There was no Divine Darshan this morning and Arathi was
offered at 9:40. With the final exams being conducted
today, educational Institutions under Sri Sathya Sai
University, Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary and Primary
School will close for summer vacation today.
Puttaparthi experienced first summer showers for
the season as it rained in the wee hours this morning,
giving slight respite from the scorching summer.
In the evening, Bhagawan was ushered
into the hall at 4:55 to the chants of Vedas. Coming for
a full round of Darshan, Bhagawan came onstage in 10
minutes through the doctors' block at the left of
Ganesha. Bhajans started at the scheduled hour at 5 and
Bhagawan sat through till 5:14 before moving off the
stage through the right of Ganesha to the interview
room. After spending next 45 minutes inside, most of the
time interacting with some senior administrators,
Bhagawan emerged at 6:02 to move into the bhajan hall
for a quick interaction with a group of music boys and
research scholars, seated inside, before asking them to
join the bhajans. Coming out in three minutes, Bhagawan
came onstage through the doctors' block to sit for the
next 10 minutes before calling for Arathi at 6:15. Upon
Arathi, Bhagawan moved towards Yajur Mandiram at 6:20.
All educational institutions under
Sri Sathya Sai University and Sri Sathya Sai Higher
Secondary and Primary school are closed for two-month
summer vacation today.
Passing out batch of graduates from
Brindavan Campus is expected later tonight as the group
is scheduled to have a Gratitude Offering tomorrow, 1st
April 2010.
Arathi was offered at 9:40, as there was no Divine
Darshan this morning. This evening, Bhagawan was ushered into the
hall at 4:30 to the chants of Vedas. Taking a detour from ladies'
end, Bhagawan came onstage, to a "red-carpetted" raised platform
with additional height of 1 feet, to rounds of applause from
students and devotees.
As Vedam continued Bhagawan sat onstage conversing
with some senior devotees, in between. Bhajans started five minutes
ahead of the schedule, at 4:55. At 5:13, Bhagawan moved off the
stage through the right of Ganesha, interacting and blessing some
faculties from School of Business Management, Accounting and Finance
(SBMF), Sri Sathya Sai University, while moving into the interview
room.
As Bhajans continued, Bhagawan emerged at 5:25 to move onstage
through the right of Ganesha, blessing many on His way. Bhajans
continued till 5:46 when Arathi was offered. Upon Arathi Bhagawan
moved towards Yajur Mandiram at 5:52. Prasadam was distributed to
the entire assemblage.
The elevated platform would fecilitate good Darshan of Bhagawan for
devotees in general, especially those who seated far behind.
Monday, 29, March 2010 - Sri
Sathya Sai Baba Darshan news & photos
Arathi was offered at 9:40, as there was no Divine
Darshan this morning. In
the evening, Bhagawan arrived at 5:20
for a full round of Darshan. Upon ascending the verandah
in ten minutes, Bhagawan interacted with Dr. Ranga Rao,
Trust Convener from Andhra Pradesh, who 'presented' the
"37th Anniversary Card" for Sivam, Divine Abode in
Hyderabad. Moving through the lower verandah, Bhagawan
came onstage at 5:24 to sit through the bhajan session
till Arathi was offered at 5:46. Upon Arathi, Bhagawan
came round of Ganesha through the University Block,
listening and blessing many, moving towards Yajur
Mandiram.
Arathi was offered at 9:40, as there was no Divine
Darshan this morning.
This
evening, Bhagawan was ushered into the
hall at 4:25 for a full round of Darshan. Coming on to
the verandah, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall at
4:40, through the rear entrance, to bless the second
batch of "Sai Sameepyam", the Sathya Sai Samithi in
Super Speciality Hospital, Prasanthigram. After spending
five minutes in, blessing the congingent, Bhagawan
emerged through the rear entrance to move onstage at
4:45.
A "Burra Katha" presentation entitled
"Yugaavathar" on the Life and Mission of Bhagawan
that had been in the offing during the Bhagavatha
Saptaaham was scheduled for the evening. The
programme, held onstage, lasted for 45 minutes upon
which bhajans started to continue till Arathi at 6.
After Arathi, Bhagawan moved
off to the Interview Room granting an interview that
lasted at 6:30. Emerging from the interview room,
Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall to spend the next
five minutes in, granting Sai Sameepyam before
emerging through the rear entrance to move through the
lower verandah into the interview room, yet again, this
time for one minute, before coming out and moving
towards Yajur Mandiram at 6:41.
Being Sunday and having 'missed'
Darshan in the morning, tiny tots from the Primary
School also were present for Darshan. Prasadam was
distributed to the Sunday assemblage.
Arathi was offered at 9:40, as there was no Divine
Darshan this morning.
This evening,
Bhagawan was ushered into the hall at 4:55 to the chants
of Vedam. After a complete round of Darshan Bhagawan
came onstage at 5:12 through the University Block at the
right of Ganesha. Bhajans continued till 5:40 when
Arathi was offered. Upon Arathi, Bhagawan moved into the
bhajan hall at 5:50, to bless the "Room Boys" from
Senior Hostel, an annual affair before the closure of
academic year. Blessing the group, Bhagawan moved amidst
them and most magnanimously blessed the group to burst
into a group song of love and gratitude for Bhagawan.
After interacting with the group Bhagawan emerged at 6
to retire to Yajur Mandiram.
This morning, Arathi was offered at 9:40 as there
was no Divine Darshan.
Later at noon, Bhagawan went for a drive
outside towards the hospital side. Taking a detour from the petrol
bunk, Bhagawan returned to Ashram at around 12:45, via culvert gate
at the rear west end of Prasanthi.
In the
evening, upon emerging at 5:40, Bhagawan
went for a full round of Darshan before moving into the
interview room at 5:55 granting an interview to veteran
film actor, Ms. Anjali Devi and her family. Upon the
interview, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall at 6:30.
Emerging through the rear entrance, Bhagawan moved
onstage through the right of Ganesha to preside over the
bhajan session. Bhajans continued till 6:40 when Arathi
was offered.
After the regular chants of the
Universal Prayer, "Samastha Lokaaha...", the Prayer was
chanted for one more round, at His instance, before
Bhagawan moved towards Yajur Mandiram at 6:45.
Thursday, 25, March
2010 - This morning, Arathi was offered
at 9:40 as there was no Divine Darshan.
This evening,
Bhagawan emerged at 4:15, to come for a full round of Darshan. Upon
ascending the verandah in 15 minutes, Bhagawan blessed a 'senior
couple' on their 60th wedding anniversary. Coming onstage, Bhagawan
sat for five minutes before retiring to the interview room. After
two rounds of interviews, Bhagawan emerged yet again at 5:25 to come
onstage to preside over the bhajan session. Arathi was offered at
5:46 and Bhagawan moved towards Yajur Mandiram at 5:52. Being
Thursday, and having 'missed' Darshan in the morning, tiny tots from
the Primary School also joined the senior students for evening
Darshan. Final Semester Exams of Sri Sathya Sai University began
today.
On the auspicious Sri Rama Navami morning Bhagawan
emerged at 10:41, to come for a full round of Darshan.
Upon ascending the verandah in ten minutes, Bhagawan
moved on to the dais, where He blessed Sri Rituraj
Maharaj and his team of priests with interactions and a
group photo session.
