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PRASANTHI NEWS - DARSHAN -
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Special
Announcement…
Remembering Sai with love…
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
MahaSamadhi Darshan - Prasanthi Nilayam | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sri Sathya Sai Baba's MahaSamadhi
Program Schedule of Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam 22nd – 24th April
2013 |
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| Sarod Recital by Pt Narendra Nath Dhar…Thursday, April 25th, 2013
A classical instrumental offering by noted
Sarod exponent, Pandit Narendra Nath Dhar marked the culmination of the
three-day Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam this evening here in Prasanthi
Nilayam. |
Born in Kolkotta, Pandit Dhar had his initial training under Pandit Radhika Mohan Moitra and later under Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and has been regular on All India Radio and Doordarshan. Accompanied by Sri Ravindra Yavagal on Tabla, who played in perfect sync with the artist, Pandit Dhar began his concert with a slow piece in Raag Madhuvan, catching up, building the crescendo in the beautiful twilight, well received by an appreciative audience that went into raptures.
Pandit Dhar continued with a couple of more sublime pieces, decorating the twilight with the magic of his evening ragas, before signing off to a round of applause.
Even as bhajans commenced, the artistes were felicitated by senior Trust officials. Bhajans continued and Mangala Arathi was offered at 1850 hrs. marking the end of the three-day Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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| Guru Vandana and Maha Poornahuthi…Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
Maha Poornahuthi was offered into the
sacrificial fire of the the 3-day Vishwa Shanthi Loka Kalyana Homam in the
immediate Divine Presence of Beloved Bhagawan at 0900 hrs. this morning here
in Prasanthi Nilayam. | Today, 24 April 2013, marks the 2 year completion of the fateful day in April 2011, when Beloved Bhagawan chose to withdraw from the public view.
Commemorating the sanctity of the occasion, second year in succession, Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam is being organised for the past three days. The third and final day’s proceedings began at 0545 hrs. with Vedic incantations followed by Sudarshana Homam, that lasted for two hours, until 0800 hrs. Guru Vandana, a musical offering, by the students that followed had some of the ever green numbers often heard in His immediate presence, enough to evoke nostalgic memoirs of the golden past. The songs were: Om Gam Ganapathaye Namo Namah:, Sai Rama Smaranam Sai Roopa Dhyanam…, a Qawwali, Tere Ghar Par Aaye Hey Hum…, Guru Brahma Neevey…Param Jyothi Neevey…, Idhey Idhey Sathya Sai Divya Prabhavam…Prema Pravaham…, Thuu Pyaar Ka Sagar Hey…, etc…
Bhagawan’s Divine discourse followed next, played on the public address system. All spiritual disciplines render some merits, but the Ultimate Truth lies in knowing the reality behind our existence, I Am I, said Bhagawan, exhorting the devotees to work to know the Real I. Bhagawan’s discourse was revolved around the Atma Principle and Love…the most essential ingredient of human life. Bhagawan concluded His Divine discourse singing two bhajans, Bhaja Govindam…Bhaja Govindam followed by Preme Muditha Manasey Kaho…
Maha Poornahuthi for the Vishwa Shanthi Loka Kalyana Homam followed next. Even as bhajans by the students commenced, priests went around the Sai Kulwant Hall sprinkling sanctified water, partaking the blessings of the three-day Vishwa Shanthi Homam.
Laddu Prasadam was distributed to the entire audience. Mangala Arathi was offered at 0950 hrs, marking the culmination of the morning proceedings.
As is the tradition set last year, Maha Narayana Seva was organised for the poor and downtrodden at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, serving clothing and food for thousands. Thousands of devotees from the near by villages thronged the venue well in advance of the scheduled hour to receive the love offering from Bhagawan. Senior Trust Members and officials from Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Andhra Minister Mrs J Geeta Reddy, Puttaparthi MLA Pallela Raghunatha Reddy etc. were present at the venue, participating in the ‘Yajna’.
