of silent
prayers Puttaparthi was once again full of
life…the hamlet turned township was bustling with joy of imminent arrival
of its very Life, Soul, the Master, Bhagawan whom she has been missing for
past more than ten days. It was on the 19th January Bhagawan set out
embarking on a 12 days Divine visit to the South Indian city, Chennai in
connection with the Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam that was conducted at the
auspices of Bhagawan for world peace and prosperity and concluded
yesterday with Maha Poornahuthi in His immediate Divine presence.
For Puttaparthi these were the
days of separation…separation from the Beloved. Expectancy was very much
in the air and with the minds and hearts joyful and exuberant; it was yet
another day, another occasion for the villagers, for the entire township
to relive its golden days of greater glory embracing the Divine physical
frame.
Bhagawan arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam airport shortly after 12:00 noon and
drove down through the flower strewn, beautifully decorated roads to
Prasanthi Nilayam to arrive in the Mandir at 12:40 p.m. Thousands turned
out to stretch at every possible place in the 3 k.m. road from the airport
leading to Prasanthi Nilayam welcoming Bhagawan back to their fold. In
Prasanthi Nilayam, Bhagawan was accorded a grand traditional welcome with
Poornakhumbham and Vedic Recital by the students of the Institute which
was followed by a colourfully attired dancing troupe from Higher Secondary
Wing and a welcome song sung by students from the Institute. Bhagawan who
chose to halt for sometime in the middle in a packed Sai Kulwant Hall left
for Yajur Mandiram after receiving Managala Arathi.
Back in Chennai, it was pangs of separation. Sundaram, the Divine Abode in
Chennai, which was bustling with excitement, jubilant for past 12 days
with His immediate presence was the scene of a tearful farewell to its
Beloved Lord who most compassionately rejuvenated her spirits by His mere
presence…Chennai would miss Bhagawan’s physical presence. But, the spirit
of Chennai and its devotees would definitely be on the high after this
epoch making Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam and Bhagawan’s physical presence over
there. Through this Yajna the city was indeed blessed to have her share in
achieving world peace and prosperity.
source- sssbpt.org
31-01-2007:
WELCOME Back to Puttaparthi Sri Sathya Sai Baba:
Puttaparthi is all set to welcome Swami after
nearly 13 days of "separation". Today Swami's plane
is expected to land before noon at Puttaparthi airport, Many devotees who
followed Swami to Chennai have also started coming back. Yesterday was a
festival day here in Puttaparthi& the rest of
India i.e.
festival of Muharram . Muharram is the
start of the Islamic Year. There were street procession with dance etc.
Also the Pir panja insignia which has been given to the Muslim community
of Puttparthi by Swami was carried in procession.
30-01-2007
Maha Poornahuthi
The day has finally arrived. The day to offer Maha Poornahuthi at the
Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam
in Chennai, that has been going on for the past 11 days, done at the
auspices of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba aimed at Universal Peace and
Prosperity. Thiruvanmiyur, the blessed venue has definitely earned a name
to posterity being the chosen venue for this epoch making Maha Yajna. And
more so, would be the disciplined assembly of devotees, dedicated youth
and sevadals, scholarly rithwiks, and the beautiful mornings and evenings
blessed by His Mighty Divine Presence…all these would be etched deeply in
the memory of every spiritual seeker who chose to make it to the venue for
the coveted, holy occasion.
Photos
day 10
Picture source: omkara.tv.
Ati Rudra Maha Yajna In
Chennai - Final Day Photos
Religious fervour and devotion marked the Maha Poornahuthi offered at the
Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam in the Divine Presence, culminating the 11 day
spiritual feast. The last day's function in the morning was attended by a
huge multitude of devotees from various parts of the world.
The proceedings of this day started as early as at 4 a.m. Devotees were
pouring in from midnight onwards and every inch of space was occupied.
Chantings of Rudram and Chamakam and Rudrabhishekam went on in the same
order of preceding days of the Yajna. This was followed by gopuja, with a
cow and a calf brought into the scene and as a customary ritual, were
offered to a brahmin couple. Bhagawan arrived at the dais at 10:50 a.m.
and Maha Poornahuthi began at 11:15 a.m. with Bhagawan, the Yajna Purusha
occupying His seat right in front of the main Yajna Kundam (fire pit).
With the chanting of Rudram in the backdrop, ghee was offered in
continuous stream into the fire by the priests. This was followed by
sacred offerings containing navadhaanya and navaratnas; Bhagawan blessed
the same by taking a fistful of the contents to cast into the fire pit
followed by dried coconuts filled with turmeric and kumkum
respectively…Kumbabhishekam was the next to follow, the kalasas laden with
holy water that were installed on the first day of the Yajna were opened
and the holy water was offered to the Shiva Linga. Bhagawan chose to move
around the assembly of devotees; the rithwiks, at Bhagawan’s instance,
were seen sprinkling the sacred water on to the devotees, blessing one and
all, a final boon that the gathering would have definitely yearned for.
Bhagawan left the venue after receiving the offering of Maha Mangala
Aarathi at 11:50 a.m.
Earlier in the day a two minutes silence was observed marking the National
Martyrs' day.
Chennai Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam
Eighth Day... On the eighth day of
the Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam, at Sundaram, the Divine Abode in Chennai,
Bhagawan came out at 10:15 a.m. and most magnanimously moved around the
assembly of devotees leaving trace of bliss in every little hearts present
over there. This was a day when everyone in the society had their share of
Divine Blessing, the general devoted public, the traffic and police
personnel and a even the Supreme Court Judge who was present.
Photos of day 8 & 9
- click to enlarge -
Day 9
Picture source: omkara.tv.
Bhagawan arrived at the Yajna
site at 11:20 a.m. and the veda chanting was on…Bhagawan listened to the
hymns of Rig, Yajur and Atharva Vedas and towards the end blessed the
entire gathering before leaving the premises.
In the afternoon, Bhagawan arrived at 5:15 p.m. After a short bhajan
session, Sri G.K.Raman introduced the first speaker for the session, Sri.
“Pulavar”Arivudai Nambi. Sri Nambi has been in active politics, and was a
member of Legislative Council and a patron of “Thiruvalluvar Thiruchabai”.
Before handing over the mike to the speaker, Mr. Raman thanked the 4000
odd sevadals arrived at the venue on the previous day to participate and
partake the blessings of the Yajna.
Sri Nambi’s rhetoric exposition in Tamil had tales from the lives of great
saints of Tamil Nadu, namely Thiruvalluvar, Thirunavukkarasar,
Thirugnanasambandhar and Vallalar, household names among the devoted. He
recalled a beautiful incident that had happened in his life wherein he was
saved by Bhagawan. Once when he was critically ill and was in coma, a
white clad person came to his house and told his wife: “Don’t worry, your
husband will be alright with the grace of the Lord of Puttaparthi; he
shall be cured within few days.” …then he declared: “Till date, I have had
no problems with my health. I have been a devotee ever since for the past
10 years!” At the end of his speech Bhagawan blessed and materialized a
ring for the speaker.
