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PRASANTHI THIS WEEK 

 
 
 

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Posted at 12:04:13 Hrs. IST on 30 Nov 2009

The fortnight that passed by belonged to commemorating His Advent, this time for the 84th time. The Divine Birthday glare was fully on the fortnight and running up to the D-Day, Prasanthi witnessed many an interesting session.

Traditional annual Ratotsavam was the first to come; 18th November is the marked day for this festive grandeur that comes as a forerunner to the grand birthday celebrations. On a pleasant morning when Bhagawan chose to come before nine, Idols including that of Venugopala Swami, were taken out in grand procession from the Mandir to the old Kalyana Mandapam. In a return procession, Sita Rama idols were brought back to the Mandir, a custom that has been in place ever since from the inception days of Chariot Festival.

Ecstatic mood of the village folk dancing to the tune of drumbeats, breaking coconuts and offering arathi was evidential of the religious fervour attached to the festive occasion.

The 19th was the annual ladies’ day, a day marked to the womenfolk to celebrate in the Divine Presence. In a global conglomeration of varied cultures, the womenfolk organizing the function had an array of presentations ranging from Mexico to Thailand, from Fiji Islands to South Africa, finally to culminate with a glittering dance drama in the evening on the pristine life story of Panchali.


The marked day in Prasanthi Nilayam started with Suprabhatam by veteran playback singer Smt. P. Susheela followed by Veda Chanting and Nagar Sankirtan by girl students of Anantapur Campus, which has been the practice right from the inception of the even way back in 1996.

The story, “Panchali Charitamu”, was a “run through” the epic Mahabharata with focus on Panchali and her battle for modesty and righteousness. The drama was a classic enactment, by a group of sixty-four children from Hyderabad, whose labour for perfection was well received by Bhagawan, who was seen deeply engrossed in the presentation that lasted for more than ninety minutes, especially the classic show up by the cast of Panchali.

Earlier, the day began with Bhagawan lighting up the richly decorated Sai Kulwant hall with His majestic presence. The morning proceedings included two overseas speakers, Mrs. Sharon Sandweiss from the US followed by Mrs. Harriet Tay-Agbozo from Ghana, sharing their thoughts.

The Primary School children who would normally glitter the evening/twilight with dazzling heroics on artistry, on the ladies’ day, got their dues on the 20th evening when the stage was set for yet another “epical battle” in the Divine Presence.

Little hearts from the Primary School put up a glittering dance drama, encapsulating the entire Ramayana in forty minutes, effectively sending out the greater message the epic unravels from the life of Lord Sri Ramachandra.

21st Nov, the stage was set for the Annual Convocation Drama 2009. Deviating from the prevailing schedule, this year, the drama was organized preceding the Annual Convocation.

“Vidyaamritam” was a depiction of the saga of courage, sacrifice and determination of a Divine Instrument despite being faced with trials and tribulations. The story traces the protagonist’s struggle against the greed for money that has completely perverted the value system in the current educational scenario. The characters in the drama symbolically represented the subtle cross-currents that plagued the sphere of education. The climax had the sacred touch of reformation brought forth by Bhagawan through His educational movement. The hero rightly declared, the Soul of Education is the Education of the Soul.

In the midst of the drama presentation, Bhagawan materialized a chain for the student playing the lead character.

The “passing out parade” of the young students, both boys and girls, an annual event dotting the Prasanthi Calendar on the 22nd November every year had a twist in its tail when in an unusual gesture, towards the end of His Divine Benedictory Address, Bhagawan had asked His students to sing a song in unison. Reciprocating to the Divine Command, the students sang in chorus the song “Hum ko tum se pyar kitna ...” Receiving the love of the students, Bhagawan declared that their song had given Him immense happiness.

Calling students from the university 'good' compared to other students, Bhagawan exhorted them to earn good names for themselves, parents and for the institution.

This time, deviating from the existing practice, the Convocation was held on the morning of 22nd November, against the normal practice of evening convocations.

Delivering the key note address as the chief guest at the occasion, Prof. Samuel Sandweiss, exhorted the students against developing selfish tendencies as they produce great suffering to their fellow human beings. He advised students to imbibe qualities of service and sacrifice by emulating the teachings of Bhagawan. The teachings of purity should be put into practice in order to gain wider acceptance.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, in his inspirational rhetoric had the story of the inception of the first college at Anantapur followed by the ones in Brindavan and Prasanthi Nilayam. He further spoke about education imparted stressing on character building, UGC appraisal on the University’s performance, various extra-curricular activities undertaken, and about the alumni spread in different parts of the world, becoming role models in the society. Referring to the blurred scenario of current time taking education to a backseat, Prof. Pandit lauded the educational system followed by the University.


