February 11, 2007 :
February 11, 2007
[To read Sai
News after 11th Feb. 07 click on the above link]
This morning, Swami came for darshan at 8.10. The devotees from Adilabad
were seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall where the students usually
sit. Bhagawan came onstage and asked the Adilabad group to begin their
programme. They sang songs for nearly an hour. Swami was pleased with
their effort and Blessed three of them with chains. Some young boys who
had learnt Vedam chanting came up to Bhagawan and chanted for a few
minutes. Then, He decided to speak to the gathering. Seated on His chair,
without translation, Swami spoke for 20 minues. He stressed the adherence
to the Human Values of Satya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa: Money
comes and goes, while virtues come and grow. This He illustrated with the
story of Alexander, who set out to conquer the world and finally had to
leave this world empty-handed. Swami ended with 'Bhajan Bina' and asked
for prasadam to be distributed to all. The Vedam chanting by the students
started again. After a few minutes of Vedam, Swami left for His residence
after Arati at around 10.15.
In the evening, Swami came to Sai Kulwant Hall by 3 o'clock. A large
number of the Adilabad devotees were waiting near Shanthi Bhavan for
coming in procession to the Mandir and present their dances and songs to
Swami. At nearly 4.30, Swami sent word from the interview room that the
procession may begin. As the procession reached the stage, in ten minutes'
time, Swami also came onstage to Bless them. More than twenty dance
troupes, many presenting various tribal dances, came up and went to their
designated spots in just fifteen minutes. Then the Telugu drama prepared
by them was presented. Swami's message of Unity of Faiths and getting joy
from community service was developed as the theme of the drama, revolving
around the plans of a group of youth for New Year celebrations. The
participants were Blessed by Bhagawan after their presentation. Bhajans by
the devotees went on as prasadam was distributed to all, following which
Bhagawan accepted Arati and retired for the day. The devotees then went on
to have a procession through the Puttaparthi village outside the Ashram.
February 10, 2007 :
Thousands of devotees from Adilabad have arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam as a
group and were seated together, filling half of Sai Kulwant Hall. Youth
from Mumbai have also arrived in strength, to collectively invite Bhagawan
to their city for the next Ati Rudra Maha Yagnam. During His evening
Darshan round, Bhagawan paused near the Adilabad group and had a few words
with them. Then He came onstage and sat there for nearly half an hour
while the Vedic chants went on. Some of the students who were to write the
GATE exam (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) were Blessed. One of the
students got a chain from Swami, too. Later, Swami came into the Bhajan
Hall as the Bhajan were going on, and had a few words with some of the
students and teachers there too.
February 9, 2007
This evening, after His darshan round in the car, Bhagawan went into the
interview room and emerged in a few minutes. He came to the Bhajan Hall
and enquired whether the "Meera boys" were ready - the Music College
students who sing Meera bhajans for Him.
He called in a group for
interviews and later came to the Bhajan Hall during the second bhajan. At
the end of that bhajan, He asked the "Meera boys" to start. After three
Meera bhajans, the song "Chal re man" was sung, and that ended the session
as Swami indicated for the Arati.
February 8, 2007
The Primary School students
offered an elaborate card to Swami during His darshan round in the car. On
reaching the Verandah, He went into the interview room and emerged a few
minutes later in His chair and proceeded to take a full round of the front
part of Sai Kulwant Hall, in front of the students. When He reached the
rear door of the Bhajan Hall, He came inside, and then again went out and
later entered the interview room. At around 4.15, He came again to the
Bhajan Hall, and spent a long time interacting with the students,
especially the Music College students who sing Meera bhajans. Bhajans were
at five o'clock as usual.
February 7, 2007 :
Today morning Swami came at 8.15
a.m. at around 9.10 a.m. Swami went inside the Bhajna mandir after
attending the bhajans for 20 minutes Swami accepted the aaarthi and
retired back to His residence. In the evening too Bhajans began at
5.00 p.m
in the Bhajan mandir, and Swami sat
in the Bhajan Hall till He accepted Arati and retired at 5.45 p.m.
click on the picture (right/left) to enlarge
February 4, 2007
:
Today also Bhagawan sat onstage for
around half an hour after His darshan round in the car at 4.20 pm. He
blessed the "Birthday Boys" from among the students and sat there enjoying
the Vedic chants. The Primary School children were chanting with gusto,
and Swami asked the senior students to briefly stop chanting so that He
could listen to the younger ones chanting in their high-pitched voices.
Swami came into the Bhajan Hall and asked for Bhajans to start by 4.55 pm.
During the Bhajan, He enquired after some of the Music College students.