The second speaker, Sri Vijay Krishnan, Youth Leader for the state of
Tamil Nadu prayed to Bhagawan, - We bow down at Thy Lotus Feet, O’ Mother
Sai. We are indeed blessed to have received Thy Divine Command in August
2006 to organise Ati Rudra Maha Yajna in Chennai…A complete living is only
when a person lives in accordance with God’s Command and Bhagawan has
given us that chance…Just like a mother feeds her hungry child with
healthy food, our Mother Sai has fed us with this Yajna, the spiritual
food…Only with Bhagawan’s grace, we, ordinary people have been able to do
extraordinary things. Many incidents have happened during the preparations
and every time, we have felt the presence of Bhagawan either directly or
indirectly…” Ending his speech, the youth leader prayerfully requested
Bhagawan to bless the audience with His Divine Discourse.
That was the moment they have been waiting for…and there came the
announcement. Bhagawan has conceded to the prayer to deliver a Divine
Discourse. Bhagawan started his speech in Tamil switched over to Telugu.
Following are the highlights of the Divine Discourse.
Karma is the cause for all; with God’s grace we can overcome the same; you
don’t have to search for God anywhere else; you are all embodiments of
love; all are sparks of divine…
Youth is a stage in which there is strong body, mind and intellect. But,
you are misusing this gift of God. Instead, make proper use…What do you
mean by making proper use? It is to use them in the Pravritti Marga.
Soordas was blind but he always had Lord Krishna in his lips and finally
Gopala Himself granted Darshan to him. Sing Divine glory; lips are given
with that purpose; sing with love and not with arrogance; song is sung not
for Raaga but to cure the Roga (disease).
The Nama of Krishna of the Highest of all…Service to the needy is more
important thatn chanting the Name of the Lord. One should speak softly and
sweetly; speak wholeheartedly…
Love is the most powerful of all. We are all the children of One Mother,
God Himself. Always recall, “The Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God”
It is God’s love alone that protects the entire Universe. We too should
love such that our love should generate love in others.
With a touching incident that had happened during the Rangoon war Bhagawan
re-iterated the absolute importance of serving and loving mother as God.
He said: “During Rangoon war time, a mother and her child survived and
came to Madras (Chennai). The mother, in order to feed her son, had to go
out into the streets to beg leaving the child under a tree. The son ate
everyday and as time passed, he grew strong and in turn the mother became
weak. One day the son told to his mother, “O mother, now you take rest,
I’ll go and get food for you.” He went and begged. A learned man, who
happened to see the boy, took pity on him and offered him food. The child
kept it in its pocket and continued begging. When the man enquired the
reason, the child replied: “This is for my hungry mother. She is weak. All
these days, she was feeding me. Now, I am strong enough to beg. It is my
turn to feed her hereafter.” Uttering these words the boy collapsed and
died.
To Love God is to Love the Children of God…When you solve their problems,
that is Liberation…There is no greater charity than food; There is no
greater divinity than Parents; there is no greater enemy than anger…If you
want to deserve the love of God, first deserve the love of people…HELP
EVER, HURT NEVER…have a sacred heart.
Concluding His Divine Discourse, Bhagawan said: “You are all embodiments
of Love. I AM NOT SEPARATE FROM YOU; I AM IN YOU AND YOU ARE IN ME.”
The discourse came to an end with the bhajans, Prema Mudita Mana Se Kaho
followed by Govinda Krishna Jai.
Photos of day
6 & 7 - click to enlarge -
Scroll down to
read the more darshan news & Photos
- ARMY Chennai
Picture source: omkara.tv.
Chennai Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam
Seventh Day...
Also read:
Yajna post
from devotees etc.
As the Maha Yajna is closing
in to the final stage there was lot of bustle among devotees to get a
glimpse of the most coveted occasion. There were devotees from all over
the globe pouring in to the venue. SaiRam was the mantra one could hear
all around and the trademark discipline of Sai fraternity was very much in
practice with the surging devotees, inspite of little hardships, common
with such a mammoth occasion. This was vouchsafed from the remark made by
a police official who has come for the first time on duty, “though I am a
skeptic, the devotees’ love for Bhagawan Baba and their discipline is
amazing and I am witnessing the power of Bhagawan Baba’s divine love.”
Indeed, Thiruvanmiyur, located at the southern end of the city of Chennai,
better known for housing the legendary Marundeeswarar Temple, dedicated to
Lord Shiva has a new name and fame ever since Bhagawan has blessed it to
be the venue of this epoch making spiritual festivity.
On the morning there were close on 12000 devotees gathered in the hall and
the proceeding began with abhishekam followed by Rudra Parayana, Rudra
Homam, Ashtavadhana Seva in the order. Towards the end of the session a
melodious Tamil hymn rendered the air, cooling the minds. This was
followed by Mangala Aarathi marking the end of the morning session.
Devotees in Chennai are reaping the benefit of Bhagawan’s Divine Darshan
at His Holy Abode Sundaram every day …and they seem to be enjoying every
bit of it. This was a day when devotees were fortunate to watch His
bounteous love and compassion coming to fore in reality. Bhagawan came on
to the stage at 10:15 a.m. while bhajan session was on…and shortly climbed
down the dais to move in to the entire length of the devoted gathering
leaving everyone happy beyond expression. There was still something to
come…a rare display of His love and compassion!… a poor boy seated among
the devotees was blessed to be drawn towards Him, almost unaware
of…Bhagawan called the boy near and after enquiring his name materialized
a long gold chain to put the same around the boy’s neck…leaving devotees
with awe. God’s perfect Master Plan…right time and right occasion…and none
fails to get his or her dues!
In the afternoon an estimated 60000 devotees had gathered at the Yajna
site, and a few more were seen standing on the sides, failing to find a
place, still determined to get a glimpse of the Lord. After the regular
rituals, bhajans began at 5:35 p.m. Bhagawan arrived at the venue at
around 6:15 p.m.
Sri G.K. Raman, Convenor, Sri Sathya Sai Trust, Tamil Nadu, introduced the
speakers for the evening. Sri Vijay Krishnan, State Youth co-ordinator,
Tamilnadu, the first speaker for the day, began his speech thanking
Bhagawan profusely for making this Ati Rudra Maha Yajna a reality. He
said, from the day Bhagawan made this declaration, it was only Bhagawan’s
love which had been guiding the youth. He further added that Sai path was
the only path for global peace and sought Bhagawan’s blessings for the
project, the Youth has prayerfully proposed to Bhagawan. The project named
‘SHARE’ – Social Harmony and Rural Empowerment, has been envisaged to
empower 250 villages in a period of 3 years. Concluding his speech the
youth leader prayed to Bhagawan to guide and bless the youth in their
endeavour.
Sri T.G.Krishnamoorthy, formerly, President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva
Organizations, Tamil Nadu, the second speaker for the day appealed to the
devotees to thank Bhagawan profusely for the boon of Sai Ganga Project. He
said God has incarnated as Sri Sathyanarayana in Puttaparthi, and
Bhagawan’s physical features match with the descriptions available with
Srimad Bhagavatam, about the coming incarnation. It was indeed a scholarly
exposition and the devotees enjoyed every bit of the speech and gave a
thunderous applause to the veteran speaker.
The guest artiste for the evening was Sri Ustad Rashid Khan and party, and
it was all along loud applause around. The evening was made doubly
beautiful by the Hindustani rendition that left the audience in divine
ecstasy. An immensely pleased Bhagawan materialized a ring for the artiste
at the end of his programme. Bhagawan left the venue at 7:20 p.m. after
receiving Manga Aarathi.
