February 11, 2007 :  February 11, 2007 [To read Sai News after 11^th Feb. 07 click on the above link]

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 minues. 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.

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.

February 10, 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 Bhajna mandir after attending the bhajans for 20 minutes Swami accepted the aaarthi 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 infront 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.

Also read: Yajna post from devotees etc.

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

A Video by CNN-IBN - Sai Baba pushes Chennai to limits

Picture source: omkara.tv.

January 23, 2007  Fourth Day...

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…



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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’ clappin