Bhagawan distributed 21 gold medals and certificates of commendation to meritorious students of the Sathya Sai University. Four of the current faculties from the University were awarded doctorates for their research papers.

Zee TV sponsored reality show in Marathi, who enchanted the Divine with their natural flow of talent at Hadshi in Pune were again seen in Prasanthi Nilayam, glittering the D-Day eve with yet another musical extravaganza. At Hadshi, Bhagawan was extremely happy with their programme and kept appreciating the fact that they were completely uninhibited and let the meaning of the songs control their gestures.

Completely in synch with their natural talent they sang mellifluously enchanting the Divine producing an array of songs, cooling the hearts, raising the temper of excitement to an unknown realm of devotional ecstasy. The participants, Arya Ambekar, Rohit Raut, Prathamesh Laghate, Mugdha Vaishampayam and Kartiki Gaikwade were felicitated by Bhagawan at the end of the show.

Finally born the D-Day, 23rd November 2009! Marking the grand occasion with gaiety and religious fervour, the day broke open to the chants of Suprabhatam, singing the tune invoking Him, “O Son of Easwaramba! O Resplendent Majestic One! Dawn is heralding in the East… awake, O Lord Sathya Sai!” in the early hours, lighting up the hearts and souls assembled in Prasanthi Nilayam.

Prasanthi experienced unprecedented rush, filling the ashram to its brink. The spacious Sai Kulwant that was the venue for the occasion was full and so was the secondary darshan venue, Poornachandra Auditorium. It is worth to notice that Bhagawan, on the auspicious morning, upon coming out of His Divine Abode, hastened Himself to the Poornachandra Auditorium as if He wanted to satiate the hunger and pain of those who could not get access to the main venue, Sai Kulwant Hall.

The morning was blessed by His immaculate white robe darshan, a rarity that comes only during such selected auspicious occasion. Bhagawan most graciously cut the special birthday cake by the devotees from Italy apart from blessing and cutting scores of cakes representing various institutions. Earlier the famous Carnatic duo from Vijayawada, Malladi Brothers were blessed by Bhagawan to sing in His Divine Presence.

Morning’s immaculate white robe darshan was followed by golden-hued robe darshan of the Lord, lighting the evening turned twilight to eternal bliss.

…And adding to the glittering charm of the blessed twilight came two musical shows; the first to perform was Dana Gillespie from the United Kingdom followed by yet another show up by Malladi Brothers from Vijayawada.

Matching the unprecedented rush, the state Sathya Sai Organisation had deployed additional sevadal force, especially in the areas of food distribution and crowd controlling. The Maharashtra State Organisation had erected ten special stalls in various vantage locations inside the ashram, serving tea, coffee and snacks to the devotees, in collaboration with Girnar Tea as an offering at His Divine Lotus Feet on the auspicious occasion.

…And a glance outside the Prasanthi gates would be interesting as the occasion was meted with great devotional fervour by the locals and shop owners.

All the streets of Puttaparthi, whether it was the main road leading to the Ashram, Samadhi road or Chitravathi road, they were all punctuated with digital prints of Bhagawan accompanied by His sayings. They maybe traders, shopkeepers or belonging to the local Sai Samithi, everyone had the common goal, to express their gratitude to Bhagawan for all that He had done to them. “Happy Birthday to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba” was the common refrain in all the prints. The digital prints from the youth of Chitravathi road reminded one of the coveted Chitravathi sessions which Bhagawan bestowed on devotees in the 1950’s, The pet elephant of Bhagawan, Sai Geeta with Bhagawan was another depiction. The either side walls of the gate of the Ashram had the digital prints of various projects of Bhagawan in the form of a collage. Even leading mobile phone service providers, an international courier company also welcomed the devotees of Bhagawan to Puttaparthi.


On 23rd November, the Birthday of Bhagawan, in almost all the streets of Puttaparthi, free food (tamarind rice, sweet pongal and curd rice) was distributed in unlimited quantities to devotees. A bakery outlet even distributed cakes to devotees. Inside the Ashram, all the temples, Bhagawan’s residence, shopping complex and Book Stall were illuminated beautifully with lights.