Chennai Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam
Sixth Day...
-
Jan 26th-
A devout follower of
the Sathya Sai Baba, Sachin (Indian star batsman) went to seek His
blessings on Friday (January 26) in Chennai. SACHIN TENDULKAR
presented a bouquet of
flowers
to
Swami. Bhagawan also granted
SACHIN Padanamskar- CHENNAI -
click on the photo
(left) to enlarge
On the sixth day of the Yajna, Bhagawan arrived at the venue in the
evening, while bhajans were on… The speakers for the session were Hon’ble
Mister Justice, R. Ramasubramanian
and Sri
Jagadish Chandra. Justice R. Ramasubramanian has the distinction of being
the youngest justice from Tamil Nadu, and belonged to the first batch
Balvikas of 1971 and Sri Jagdish Chandra, is currently pursuing M.Phil
programme at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi
Nilayam. The State Trust Convener, Mr. G.K. Raman introduced both the
speakers to the assembly. “With Swami,
all are heroes; without Him, we are mere zeros…” was the emphatic
declaration
by Justice Ramasubramanian marking the beginning of his speech.
Highlighting an incident wherein a boy of Christian origin was made to
chant Vedas in Prasanthi Nilayam, he stressed the absolute importance of
attaining unity among various religions. Profusely thanking Bhagawan for
the boon of Sai Ganga
Water Project and for His
greater magnanimity in blessing the city with His Divine visit, the
speaker prayed to Bhagawan to visit the city at least once in a year.
Concluding his speech, Justice Ramasubramanian had a word of advice from
His own professional life for the devotees assembled over there… “Today
the High Court Judges are eager to join Balvikas after knowing my
background. Mark this… in the future all the spheres in the society will
be filled with only Sai devotees. So make use of the opportunity now
itself”.
The second speaker for the session, Sri Jagdish Chandra, who chose to
speak in Hindi, spoke on the Guru aspect of Bhagawan; Sai as Guru -
Brahma…Vishnu…Maheshwara…all in ONE. Substantiating his views, he narrated
a beautiful incident that had happened in Prasanthi Nilayam, long back.
Once in Prasanthi Nilayam, Bhagawan came to a group of 20 devotees who
were seated in the Mandir and asked the leader of the group, “How many?”
(as to how many of them were there in the group - a question Bhagawan
normally poses before calling any group for interview) “20 Swami”, pat
came the reply. “No, 21 including Me” came an emphatic correction from
Bhagawan. The next day Bhagawan again posed the same question to the
group, “How many?” Having learnt the great lesson on the previous day from
Bhagawan directly, the leader was confident this time. He said: “21
Swami”. “No, not 20 but 40, as I am in each one of you”, this was a
superior dose from Bhagawan. The third day when the question was repeated
yet again, the leader said: “40 Swami” …but, Bhagawan had yet another
point to prove, to teach. Bhagawan said: “you are wrong again - “We are
One and not many”. …a great lesson to preach Unity in Diversity, from
Bhagawan Himself, in His own inimitable style. “Indeed Swami is our
mother, father and guru guiding us at each step in every moment of our
life”, said the speaker concluding his speech.
There was an extensive repertoire of musical feast awaiting the audience
in the twilight session in His immediate Divine Presence. The guest
artiste for the evening was Sri Unni Krishnan, noted Carnatic Vocalist,
who along with his troupe enthralled the audience taking them to musical
ecstasy. The weaving of pure music that emanated from the blessed artiste
was indeed a treat for the packed audience. He began with “Shambo Mahadeva,
Shankara Girija Ramana“. Bhagawan was seemingly following the piece,
engrossed in bliss. Next to follow was a Marati piece on Bhagawan followed
by a famous Soordas composition “Hey Govinda Hey Gopala”. The last song of
the troupe was indeed a clarion call, heralding the underlined message
that GOD IS ONE ONLY, “Bramham Okkate”.
The stage was set for the students to take over. …and they sang
reproducing the old magic of legendary singer, Ghantasala through his
famous song, “Shiva Shankari, Shivananda Lahari”…an apt offering for the
ONE who is the embodiment of Shiva and Shakthi. The stage was perfect for
the inner feelings to pour forth, as the sun was slowly vanishing and as
the nightfall was taking the stage, and under the beaming light on the
decorated dais was seated Bhagawan, a huge gathering keenly focussed on
the rarest moments befell, and the song was indeed the right one for the
occasion. As the song with high aalaps rendered the air, …that had
everything in its blend, raaga, thaala and bhaava and the audience who
were spellbound at the feat that was done with aplomb, a rare quality that
comes to fore at the right occasion with Bhagawan’s students, it was
devotion at it peak with a surge of emotion that was seen on many faces
presented on occasion. The boys continued with three more songs in Tamil
and at the end of the programme Maha Mangala Arthi was offered to
Bhagawan. Yet another day with Bhagawan…to cherish…for the little hearts.
Scroll down to see more photos
Chennai Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam
Fifth Day...
On the fifth day of the Ati
Rudra Maha Yajnam, Bhagawan arrived at the venue at 11:00 a.m. while
Gayathri chanting as a part of the customary offering of the Yajna was
on….After the Gayathri chanting, at Bhagawan’s instance rithwiks chanted
SriRudram…and this was on for quiet some time Bhagawan was seemingly
engrossed in the chanting and at times was repeating the lines … “Namah
Shambhave Cha Mayo Bhave Cha Namah Shankaraya Cha Mayaskaraya Cha…”
Towards the end of the session Bhagawan blessed Prasadam for distribution
and Mangalaarathi was offered to Him.
Photos Morning - Fifth Day
In the evening Bhagawan arrived while bhajan
session was in progress.
The speakers for the
session were Sri Ranganatha Raju, student of the School of Business
Management, Prasanthi Nilayam and Sri Sai Giridhar, student of Masters in
Science Programme, SSSIHL at Prasanthi Nilayam.
Sri Ranganatha Raju, a Telugu Speaker, spoke about Bhagawan’s Divine
Mission. His speech in Telugu, often intertwined with poetry was indeed a
treat for the huge assembly that it went into continues raptures…Sri Raju
ended his speech serving a silent reminder that - the entire humanity is
indebted to Bhagawan and there is absolutely no way to repay him back as
everything belongs to him alone - The second speaker dwelled on the
subject Absolute Truth - “The
Absolute Truth is One; The Wise
speak of That in many
ways” – Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanthi. He observed that the root cause
of present day evil prevalent in the society is nothing but, ego and one
has to surrender at His Lotus Feet to get rid off this curse.
Photos Evening
- Fifth Day
We may call Him by any Name, worship
in any Form, but, surrender is the key to attain
True Wisdom…reminded the speaker.
His speech was coupled with
beautiful narrations and stories from the epics, namely, stories of King
Janaka and that related to Bhagawan Sri Krishna. He even highlighted a
personal conversation that he had with Bhagawan wherein He was blessed to
learn the great lesson that
everything in this world is worthless
without God… as is the case, like adding any number of zeros is
useless, until these zeroes are preceded by the numeral 1. The speaker
concluded with an emphatic note that only
by the removal of ego that one can realize that HE and SAI are ONE!