Bhagawan sat through the bhajan session till 11:17 when
He moved off to the interview room. As bhajans
continued, Bhagawan came out at 11:40 to receive Arathi.
At 11:47, upon Arathi, Bhagawan moved towards Yajur
Mandiram.
Bhajans that started at 9:00, after the regular one-hour
Vedam chanting, continued for the next 160 minutes,
until Arathi was offered. Prasadam was distributed to
the entire assemblage. Being Sri Rama Navami, students
including tiny tots from the Primary School were also
present for Darshan.
In the evening, Bhagawan came out at
4:28. Taking a detour from ladies' end, upon ascending
the verandah, Bhagawan moved straight into the interview
room. Sri Rituraj ji and his accompanists were called in
for an interview that lasted for forty-five minutes.
Emerging after the interview, Bhagawan moved to the
bhajan hall to come out through the rear entrance to
move onstage at 5:35. At 5:40, Sri Rituraj ji's
accompanists presented a music programme, singing Sathya
Sai's glory, that lasted till 5:55. Students continued
with some Rama songs, at His instance, upon which Arathi
was offered at 6:05. Blessing the artistes, blessing
boys from Super Speciality Hospital Bangalore, Bhagawan
moved towards Yajur Mandiram at 6:15. Prasadam was
distributed to the entire assemblage. Being Sri Rama
Navami, student fraternity, including Primary School
children, were present for evening Darshan.
Taking a detour after emerging at 10:30, Bhagawan went
straight into the interview room, to come out 11:00.
Arathi was offered at 11:05. Bhagawan chose to sit for
some more time on the dais, blessing the accompanists of
the Maharaj, before retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 11:15,
but not before blessing the audience with a "double
abhayahasta". Following this morning's penultimate
session, the seven-day-long Saptaaha would conclude this
evening in the immediate Divine presence.
Seven-day-long Bhagavagtha Saptaaham that has been on
from the 17th March concluded at 5:45, this evening, in
the immediate Divine Presence of Bhagawan.
Final session's exposition had
the tale of Bhagawan's Sri Krishna's emotional meeting
with his childhood friend, Sudhama. The Maharaj gave a
scintillating narration of the meeting of the two
friends that, The Lord, the narrator and the entire
assemblage were literally transported into the days of
Dwapara, 'visualising' the nostalgic magic moments in
the life of Bhagawan's dear most friend, Sudhama. Raja
Parikshit's final moments, wherein he liberates his soul
to attain "Moksha" (liberation), was the final episode
that brought the curtain down for the Saptaaham.
Listening to the epical exposition for seven continuous
days, finally the king leaves his mortal coil,
voluntarily releasing the 'life force' through the
"Sahasrara Chakra", the 7th energy channel.
Dedicating the entire Saptaaha Yajna
at His Divine Lotus Feet, the Maharaj sought for Divine
forgiveness for any errors he would have committed, most
inadvertently, during his narration over the days. He
exhorted the assemblage to come to Prasanthi Nilayam to
have the Holy Darshan of Bhagawan, calling Prasanthi
Nilayam, our "Own Home". He ended the session chanting
Sai Gayathri five times that was attended by devotees
enmass.
Earlier, Bhagawan emerged at 5:05, to
take a detour to come directly on stage.
Upon the end of the Saptaaham, light
music session, by Sai Sannidhi Music Troupe, followed
for the next fifteen minutes till Arathi at 6:06.
Bhagawan blessed the Maharaj profusely, who fell at His
feet to take a Saashtaanga Namaskaaram.
Stroking his throat lovingly, blessing the Maharaj with
His Divine Palm on his head, Bhagawan commented on the
melodious rendering he has been giving all these days.
Bhagawan left for Yajur Mandiram at
6:15, bringing the curtain down for the week-long
Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam that had literally converted
Prasanthi NIlayam into Brindavan.
Emerging at 10:25, Bhagawan came for
a full round to come onstage at 10:35. While ascending
the verandah Bhagawan had a detailed look at the
portraits featuring Bhagavata stories installed at the
extreme right of Prasanthi Mandir. Maharaj's exposition
on the Bhagavatha, Bhagawan Sri Krishna's leelas,
narrating Holi celebrations in Brindavan and Bhagawan's
arrival at Mathura etc., was on and continued till 11:20
when Arathi was offered. In between Bhagawan had moved
off to the Interview room for 15 minutes to come out at
11:15.
Upon Arathi, Bhagawan moved
into the bhajan hall to speak to the boys from Sai
Sannidhi. After spending 15 minutes interacting with
some boys, Bhagawan moved towards Yajur Manidram at
11:40.
In the evening, Bhagawan
emerged relatively early, at 4:30. Coming for a full
round of Darshan, Bhagawan came on stage at 5:45 through
the right of Ganesha. While ascending the verandah,
again He had a detailed look at the portraits of
Bhagawata tales depicted at the right-end of Prasanthi
Mandir.
Bhagavata Saptaaha session had been
on and the evening's narrative was centred around the
Krishna Saga involving Rukmini Swayamvaram.
Maharaj ended his exposition at 5:30 upon which the Sai
Sannidhi Music Troupe presented a light music session
that lasted for half-an-hour, till 6:00 when Arathi was
offered.
Bhagawan spent some more time on the
dais, blessing the Music Boys as well as the
accompanists of the Maharaj granting them Padanamsakars.
Bhagawan left for Yajur Mandiram at 6:20.
Ritual pertaining the Saptaaha
has been going on at a separate location from the day-1
of the Saptaaha Yajna. Six Purohits (priests) who
accompanied the Maharaj have been conducting these daily
rituals, every day morning from 6:30 to 8:30. Bhagavata
rendition in original, has also been happening
simultaneously at this location from day-1.
A unique thing about the Saptaaha
Yajnam is the Maharaj's inimitable style of referring to
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai as first person, quite often
during his narrative, replacing Bhagawan Sri Krishna with
this form of the Avatar, walks the earth in present
times.
This morning, Bhagawan emerged at
10:25, to come for a complete round granting Darshan to
the Sunday audience. Upon coming on stage, Bhagawan sat
through the session till 11:30 when the morning
commentary was over and Arathi was offered.
Earlier, the morning's
proceedings began at 8:30, after half-an-hour Veda
chanting, with the Maharaj expounding in detail, on the
childhood pranks of Little Krishna, narrating the 10th
canto of the epic. Upon Arathi at 10:35, Bhagawan moved
into the Interview Room, to spent inside for the next
half-an-hour granting two mini-interviews and
interacting with the singers outside, before moving
towards the Yajur Mandiram at 12:05. Being Sunday,
student fraternity was also present listening to the
nectarous stories of Little Krishna while stealing
glances of their Beloved Sai Krishna.
In the evening,
Bhagawan, upon emerging at 5:25, took a detour to come on stage at
5:30, after having a brief interaction with the Sai Sannidhi singers
about the evening's scheduled programme.
As Bhagawan sat through the session, the
Maharaj continued his exposition on the nectarous tales of the Lord
of Dwapara, Bhagawan Sri Krishna. By blending "His Stories" with the
Bhagavatha tales, the Maharaj often burst into some familiar tunes,
like the one he sung in the evening, "Sai Hamara...Hum Sai Ke, Aisa
Prem Hamara....",
the familiar student bhajan. Earlier in the
morning, narrating the childhood pranks of the Lord, the Maharaj bursted into the, "Chittha Chora Yasoda Ke Baal...Navneeta Chora
Gopal...", singing for a long spell, transporting one and all into
the world of the Little Krishna. The commentary for the evening
concluded at 6:30.