There were other events during the fortnight that involved the participation of Bhagawan. The first to come was the 16th evening when Bhagawan blessed and ‘honoured’ the intramural captains of all the campuses of the Sai educational institutions at His residence. The session that was convened at the adjoining building next to Bhagawan’s residence, Yajur Mandiram was attended by 24 girls and 24 boys, all captains and vice captains of various houses.

The same evening also witnessed a Burrakatha on the life of Mother Easwaramma and Bhagawan’s foster mother Karnam Subbamma.

20th Nov being the anniversary of Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music, boys from the college had a private session with Bhagawan inside the bhajan hall singing exclusively for Him. Earlier, the same morning Bhagawan most lovingly cut a cake meant for the occasion, blessing the students from the college.

On the 20th evening Poornachandra witnessed the Convocation Drama rehearsal that was blessed by Bhagawan’s filing presence. This was the final dress rehearsal before the final show scheduled for 21st evening.

“Life on Wheels”, a sophisticated modern ambulance with multifarious features, with a commitment to survival of life under adverse conditions, was blessed and inaugurated by Bhagawan outside His residence on the 20th evening. The ambulance was an offering by iCare, Ion Bio Med-iCare Pvt. Ltd., Delhi owned by Anil Kulwant Rai and Group, to Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust.

A new entrance gate to the ashram, parallel to the existing Ganesh Gate, was thrown open to the devotees during the birthday occasion. This new gate has security check-up points for ladies and gents separate, well guarded by women and men volunteers (sevadals) separately. This would make the “traffic” effective as the existing gate that had been used for both entrance and exit would become the new exit point where as the new gate would be new entrance point.

Post the D-Day, Prasanthi was still bustling, reminiscing the grandeur of the occasion, though there were no special activities or programmes scheduled. This was fortnight that was blessed by His sumptuous presence filling and fulfilling minds, hearts and souls.

A UGC review team was in Prasanthi Nilayam visiting the University for a routine inspection ahead of the NAAC team visit scheduled for next month.

Dignitary visit during the fortnight included the Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, VHP veternan leader Ashok Singhal, Former Foreign Secretary M.K.Rasgotra, Former Air Force Chief NK Suri, Popular Actor from Malayalam Cinema Mohanlal, Minister of Major Industries, AP, J. Geetha Reddy, Veteran Tamil Film actor Saukar Janaki, popular film playback singer Kavita Subramaniam etc.

 

 
 
 
 
 

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba  Birthday updates  photos and videos - Happy Birthday Sai Baba - 23 November
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Gearing up for Divine Birthday -  PTW

Gearing up for Divine Birthday Posted at 03:30:00 Hrs. IST on 17 Nov 2009 Gearing up for Divine Birthday

"The week in the run up to the
birthday celebrations  has been busy as Prasanthi is gearing to match herself with the tempo of the ensuing grand occasion. One could see scores of sevadal volunteers engaged in sprucing up the Poornachandra facing the Divine Abode, an action that would be replicated in every inch of Prasanthi in the run up to the festive occasion. As if showing up for a trial run, neon bulbs were already glittering atop the Divine Abode heralding the imminence of the birthday celebration. …And at the other end, the famous Italian group is seen in action shaping up the Birthday Cake...
 

Bhagawan, after witnessing the rehearsal session... leaving in His car


The week had interesting developments apart from the best of all, the feast for the eyes, hearts, minds and souls…His Divine Darshan!


Auspicious Thursday, 12th November 2009, resembled a Krishnashtami celebration as number of cows to be donated to the Mantralayam temple were brought into the Sai Kulwant Hall for Divine Blessings. Bhagawan, upon coming from His Divine Abode, blessed these quadrupeds attending to them while bhajans were on. The scene was enacted once again when Bhagawan chose to come out of His interview room for yet another bout of blessings. Bhagawan most lovingly fed these cows to the delight of thousands, including the tiny tots from the primary school, who were present for the morning darshan, being auspicious Thursday. The Mantralayam temple was badly hit, losing hundreds of quadrupeds apart from human casualties, during the recent floods that created havoc in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is learnt that a total of eighty four cows would be donated to the temple, in His name, on the auspicious occasion of Bhagawan’s
birthday.

With
Birthday comes the annual convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University. The convocation every year brings thematic drama presentation by the students of Sri Sathya Sai University. With the drama troupe gearing up to rise to the Divine benchmark, Bhagawan made a personal “Super-Vision” at the Institute Auditorium giving a fillip to the enthusiasm that was already building up.
 