Maha Mangalaarathi was offered at the end of the speech that drawn the
curtain for the fifth day of the Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam.
Scroll down to
see more photos
The fourth day of the Yajna saw the regular rituals in the forenoon
session. …And in the evening session, It was prayer all along, with much
intensity… and bhajan session was on…and there came Bhagawan, all merciful
Lord…a fitting finale to the heartfelt prayers emanated from the thousands
assembled… a happy ending to a day long wait!
The guest artistes for the session were Sarvasree Vasu Rao and noted
playback singer Malaysia Vasudevan; the troupe was introduced to the
assembly by the Trust Convener, Mr. G.K.Raman. They produced six melodious
songs in six different languages, an apt offering to a gathering of
multitudes, coming from different languages with varied cultural
background. This was followed by a musical offering by Bhagawan’s students
from the Institute, who were blessed to be a part of His entourage; The
students were Sri Guru Prasad, a first year student of School of Business
Management, Sri Om Prasad, a second year student of Master of Science
Programme, Sri Ashwath Narayanan, a Second year student of Master of
Science Programme, Sri Ravi Teja who accompanied on flute, a former
student of School of Business Management and Sri Nishikant Barodekar,
noted Tabla exponent, currently serving in the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri
College of Music at Prasanthi Nilayam. Pic below 2nd - 3rd & 4th day -
Music is undoubtedly a vehicle for prayer…and these students with their
melodious rendering once again proved the same…as to how best you can win
the heart of Bhagawan…through Naadopasana…The first song rendered was
“Sindhanai Sei Manamae…”, meaning “O mind, dwell upon The Lord!” composed
in Raag Kalyani, a famous Tamil song in praise of Lord Subrahmanya. This
was followed by “Eppadi Padinaro Adiyaar…” in Raag Aaberi glorifying those
saints whose lives were devoted to Lord Shiva. After these two songs, at
the instance of Bhagawan they sang a popular movie song “Amma
Endrazhaikkaadha Uyir Illayae…”, in Raag Kalyani meaning “There is no life
without seeking the Mother…” Yet another one… “Janani, Janani, Janani…” a
fantastic song rendered in Raag Revathi, devoted to the Mother of the
Universe. …and throughout the session Bhagawan was seen completely
engrossed in this Naadopasana, musical offering. It is truly said: rhythm
is the pulse of Indian music; its essence is spiritual…and with a touch of
feeling it reaches Him…and these renderings stand testimony to it. …and
the curtain was drawn for the twilight session with a beautiful song
“Swamiki Entha Premayu…” sung by the three students together, a song on
Bhagawan’s all conquering love…literally conquering the thousands
presented over there.
Prasadam was distributed at the end of the session and Maha Mangala
Aarathi was offered to Bhagawan…Bhagawan blessed the entire assembly with
His Abhaya Hastha before leaving the premises. …A day long waiting finally
turned out to be a wonderful musical evening…
Scroll down to see more photos
22-01-2007 Third Day...
The third day of the Ati Rudra Maha Yajna began at 5.00 a.m, with Aruna
Parayana followed by Mahanyasa Parayana. An estimated gathering of 25,000
were present listening to the vedic chants, while awaiting Bhagawan’s
arrival. Panchamritha Abishekam was performed to the Sri Sathya Sai
Sundareswara Lingam followed by Rudra Parayana.
Bhagawan arrived at the Yajna Vedika at around 9.05 a.m. Bhagawan came
directly on to the dais to watch the proceedings, while Rudra Homam was in
progress, All merciful Bhagawan went for a full round of the entire
stretch of the hall, blessing the devoted gathering. Bhagawan also went
into the Yajna Saala, going round the 11 homa kundams. Bhajans started at
9:50 a.m. At the end of the Bhajan session Maha Mangala Aarathi was
offered to the Sri Sathya Sai Sundareswara Lingam.
A group of visually impaired girls were brought to Bhagawan for His
blessings. One of the visually impaired girls said: “I could feel
Bhagawan’s Divine Love when He came near”.
In the afternoon, Bhagawan arrived at around 4.30 p.m. He went straight on
to the dais to occupy His specially arranged seat. The first speaker for
the afternoon was Sri R. Krishnamurthy Sastrigal, a retired Principal of
Madras Sanskrit College. The scholarly speaker who chose to begin his
speech in Sanskrit, then switching over to Tamil narrated the greatness
and significance of the SriRudram. The next speaker was Sri Sanjay
Mahalingam followed by Sri Sashank Shah, both research scholars from
Bhagawan’s Institute in Prasanthi Nilayam, who accompanied Bhagawan to
Chennai. Sanjay Mahalingam, who chose to speak on the subject, The Purpose
of Life was exuberant and vibrant with his rare rhetoric skills that got
the gathering to an exalted level. The speaker emphasized that the purpose
of life is Absolute Wisdom and the only means to attain this wisdom is
Absolute Detachment. Sri Sashank Shaw, chose to speak on various service
activities being done by Bhagawan, namely, Medi-care, Socio-care and Edu-care
citing statistics from various international sources.
The guest artiste for the evening was Master Umayalpuram Sivaraman, a
Mridhungam exponent of repute. The blessed percussionist, who sought
Bhagwawn’s blessings before the performance was accompanied by Neyveli C.S
Radhakrishnan on double violin, Sri E. M Subramanian on ghatam, Sri
Shrirangam on morsing, Sri Anirudh Athraiyya on Kanjira, Sri Shivakumar
also on mridhungam. The artiste rendered two classical pieces enthralling
the audience with his beats on the drum in carnatic style and the whole
audience including Bhagawan were fully immersed in the musical offering
that had energy that was vibrant, tempo that had momentum and rhythm that
had harmony, that there was rhythmic clapping to the beats on the drums,
all around. The synchronization of various instruments was the highlight
of the performance. The final performance by the troupe was the famous
bhajan Prema Mudhita Mana Se Kaho Rama Rama Ram…the entire gathering
accompanied the piece in ‘chorus’ clapping to the tune. Bhagawan left the
dais at 6:30 p.m. marking the end of the day three of the Maha Yajnam.
January 21, 2007
-
21-01-2007 Second Day...
On the 21st, the morning session began with the chanting of Aruna Parayana
(an invocation on Lord Aruna, the charioteer of Surya, the Sun god). This
was followed by chanting of Mahanyasa (a section of SriRudram) in the form
of parayana (chants), that was followed by by Panchamrita Abhishekam to
the Sri Sathya Sai Sundareshwara Lingam (as christened by Bhagawan).
Bhagawan arrived at around 9:30 a.m. accompanied by Union Cabinet
Ministers Sarvasree Shivaraj Patil and Raghupathi. He sat through for
almost an hour watching the proceedings. The priests performed Homa (agni-yagna
when performed on a small scale is also known as havan, homam or agnihotra)
on Rudra and Sai Gayathri after the Rudraabhisheka and Parayana.
Scroll down to
see more photos
Picture source: omkara.tv.
Scroll down to
see more photos
Bhagawan left the site at around 10:40 a.m. to the Nehru Stadium, the
venue of the official felicitation function. The session ended with Around
10.40 a.m. The proceedings for the session ended with Ashthavadhana Seva
(an eight-fold ritualistic service to the Lord).