Interestingly, the sweltering summer and high temperature gave way to a cool and cloudy set up in the morning with rain clouds prevailing over the morning Sun. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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| Rudra Kramarchana to Sai Lingeshwara…Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
Scholarly talk, Divine discourse and scriptural
renditions marked the second evening of the ongoing three day Sri Sathya Sai
Aradhana Mahotsavam, today here in Prasanthi Nilayam. | Earlier, proceedings for the evening commenced at 1700 hrs. with Rudam Chanting by the students. Dr Papaya Sastry, an erudite Telugu professor was the guest speaker for the evening. Beginning his speech with a lengthy Telugu poetic rendition on the glory of Sri Sathya Sai, the learned speaker from Gollapudi, Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh spoke on for the next 45 minutes on Lord Sri Ramachandra as Embodiment Of Dharma.
Bhagawan’s Divine Discourse followed next, played on the Public Address System. Exhorting the audience to delve in to self-inquiry to know “Who Am I?”, Bhagawan assured the devotees that once they know their real essence, rest will be known. Real spirituality is to get rid off all animal, bestial tendencies to transform into human to ultimately become Divine.
Human life is essentially Divine and God created humans with a purpose. Man should understand this and act upon said Bhagawan, illustrating a Mahabharata episode involving Bhagawan Sri Krishna and Dharmaja.
Speaking on ancient mode of worship of Mother Nature and Mother Earth, Bhagawan posed a question as to, if Mother Nature and Mother Earth are providing all wherewithal for human beings, what is wrong in worshipping them as Divine.
Bhagawan concluded His Divine discourse with the bhajan, Hari Bhajana Bina Sukha Shanthi Nahi… Continuing with the Vishwa Shanthi Loka Kalyana Homam, Rudra Kramarchana was offered by the priests next, to the Sri Sayeeshwara Lingam. Other scriptural chanting for the evening includes Trishathi, Shiva Sahasranama and Lalitha Sahasra Nama Parayanams.
Tomorrow being the final day of the three-day Homam, Sudarshana Homam will be conducted before the Maha Purnahuthi Offering. Bhajans continued before Mangala Arathi offering at 1950 hrs. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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| Chandi Homam and Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam…Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013
Today, on the 2nd
day of the ongoing 3-day Vishwa Shanthi Loka Kalyana Homam, Divine Parents,
Easwara and Mother Divine were propitiated simultaneously in a function that
lasted for more than three hours. | Earlier, the day’s proceedings commenced at 0600 hrs. with Vedic invocations, Chaturveda Parayanam, scriptural renditions of the four Vedas.
Even as Chandi Homam, propitiating the Mother Divine, commenced simultaneously, Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam was also being done to Sai Lingeshwara, invoking blessings of Sai-Easwara, and the whole of Sai Kulwant Hall turned vibrant with scriptural renditions from Chandi Saptashathi and that pertaining to Mrithyunjaya Havanam. The Lingabhishekam was done to the Sri Sathya Sayeeshwara Lingam of Ati Rudra Yajna 2006 fame, blessed by the Divine Hands. Abhishekam was done with Water, Honey, Vibhuti, Rice, Sugar, Curd, Milk, Panchamritham etc. was done as part of the offerings. Earlier, before the commencement of the Rudrabhishekam, the Sathya Sayeeshwara Lingam was brought into the venue in a procession accompanied by Vedic chantings. A makeshift podium was set facing the Sanctum Sanctorum, adorned by the Linga.
Suryanamaskaram, in traditional style, to the accompaniment of holy recitations from sacred texts was done by one of the priests all through the session. This is done for the physical and mental health of entire mankind. At the end of the Chandi Homam and Pattabhishekam, decorating the Sayeeshwara Lingam with due paraphernalia, Shiva Ashtotharam followed by Sathya Sai Ashtotharam was offered to the Sathya Sayeeshwara Linga with symbolic floral offerings. This was followed by the final ritual for the morning, Laghu Purnahuthi, marking the end of the morning session of second day’s Vishwa Shanthi Loka Kalyana Homam.