Bhagawan made a personal “Super-Vision” at the Institute Auditorium giving a fillip to the enthusiasm that was already building up.


Bhagawan, after witnessing the rehearsal session, interacted with the crew, giving them personal attention, guiding them to improve their performance. To some, He advised to bring feelings while acting, to some others, His advice was to bring a punch in dialogue delivery and to some others about the costumes. Bhagawan was explained the drama in detail by the Warden of Brindavan Hostel, Sri B.N.Narasimhamurthy, who is directing the drama.
 

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Visit to State of Maharashtra - 3 Newly released videos Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's Mumbai visit  added to SBOI TUBE -  Watch Sai Baba videos online
 page today
 
Video:  Sri Sathya Sai Baba gives darshan in Mumbai Video: Bhagawan in Mumbai - Jamboori Maidan, Worli (North) - 01.11.2009 - Bhajan and Darshan Video: Bhagawan in Mumbai - Brabourne Stadium (CCI) - 01.11.09 - Evening Programme


Video:  Sri Sathya Sai Baba gives darshan in Mumbai
Bhagawan in Mumbai - 31.10 2009 - NSE Ground Goregaon (E)


Bhagawan arrived at Bombay Exhibition Centre, NSE Complex, at the Air-conditioned Hall No 1, Western Express Highway Goregaon (East), Mumbai around 6.05 pm and He was there for an hour and left while the Aarti was being performed.

The noted renowned vocalist Shri Sonu Nigam and his musicians took padnamaskar before starting the program.

Sonu Nigam sang about some half a dozen devotional songs. some of which were from the film, Shirdi Ke Sai Baba. He also requested Bhagawan whether he could sing his favourite philosophical song for Him " Kal Ho Na Ho". The audience witnessing this play of love between Bhagawan and Sonu Nigam smiled and clapped.

 

Video: Bhagawan in Mumbai - Jamboori Maidan, Worli (North) - 01.11.2009 - Bhajan and Darshan
Once gain the it was jam packed. Literally in Mumbai due to shortage of space and the influx of the population a huge crowd of over 25000 people gathered to have darshan of Bhagawan at Jamboori Maidan, Worli, North Mumbai

Bhagawan entered the stage around 11.10 am and He was here for about 30-35 minutes. Today's programme was Bhajan and Darshan. After performing the Aarti, He blessed the huge gathering and left the stage around 11.45 am

*******************

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Visit to State of Maharashtra -Photos

Video: Bhagawan in Mumbai - Brabourne Stadium (CCI) - 01.11.09 - Evening Programme

Bhagawan in Mumbai - Brabourne Stadium (CCI) - 01.11.09 - Evening Programme
The moment Bhagawan entered the stadium around 5.50 pm, hundreds of red and white heart shaped balloons with the words " Om Shree Sai Ram" inscribed on them were released.
Shri Nimish Pandya sought Bhagwan's permission for musical performance by the students of the Mirpuri College of Music.
What a wonderful evening it was. Hats off to the students of the Mirpuri College of Music for their stellar and superlative performance before a mammoth gathering here at the Cricket Club of India also known as the Brabourne Stadium.
Every song as the sayings goes when one discuss about a game called cricket, was like a perfect shot played by the batsman (the singers) in the presence and under the supervision of the Divine Master. Mumbai people are fond of good music. The crowd enjoyed every moment and we in Mumbai will always remember in our hearts forever. We hope that there will be more such occasions in the future.
Each and every songs was laced with love and true feelings. It is this love and true feelings which have drawn the boys closer to Swami. Ultimately this is the only weapon we must carry with us in order to win the love and grace of Bhagawan.
After the musical programme, the students of the Mirpuri College of Music were called for a padnamaskar and photo-session with Swami.
The programme concluded around 7.30 pm with the Aarti to Bhagawan.


Bhagawan spent a quality time of one hour at the auditorium lifting the spirits of the entire drama crew. Apart from the University Administration and faculty members, Secretary of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Mr. K.Chakravarthi, Former Vice Chancellor Mr. S.V.Giri etc. were also present during the occasion. While returning, Bhagawan had a close look at the Institute Brass Band rehearsal session, a session arranged specially for the Divine.