This was indeed the day, the occasion for Thanksgiving, a formal
Thanksgiving by the citizens of Chennai, an official function, Water – the
Elixir of Life organised by the Chennai Citizens’ Conclave at Jawaharlal
Nehru Indoor Stadium to felicitate Bhagawan. It is apt to take a flashback
to 19th December 2004 at Prasanthi Nilayam, when three thousand odd
devotees from Chennai Metropolitan arrived in a fleet of buses to have
Bhagawan’s Divine Darshan and express their heartfelt gratitude on behalf
of the Metropolitan City for His concern and blessings upon them.
This grand function attended by glitterati from bureaucracy including His
Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala, Hon’ble
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Karunanidhi, His Excellency the Governor
of Maharashtra, Mr. S.M.Krishna, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra,
Mr. Vilas Rao Deshmukh, Hon’ble Union Minster for Home Affairs, Mr.
Shivraj Patil, Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav,
Hon’ble Union Minister for Communications & IT, Mr. Dayanidhi Maran
besides some ministers from the cabinets of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Bhagawan in His Discourse underlined the need for people to cultivate
selflessness. He also said that the rich should come forward to undertake
such welfare activities for the benefit of people. The Hon’ble Chief
Minister of Tamil Nadu and a few other ministers present also spoke on the
occasion.
The afternoon program started around 3.30 p.m. and the hall was brimming
to its full capacity leaving the rest of the gathering to spill the open
grounds…an estimated assembly of over sixty thousand devotees, and a few
of them were also seen standing on both sides of the road leading to the
venue, waited in the blistering sun to catch a glimpse of Bhagawan.
After the Panchamrita Abishekam and Rudrabishekam, Ashthavadhana Seva was
performed. Bhajans started at 6:20 p.m. and Maha Mangala Aarathi was
offered at 6:50 p.m. which marked the end of the second day of the Yajnam.
( Swami didn't come out for morning darshan, at this
( i.e.today evening) moment lots of devotees are waiting for Swami's
evening darshan since it is expected that Swami might come out for
darshan, there is also going to be a musical program at ARMY site today. (21st Jan. 7.p.m. IST -We have just recived an update from
Chennai that Swami didn't come for evening darshan today and there was no
music program too.
)
Sai Baba with CM
M. Karunanidhi
of Chennai and other State Govt.
ministers and VIP's - Nehru indoor stadium in Chennai
click on the photos to
see large size
In the morning Swami visited the Nehru indoor stadium in Chennai,
according to some sources there were around 8 thousand people present.
Yesterday Swami visited
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi
"CHENNAI: Sri Sathya Sai Baba
of Puttaparthi met Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi at the latter's
Gopalapuram residence here on Saturday. The meeting lasted nearly an hour.
The Chief Minister gave two books to Baba, including one on Kural. Asked
what they spoke during the meeting, Mr. Karunanidhi quipped, "Tamil." And
then he added: "Neither did Baba talk politics nor did I speak
spiritualism." The Chief Minister said he thanked Baba for his
contribution to the lining of the Telugu Ganga canal.
He had also appealed to him to take up more such welfare schemes in the
State. Earlier Sri Sathya Sai Baba was received by PWD Minister Durai
Murugan, HR and CE Minister K.R. Periakaruppan and Union Minister
Dayanidhi Maran. " source: The Hindu newspaper/ SBOI
click on the photos to see
large size
"Tirupathi Devasthanam request
Swami help with the water project
Yesterday officials from Tirupathi Devasthanam in Tirupathi were here in
Chennai to meet Swami and request for Swami's help with the water project
to supply drinking water to the devotees in Tirupati. They asked for
donation of 800 Crorers for the water project and Swami's blessings to
complete it. The official also said that Swami enquired him about the free
weddings that Tirupathi Devasthanam was conducting. The official said that
Swami smiled and accepted their request. "
click here to read more Sai news in media
source January 20, 2007 -
20-01-2007 First Day...
The Ati Rudra Maha Yajna commenced with religious fervour on the 20th
January 2007, being conducted at Dr. Vasudevan Nagar, Thiruvamiyur with
Bhagawan formally charging the Linga with His Divine Hands. The Yajna is
to continue for 10 days to end with Maha Poornahuthi. Elaborate
arrangements have been made for devotees’ convenience.
On the 20th January, the day of the commencement of the Yajna, devotees
started gathering at the site by early midnight. The much awaited Yajna
commenced at 3:00 a.m. with the invoking of Ganapathi Manthras. This was
followed by Swasthi Vachana, Bimba Suddhi, Kalasa Sthapana and
Nethronmeelana. …and the entire area was vibrant with the resonance of
Vedic Chanting.
Bhagawan arrived at around 8:30 a.m. Mr. G.K.Raman, the Trust Convener
welcomed Bhagawan. He said: “Thiruvanmiyur, which has the holy temple of
Marundeeshwara (oushadeeswara – Shiva, The Lord of medicine), today, is
blessed with the Rudra Himself as Sathya Sayeeshwara.
Sri Nanjunda Dixit, the Chief Priest explained the significance of the Ati
Rudra Maha Yajna in detail. “Our Swami is both Shiva and Vishnu” he
declared and added that that was the reason for the Yajna starting on
Shravana and ending on Arudra stars (the stars for 20th and 30th Jan
respectively).
It was the turn of Bhagawan to surchage the lingam, known as Prana
Pratishta that marked the formal commencement of the Yajna. Bhagawan left
Sundaram at around 10:00 a.m.
The afternoon session began at 3:30 p.m. with the chanting of Rudarm
followed by Abhishekam to the Lingam (Eashwara). Bhagawan arrived at 5:45
p.m. Mandolin Maestro U. Srinivas and party gave a beautiful instrumental
rendering that would have taken one and all to the many musical feats done
at Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam in His Divine Presence.
The day’s proceedings came to an end with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.
On the 20tht morning, Bhagawan had made a surprise visit to the residence
of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. M. Karunanidhi at Gopalapuram. He
spent almost an hour with the Chief Minister’s family. Few images ( below) from Chennai
Ati Rudra Maha Yajna
site & Swami's Darshan -Chennai 19th Jan. Bhagwan landed at
Chennai airport on Friday at 2.15 by a chartered flight of Paramount
Airways accompanied by students.
Bhagawan descended and got into the waiting
car and proceeded to
Sundaram.
Devotees were waiting at
Sundaram from 11am itself and
after Swami arrived at
Sundaram , Bhajans commenced and Swami
blessed everyone present with very good darshan from Kamalam (Lotus shaped
balcony) for about 15 minutes and went inside after Aarthi.
20th Jan: Morning
Bhagwan arrived at
Yagna site at 9.00 am and is expected to stay till around noon since
there are facilities provided for Swamy's interview etc it is said that he
could stay and give his discourse in evening session. Swami gave a full
darshan and went around all sides and made his devotees so happy.
January 19, 2007
Swami is in Chennai- Our beloved lord has set his foot in Chennai at
around 2-20 PM.
This morning, after His morning darshan round in the car at 8.20 am, Swami
sat outside onstage listening to the Vedic chants for twenty minutes. The
Primary School Children were chanting with gusto, and Swami Blessed them
before walking to the Bhajan Hall.