The Vishwa Shanthi Loka Kalyana Homam is being officiated by Sri Ramakrishna Sastry from Tirupathi, accompanied by 20 priests from Tirupathi and surrounding areas. Bhajans by the students continued before Mangala Arathi offering at 1030 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage of devotees. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
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Talk, Holy Chantings…Evening Prog. | Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013
Today, in the
first evening of the three-day Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam, erudite
scholar from Andhra Pradesh Dr Nori Narayana Murthy gave a scholarly
exposition in Telugu talking on the epic Ramayana that was followed by
Chaturveda Parayanam by the priests conducting the Vishwa Shanthi Homam and
bhajans by the students here in Prasanthi Nilayam. |
Earlier, the evening session commenced with Rudram chanting by the students at 1700 hrs. Dr Nori Naryana Murthy, giving an eloquent expression based on the epic, Ramayana, enlightened the evening assembly with his lucid musical narration of Sita Rama Kalyanam. Intertwining his scholarly exposition with melodious singing of bhajans and verses from epics, Dr Murthy regaled the audience for 45 minutes narrating wonder-tales from the Ramayana, often reminding the audience of the Oneness of Sai-Rama.
Bhagawan’s Divine discourse, played on the loud speaker system, followed next. With the passage of time man has not changed; ill-feeling has not disappeared from human hearts. This is not a desirable trend, echoed Bhagawan talking of the greatness of Bharatiya culture. None has understood the full potential of Bharatiya culture, said Bhagawan exhorting the audience to understand its greatness in full measure.
Sarva Jiva Namaskaram Keshavam…whomsoever you salute, it reaches God, said Bhagawan cautioning Sai devotees to refrain from evil path following His dictum. Explaining about the five sheaths in human body, including the bliss sheath, Bhagawan said human heart has gone barren with bliss missing in the heart.
At the end of the Divine discourse, continuing with the Vishwa Shanthi Loka Kalyana Homam, priests got engaged in chanting holy traditional renditions from Mantra Pushpam, chanting Chandi Saptashathi, Navagraha Mahamrithyunjaya chanting, Sudarshana chanting etc. Bhajans by students continued and ended with Mangala Arathi at 2005 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire audience. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Vishwa
Shanthi Homam For “Peace Unto The World” | Monday, April 22nd, 2013 Vishwa Shanthi Homam gets underway… Sai fraternity’s greater commitment to World Peace got a fillip today with the commencement of the three-day Vishwa Shanti Loka Kalyana Homam this morning here in Prasanthi Nilayam. The three-day Vishwa Shanthi Homam is being organised as part of the Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam 2013 and is aimed at World Peace.
Amidst loud Vedic chantings, well supplemented by nadaswaram music, the programme commenced at 05:45 hrs. with the priests taking out a procession circumambulating Prasanthi Mandir, arriving at the venue.
The specially erected, well decked up, Yajna Mandap had the fire-pit at the centre, facing the Seat Of The Divine; Idols of Eternal Divine Parents, Lord Shiva along with Mother Parvathi, along with Kalashas, adorned a make-shift podium set next to the fire-pit.
Initial proceedings for the Homa began at 0600 hrs. with Swasthi Vachanam, Ganapathi Puja, Punyaha Vachanam followed by Sri Sathya Sai Ashothara Archana.
Even as the priests retired to the Bhajan Hall, for Vastra Dhaanam, Veda Chanting by the students continued until they returned after Dheeksha Dharanam to continue with further proceedings.
Worshipping the cow, Go-Puja, came next, followed by an array of rituals, namely, Ritwik Varanam, Panchagamya Prasnam, Mandapa Aradhanam, Ganapathi Homam, Navagraha VAasthu Pancha Suktha Homam, etc.
Even as the Homam continued, simultaneously worship was also being offered to the Divine Couple by a set of priests.
The morning function pertaining to the Vishwa Shanti Homam concluded with the offering of Poornahuth at 10:00 hrs.