In an unusual gesture Bhagawan blessed the staff along with families of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield, to come over to Prasanthi Nilayam to have His Divine Darshan. The first batch of 120 was in Prasanthi during the weekend, for a two days stay, as Bhagawan’s guests.

 



The group was blessed to have a private session with Bhagawan in the bhajan hall on the
14th, Saturday evening that lasted for over forty five minutes. Bhagawan had words of advice to the old students who are working at the hospital, and even interacted with many in the group, making Himself available sumptuously. It is learnt from reliable sources that staff along with family members would be coming in turns, every month as advised by Bhagawan. The group had extended sessions, having orientation talks by Prof. Anil Kumar and Sri B.N. Narasimhamurthy. It is noteworthy to mention that the nursing students from the same hospital had come in batches in the recent months at His instance
 


Over 1700 Youth, 1300 men and 400 women, have come from Tamil Nadu on the auspices of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations on a Parthi Yatra pilgrimage for three days, from the
12th to 15th November. The youth were blessed to stage a drama on real life incidents happened in connection with the epoch making, Sri Sathya Sai Village Integration Programme, setting the stage for individual and societal transformation.

“Sathya Kathalu”, the dance drama had two such incidents of societal transformation, happened in two remote villages in Tamil Nadu. Earlier, on the
14th evening, the youth , represented by a group of sixteen presented a bouquet of songs, titled Nadopasana, as an offering at His Divine Lotus Feet.
 




Rose beneficiaries for the week were Dr. Gopalakrishnan (Opthalmology) Dr. Poopal Rajah (Opthalmology), Dr. C.K.Reddy (Radiology), Mr. Bipin Desai (Canteen), Mr. Varadarajan (Academics), Mr. Ramakrishna (Librarian).
 

All the updates & Photos - Happy Birthday Sai Baba - 23 November
<< to 84th Birthday page

 
 
 
 



Posted at 18:01:00 Hrs. IST on 11 Nov 2009

Prasanthi Nilayam and Dharmakshetra, twin abodes, woke up to Monday, 2nd November morning with completely contradictory feelings. While Prasanthi Nilayam was in her exuberant best humming tunes to welcome her beloved back, back in Mumbai, Dharmakshetra was experiencing a mixed feeling, rhyming a slow parting tune, reminiscent of a heart that embraced her beloved with all her pristine love, often going nostalgic at her past many an experience of parting her beloved.

Yes, The Lord was returning…and the day at Dharmakshetra began in a somber mode at the very thought of bidding farewell to her Beloved, only to regain her charm embracing the subtlety of the parting feeling which is a reunion at another level.

After two days of hectic schedule busying Bhagawan like any other mumbaikar, the day of departure had no fixed official schedules. After having an interactive session with a group of old students of Sri Sathya Sai University at the Sathya Deep complex, Bhagawan came down to the Jalan Mandap for the parting darshan for the thousands gathered to see the Lord in physical once again in the blessed Dharmakshetra premises.

The parting moment arrived at 2:45 p.m. when His car glided past the holy precincts of Dharmakshetra, escorted by a fleet of over fifteen cars heading to Chatrapathi Shivaji International Terminus. Farewell is a word, so simple and so dour…but the feeling it induces tells how much you loved Him…and the silence that hung in the air and the deserted look Dharmakshetra wore upon His departure said it all.

 



Lifting off at around 4, the airborne sojourn took precisely sixty-five minutes landing at the tarmac at the Prasanthi Airport at 5:04 p.m. The fortunate aircrew, each member in the entourage and the police security team were blessed with individual “in-flight” photo sessions at the Mumbai Airport before the take off. …And before leaving the Airport premises Bhagawan yet again blessed the crew, for their loving services rendered to Bhagawan and His entourage.

It was a slow attentive drive back to the ashram through the three kilometer stretch blessing hundreds enroute to reach the holy precincts for a traditional welcome with Poornakumbham, colourful flag bearing procession coupled with Vedic chants and a rented air with couple of melodious and meaningful “Swagatham” songs.

First couple of days after His arrival had been witnessing late evening darshans, almost leading to twilight.

Akhanda Bhajan that has been a regular fixture for the second saturday and sunday of the birthday month in the Prasanthi Calendar ever since its inception came bit early this year. 1st of November being the first sunday of the week and 8th November coming as the second sunday, Akhanda Bhajan was scheduled for the 7th and 8th of November. 7th November being Bhagawan’s Birthday based on the Telugu almanac, He chose to distribute sarees to selected fifty odd old women devotees, all by Himself personally ‘handpicking’ the devotees.