The aircraft for Bhagawan's flight to Chennai arrived after noon. Swami
arrived at the Sai Kulwant Hall in His car at 12.30, paused at the centre
of the Hall and accepting Arati, left for the airport. The plane took off
for Chennai after an hour. -
Om Sairam dear Sai
Family,
Swami left Prasanthi Nilayam at 12:25pm for Chennai. The roads of
Prasanthi Nilayam were packed with devotees, local and overseas, to have a
glimpse of our beloved Lord before He leaves for Chennai for the 2nd Ati
Rudra Maha Yajna in less than a year time.
The flight which was supposed to take Swami landed in Prasanthi Airport
around 11:30 and there were people all over.
Swami travelled in His usual TOYOTA PORTE car to the airport. The car went
very slowly, took about 40 minutes to reach airport which is approx.10
minute drive. One would imagine how slow the car was and it was a TREAT to
watch Swami. Once, twice were not enough. Swami was all smiling.. the
devotees who saw Swami, ran to the opposite side and went a little beyond
the car and cross the road again to swami's side. Many including me were
doing this and Swami was equally enjoying the play... It was just
wonderful to see Swami.
As usual Sai Geetha was ready to greet Swami and she was uncontrollable
when Swami's car got close to her.. the students of Eswaramma high school
stood in a line and were seen chanting Sai Gayatri. Swami blessed them
raising His hand and next to them were senior boys, Swami gave a beautiful
smile to them as well. Swami was keenly watching the new indoor stadium as
brother Sathyajit, who was driving swami's car pointed to some thing...
Swami was seen saying something to some people and the crowd was
uncontrollable the moment Swami got close to them, there were was a big
scream of joy and the very next moment they run more further and be ready
for the car to pass by. Many were about to fall and Swami was looking at
them and many times, had facial expression, just as we have when we say
OOPS!!
As the car came to the bypass road (airport road) the crowd was double in
number.. I thought, there wouldn't be any one beyond Late Janaki ramayya's
Samadhi but to my surprise, there were hundreds of devotees...
HAPPY JOURNEY TO SWAMI was written with sand on the road on the airport
road.
as the car was approaching the airport the numbers doubled and also seen
were few local school kids....
Swami's car directly drove in the airport and near the flight.. A navy
blue flight form PARAMOUNT AIRWAYS was ready to take Swami and His
handpicked beloved ones...
after about 15 minutes or so... Swami's plane flew to Chennai... which
will be the centre of attraction for the next 2 weeks...
With a prayer, to Swami, to let us all enjoy the fruits of the Yajna and
with a humble prayer to Swami to bless us all to be His darling
children.....
Satish Naik...
GOD LUCK CHENNAI
Submitted to SBOI Group by Member Satish
Naik
Above:
1
p.m. Swami is on His
way to the Puttparthi airport to board a plane which will fly Swami to
Chennai to attend ATHI RUDRA MAHA YAGNA. Sathya Sai Baba is arriving in
the Chennai city after a gap of 10 years. 1.30 p.m. Swami's plane took off
from Puttaparthi Airport - destination Chennai. January 19, 2007
January 18,
2007This morning, Bhagawan visited the
Indoor Stadium complex at 9.15
am. Some more construction work is
going on there, like the addition of tennis courts. Yesterday and the day
before,
Swami sat outside in the stage area in the Sai Kulwant Hall after
darshan, and Blessed many of the students, 'Birthday boys' and others. On
Tuesday, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh had an audience with Swami
along with some of his Cabinet colleagues for around half an hour before
the evening bhajans began.
January 16, 2007
Direct flights to
Puttaparthi by Kingfisher airlines. Devotees can now fly to Puttaparthi
airport directly from 21st January to 23rd March on Kingfisher Airlines. above
photo of aircraft type ATR72 to be used on flying sector Bangalore -
Puttaparthi - Bangalore route.
Flight
Departure
Arrival
Days of
Operation
Effective
from
Effective
till
Aircraft
Type
Puttaparthi
Bangalore
IT2413
1620
1700
Tue/Thur/Sat
23/01/2007
25/03/2007
ATR72
Hyderabad
IT2837
1250
1405
Thur/Sat
23/01/2007
25/03/2007
ATR72
Bangalore
Puttaparthi
IT2412
1130
1210
Tue/Thur/Sat
23/01/2007
25/03/2007
ATR72
Photos: Makara Sankranthi & Valedictory
Function of Sports and Cultural Meet 15 & 14 Jan
January 15, 2007
Makara Sankranthi & Valedictory Function of Sports and Cultural Meet : Makara
Sankranthi morning darshan was at eight o'clock. Swami was led into the
Sai Kulwant Hall by the Brass Band of the Institute, since the morning
function incorporated the Prize Distribution ceremony of the Annual Sports
and Games. Bhagawan came onstage after His darshan round and Blessed the
trophies and shields arrayed there, bought up to Him by the Sports
Directors of the various institutions. At 8.15, Swami signalled for the
proceedings to begin.
The
Vice-Chancellor, Sri A. V. Gokak, spoke first, elaborating on the
significance of the Makara Sankranthi festival, when the Sun begins to
turn Northward. The second speaker was Prof. G. Venkataraman, former
Vice-Chancellor. He congratulated the students for their enthusiastic
participation in various events and especially in yesterday's drama. After
his speech, the Vice-Chancellor called up the captains of the various
institutions and Bhagawan presented them with trophies. Following this,
Bhagawan got up to deliver His Sankranthi message.
The farmers rejoice on this day, since they have completed the harvest and
it is their day of rest. Even the poorest labourer would enjoy payasam on
this day. The festivities extend even to the animal kingdom, with bulls
being decorated and taken around in the villages.
See good, do good, hear speak good, think good. Take good examples
wherever you find them. Don't eat just for the sake of taste - eat
nutritiously. Sai students set an example wherever they go, at whichever
institution they work.
HINDU stands for one with
Humanity
Individuality
Nationality
Devotion and
Unity
When you have unity, you experience divinity, which unites all nations,
which depends directly on individual behaviour with human qualities.
After Swami sat down, He continued for ten more minutes.
Swami did not
want to go to Chennai earlier, when there was no water there - He felt sad
on seeing children playing in sewage water. Now, Swami has supplied water
from the Krishna river, everybody is happy, so Swami is going there.
Nowadays, people consumed with jealousy make up all sorts of stories. You
need not pay any heed to them - rely on your own experience. All My
students are pure 24 karat gold. I wish them all success in their
examinations.
Swami concluded with "Hari Bhajan Bina" and asked for Arati. Prasadam was
distributed to all while the Band played some tunes. Swami then returned
to His residence preceded by the Band.
In the afternoon, the Prasanthi Nilayam post-graduate students prepared
their drama, "Sri Krishna Rayabaram", presenting the story of Lord Krishna
going as a messenger of peace to Duryodhana's court. After His darshan
round, at 4.40, Bhagawan came to the Bhajan Hall where the actors were
ready with their costumes. He spent 20 minutes with them, joking a little,
speaking to the boys who made the costumes ready, fine-tuning Krishna's
dhoti and so on. Thereafter He went into the interview room for five
minutes, and then went in His chair up to the set which had been erected
in the centre of the Sai Kulwant Hall, interacting with the set boys too.
The drama got underway at 5.20 when Swami came back to the stage area.