Lifting the twilight to devotional ecstasy, the
Sai Sannidhi Music Troupe presented a light "devotional" music
programme, singing through for the next forty minutes, sitting face
to face with the Divine. Arathi was offered at 7:05, upon which
Bhagawan moved into the interview room to spend the next twenty-five
minutes inside, before retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 7:30.
Nectarine story of Lord Sri Rama was expounded as part
of the ten incarnations apart from other tales, namely,
that pertaining to Vamana Avatar featuring Emperor
Mahabali followed by Gajendra Moksha etc. on the morning
session of 4th day of the on going Bhagavatha Saptaaha
Yajnam. After the scheduled hour at 10:30 bhajans
continued for next fifteen minutes when Arathi was
offered at 10:45, as there was no "Divine Darshan".
In the evening, Bhagawan emerged at
5:26, to take a detour after completing the ladies's
side, to come onstage at 5:35. Upon ascending the
verandah through the ladies' side, He had a detailed
look at the portraits depicting some scenes from
Bhagavatham, installed at the right end of the Prasanthi
Mandir.
Coming on to the verandah, Bhagawan
interacted with the singers of the Sai Sannidhi Music
Troupe before coming onstage. Maharaj continued with his
exposition of the Bhagavatha, that began at 4:20 after
the summary presentations for the last two sessions.
Maharaj's exposition continued till 6:10. Tales from the
times of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna dominated the days'
proceedings.
click to enlarge
Essence of Krishna devotion, in the
form of Mother's call for Little Prankster Little
Krishna, Gopikas' all-conquering love for Beloved
Krishna that came out of complete surrender and Radha's
quest for her inseparable Beloved Bhagawan Sri Krishna
formed part of a thematic music presentation by the
Students from the Sai Sannidhi group that lasted for
fifty minutes. The Programme entitled "Radha Bhakthi"
comprised of poems and songs composed and even tuned by
Bhagawan during the early 60's. The presentation was
compeered and interlaced by the original pieces in
Bhagawan's own golden voice.
Bhagawan interacted with the singers of
the Sai Sannidhi Music Troupe before coming
onstage. PHOTO GALLEY
The presentation was concluded with a
final song, a prayer to make 'their' lives an
"Aradhana", as exemplified by the epitome of love and
devotion, Radha towards her beloved Bhagawan Sri
Krishna. At the conclusion of the programme Arathi was
offered at 7:05. Bhagawan moved into the interview room
for ten minutes upon which He came out to move towards
Yajur Mandiram. Prasadam was distributed to the entire
assemblage.
With the Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajna
continues in Prasanthi, every morning begins with a
fresh note, with the Maharaj, the commentator, infusing
and kindling greater awareness on the beauty, glory and
grandeur of being in the Abode, listening to His
stories, enjoying the Divine Sports of the Lord, in His
immediate Divine Presence. The narrator quite often
bursts into melodious tunes singing on the glories of
the Lord and one that heard quite often is "Sriman
Narayan...Narayan...Narayan..."
This morning's proceedings
began at the scheduled hour at 8:30, after half-an-hour
Vedam, with usual invocation. Exponation on the epic
continued till 10:30 upon which bhajans by students
continued for half-an-hour before Arathi was offered at
11, as Bhagawan did not come out.
In the evening,
Bhagawan emerged just after 5 while the Bhagavatha
Saptaaha Pravachan was on. Taking a detour from ladies'
side, Bhagawan came directly onstage through the
doctors' block. Bhagavatha Pravachan continued till 5:40
and evening's theme was centred around Ajamila's Story,
as to how he earned liberation, despite having
attachment with his child, just by calling out his son
at his dying moment, who was a namesake of the Supreme
Lord Narayana...
Upon the conclusion, Music
Troupe from Sai Sannidhi, a forum of grateful alumni
working with various institutions run by Sri Sathya Sai
Central Trust, and the organisers of the Saptaaha Yajna,
presented a musical offering bringing out the
similarities between the two Avatars, Sri Krishna and
Sai Krishna, culling out songs and poems from Bhagawan's
Divine Discourses and from the drama "Radha Bhakthi"
written by Bhagawan in 1960's. The forty minute
programme had been interlaced with apt commentary on the
significance of the composition and rendition and was
laced with some of the original pieces in Bhagawan's own
voice. At Bhagawan's instance three more songs followed,
namely, "Deva...Namo Deva......", "Madhura Mohana Ghana
Shyama Sundara Sai...Ananda Pradayi" followed by "Namo
Sathya Sai Baba...". Arathi was offered at 6:40.
Bhagawan chose to converse with the singers for the next
ten minutes before retiring for Yajur Mandiram at 6:50.
Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.
This morning, on the second day of
the Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajna, proceedings began at the
scheduled hour, at 8:30, after half-an-hour Vedam
chanting. After invocatory offering, commenting on the
glory of the Avatar of the Age, the Maharaj went on
expounding on the greater efficacy of Namasmarana,
bursting out with a melodious rendering "Sriman Narayana
Narayana Narayana...", a keertan he quite often repeats
in between the commentary.
Starting from where he had stopped
last evening, he further went on elucidating the story
of Raja Parikshit, as to how invited the evil deeds of
Kali, which finally led him to earn a curse to die in
seven days owing to serpant bite, and the king's greater
urge to attain liberation in seven days.
As the narration continued, Bhagawan arrived at 10:10
for a complete round. After an elaborate, slow round
granting Darshan, Bhagawan came on stage at 10:23 and
sat through the entire session that ended at 11:30, when
Arathi was offered. Subsequently, Bhagawan called an
Iranian boy, studying in Primary School, onstage, asking
him to chant Durga Suktam followed by Rudram. His little
brother, another primary school child, was also called
and Bhagawan interacted with the boys for some time.
Moving off the dais, Bhagawan blessed sweets for Primary
School, and as He was going back, He stopped for a while
to watch the distribution, ensuring sweets for every
student.. He came back to the Bhajan Hall to spent next
fifteen minutes inside before emerging at 12:10 to
retire to Yajur Mandiram.
In the
evening, the proceedings began at 4:15
with presentation of the summary of the storyline for
last two sessions, previous evening followed by that of
this morning. The Maharaj began his exposition at 4:30,
starting from where he had left in the morning,
divulging the story of Dhruva, he went on narrating
Dhruva's unflinching devotion to Lord Narayana, his
desire to sit on the lap of Lord Vishnu and finally how
The Lord satiated the little prince's desire that later
led him to attain salvation.
while the narration had been going
on, Bhagawan emerged at 5:17 to take a detour from the
ladies' side to land on the dais at 5:20 through the
doctors' block. Bhagawan continued to sit through the
session till 5:45, when the exposition for the day came
to an end.
Music Troupe was ready with
their presentation of songs and as soon as the
Bhagavatha session got over, Bhagawan nodded the boys to
commence their programme. What followed was an hour of
enchanting music. Starting with the meera bhajan,
Payoji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo..., what followed
next was Darshan Deejo... to be continued with
Purandharadas's carnatic piece, Jagadodhdharana
AadisidaLeyshodha. A telugu piece followed before
coming up with enna thavamseydaney Yesoda....