Bhajans continued until Mangala Arathi offering at 1015 hrs. marking the end of the morning session.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Vishwa
Shanthi Homam For “Peace Unto The World” | Monday, April 22nd, 2013 As part of the
three-day Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam 2013, a Vishwa Shanthi Loka
Kalyana Homam will be conducted for three days starting from tomorrow, at
the Sanctum Sanctorum in Sai Kulwant Hall in the immediate Divine Presence
of Beloved Bhagawan. The Vishwa Shanthi Homam is organised for ‘Peace Unto
The World’. | Tomorrow, 22 April 2013, on the first morning of the programme, the Homam commences at 0600 hrs. and will end at 10:00 hrs. with Mangala Arathi. Various rituals forming part of the Homam will be simultaneously accompanied by Chaturveda Parayanam, Chandi Suktam and Laghu Purnahuthi. In the evening, after 20 mts. of Rudram chating at 01720 hrs., there will be a scholarly talk by erudite scholar Sri Nori Narayana Murthy that will be followed by Bhagawan’s Divine discourse, bhajans and Mangala Arathi at 1830 hrs. The evening session of the Homan will commence at 1840 hrs. to conclude with Mangala Arathi at 2000 hrs. Same time schedule will follow on 23 April, the second day of the Homam. The speaker for the second day evening is Dr Kavuri Papaiah Sastry, a learned scholar from Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh. II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II | |
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| | | MahaSamadhi - Prasanthi News 
Archive | Aradhana Mahotsavam concludes in Prasanthi…
Sri Sathya Sai Baba's MahaSamadhi
Day Video Proceedings of Dasara Celebrations from Prasanthi Nilayam-Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna
The Valedictory Session of the Colloquium, “Experiencing the Divine – The Form to the Formless” was held on the evening of 25th April 2012. The proceedings began at 5.15 p.m. after the Vedic chants. Sri Srinivas Srirangarajan introduced the two speakers who dilated at length on the above mentioned topic. The first speaker was Sri Sai Giridhar, a research scholar, who is also a seasoned speaker and versatile actor from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and the second to address the gathering was the eloquent speaker, Dr. G. Venkataraman, a renowned physicist, 5th Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and presently the head of Radio Sai Global Harmony. |
Sri Sai Giridhar began his speech with a Sloka from the Bhagavad Gita: Speaking on the purpose of an Avatar, Sri Giridhar opined, Bhagawan came to establish Prema Dharma, to establish love in the hearts of devotees. Bhagawan set up marvellous models like Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences for humans to emulate. But his ultimate objective was transformation of human heart...continue reading.
Remembering Sai with love…Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 Can we ever pay gratitude adequately for all that Bhagawan has bestowed upon us? asked His students singing rich tribute to their Beloved Lord this morning on the second day of the ongoing Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam in Prasanthi Nilayam.It was this day an year ago that Prasanthi wailed bidding adieu to its Soul, Beloved Bhagawan, when He chose to transcend into His omnipresent reality.
On this auspicious day of Adoration and special worship, marking the ascent of the Avatar of the Age, special programmes were held in the venue, Sai Kulwant Hall......continue reading
Three-day Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam, commemorating the ascent of the Avatar from the physical plane, commenced this morning amid heartfelt remembrance of the enchanting Lord Who walked the Prasanthi soil for over eight decades. | Video Highlights of morning programme on 24 APRIL 2012 ... Proceedings for the morning began with an introductory talk by University Controller Of Examinations Sri S. Rangarajan who dwelled on the difficult phase of accepting the reality of His changing over from the physical to the omnipresent all-pervading reality.
Calling the year gone by a tough one, challenging His devotees to refocus on His subtler dimensions of eternal existence, Sri Rangarajan invited the speakers for the colloquium on the theme “Experiencing the Divine – From the Form to the Formless”. The speakers were Dr. Samuel Sandweiss, a familiar name among Sai fraternity, a long-time time devotee, eminent practising psychiatrist from San Diego, California, USA and Swami Suddhananda Giri of Yogoda Satsanga Society, founded by revered Sri Sri Paramahamsa Yogananda.