Halfway through, during one of the scene changes, Swami went into the
interview room for a few minutes and returned. Poetic dialogues from the
Bhagavatha were highlights of the drama and were incorporated by Swami
Himself during the practice sessions. The drama concluded at 6.30 pm with
the "Vaasudeva darshana" of Lord Krishna with many hands and faces, played
by nine students dressed as Krishna. Even as all the actors gathered for
the final curtain call, Swami called up the student who played the main
role of Krishna and Blessed him with a chain. For the next 20 minutes,
Bhagawan interacted with the students and gave them photo opportunities
with Him - group photos, then in twos and threes. Swami accepted Arati and
went to the interview room briefly, only to emerge and again interact with
the students. It was nearing seven o'clock when Bhagawan returned to His
residence. Sankranti discourse
excerpts Also read a detailed
report & transcript of Swami's discourse sent to SBOI Group by a devotee
January 14, 2007This evening, the
Brindavan students presented their drama "Bhaktha Prahlada". The central
part of Sai Kulwant Hall was prepared as the stage for the drama, and the
backdrop covered the Lotus arch gate. More than a thousand disciples of
the Maharashtra saint "Junglee Maharaj" were conspicuous among the
devotees with their yellow headgear, sitting together as a group. Their
spiritual master was seated on the verandah.
Bhagawan came onstage after His darshan round and the drama commenced at
4.45 pm. The opening piece was a symbolic narrative dance depicting
Hiranyakashipu, a counterpart of the modern-day atheist, conquering the
five elements and declaring that none should worship God, since he,
Hiranyakashipu, was the all-powerful one. The settings of the drama, all
prepared by the students themselves, were quite magnificent and on three
tiers. The hour-long drama which was enlivened by many songs and
quotations from the Bhagavatham also conveyed many of Bhagawan's sayings
through the sage words of Prahlada.
Bhagawan was very pleased with the presentation and bestowed a chain on
Prahlada as the drama concluded. Then He went down and had a photograph
session with all the students. After Arati, Swami went into the interview
room for ten minutes. Then He again went towards the drama boys, spoke to
many of them and had another round of photographs with them singly and in
twos. After fifteen minutes of this photo session, Swami entered His car
and left for His residence.
click here to see all the images from Bhaktha Prahalada
January 13, 2007This
evening, Bhagawan sat onstage for fifteen minutes after His darshan round
in the car at 3.40 pm. After Blessing a large number of 'Birthday boys'
and taking letters from some students, Swami got up and walked back to the
verandah. There, He entered His car and left for a drive. The Brindavan
drama students were ready for a dress-rehearsal in the Poornachandra, and
when Swami left the Mandir in the car, the Prasanthi Nilayam drama
students scrambled to get ready in the Institute Auditorium. But Swami
kept both groups guessing, returning to the Mandir via the rear gate of
the Ashram and later attending the Bhajan as usual.
January 12, 2007
Morning Sports and Cultural Meet: (click here or scroll down to
read the Evening details):
The Sports and
Cultural Meet of the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions got off to a
colourful start this
morning. Bhagawan arrived at the Vidyagiri stadium by 7.15 am and was led
to the Shantivedika dais by a procession consisting of the Brass Band
troupes of Anantapur and Prasanthi Nilayam
campuses, slow-march squads with flags,
caparisoned Sai Gita and motorcycle escorts from all three campuses of
the Sai University. As soon as Bhagawan was seated onstage, the ceremonial
march-past began. First to cross the dais and salute Sai Ma were the tiny
tots of the Sri Sathya Sai Primary School.
They
were followed by the girl students of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary
School, the Anantapur women's' campus of the University, the boys of the
Higher Secondary School and finally the Brindavan and Prasanthi Nilayam
mens' campuses. With all the students arrayed on the ground after the
marchpast, the
Institute flag was brought to the flagpost in front of the dais, and
Bhagawan hoisted the flag using a remote control button at His seat
onstage. After the Oath by the students to "...participate in the Annual
Sports and Games in the true spirit of sportsmanship ... and for the Glory
of our Mother Sai", Bhagawan lit the Games torch and released balloons and
doves. The torch was carried halfway up the Hill by students in relays,
and thereafter by the mascot, a large Dove, and lit up the flame atop the
Hill, while the torch song composed by the students filled the air. With
this, the inaugural ceremonies concluded with the Brass Bands of Anantapur
and Prasanthi Nilayam marching past the dais while the students marched
out of the ground and cleared it for the presentation by the Brindavan
campus.
The Brindavan programme began at 8 o'clock, with the "Thunderbirds" -
students on paramotors coming in to land from the empyrean. Two students
made impeccable landings in the middle of the ground and ran up to
Bhagawan for blessings. The next presentation was by the "Trailblazers" on
motorbikes. Criss-crosses, ramp jumps, riding standing on the pillion with
no rider below: the trailblazers executed all these stunts with precision,
ending with a large pyramid of more than 30 students on 14 bikes. The 20
minute Brindavan programme concluded with a cricket drill. Set to the tune
of the song "Aashaayein", the colourful drill with a grid of students
executing various cricketing strokes in a synchronised manner ended with a
"last ball of the match" demonstration. All the Brindavan students then
gathered together on the ground singing their final song to Swami, "Aasman
pe".
The boys of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School and the Prasanthi
Nilayam campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute were the next to present
their programmes. A dance to the song "Eka Dantaya" began the proceedings
with the backdrop of a large figure of dancing Vinayaka. The dancers were
in various colourful folk costumes, including traditional peacock and
horse costumes. Gymnastics on a long and narrow trampoline followed -
somersaults, back-flips, even jumping over a van. "Prasanthi Kungfu" was
next - a display of Chinese martial arts, with the largest ever display of
120 traditional Chinese weapons. A basketball medley followed, with
students spinning basketballs on their hands, jumping over a van with a
trampoline to do a slam-dunk, ending their basketball wizardy by throwing
all their balls in the air together at the end. The "Meteors" followed -
school boys twirling twin balls of gold on either side of a 3-foot elastic
rope, bouncing the twirling balls high in the air, juggling with the balls
on fire and so on. The "Hawks" then took centrestage - carabining down
from Vidyagiri Hill at high speed. Human Pyramids by the school students
was next, with the highest pyramid being 8 levels high. The "Power
Rangers" then took over, doing a variety of stunts on seven jeeps.
"Ground-surfing" by pulling along a pair of students lying on the ground,
Pyramids, handstands, handwalking and jumping through hoops of fire from
jeep to jeep, unconcernedly standing on the bonnet as the jeep moved on
without a driver, criss-crosses at high speed and driving on a collision
course only to swerve away at the last moment - all this was presented in
just five minutes. The "Power Rangers" ended their show with a human
firecraker offering obeisances to Swami while bursting the firecrackers
draped all over him. Indian martial arts with a Punjabi flavour was the
next item, with twenty-foot long swords being a star presentation.
The Prasanthi Nilayam programme concluded with the Hawks again carabining
down the Hill, making smoke trails, breaking pots and ploughing through
walls on the way. "We Love You" was written in ten-foot letters of fire as
the Prasanthi Nilayam students gathered in the ground for their final song
"Aaj ke din Hum gayenge". Bhagawan accepted Arati from the stage and
returned to the Mandir at 9.30 am as the afternoon's programmes by the
Anantapur Campus and the Primary School were announced.