Three more songs followed, two on Lord Rama followed by
the last piece, Thyagaraja's composition Siva siva
ena radha... Arathi was offered at 6:40 before
Bhagawan moved towards Yajur Mandiram at 6:45. Prasadam,
"egg shaped chocolates", were distributed to the entire
assemblage.
This morning, Bhagawan was
ushered into the hall at 9:27 to the chants of Vedam.
Being the inaugural day of the week-long Bhagavatha
Saptaaha Yajnam, Vedam continued even after the
scheduled hour at 9. Completing a full round of darshan,
Bhagawan, upon ascending the verandah spent sometime
outside the interview room before moving through the
upper portico to come onstage at 9:35 through the right
of Ganesha.
The dais was aesthetically decorated,
with illustrious Bhagavatham scenes prominently
displayed around.
Upon coming onstage, Bhagawan lighted
the ceremonial lamp officially inaugurating the Saptaaha
Yajnam. Pandit, Sri Ritu Raj Ji Maharaj and his escorts
sought blessings from Bhagawan before the commencement
of the Yajnam.
Programme commenced at 9:40 with
invocatory prayer "Sayeeshwaraya Vidhmahe..." addressed
to Bhagawan. This was followed by a bout of invocatory
prayers addressed to various "Gods and Goddesses".
Beginning his commentary, an intro on Bhagavatham, the
Pandit attributed the epic to Bhagawan hailing Him to be
the Soul fo the Epic.
As the Pandit went on narrating the
epical story, an introduction, with a mix of commentary
on the greater importance of the ongoing Divine Mission
set in motion by Bhagawan, Bhagawan moved indoors at 10
again to return at 10:25. Upon completing the Intro at
11:05, Arathi was offered to Bhagawan before He moved
towards the Yajur Mandiram.
The Pandit had emotional words of
gratitude for Bhagawan. He said, somewhere at some point
of time I would have prayed to grant an opportunity to
come and have Thy Divine Darshan and Bhagawan has given
me this great grand boon, that redeems many a life....
This evening,
Bhagawan emerged at 5:35 while Bhagavatha Saptaaham was
on. Negotiating a complete round of Darshan, Bhagawan
came onstage at 5:47 through the right of Ganesha.
Pandit ji continued with his elucidation of the story of
Bhagavatham, narrating Raja Parikshit's episode. The
commentary ended at 6:04 upon which bhajans started with
an aalaap bhajan, "Sri Raghavam..." at His special
instance. As Bhajans continued, at 6:40, Bhagawan asked
for one more aalaap bhajan, this time "Allaho Akbar..."
rendered the air bringing in the greater message of
religious harmony. Two more bhajans continued before
Bhagawan calling for Arathi at 6:50. After Arathi
Bhagawan sat onstage for the next ten minutes, 'chatting
up" with some bhajans boys before moving towards Yajur
Mandiram at 7:05. Prasadam was distributed to the entire
assemblage.
Earlier, Vedam started at the usual
hour, at 4 and continued till 4:45. At 4:45, summary of
the morning proceedigs was read out upon which, at 5,
the Bhagavatha Saptaaham commenced.
On the auspicious Ugadi morning, Sai Kulwant Hall
bore a festive look with simple, yet elegant
decorations, aptly signifying the advent of Telugu New
Year, bringing freshness that a new year demands.
Bhagawan was ushered into the Hall at 9:36 while bhajan
was on. Clad in maroon, Bhagawan arrived in His special
"throne chair" that He uses only occasionally.
Gliding
past the assemblage that filled the Sai Kulwant Hall,
Bhagawan, upon ascending the verandah at 9:45, moved
into the interview room to have a quick session with
former Supreme Court Judge, Hon'ble Justice (Retd.) PN
Bhagavathi.
The morning proceedings began with Bhagawan coming on
stage at 10:10. Mr. V.Srinivasan, President, Sri Sathya
Sai Seva Organisations - India, giving his introductory
talk on the occasion, invited the first speaker for the
session Mr. Bhagavathi to share some important
information regarding Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.
Mr. Bhagavathi's speech was about the induction for new
Trustees and Council Members in the Sri Sathya Sai
Central Trust. Divulging further, the eminent jurist
hailed Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust to be the biggest
Charitable Trust, set up for the benefit of humanity.
Brushing aside the misunderstanding and maligning
propaganda against the Trust, Mr. Bhagavathi emphasised
that Bhagawan's mission has been committed for the
welfare of humanity and He is full of Love that
transcends all borders.
This was followed by a short speech by Mr. Indulal Shah
who, by endorsing the proposals put forth by Justice
Bhagavathi, said that he has no words to talk about the
Trust and Organisation as he is feeling overwhelmed.
Both the veteran devotees were made to sit on either
side of Bhagawan on the dais.
This was followed by a short speech by Mr. V.Srinivasan
who spoke about Bhagawan, His Mission, greater
importance of being a part of His Mission. He also made
a mention about a maligning propaganda againt the Trust,
adding that Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust is not a family
trust, but the biggest Charitable Trust in the world.
The awaiting moment came, The Ugadi Divine Discourse,
that lasted for forty minutes. Starting with the great
Indian Women, namely, Savitri, Chandramathi, Mother Sita
and Damayanthi, Bhagawan went on elaborating the
Harischandra Story, emphasising how Lord was pleased at
Harischandra's commitment and adherence to Truth. One
has to understand and experience the fact that God
exists everywhere.
Ugadi marks the beginning of a New
Year. On this New Year day one has to make an attempt to
see God in every being whomsoever he or she comes
across, exhorted Bhagawan. Towards the end of His Divine
Discourse Bhagawan interacted with a college student,
bringing forth greater lessons to the vast audience.
Upon His conversation a materialised emerald ring was
presented to the boy. The Divine Discourse was concluded
at 11:20, upon which Prof. Anil Kumar took over to
deliver a chaste telugu rhetoric, mixed with poetic
fervour, elucidating on Sai Mahatmyam. Arathi was
offered at 11:45 and Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram
at 11:50.
Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage and a
small booklet by name "Ooru Lethu - Peru Lethu" meanng
"No Country - No Name" written by Dr. Sara Pavan was
distributed to the student fraternity. Upon Anil Kumar's
speech before moving off the podium, Bhagawan blessed
various items brought by students symbolising the
festivity.
In the evening, Bhagawan
arrived at 5:30 to the chants of Vedas. Clad in maroon, Bhagawan
took a detour from the centre pathway and just before ascending the
verandah, Moved bit further in to the ladies' side, His usual
pathway while returning, to return towards verandah at 5:45. The
Music College Troupe, staff and students, was ready with an offering
that commenced at 5:50.
A collection of vocal and instrumental
followed that enchanted the Divine while the capacity crowd in the
evening-turned-twlight-turned- night remained spellbound at the
dexterity that was on display on the auspicious evening. The
programme ended just after 7 and Bhagawan climbed down the dais to
pose for a group photo session. Subseqently, safari pieces were
distributed to the troupe. Various instruments belonging to the
Music College were blessed by Bhagawan before calling for Arathi at
7:15. An announcement about the Srimad Bhagavad Saptaaha Yajna
commences the next day morning was made and while the announcement
rendered the air, Bhagawan slowly moved towards His Divine Abode.