Dr. Samuel Sandweiss, elucidating on the theme, spoke on the subject based on facts of his own experience with Bhagawan spanning over four decades. Experiencing Divinity from form...continue reading | |
“...there are three baskets placed by Bhagawan's Mahasamadhi. One basket is for flowers, one for letters & one for Invitations..." |
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| The green scarved army with the message of peace from the heartland of Islam gave their second presentation in two days in the holy precincts of the Sai Kulwant Hall. After the soul uplifting performance of the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey, the other devotees from the Region offered a beautiful musical garland to their Lord.
Entitled "Sarva Devata Ateeta Swaroopa Karuna Sagar Sai" (which translates to My Lord Sai who is the ocean of Mercy and transcendental of all forms of God), the programme started with a brief introduction where in the narrator spoke about the unity of religions, the compassion of Bhagawan and the need to experience His love.
read more with photos
| | Friday July 15, 2011 - UNVEILING OF MAHA SAMADHI
The first programme for the morning was Guru Vandana (salutations to the Guru) by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions. This presentation was a collection of melodious songs and Stotras (verses) interspersed with beautiful incidents, experiences, interactions that the students had with Bhagawan. With the chanting of Sai Gayatri, the students offered their salutations at the Lotus Feet of Sadguru, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. Twameva Mathacha Pitha Twameva, Twameva Bandhuscha Sakha Twameva, Twameva Vidya Dravinam Twameva, Twameva Sarvam Mama Devadeva. (Oh Lord! You alone are my father and mother, friend and relation, wisdom and wealth. You are my everything). We have found our mother, father, Guru and God in Bhagawan was the announcement by the students. Describing a wonderful incident that happened during Prasadam distribution when a child at the end of the hall could not receive the Prasadam, the student said the merciful Lord Himself went all the way to the child and gave the Prasadam. This world may forget us, but the Lord will never forget us was the underlying theme in this incident. Narrating another incident in the olden days when the host was expecting Bhagawan for a function, but Bhagawan had not come even after a long wait. When he went in search of Bhagawan, he found Bhagawan arranging the footwear of people who had come for the function. This incident is very much reminiscent of the days of Dwapara Yuga. The song that followed was a composition of Bhagawan, Sathya Dharmamu Santhi Premalato, Nee Nitya Jivamu Yatra Saginchu (perform the journey of your life with truth, righteousness, peace and love as your companions).
Then Bhagawan was explaining to them showing His forearm that students have to be strong and sturdy. A student felt how is that Bhagawan who is looking frail could explain about sinews and strength! It is then that Bhagawan turned towards the boy, smiling mischievously asked him to try arm wrestling with Him. The boy too felt happy to wrestle with Bhagawan. At first the boy took it lightly and was not using his full strength, but later he used his full force, and even three more boys tried arm wrestling with Bhagawan. But all in vain. The boy told Bhagawan since He was God, he had so much strength. Bhagawan laughed at the boy and told him, “Do you think that I will use my divine power to arm wrestle with you?” You too can have such strength if you have purity in thought, word and deed. The song Maa oh Maa, Maa Sai Maa followed. The next experience shows Bhagawan care and concern for the devotees. A student saw that Bhagawan had clipped his nails to the maximum that blood was oozing out. When the student asked Him, Swami told that since devotees touch His feet during Darshan, there is a possibility that they may injure themselves while doing Padanamaskar. That is why I am cutting My nails so small. The song that followed was a Telugu song. Bhagawan’s care and affection for the little ones of the Primary School has to be seen to be experienced. Once Bhagawan was giving ice creams to students of Primary School. Suddenly Swami asked the students, “Do you know the qualities of God”? A boy quickly answered, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. Then Bhagawan said, “God is cool, sweet and soft like ice cream.” Once in Poornachandra Hall, Bhagawan was distributing items of everyday use like toothpaste and deodorants. Some of them got toothpaste, while some got deodorants. They were discussing what they got and what they did not get in Bhagawan’s presence.
Then Bhagawan went to the stage and asked, “Who wants Me?” The students could not answer this question succinctly. The message was when God gives, do not compare. Ask for Swami and everything will be given to you. It was at this point a student announced that usually we wait for Bhagawan’s Darshan when He glides in the hall. Let us be aware that now He is always waiting for us in the hall. A student summed up that on this Guru Purnima day, let us be aware that God is always with us. He has not gone anywhere. The presentation of the students ended with a Telugu song. Prof. Anil Kumar paid encomiums to students for their performance.