January 12, 2007Evening
Sports and Cultural Meet:
The Afternoon programme got underway with Bhagawan arriving at the Stadium
at 3.35 pm. The gymnastics boys of the Primary School led Swami into the
Shanti Vedika with "two-person cartwheels". Once Swami went up the lift to
the stage, small children, three girls and three boys, came up to Him and
presented the Primary School programme card, commencing their events. Most
of the colourful Primary School mass participation items were presented on
a 20x20 grid marked on the ground and were impeccably synchronised. A
semi-classical dance, frolicking by small boys dressed as flowers, a dance
in South-East Asian style with long fingernails, an East-West fusion dance
by boys, small girls dressed as flowers, a peacock dance and formations
with hoops followed one after the other. Interspersed with these items
were the gymnastic and acrobatic feats by the boys: floor exercises
including jumps over a group of supine boys, breathtaking Malkhamb feats
on five poles including leaping from pole to pole with no extraneous
support, an aerial grid formed by 30 students on 40 foot tall scaffolding,
and human pyramids in intricate patterns. The hour-long presentation drew
to a close with all the students assembling together to the song "Madhura
Mohana".
After a ten minute break, Swami came back onstage, and the Anantapur
campus programme got underway. Roller-skating on platforms atop twin
trucks was the first item, with many routines from figure-skating exhibited in
that cramped space. Next was the thematic presentation on the Integral
System of Sathya Sai Education. Each item of theirs highlighted one facet
of the Integral System. Starting the day with prayers and yogasanas was
depicted with a Yoga drill. Academics, inculcating mutual love and respect between teacher and taught,
was displayed with a synchronised drill using folding chairs. Sports and
games was represented by a badminton drill. Service activities and grama
seva were also presented, with the construction of houses for the needy
being depicted. The two trucks with girls atop poles and ropes doing a
malkhamb drill provided an interlude. The "dancing dolls from Anantapur"
danced to a song extolling Bhagawan and His educational mission. The
concluding event was a depiction of the Convocation ceremony. As all the
students gathered for their final song, the acrobats atop the poles on the
trucks in the background arranged themselves to form the word "SAIRAM".
Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to the Mandir at 5.40 pm.
Both in the morning as well as in the evening, when Bhagawan reached the
Yajur Mandiram, He interacted with the motorbike escort students and the
Band groups, appreciating the students' presentations and also granting
them group photos.
January 11, 2007
On Tuesday, Swami had visited the Airport in the morning, where the
paragliders
of the Brindavan campus took off in His presence. In the evening, He
watched them land at the Stadium. Yesterday, Bhagawan came to the Stadium
in the morning and watched the touchdown of the paragliders, and later the
marchpast practice. In the evening, He came to the Institute Auditorium by
2.45 pm and watched the drama practice by the Prasanthi Nilayam students
for more than 90 minutes. Then He returned to the Mandir and started a
long bhajan session in the Bhajan Hall, going on from 4.45 to 5.45 pm. And
finally, this evening, the Brindavan students got a chance to present
their drama rehearsal in front of Bhagawan in the Institute Auditorium.
Swami went to the Auditorium after evening darshan and remained there till
nearly five o'clock when He returned to the Mandir for Bhajans. After
Arati, Prof. Anil Kumar was asked to announce the Sports Meet programme
for tomorrow in the Stadium, and the Prize-Distribution along with
Sankranthi celebrations on the 15th.
Photos -
Car Darshan 11th
Jan
January 10, 2007
These days, Swami is going to the Vidyagiri stadium daily
and watching the
practice
(Sports day-12th Jan) sessions there. Also today 10th Jan 07
Swami drove outside the Ashram to watch the on going sports day
rehearsal inside the open spaced stadium. Swami drove twice i.e.
Morning & evening. Practically every day blessed devotees are enjoying
closeup car darshan on the main road.
January 8, 2007
This evening at 4.55 pm, Bhagawan came onstage, and the Music College
students presented a programme on the occasion of Thyagaraja Aradhana, the
birth anniversary of Saint Thyagaraja. As is customary, they sang some of
the famous Pancharatna kritis composed by Thyagaraja, and also some more
of his popular works like 'Nagumomu', accompanied by veenas and violins
along with the mridangam. After 45 minutes of their programme, Swami
called them up and gave them clothes. Then they continued with an
instrumental rendering of 'Manavyalakim' following which Swami accepted
Arati and returned to His residence.
These days, Swami is going to the Vidyagiri stadium daily and watching the
practice sessions there. In the mornings there is the march past practice,
and in the afternoons, practice sessions of the various campuses'
demonstration items for the inaugural function of the Sports Meet. This
year, the function is to be held on the 12th of January instead of the
11th, as per Bhagawan's instructions. Swami has been going to the stadium
via the main road and returning through the Primary School, the General
Hospital and Sai Srinivas Guest House.
January 4, 2007
This morning, Bhagawan came to the Vidyagiri stadium to watch the march
past practice session by the students. He was there from around 8.45 for
about half an hour before He returned to the Mandir. Last evening, after
coming for darshan at around 4.20 pm, Swami sat onstage at around 4.30 for
twenty minutes, blessing the 'Birthday boys' and taking letters from some
students. Later, He came to the Bhajan Hall for Bhajans as usual.
January 2, 2007 This morning,
Bhagawan spent a lot of time with the Sai Students - alumni of Prasanthi
Nilayam and Brindavan. After Swami's darshan round, the Sai Students were
called into the Bhajan Hall and Swami was with them from about 8.30. He
moved among them, He spoke to them, they sang to Him - it was a moving
session. 9 o'clock came and went, there were no Bhajans. Finally, at 9.45,
Swami asked some of the erstwhile Mandir singers to sing some of His
favourite Bhajans, including 'Sai Bhajan Bina'. Bhagawan finally retired
to His residence at 10.10.
January 1, 2007
The New Year was ushered in with musical programmes by Swami's students
past and present, in the evening and
the morning respectively. Bhagawan came for morning darshan at 7.20 and
went around the packed Sai Kulwant Hall in His car. He then came onstage
and the hour-long music programme began. The conclusion was a presentation
by the Brass Band. Swami asked the Band students to come up for group
photographs. Prasadam was distributed to all. Swami then went into the
interview room, and when He came into the Bhajan Hall, the students began
Bhajans. Swami presented the main singers of the morning with clothes, and
after the first Bhajan, accepted Arati and retired for the morning.
Bhagawan was
led into the Hall in the evening by a procession of Sai Students chanting
Vedam and bearing the Poorna
Kumbham. On reaching the stage, Swami asked the Vice-Chancellor to start
the proceedings at 3.35 pm with an introductory speech. After Sri. A. V.
Gokak's speech, the Sai Students offered to Bhagawan the CDs of the 9th
and 10th volume of bhajans sung by Sai Students. Their musical offering
for the evening began with a presentation on the Brass Band, and continued
with songs interspersed by a few words from many of the alumni. Bhagawan
was very pleased with their programme. He went into the interview room
after the program concluded at 5.30, and when He emerged at 5.45, asked
for Bhajans in the Bhajan Hall. After 20 minutes of Bhajans, He accepted
Arati and returned to His residence.
For More detailed report & photos click here