The Saptaaha commences tomorrow would be
conducted by Sri Ritu Raj Ji Maharaj, who is adept in giving
discourses on Upanishads, Ramayana, Bhagawad Katha and Bhagawad
Geeta in his travels across North India. The Sapaaha would commence
in the morning at 8:30 to go on till 10:30 and in the evening at
4:30 till 5:30, for the next seven days, starting tomorrow.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi
was offered at 9:40. Music College troupe was ready with
a music programme as wanted and communicated by Bhagawan
last evening. Regular Veda chanting from 8-9 was
followed by bhajans before Arathi. Bhajans started at 9
with the bhajan "Prathama Vandana Gananatha..."
relatively a new bhajan that was introduced sometime
ago.
Ugadi Eve
was awaiting the arrival of The Lord as a group of seventy, 40 men
and 30 women, a part of music group from Andhra Pradesh, came under
the auspices of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, was ready with a
bouquet of songs. Bhagawan came in His car at 6:16, to the chants of
Vedam and Nadaswaram, which (nadaswaram) had been on from 5 o' clock
onwards, to take a detour from the centre to come on to the portico
at 6:18. Upon alighting, Bhagawan moved onstage at 6:20 blessing the
vast concourse, feasting their eyes with His beauteous form. Soon
birthday benedictions were conferred upon to a group of boys who
came one after one receiving blessings.
This was followed by the Music troupe forming a
beeline, as men and women holding items sought His blessings, before
the commencement of the programme. Programme commenced at 6:30 and
continued till 7:25. Ten songs intertwined with commentary, all in
Telugu, were a feast to the ears as the whole of Sai Kulwant,
experienced the thrill with each song transporting them to heights
of dedication, love and devotion to Sai.
Upon conclusion, Safari pieces and Sarees were
distributed to the entire group and subsequently Bhagawan came down
the stage to bless the men with a group photograph. After ascending
the podium, Bhagawan chose to sit slightly towards the ladies' side
facing lady singers of the group. Arathi was called at 7:40 and upon
Arathi Bhagawan moved on to Yajur Mandiram at 7:45.
On this Sunday morning, Bhagawan was ushered into
the hall at 9:34 while bhajan was on. After a
seven-minute-long full-round of Darshan Bhagawan came on
to the verandah at 9:41.
Just before ascending the
verandah Bhagawan chose to interact with some of the
primary kids at the Primary School Block, blessing the
tiny tots. Moving through the lower verandah, Bhagawan
came on to the dais at 9:44 through the University Block
at the right of Ganesha and sat through the bhajan
session till Arathi at 10:12. Upon the Arathi, Bhagawan
interacted with some of the students on the dais and
later blessed Prasadam for Primary School before
proceeding to Yajur Mandiram at 10:21. Being Sunday,
students were also present for morning Darshan.
In the evening,
Bhagawan came into the hall at 6:00 to the chanting of
Vedas. Taking a detour through the ladies' side,
Bhagawan came onstage through the right of Ganesha
calling the University Brass Band Troupe for blessings.
The Univesity Brass Band, that is in its glorious Silver
Jubilee year, was ready with a Programme, celebrating
the occasion in the Divine Presence.
A half-an-hour programme followed, wherein the
boys produced some scintillating music pieces, wading
through His Story
- The Story of His Avataric Advent, in a most
innovative style, with a mix of compeering, singing
followed by sounding through Band Instruments. Upon
conclusion, at 6:35, Bhagawan called the boys onstage
for exclusive group photo sessions. The final piece was
sung thereafter, a piece expressing gratitude, to the
tune of Swami's often heard song, "Love is My
Form...Truth is My Breath....". Upon this final song,
Safari pieces and Prasadam were distributed to the Band
Troupe before Bhagawan finally climbing down the stairs,
at 6:50, for yet another photo session, a group photo
with the Troupe. Upon ascending the podium, Arathi was
offered before Bhagawan moved towards His Divine Abode,
Yajur Mandiram at 6:55.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi
was offered at 9:40. A group of 85 Karnataka Youth,
donned in crimson, was seated in the third block joining
Vedam chanting. The group had chanted 15,500 Rudrams in
record 66 days, in 85 houses as part of 85th Year of
Avataric Advent.
This evening,
Bhagawan was ushered into the hall at 5:07 while bhajan was on.
After a full round of Darshan that took 17 minutes, upon ascending
the verandah, Bhagawan moved along, listening to and blessing many.
Coming onstage at 5:31, through the University Staff Block at the
right of Ganesha, He sat through till 6:16 when He chose to move
into the interview room.
As daylight was conceding to the transitional
twilight, Bhajans were on with Bhagawan remaining indoors granting
an interview to a Delhi based couple. Upon emerging after the
interview, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall for five minutes
calling some 'chosen devotee' to bless them inside, before coming
out to call for the "Rudram Group" of Youth from Karnataka numbering
eighty-five. Earlier the group of eighty-five was blessed by
Bhagawan during the Darshan round, who chose to spent sometime
accepting ' their' card of love and devotion.
As the group of 85 (91 including six co-ordinators)
made a beeline to bhajan hall in disciplined order, Bhagawan kept
moving through the upper portico to enter the bhajan hall at 6:45,
through the rear entrance.
The group had a fabulous session indoors as
'they' had the rarest of opportunities to chant Rudram in the
immediate Divine presence of Rudra at Rudra's Command, Wish and
Will. As Bhagawan moved in between the rows blessing the crimson
clad youngsters, Rudram by the group was on till 7:05, when Bhagawan
blessed them to sing group songs that lasted for five minutes. The
group sang three songs in Kannada including a song invoking His
blessings for doing greater service and another one invoking
Bhagawan to Brindavan. Bhagawan also had brief interaction with the
group during the half-an-hour session inside. Vibhuti Prasadam was
distributed to the entire group.
Upon coming out, Bhagawan came on stage at
7:17 and Arathi was offered at 7:20 before Bhagawan proceeded to
Yajur Mandiram at 7:25 blessing students and the entire concourse
with His Abhayahastha. Prasadam, 'Obbattu' was distributed
to the entire assemblage.
Earlier, a new Bhajan "Mahadeva Maheswara Sai
Narayana...." rendered the air just after Bhagawan 'took the dais','
infusing freshness to the already charged-up mood of the blessed
evening.
This morning, Bhagawan came into the hall at 9:12
granting a full round of Darshan that lasted for 14
minutes. Upon ascending the verandah, He interacted with
many, while moving through proceeding to the podium.
Coming on to the dais at 9:31 through the right of
Ganesha, Bhagawan sat through till 9:50 before retiring
to interview room for ten minutes.
Emerging at 10:01, Bhagawan sat through for some more
time till Arathi was offered at 10:05. Divine Whispers
and Interactions followed before Bhagawan proceeded to
the bhajan hall. Upon coming out after five minutes, He
had an exclusive interaction with former Foreign
Secretary SK Rasgotra at outside the interview room,
that was followed by a brief interaction with Former Air
Chief Marshal OP Mehra whom He blessed before proceeding
to Yajur Mandiram at 10:25. There was no Divine Darshan
in the evening and Arathi was offered at 6 after regular
one hour Vedam followed by Bhajans till 6.