At 5.25, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
February 3, 2007
:
This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan at around 4.45 pm. Many Sai Youth
from Chennai had gathered over the weekend to express their gratitude for
the Ati Rudra Maha Yagnam at Chennai. Swami paused near them and spoke a
few words to them. After His darshan round in Sai Kulwant Hall, Swami went
out in the car for a drive up to the Music College. On His return, He sat
onstage listening to the Vedic chants till 5.25 pm. Bhajans then began in
the Bhajan Hall, and Swami sat in the Bhajan Hall till He accepted Arati
and retired at 5.50 pm.
February 2, 2007
:Swami
came this morning at 8.50 a.m. and left for His abode after the bhajan &
aarthi. In the evening, after Bhagawan's darshan round, He came and sat
onstage at 4.15 pm. As announced last evening, Sri. S. V. Giri, former
Vice-Chancellor, who had accompanied Swami on His Chennai visit, was to
narrate the highlights of the trip. Sri Giri began after receiving
instructions from Swami.
In his hour long narrative, he
stressed on the subtlety of many of the events which occurred, and brought
out Bhagawan's overall themes of Unity, Purity, Divinity and redeeming
oneself by helping others. The devotion and discipline of the mammoth
gatherings at Chennai, the transformation Bhagawan brought about in the
hearts of the highest in the land and the joy of the people at Prasanthi
Nilayam on Swami's return were all highlighted. After Sri Giri's talk,
Swami asked for Bhajans to commence at Sai Kulwant Hall itself.
After a
brief visit to the interview room, Swami sat onstage while the bhajans
went on, receiving Arati at 5.45 pm. read more
details from SBOI group post
February 1, 2007
:Kulwant hall was
packed with devotees today morning but Swami didn't come out for darshan.
In the evening Swami blessed us all with His darshan & quenched our thirst
to see His divine form. Swami spent nearly an hour inside the
bhajan
mandir after the bhajan session customory Aarthi was
offered to Swami. The car parked on the veranda drove forward and stopped
in front of the Interview room. Now, all eyes were fixed on the Bhajan
mandir door to see Swami coming out, smilingly Swami walked out from the
Bhajan mandir and alighted inside His waiting car and drove towards his
abode thus ending todays darshan. Puttaparthi is once again alive with joy
and hope of daily darshan of Avatar...Sairam
After Noon - UPDATE:
31-01-2007:
Swami's
plane landed at Puttaparthi airport this afternoon at
12.12 p.m. local time!
All the main roads were decorated with
Mango leaves decorations & banners in Telugu
and English language welcoming Swami back to Puttaparthi. Devotees
mostly ladies decorated the road crossings and main gates with beautiful
rangoli showing sign of joy and welcome for our Swami. Swami's car drove
directly to His ashram amid a cheerful crowd of
devotees
waving and cheering Swami all the way from airport road to the main
entrance of Prasanthi Nilayam. Swami's car drove thru Kulwant hall to His
residence, Yajur Mandir.
Welcoming The Lord - Prasanthi Nilayam – 31st January 2007. After
ten days of silent
prayers
Puttaparthi was once again full of life…the hamlet turned township was
bustling with joy of imminent arrival of its very Life, Soul, the Master,
Bhagawan whom she has been missing for past more than ten days. It was on
the 19th January Bhagawan set out embarking on a 12 days Divine visit to
the South Indian city, Chennai in connection with the Ati Rudra Maha
Yajnam that was conducted at the auspices of Bhagawan for world peace and
prosperity and concluded yesterday with Maha Poornahuthi in His immediate
Divine presence.
For Puttaparthi these were the
days of separation…separation from the Beloved. Expectancy was very much
in the air and with the minds and hearts joyful and exuberant; it was yet
another day, another occasion for the villagers, for the entire township
to relive its golden days of greater glory embracing the Divine physical
frame.
Bhagawan arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam airport shortly after 12:00 noon and
drove down through the flower strewn, beautifully decorated roads to
Prasanthi Nilayam to arrive in the Mandir at 12:40 p.m. Thousands turned
out to stretch at every possible place in the 3 k.m. road from the airport
leading to Prasanthi Nilayam welcoming Bhagawan back to their fold. In
Prasanthi Nilayam, Bhagawan was accorded a grand traditional welcome with
Poornakhumbham and Vedic Recital by the students of the Institute which
was followed by a colourfully attired dancing troupe from Higher Secondary
Wing and a welcome song sung by students from the Institute. Bhagawan who
chose to halt for sometime in the middle in a packed Sai Kulwant Hall left
for Yajur Mandiram after receiving Managala Arathi.