He had decided to leave. It was a grand departure. He has taken the back seat. Now it is we who have to take the lead. Sri Pandya informed the audience that many questions were asked regarding the legacy of Sathya Sai. His legacy is the hospitals, university and the Ashram. Only God can make such hospitals for mankind. It is an emissary of Bhagawan’s love. It is God who has set up these hospitals and it is He who will run them. Sometimes I envy the students because I am not young enough to join the university. It is the alumni who will spread the light of effulgence of Bhagawan’s teachings in the world, opined Sri Pandya. If you want to experience love, this is the place. During dramatic performances Bhagawan bestows his benevolent look on the children and inspires them. Bhagawan has inspired so many millions to do service in Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. It is only God who can do such a stupendous task. No one could achieve what Sathya Sai Avatar could achieve. Bhagawan gave the feeling to everyone that He has come only for him. This is the personal experience each one had with Bhagawan. No individual can shake the foundation of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, the legacy of love. Surrender everything to His love. This divine legacy of love will unflinchingly be present in every humankind. Manifestation of love through Sathya Sai Educare will live forever. Sri Pandya declared, “He will speak from within us, He will never leave us”. Bhagawan brought us to Him. Now is the time to reflect on His Divinity. Keep coming to Prasanthi Nilayam. At the end of all, we have to merge in Him. Every time you look in the mirror, think emphatically, you are God, told Sri Pandya. Bhagawan gave this Guru Dakshina (offering) on the 24th of July 1965: “Give Me your unselfish and unwavering mind. I will appear and give Darshan to you”.
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Thursday, Jul 14, 2011
| Morning Programme: As a curtain raiser to the Guru Purnima festival, on the morning of 14th July, the programme commenced with Veda chanting at 8.00 a.m. Sai Kulwant Hall was filled to capacity. The Hall was tastefully decorated with Chinese lanterns and buntings which added aesthetic value to the ambience. The altar with...read more |
Wednesday, Jul 13, 2011 | The Sri Sathya Sai World Youth Conference began with prayers at 0830hrs in the Poornachandra Auditorium.
Sri Shitu Chudasama, International Youth Coordinator, welcomed the delegates and introduced the purpose and purport of the conference. He also mentioned to the gathering the personal instructions Bhagawan...read more |
Monday, Jul 12, 2011 | |
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Monday, Jul 11, 2011 | Prasanthi woke up this morning to a festive ambience and who better to add colour to an occasion than Maharastra.
The Varkaris continued their grand tradition of Palkhi Seva. Every year they carry a Paduka for Bhagawan in a pada yatra ( through walk) from Dharamavaram to Puttaparthi. Sri Nimish Pandya (District President of Mumbai), who played the master of ceremony today, recollected how Bhagawan used to always enquire about the welfare of these simple devotees from him again and again over the years.
She was followed by her daughter Ketaki who sang the Bhajan, "Ram ke gun gaan..." (Sing... Sing the glory of Lord Rama). There was an emotional piece by Kum Ketaki, "Sai Ke Sang..." which spoke about the travails in the path of devotion and how a true devotee sticks to the Lotus Feet even when everything is taken from him. They concluded traditionally with a Vittala Bhajan. The participants were honoured with clothes.
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Friday, Jul 8, 2011
The festival season is here. Ashadi Ekadasi which often marked the first programme in the festival calendar of Prasanthi Nilayam will be celebrated tomorrow and four days thence, | we shall have the unveiling of the Mahasamadhi of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba fittingly on the holy occasion of Guru Purnima. The complete schedule is available here:
Swami we Love you Forever and Ever, You are always alive in our hearts... |
Friday, May 27, 2011 | It is said that a ring around the sun or moon in the warmer months is an indication that there might be rain within 12 to 24 hours. No sign in Prasanthi Nilayam passes without fulfilling its promise. No wonder then that we had a soothing rainfall the very same night. ...And last evening (26th May) being the final darshan of Maha Samadhi before the commencement of a proposed six-week long construction phase, good number of devotees filed past the Samadhi before the curtains came down at 2000 hrs.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Maha Samadhi is going to be built as per Vedic injunctions and traditions, and it is likely to go on for six weeks. Understandably during this period, there will be no Samadhi Darshan, however from May 27, Swami's chair and the Divine footrest will be placed in front of the dais in the Sai Kulwant Hall to facilitate devotees to offer their prayers and salutations.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - Shraddha Ceremony - Re-dawn of the Avatar Today, being the 11th day of Bhagawan's shedding the mortal coil, a special function was held in the Sai Kulwant Hall.