Thursday, 11, March 2010 -
"Car Darshan"
There was no Darshan on this Thursday morning and
Arathi was offered at 9:40.
Later, at around 10:15 Bhagawan went for a round. Moving
out of ashram, He proceeded towards the hospital side,
before taking a turn at the petrol bunk on the way, to
return to ashram through the Culvert-Gate at the western
end. Entering inside, Bhagawan moved via the
construction-work-in-progress-site. After a brief
interaction with the engineer-in-charge overseeing the
project, Bhagawan "drove" through booktrust-shopping
centre road, blessing hundreds enroute, to retreat to
Yajur Mandiram just after 10:30
In the evening, Bhagawan was
ushered into the hall at 5 to the chants of Vedam. After
a ten-minute round of Darshan, upon ascending verandah,
Bhagawan interacted with 'seniors' from Delhi, that
included Lt. Gen. (Retd.) ML Chibber, Former Diplomat MK
Rasgotra, Former Air Chief Marshal OP Mehra, Former
Education Secy, MK Kaw and State President of SSSSO,
Jitendra Cheema, for five minutes before proceeding
further to come on stage at 5:16, through the Univeristy
Staff Block at the right of Ganesha.
Students from Sri Sathya Sai Music
College were ready awaiting Bhagawan's blessings for
their Gratitude Programme. Vedam continued till 5:40 as
Bhagawan continued to sit listening to the chants. In
between, Bhagawan had a word with one of the Vedam boys
asking for 'loud chanting' and what followed was a
'full-throat' chanting joined by the Primary School
children as well, till Bhagawan nodded for the programme
to commence.
The Programme lasted for 55 minutes,
at 6:35. Interactive Photograph session and presentation
of clothes followed for the next fifteen minutes before
Arathi was offered at 6:50. Moving towards the Interview
Room, Bhagawan had some 'official' discussion for the
next ten minutes, followed by another bout of
interaction with former Vice Chancellors, Prof.
Venkataraman and Mr. SV Giri, outiside the Interview
Room, after which, Bhagawan left for Yajur Mandiram at
7:08.
Primary School also joined for
evening Darshan after having missed the morning session
that went 'blank' without Darshan. Prasadam was
distributed to all students and staff at the end of the
programme.
This morning, Bhagawan emerged from Yajur Mandiram
at 8:46 to the chants of Vedas. After a ten-minute-long
darshan round, upon ascending the verandah, Bhagawan
chose to interact with some of the senior officials,
including one from "Sai Sannidhi" before moving
into the interview room at 9:03. Two rounds of official
interactions with senior office bearers followed before
Bhagawan emerging yet again to come on to the dais at
9:31. Bhagawan sat through the bhajan session for the
next eleven minutes, till Arathi at 9:42. Upon accepting
Arathi, Bhagawan proceeded to Yajur Mandiram at 9:46 am.
This evening, Bhagawan emerged at 5:25 while bhajan
session was on. After a 'detailed' round of darshan that
took fifteen minutes, upon ascending the verandah,
Bhagawan interacted with some of the senior faculties
from the School of Business Management and Finance at
Sri Sathya Sai University, before proceeding to the dais
at 5:43, through the University Staff Block at the right
of Ganesha. Sitting through the next forty-two-minute
session officiating the bhajans, Bhagawan accepted
Arathi at 6:25 before moving towards His Divine Abode at
6:30.
This morning, Bhagawan emerged from Yajur Mandiram
at 8:35 am. Granting a full round of darshan, upon
ascending the verandah, Bhagawan straight away proceeded
to the interview room calling seniors from "Sai Sannidhi"
for an interview.
Emerging at 9:25 am after the forty minute
interview, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall to
quickly retreat to the interview room, this time calling
a couple for an interview. Upon coming out at 9:52 am
after the second interview that lasted for 25 minutes,
Bhagawan came onstage to receive Arathi at 9:58 am
before retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 10:05 am.
This evening Bhagawan was ushered into Sai Kulwant
Hall at 6:24. Blessing the concourse with His darshan,
Bhagawan went for a complete round to come onstage at
6:36 through the left of Ganesha. Glittering under the
lights, feasting thousands of hearts, minds and souls,
Bhagawan sat through the session till Arathi at 7:00,
before retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 7:08 pm
In the morning, Bhagawan was ushered into the hall
at 8:17 am to the chants of Vedas. After a detailed
round that took 13 minutes, interacting with many,
Bhagawan straight away proceeded to the interview room.
At 8:30 am, two youngsters from The Dominican Republic
were called in for Interview that lasted for
half-an-hour. After the interview, Bhagawan came out at
9:00 am and moving through the upper verandah, blessing
many, came on to the podium to officiate bhajan session
that lasted till 9:40 am when Arathi was offered.
Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 9:45 am.
In the evening, Bhagawan was ushered into the hall
at 5:20 pm while bhajan was on. Completing the round of darshan,
upon ascending the verandah at 5:30 pm, Bhagawan called a group of
senior representatives from Sai Sannidhi, a forum of alumni working
with various institutions in Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan, for an
interview. After a forty-minute interview, Bhagawan came into the
bhajan hall at 6:10 pm; coming out through the rear entrance,
blessing many while gliding past, Bhagawan moved on to the dais at
6:19 pm to preside over the bhajan session that had been on. Arathi
was offered at 6:25 pm and Bhagawan moved to the Yajur Mandiram at
6:30 pm.
In the morning, Bhagawan came out in car at 7:40 am
and went out to the hospital side. Returning at 8:30 am
through the Yajur Mandiram end to the chants of Vedam,
Bhagawan came for a full round of darshan.
Photo source: sssbpt.org
- web layout design saibabaofindia.com
Photo source: sssbpt.org
- web layout design saibabaofindia.com
Alighting on the Verandah, He proceeded to the dais to
preside over the vedam chanting session for next half an
hour. There was no bhajan session as Arathi was offered at 9:05 am
before Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram. Prasadam was
distributed to the entire assemblage of devotees. Being
sunday, student fraternity was also present for darshan.
In the evening, Bhagawan came out at 5:40 pm
granting darshan to the sunday assemblage of devotees.
Coming for a full round of darshan, Bhagawan, upon
alighting the verandah, went into the bhajan hall to
bless a group of boys in costumes awaiting, seeking
blessings as a part of the evening's scheduled gratitude
programme by 'Final Graduate and Final Post Graduate'
combine.
After blessing the group Bhagawan went into the
interview room before coming out at 6:05 pm to preside
over the session. The one-hour programme was an
outpouring of gratitude galore that ended at 7:10 pm.
Extensive photograph session followed as various groups
came onstage to pose with "Swami". Arathi was offered at
7:25 pm and Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 7:35
pm. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage of
devotees.
Saturday, March
6, 2010 -
Sai Darshan news
In the morning Bhagawan was ushered into the hall at
8:30 am, to the chants of Vedas, for a complete round of
darshan that lasted for ten minutes. Upon ascending the
verandah, Bhagawan proceeded to the Interview Room. Next
one hour Bhagawan spent inside granting interviews to
three 'groups', including that of Princess of Belgium.