Back in Chennai, it was pangs of separation. Sundaram, the Divine Abode in
Chennai, which was bustling with excitement, jubilant for past 12 days
with His immediate presence was the scene of a tearful farewell to its
Beloved Lord who most compassionately rejuvenated her spirits by His mere
presence…Chennai would miss Bhagawan’s physical presence. But, the spirit
of Chennai and its devotees would definitely be on the high after this
epoch making Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam and Bhagawan’s physical presence over
there. Through this Yajna the city was indeed blessed to have her share in
achieving world peace and prosperity.
source- sssbpt.org
31-01-2007:
WELCOME Back to Puttaparthi Sri Sathya Sai Baba:
Puttaparthi is all set to welcome Swami after nearly 13 days
of "separation". Today Swami's plane is expected to
land before noon at Puttaparthi airport, Many devotees who followed Swami
to Chennai have also started coming back. Yesterday was a festival day
here in Puttaparthi& the rest of India i.e.
festival of Muharram . Muharram is the
start of the Islamic Year. There were street procession with dance etc.
Also the Pir panja insignia which has been given to the Muslim community
of Puttparthi by Swami was carried in procession.
30-01-2007
Maha Poornahuthi
The day has finally arrived. The day to offer Maha Poornahuthi at the
Ati
Rudra Maha Yajnam in Chennai, that has been going on for the past 11 days,
done at the auspices of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba aimed at Universal
Peace and Prosperity. Thiruvanmiyur, the blessed venue has definitely
earned a name to posterity being the chosen venue for this epoch making
Maha Yajna. And more so, would be the disciplined assembly of devotees,
dedicated youth and sevadals, scholarly rithwiks, and the beautiful
mornings and evenings blessed by His Mighty Divine Presence…all these
would be etched deeply in the memory of every spiritual seeker who chose
to make it to the venue for the coveted, holy occasion.
Photos day 10
Picture source: omkara.tv.
Ati Rudra Maha Yajna In Chennai
- Final Day Photos
Religious fervour and devotion marked the Maha Poornahuthi offered at the
Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam in the Divine Presence, culminating the 11 day
spiritual feast. The last day's function in the morning was attended by a
huge multitude of devotees from various parts of the world.
The proceedings of this day started as early as at 4 a.m. Devotees were
pouring in from midnight onwards and every inch of space was occupied.
Chantings of Rudram and Chamakam and Rudrabhishekam went on in the same
order of preceding days of the Yajna. This was followed by gopuja, with a
cow and a calf brought into the scene and as a customary ritual, were
offered to a brahmin couple. Bhagawan arrived at the dais at 10:50 a.m.
and Maha Poornahuthi began at 11:15 a.m. with Bhagawan, the Yajna Purusha
occupying His seat right infront of the main Yajna Kundam (fire pit). With
the chanting of Rudram in the backdrop, ghee was offered in continuous
stream into the fire by the priests. This was followed by sacred offerings
containing navadhaanya and navaratnas; Bhagawan blessed the same by taking
a fistful of the contents to cast into the fire pit followed by dried
coconuts filled with turmeric and kumkum respectively…Kumbabhishekam was
the next to follow, the kalasas laden with holy water that were installed
on the first day of the Yajna were opened and the holy water was offered
to the Shiva Linga. Bhagawan chose to move around the assembly of
devotees; the rithwiks, at Bhagawan’s instance, were seen sprinkling the
sacred water on to the devotees, blessing one and all, a final boon that
the gathering would have definitely yearned for. Bhagawan left the venue
after receiving the offering of Maha Mangala Aarathi at 11:50 a.m.
Earlier in the day a two minutes silence was observed marking the National
Martyrs' day.
Chennai Ati
Rudra Maha Yajnam Eighth Day... On the eighth day of the Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam, at Sundaram, the Divine
Abode in Chennai, Bhagawan came out at 10:15 a.m. and most magnanimously
moved around the assembly of devotees leaving trace of bliss in every
little hearts present over there. This was a day when everyone in the
society had their share of Divine Blessing, the general devoted public,
the traffic and police personnel and a even the Supreme Court Judge who
was present.
Photos
of day 8 & 9 - click to enlarge -
Day 9
Picture source: omkara.tv.
Bhagawan arrived at the Yajna
site at 11:20 a.m. and the veda chanting was on…Bhagawan listened to the
hymns of Rig, Yajur and Atharva Vedas and towards the end blessed the
entire gathering before leaving the premises.
In the afternoon, Bhagawan arrived at 5:15 p.m. After a short bhajan
session, Sri G.K.Raman introduced the first speaker for the session, Sri.
“Pulavar”Arivudai Nambi. Sri Nambi has been in active politics, and was a
member of Legislative Council and a patron of “Thiruvalluvar Thiruchabai”.
Before handing over the mike to the speaker, Mr. Raman thanked the 4000
odd sevadals arrived at the venue on the previous day to participate and
partake the blessings of the Yajna.