The 11th day of the passing for mortals is normally celebrated as a Shraddha Ceremony. However, in Prasanthi Nilayam, the day was sanctified with a prayer for the Re-dawn of the Avatar. The programme commenced at the scheduled hour, at 0630 am, with "Punya Vachana", which is a prayer to
Beloved Bhagawan for the proper conduct of the programme. As one set of Ritwiks performed Havanam (sacrifice) through which various offerings were presented to the Lord, a second set of Ritwiks did Parayana (study) of Rudra Krama followed by Upanishads. At the conclusion of this,
there was a Tirtha Pooja (offering oblations with water from holy rivers) which was then sprinkled on the gathering by the Ritwiks as an assurance of Divine Benediction. Sri R.J.Ratnakar, the nephew of Bhagawan's physical frame took part in the proceedings, representing the family. The programme concluded with Mangala Arathi at 0930 hrs. Thereafter bhajans continued for the next half an hour to conclude at 1000 hrs. with Arathi.
Evening was marked by a special programme, wherein four eminent speakers shared the dais, speaking on the nostalgic golden days with Bhagawan. The programme was introduced by Sri S Rangarajan, Controller of Examinations, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. Prof. Anil Kumar, Sri Sanjay Sahani, Dr. Naredranath Reddy and Sri V. Srinivasan shared the dais that lasted
for almost two and a half-hour. While Prof. Anil Kumar took the audience to the wonderful life of Bhagawan, narrating the beauty of the Avatar narrating various incidents in lucid Telugu,, Sri Sanjay Sahani had interesting incidents, especially that related to the student fraternity to share with. While Dr. Narendranath Reddy who spoke next reasserted the intention of the Organisation to continue with the programmes, with much more intensity and devotion, Sri V. Srinivasan, President, All India Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, gave a reassurance on behalf of the Trust to continue with every single activity Bhagawan has initiated.
Referring to the activities of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sri Srinivasan mentioned that the Trust would exemplify itself in its mission, with transparency, to become a role-model trust to other charitable trusts. It is also proposed to release annual reports, with transparency, of all activities of various institutions run by the Trust, national and International, said Sri V.Srinivasan. Bhajans continued for some time before Arathi was offered at 1940 hrs. It is admission time in Prasanthi Nilayam. Entrance 2011 for Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning began today with many girls participating in the first set of exams conducted today, for Anantapur Campus.
With devotees flocking in for "Maha Samadhi" Darshan, there was an announcement made in the evening at the end of the session. As per the announcement, morning session would begin at 0800 hrs. with Vedic chanting for an hour followed by Bhajans till 0930 hrs. and Darshan would continue till 1100 hrs. Evening session begins at 1630 hrs. with an hour long Vedic chanting fto end with Mangala Arathi at 1800 hrs. after half-an-hour Bhajans. Darshan in the evening will continue till 1930 hrs.
In the meanwhile, devotees who are willing to visit Puttaparthi may take notice that life in in the township has come to normalcy with buses plying as per schedule. Shops and other establishments are also opened and working normal. On this third day of Maha Samadhi, there was a continuous stream of devotees during the scheduled darshan hours, despite scorching summer.
Wed, April 27, 2011:
" The curtains were removed after 40 minutes for the people to have a glimpse of the ‘samadhi’ where the body was laid to rest in line with the practice adopted for Hindu spiritual saints. Normally, Hindus cremate their bodies.
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