After the Interviews, Bhagawan came onstage at 9:53 am
while Bhajan was on. Arathi was offered at 9:55 am and
Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 10:00 am. In
the evening Bhagawan came into the hall at 6:35 pm while
bhajan was on. One could see craning necks trying to
catch a glimpse of the Divine, Who glided past through
the pathway, under the lights, adding splendour to the
already glittering Prasanthi twilight. Ascending the
verandah after a fifteen-minute-long-round, Bhagawan
proceeded to the bhajan hall before coming on to the
dais to preside over the session. Arathi was offered at
7:10 pm. After Arathi, Bhagawan interacted with some of
the students and senior devotees before retiring to
Yajur Mandiram at 7:25 pm.
Bhagawan ushered in at 5:25 pm for a complete round
of darshan that lasted for ten minutes. Upon ascending
the verandah, Bhagawan interacted with a group of
representatives of Sai Sannidhi,
a forum of alumni working with various institutions in Prasanthi
Nilayam and Brindavan, guiding the group in some of its project
activities. Coming on to the dais at 5:45 pm, Bhagawan sat through
the bhajan session till 6:30 pm before leaving for Yajur Mandiram at
6:35 pm. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage before
Arathi.
Thursday, March 4, 2010 -
Sai Darshan news
Mar 4, 2010: On the warm fresh morning Bhagawan
ushered in at 8:10 am blessing thin populace of devotees
assembled in Sai Kulwant Hall. As the Veda chanting
continued in the background Bhagawan completed His
darshan round, proceeding straight into the Interview
Room.
At 8:20, Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata was called in
for an interview that lasted for an hour. Another short
interview followed, upon which Bhagawan came on to the
podium to officiate the bhajan session for last five
minutes.
Arathi was offered at 9:40 am before Bhagawan retired to
Yajur Mandiram. Being Thursday, students from the
Primary School were also present for morning darshan.
In the evening after the scheduled one hour Vedam
chanting. bhajans began at 5 pm and Arathi was offered
at 6:10 pm as Bhagawan did not come.
After the previous day's glorious tale of Holi Drama and
"Divine Direction" at the climactic end, that lasted
well beyond half past eight in the night, this morning
there was no Divine Darshan.
In the evening, it was yet another
twilight darshan as Bhagawan ushered in at 5:48 pm. With
the bhajan "Dheena Dhukhiyon Ko Prem Karo..." rendered
the air ringing in His message of Love All Serve All",
Bhagawan slowly glided past the concourse of devotees to
ascend the Verandah.
Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons was
also awaiting Bhagawan along with other devotees. Mr.
Ratan Tata had made his maiden visit to Prasanthi
Nilayam couple of months ago, spending full two days
inside the ashram visiting various institutions.
Bhagawan spoke to Tata for a minute before moving on to
the dais to preside over the session. Today is
incidentally the birthday of the legendary Jamshetji
Tata, one of the foremost pioneers of Indian
industrialism.
As the bhajans continued with
devotional fervour He called out the birthday boys and
some other boys who were awaiting His attention and
blessing. Prasadam boys also got ready and upon getting
the same blessed, distribution began as the Lord
continued to sit watching the proceedings.
At 6:20 pm as per His command,
special bhajan with aalaap, "Sri Raghavam..." was
rendered echoing the message of religious harmony. In
the meantime, official photographer had last evening's
photographs for blessings. Bhagawan glanced through the
entire set of photographs blessing both the photos and
the man behind the lens.
Arathi was offered at 6:30 pm upon
which Bhagawan came round of Ganesha blessing many,
listening and accepting letters. Proceeding to the
Interview Room, Bhagawan spent fifteen minutes inside
before retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 6:48 pm. Just
before leaving, He called Ratan Tata's Executive
Secretary, Mr. Venkataraman, a former student of Sathya
Sai University, blessing him whispering something into
his ear.
It is said that God's creation is
un comprehendible, His actions are definitely a mystery
to our monkey minds, His Leelas are BEST known to Him
Alone.
I have no idea as how to narrate this particular darshan
update of 2nd March 2010. It was a historic darshan. It
was full of fun, surprise, devotion and Swamis most
famous UNCERTAINTY of this day, will be discussed and
remembered for the years to come. It is like a dream.
Did this really happen or was I hypnotized? If it has
happened then why did this happen? For every thing
SAIlence was the only answer. To start with about 1000
plus devotees from the states of Bihar and Jharkhandare
here in Parthi to celebrate the holy festival of HOLI.
Yesterday (1st March), Swami had given them
permission to perform and all arrangements were made.
The children were dressed up with their costumes, a big
banner was put up in the middle of the hall and as we
all were eagerly awaiting His arrival, a word was sent
at 6pm for the bhajans to start and after half hour word
was sent for Arathi thus the evening darshan was
cancelled
The whole group was visibly sad and were wondering and
asking apologies to Swami from within to forgive their
short comings if any.
The morning of 2nd march was also a very unique. Swami
for the past 11 days has come out 8 times for morning
darshans which was so sweet of Swami.
This afternoon, again, the children were ready for the
performance. Like yesterday, today, also children were
praying for His divine darshan.
Swami blessed the august gathering at 6:30 pm. It was a
big relief for those children who knew that the
performance is definitely going to be there now that
Swami has come. Opening, Bhagawan directed each and
every scene related to the event to precision as per
His satisfaction..
Click to
enlarge
The first part of the evening performance was a dance
and musical programme. All the songs were HOLI (it is a
festival linked with Sri Krishna,
famous mostly in North India) centric. After 30 minutes
of dance, the leader of the group went upto Swami to
take permission for the drama to start. Swami gave the
consent for the drama entitled ita Kalyanam to start.
As the name suggested, the drama was about how Lord Rama
married Sita. The first scene shows Viswamitra, the guru
of Rama and lakshmana asking his students, to accompany
him to King Janaka (Sitas father's
kingdom to participate in Dhanur yagna.
King Janaka had a Shiva bow which was impossible for
even mighty men to carry but Sita, while she was still a
young girl successfully raised it with one hand. When
King Janaka sees this, he decides who ever raises this
bow, will marry my daughter Sita.
The drama now had come to the scene where Lord Rama
along with Lakshmana and their Guru Viswamitra enter the
court of King Janaka and raise the bow and arrow. The
drama was a very simple one. There were no big
attractions.
Just then our SAI RAMA who was witnessing this drama
signals the boy to take Him into the interview room. The
most important scene of the drama was about to commence.
Here came the biggest twist in the history of Prasanthi
Nilayam. In spite of Swamis absence on the dais, the
drama continued. As every one expected, Rama
successfully raises the bow and King Janaka is the most
happy man and asks Sita to garland Lord Rama and in turn
Lord Rama garlands Sita.
The DRAMA now concludes with all the actors standing in
line thanking Swami. All the children who were part of
the drama were from MITHILA, the birthplace of Mother
Sita. They all prayed to Swami saying you came to
Mithila in Rama Avatar, we are expecting our Sai Rama
again in Mithila..Swami who had been to the interview
room just then comes out to the start the DIVINE DRAMA.
This part of the darshan was the most amazing part and
it has never happened before. Swami calls up the head of
the group and speaks to him for a minute. That gentleman
goes up to the children and asks to keep the bow in the
middle. In no time the bow is in the middle.
The young man again goes up to Swami. Swami tells him
something. All the devotees are eagerly anticipating as
what is going to happen. We all thought Swami is asking
to make way for a group photograph which He usually does
after the performance.