The evening witnessed Bhagawan’s fulsome presence. Having come down to the hall at 4:20, after making several rounds and distributing sarees to selected ones, Bhagawan came back to the Bhajan hall again at 5:30. Interacting with many a student, Bhagawan finally lit the Akhanda Jyothi officially commencing the 24-hour Akhanda Bhajan 2009 for Global Peace. After sitting for half an hour, Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram , only to return to the hall at a quarter to eight. Blessing the singers and students in the bhajan hall with His gracious presence, Bhagawan moved down the aisle taking rounds of the illumined Sai Kulwant Hall, packed with devotees, reverberating with bhajans. Bhagawan later returned to Yajur Mandiram at quarter to nine spending a full hour with devotees in the Mandir.

 



Loud speakers were turned off as a regular practice till the next morning at eight. ..And half an hour slots were fixed for various recognized groups to sing bhajans covering the night session without loud speakers. The morning witnessed yet another saga of His sumptuous darshan. Bhagawan came at around ten and had been there till half past twelve, granting His gracious presence inside and outside Bhajan Hall, moving around, often coming down the aisle blessing the vast concourse. Once again loudspeakers were turned off until half past four. In the evening, Bhagawan came at half past five, once again blessing the bhajan hall that had been eluding His gracious presence during bhajans, for past over ten months, ever since Bhagawan commanded to have bhajans outside. Bhajans continued beyond the scheduled hours, at His instructions, till ten minutes past six when He called for Mangala Arathi.

In the meantime, while coming out from Yajur Mandiram, Bhagawan graciously blessed the prasadam kept at the rear end of the third block in Sai Kulwant Hall. At the end of the twenty-four hour marathon bhajans, prasadam, tamarind rice along with sweet rice, was distributed to the vast concourse of devotees including students. Bhagawan, role-modelling like a typical responsible head of a family, supervised the entire prasadam distribution, spending quite time in the middle, first in the bhajan hall followed by a session on the dais, watching the proceedings outside. Selected teachers and students from the Anantapur campus, involved in leading the Bhajans were blessed with sarees at the hands of Bhagawan after the bhajan sessions. With Bhagawan returning at ten minutes past seven, the week was slowly drawing the curtain handing over the baton to yet another fresh one which was on the anvil.

 



Dignitary visit for the week included Higher Secondary Education Minister from Karnataka, Aravinda Limbavali seeking Divine Blessings. The week’s Rose Beneficiaries were Director of SSSIHMS, Dr. A.N. Safaya, Asst. Director of SSSIHMS, Dr. Jagdish Chandran, Chief Engineer at SSSIHMS, Mr. Vishwanathan and Plastic Surgeon at SSSIHMS, Dr. Raghava Reddy.

Reflections were pouring in with the blessed entourage returned with Bhagawan bringing inspiring and interesting tales of their sojourn with Bhagawan. For some, it was an occasion to offer back unto The Lord all that He has blessed them with, and for some other it was an great learning ground, seeing and experiencing the organizational modes, living up to His benchmark…all were basking in His glory, reflecting and reminiscing the Highest Boon that came unto them…a Journey with The Divine!

 

 
 
 
 
 

PRASANTHI THIS WEEK  - Ending 1st Nov 2009

Posted at 19:30 :00 Hrs. IST on 3rd Nov 2009

The week that went past clearly belonged to Maharashtra, precisely to Pune and Mumbai as it was the Puneites and Mumbaikars who were privileged to bask in His Divine All Conquering Love, when Bhagawan embarked on a week-long visit to the twin cities.
 

et Airways owned chartered Jet Airliner Boeing 737-700 carrying Bhagawan

 

28th October was Pune’s scheduled date with Divinity and the city was blushing like a bride in eager anticipation of her Lord’s imminent presence. Taking off at 8:30 a.m. in a chartered Jet Airliner, with an entourage comprising

fifty members, that included students, senior devotees and ‘family’ members, Bhagawan’s Air Chariot touched down the Pune Airport Bhagawan’s Air Chariot touched down the Pune Airport at 9:40 a.m. for a grand reception led by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Sri Ashok Chavan and former Union Home Minister Sri Shivaraj Patil.

 

Summing up the first half of Bhagawan’s week-long visit to Pune and Mumbai someone reflected it as “HIS CELEBRATION OF JADHAV’S LOVE…”. True to the saying "God’s Delays are Not God’s Denials", fulfilling the long cherished desire coupled with fervent prayers of the Jadhavs and the Puneites, Divinity encased in human frame, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba blessed the Peshwa City with abundance, with abundance of His Love, all by His gracious presence for three full days! Thousands upon thousands thronged to have a glimpse of The Lord in physical. It was indeed the fructification of the Jadhavs’ unparalleled devotion and surrender to Bhagawan. …And the blessed village Hadshi in Pune is now blessed with a Divine Abode,  Sri Sathya Sai Panduranga Kshetra!

It was celebration galore for the next three days with Bhagawan visiting the house of His host twice, attending cultural programmes, sanctifying the triune temple and delivering an electrifying Divine Discourse besides officiating the Poornahuthi of the Yajna that had been going on, on the sidelines of His Divine Visit.  Now, Sri Sathya Sai Panduranga Kshetra stands majestic, blissfully radiating a pristine aura, induced by the gracious presence of her Lord!

Enlightening Divine Discourse
The enlightening
 Divine Discourse, the only one during the entire sojourn, started off in Bhagawan’s inimitable style hailing Bharat and her cultural heritage. The discourse was full of Bhagawan’s regular adages divulging topics into His timeless teachings exhorting one and all to raise to the level of Divine Consciousness. Bhagawan spoke about a life of love – not to criticize anyone and to correct one’s own

Sai Baba Discourse hadshi - photos2_day2_sri_sathya_sai_baba_pune_mumbai_hadshi_temple_panduranga_kshetra

 

faults rather than pointing fingers at others. He also spoke about the oneness of all beings and also stressed that our life has to be His message. Concluding the Discourse Bhagawan said: “…If anybody does good, follow it. This is the message of Baba to everyone today. The whole world should be happy. Let all the beings be happy”. The Divine Discourse was translated into English and Maratti simultaneously. The Divine Discourse was preceded by three speeches by Mr. Jadhav, the Divine host at Hadshi, Mr. V.Srinivasan, All India President of SSSSO followed by Sri Nishikant Barodekar, faculty, Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music.

Showing Omnipresence?
In His
Divine Discourse, Bhagawan also spoke about compassion for all living beings. He particularly mentioned snakes and scorpions and said that these creatures don't attack unnecessarily. They attack only because they fear us humans.

Here is a tag to the above Divine remark. Interestingly, a day prior to Bhagawan's Discourse, a snake was spotted close to the music and lights equipment. The men feared it would get into their equipment so they contemplated killing it. However, two lady devotees stopped them, and instead caught the scared snake in some cushion covers, and handed it to another lady devotee who offered to release it.

The lady devotees cautioned small crowd that had gathered around the snake that Bhagawan would never like anyone killing it.

And there came His Divine Discourse and an “off-the-cuff” remark about compassion for living beings... He gave His speech and spoke about snakes and scorpions! It is coincidental for the ordinary, but indeed ‘Saicidental’ for the Beloved Almighty Omnipresent Lord!

(Incidentally, Sri Sathya Sai Panduranga Kshetra is teeming with snake holes, but there was not even a single case of a snake bite reported. It was as though the snake(s) were charmed by the Lord and were content with His blissful darshan...)

Parting Scenes
Three full days of merriments and celebrations and the
31st morning dawned with the blushing bride that she was, Pune, getting herself set to bid farewell to her Beloved Lord! The Lord was set to leave for Mumbai for the second leg of His Divine visit.

…And Bhagawan left the Panduranga Kshetra at around 10.45 a.m. with villagers lined up in a disciplined manner giving The Lord a “Guard of Honour “along the entrance and road leading towards Lonavala. One could see the winding

 procession, the Divine Caravan comprising of motorbikes, two cars with security guards, Bhagawan’s car and a string of 20 cars following. A parting Blessing from The Lord, an Abhayahastha and the convoy sped on, towards an eagerly awaiting Mumbai and His  Divine Abode atop the hills in Andheri East,  Dharmakshetra

Over to Mumbai
Speeding past the six lane track Pune – Mumbai Express Highway, Bhagawan reached Dharmakshetra just before 14:00 Hrs. to a grand ceremonial welcome . Over hundred motorcyclists escorted Bhagawan during the journey till official escort equivalent to that of the President of India took over the charge. It was after a long 9-10 years that Bhagawan was setting His Feet at the holy precincts of His Divine Abode, Dharmakshetra.