This time it looked bit unusual. The youngman went upto
the children and asked them to be in the places as they
were in the scene when Lord Rama lifted the bow.
Swami now signals Rama and Sita to stand next to each
other.
The young children, who were playing the role didn't
have any idea, more over it is something which they
didnt practice and with Swami right before you, you don't
know what is going on and Swami is very particular and
minute in His doing and you have to be very very
accurate.
Swami then calls up the group leader, asks Sita to
garland Rama and Rama in turn garland Sita. The same
scene (which Swami missed, when He went to the interview
room) was enacted. Every one clap in joy and ecstasy.
None of us in Sai Kulwanth hall had any clue. Swami then
signaled brother Veda Naryana and group to chant
Mantras. Not sure if brother Veda Narayana performed any
wedding before but today he had to play the role of head
priest, as Lord SAI RAMA directed His own wedding from
the TRETA YUGA. It was a treat to the eyes and the soul.
Swami was having a great time by directing HIS own
STORY. Poor children, did their best considering their
age and experience.
After the garlanding was done, Swami asked Sita and Rama
to be seated on the chairs. In the drama, the chairs
were put in such a way that it depicted a King’s court
(like the courts we would have seen in many mythological
movies). As Sita and Rama were seated all the other
kings also sat in their respective chairs. Swami saw
Sita seated bit far to Rama. He signaled them to sit
next to each other. Now He asks all the kings to vacate
their chairs. Every one sat on the floor and all the
chairs were taken away (again the crowd burst in
laughter).
Now only Rama and Sita were left in the middle seated in
their respective chairs. I could see those little
children (Rama and Sita) literally shivering and
completely surprised. When thousands are watching you,
with Swami right infront of you,
if they were asked to sit that too on a chair what great
tense moment that would be for any one. They were seated
in such a position where in they were facing Swamis
residence. Swami then sent a word to face Him. The
children now are completely tense, the shivering clearly
visible. At one stage they lost the body consciousness
and just did what they were asked to do. On the other
hand every one of us were enjoying every bit of this
DIVINE PLAY. Swami was making every one of us jump in
joy.
Now Swami asks the leader, who was an elderly gentle man
to throw akshintalu (rice mixed with turmeric powder) on
both of them. Luckily there were some birthday boys with
their plates seated before Swami. The leader borrows a
cup of turmeric rice grains from the birthday boys, goes
and does the ritual.
Swami then asks Rama and Sita to pour the rice on each
other. It is called TALAMBRALU (in telugu).This is a ritual very commonly seen in South
Indian weddings. The leader couldnt catch Swamis words.
Meanwhile Prof.Bhaskar helps
Rama and Sita to do the ritual and our thrill touched
the sky.
Swami then asks the leader to tie the brahma mudi (it is
a knot which binds the tip of bride’s saree to that of
the grooms shawl). They say it is the knot of Brahma,
the creator and symbolizes, unity among the newly wed
and a promise that they will stay together in happiness
and sorrow. that ritual is also finished.
Swami then asks Rama and Sita to go around three times.
They do so. Every time a particular ritual was asked,
Swami used to look at brother Veda Narayana for the
significant mantras. As far as I know brother Veda has
not performed any weddings, and this was first of its
kind experience for him.
After the grand DIVINE WEDDING, Swami signals the bhajan
boys to sing Rama bhajans and as the bhajans were sung,
Swami asks the boys to bring clothes from inside. Swami
then asks where are the sweets?. In no time, the
students come with steel containers of prasadam. Swami
made sure every one got clothes, and prasadam.
Now Swami came down the dais for the group photo. It was
a very special moment for children who played Rama and
Sita. Swami came down and had a special photographs with
them. Brother Veda naryana who was the priest till that
time, was now playing the role of wedding photographer
capturing those memorable moments of this divine
wedding.Not sure if Swami gave
anything to the lead actors.
After the group photograph, Swami signaled for the
arathi. Being immersed in the DIVINE DRAMA, when I saw
at the clock it was 8:30 pm. After arathi, Swami was
very kind enough to bless us with His Abhaya Hasta. He
raised both His hands and blessed once at the gents side
and again at the ladies side.
We all thought, it is over now but NO.. Swami didn't
want to leave. Swami called the leader again. Asked the
children in the play to line up in such a way that they
leave a path in the middle. Girls were lined up by the
ladies side and gents towards the gents side. A path was
left open right infront of the
dais. Here Rama, Sita, Viswa mitra, Janaka maharaj and
Lakshman were some where in the middle of the line.
Swami send a word to make them stand in the front side.
Rama was in the front behind Rama was Sita, Lakshamana
and so on. Swami now looked at the line and signaled
some of them to move right, left. He was just making
sure, they all were in order. Swami then signaled Sita
to come infront and Rama to
stand behind Sita. The whole crowd burst into laughter.
We all thought Swami would come down the dais and pass
in between them to go His physical abode. NOPE.. Swami
called the photographer to take a photo graph. After
about 3or 4 photos were taken, the photos were shown to
Swami in the camera view finder. Swami seemed convinced
with the photographs. Now brother Sathya who was doing
the video tries to get a shot. Swami signals him to go
ahead. After the video was taken, Swami very kindly
raised both His hands to bless us with one more
complimentary Abhaya hasta thus ending a beautiful and
memorable darshan.
I had no idea infact none of the
devotees in Sai Kulwanth hall had any idea as why this
happened and how. Every one seemed shocked and
surprised. There was a big glow in every ones face after
darshan. Was it a re- enactment of the Divine Wedding of
Rama and Sita. I was bit curious to know if the child
who played the role of Sita was a boy or a girl and my
guess was right, it was a boy.
What a great fortune it was to witness this wonderful
leela of Swami. Not sure what great boon we were
bestowed with. Probably we were one of those fortunate
souls who witnessed the wedding of Rama and Sita or may
be we were right there in the Treta Yuga but were denied
to witness that historic wedding at that time that we
got a more closer look at this DIVINE happening. What
ever may be the cause, it was the most memorable day of
my Prashanthi Dairy. A day which will be remembered and
shared with the generations to come..
Swami what can I say. Thank You.. Thank You.. Thank
You..
Submitted to SBOI-Group
March 1st arrived and with the advent of the new month
the holy festival of Holi. With over 1400 devotees from
the northern states of Bihar and Jharkhand camping in
Prasanthi, the auspicious morning was blessed by
Bhagawan’s darshan.
Bhagawan came ushering into Sai Kulwant Hall at 8:50 am
while Veda chanting was on. After making a complete
round, Bhagawan settled on the dais as Veda chanting
continued till 9:05 am. Bhajans commenced at 9:05 am and
Bhagawan sat through the one hour long session, feasting
thousands of eyes with His Holy Holi Darshan, till 10 am
when Arathi was offered before Bhagawan retired to Yajur
Mandiram.
In the evening, a cultural programme - song and
dance presentation was scheduled as part of the Holi
celebrations. A colourful backdrop was set in the centre
of the hall and Balvikas Children from the states were
seated awaiting the Lord to receive blessings.
After the regular one hour stint of Vedam all eyes were
fixed at the Yajur Mandiram entrance for the first sign
of His arrival. As per the Divine command, bhajans
commenced at 6:00 pm to continue until 6:30 pm when
Arathi was offered as Bhagawan preferred to stay
indoors.