    Mumbai welcome Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba  - Day 4

 

Mumbai witnessed three public programmes , first one at the NSE grounds, Goregaon wherein singer of repute, Sonu Nigam  enthralled the Divine with his melodious rendering; the second programme was at Jamboori Maidan, Worli followed by the final programme at Brabourne Stadium, Churchgate wherein the grateful students of Sri Sathya Sai University transported one and all to heavenly heights with their enrapturing devotional numbers.

Banking on Baba
While high-profile dignitaries made a beeline to receive blessings from Bhagawan, it was the Chief Minister’s special privilege to have Him at his official residence, Varsha at Malabar Hill, for a private session blessing the family and close aids. Later Bhagawan paid a visit to the State Home Minister, Jayant Patil’s residence as well, acceding to his prayers. Earlier on the first day of His visit, Bhagawan blessed the doyen of SSSSO, Indulal Shah with a visit to his residence at Khar West.

Following up with the high profile conference on “Ethics and World of Finance” held in Prasanthi Nilayam in August, top shots from the industry converged yet again in the Dharmakshetra complex Banking on His Blessings. Some of the prominent names attended the function were Former ICICI Bank Chairman, KV Kamath, the Chairman and MD of the Union Bank of India, MV Nair, Kotak Bank’s Vice-Chairman and MD, Uday Kotak, Gunit Chadha, the head of Deutsche Bank’s India operations, PMS Prasad, a director on the board of Reliance Industries (RIL), India’s largest private sector company, and Meera Sanyal, CEO, RBS/ABN Amro Bank and an independent candidate from the South Mumbai parliamentary constituency and Bodhisatva Ganguly, Dy. Chief Editor of nation’s premier financial daily, The Economic Times.

Who’s Who?
Other who’s who thronged to have a glimpse of Bhagawan included former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and currently Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, Chairman, Tata Group, Ratan Tata, Bollywood singers of fame, Hariharan, Sonu Nigam and Kunal Ganjawala, Santoor exponent Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Bollywood Actress, Alvira Khan Agnihotri and famous Fashion Designer Saina NC, daughter of former Sheriff of Mumbai, Nana Chudasama apart from the high-profile names from the banking sector.

The Chief Minister’s residence had a huge chunk of VVIP devotees that included former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, senior NCP leader Praful Patel, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Manikrao Thakre, Mumbai Congress unit president Kripa Shankar Singh, State Legislative Council chairman Shivajirao Deshmukh, industrialist Ashok Hinduja and leading builder Niranjan Hiranandani. The outgoing Home Minister Jayant Patil also played host to Bhagawan. Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee and Cricketing Legend Sunil Gavaskar were also present during the occasion offering salutations to Bhagawan.

Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust gets felicitated
In appreciation of the key role played by the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust in disaster reconstruction in the post flood situation in Orissa, the Orissa State Disaster Management Authority, a Govt. of Orissa Agency felicitated the SSSCT in a state level programme organized at Jayadev Bhavan, Bhubaneshwar on the 29th October. Mr. K.Chakravarthi,IAS, Secretary, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, received the felicitation from the hands of the Chief Minister, Mr. Naveen Patnaik, on behalf of the Trust. The function was organized coinciding the Orissa Disaster Preparedness Day and the National Day for Disaster Reduction.

In the meantime even during Bhagawan’s physical absence, Prasanthi was full of life with fairly good crowd staying back inducing ‘life’ in Ashram …and the last couple of days become vibrant with the return of University and school students after a ten day long winter vacation. With the Akhanda Bhajan scheduled for next week followed by ensuing 84th Birthday celebrations, students from the Brindavan campus also returned to Prasanthi Nilayam wherein they would be having regular classes for the first half of November.

PHOTOS - Updates : Happy birthday Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

Yes, the week ended leaving Bhagawan in Mumbai…and Prasanthi was bustling with enthusiasm at the imminence of her Beloved’s return, due for the first day of the following week.

 

 

 

You may also like this story: Swami's arrival in Puttaparthi
 

Swami's arrival in Puttaparthi
"...precisely couple of minutes after the clock ticked five, the tiny birdlike air-chariot, Jet Airliner Boeing 737-700 grew larger in proportion, finally touching down the tarmac of the Sri Sathya Sai Airport at 5:04 p.m. after a more than an hour air sojourn from Mumbai to Puttaparthi..."

 

 
 
 
 
 

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