Sri Nambi’s rhetoric exposition in Tamil had tales from the lives of great
saints of Tamil Nadu, namely Thiruvalluvar, Thirunavukkarasar,
Thirugnanasambandhar and Vallalar, household names among the devoted. He
recalled a beautiful incident that had happened in his life wherein he was
saved by Bhagawan. Once when he was critically ill and was in coma, a
white clad person came to his house and told his wife: “Don’t worry, your
husband will be alright with the grace of the Lord of Puttaparthi; he
shall be cured within few days.” …then he declared: “Till date, I have had
no problems with my health. I have been a devotee ever since for the past
10 years!” At the end of his speech Bhagawan blessed and materialized a
ring for the speaker.
The second speaker, Sri Vijay Krishnan, Youth Leader for the state of
Tamil Nadu prayed to Bhagawan, - We bow down at Thy Lotus Feet, O’ Mother
Sai. We are indeed blessed to have received Thy Divine Command in August
2006 to organise Ati Rudra Maha Yajna in Chennai…A complete living is only
when a person lives in accordance with God’s Command and Bhagawan has
given us that chance…Just like a mother feeds her hungry child with
healthy food, our Mother Sai has fed us with this Yajna, the spiritual
food…Only with Bhagawan’s grace, we, ordinary people have been able to do
extraordinary things. Many incidents have happened during the preparations
and every time, we have felt the presence of Bhagawan either directly or
indirectly…” Ending his speech, the youth leader prayerfully requested
Bhagawan to bless the audience with His Divine Discourse.
That was the moment they have been waiting for…and there came the
announcement. Bhagawan has conceded to the prayer to deliver a Divine
Discourse. Bhagawan started his speech in Tamil switched over to Telugu.
Following are the highlights of the Divine Discourse.
Karma is the cause for all; with God’s grace we can overcome the same; you
don’t have to search for God anywhere else; you are all embodiments of
love; all are sparks of divine…
Youth is a stage in which there is strong body, mind and intellect. But,
you are misusing this gift of God. Instead, make proper use…What do you
mean by making proper use? It is to use them in the Pravritti Marga.
Soordas was blind but he always had Lord Krishna in his lips and finally
Gopala Himself granted Darshan to him. Sing Divine glory; lips are given
with that purpose; sing with love and not with arrogance; song is sung not
for Raaga but to cure the Roga (disease).
The Nama of Krishna of the Highest of all…Service to the needy is more
important thatn chanting the Name of the Lord. One should speak softly and
sweetly; speak wholeheartedly…
Love is the most powerful of all. We are all the children of One Mother,
God Himself. Always recall, “The Brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God”
It is God’s love alone that protects the entire Universe. We too should
love such that our love should generate love in others.
With a touching incident that had happened during the Rangoon war Bhagawan
re-iterated the absolute importance of serving and loving mother as God.
He said: “During Rangoon war time, a mother and her child survived and
came to Madras (Chennai). The mother, in order to feed her son, had to go
out into the streets to beg leaving the child under a tree. The son ate
everyday and as time passed, he grew strong and in turn the mother became
weak. One day the son told to his mother, “O mother, now you take rest,
I’ll go and get food for you.” He went and begged. A learned man, who
happened to see the boy, took pity on him and offered him food. The child
kept it in its pocket and continued begging. When the man enquired the
reason, the child replied: “This is for my hungry mother. She is weak. All
these days, she was feeding me. Now, I am strong enough to beg. It is my
turn to feed her hereafter.” Uttering these words the boy collapsed and
died.
To Love God is to Love the Children of God…When you solve their problems,
that is Liberation…There is no greater charity than food; There is no
greater divinity than Parents; there is no greater enemy than anger…If you
want to deserve the love of God, first deserve the love of people…HELP
EVER, HURT NEVER…have a sacred heart.
Concluding His Divine Discourse, Bhagawan said: “You are all embodiments
of Love. I AM NOT SEPARATE FROM YOU; I AM IN YOU AND YOU ARE IN ME.”
The discourse came to an end with the bhajans, Prema Mudita Mana Se Kaho
followed by Govinda Krishna Jai.
Photos
of day 6 & 7 - click to enlarge -
Scroll down to
read the more darshan news &
Photos - ARMY Chennai
Picture source: omkara.tv.
Chennai Ati
Rudra Maha Yajnam Seventh Day...
Also read:
Yajna post
from devotees etc.
As the Maha Yajna is closing
in to the final stage there was lot of bustle among devotees to get a
glimpse of the most coveted occasion. There were devotees from all over
the globe pouring in to the venue. SaiRam was the mantra one could hear
all around and the trademark discipline of Sai fraternity was very much in
practice with the surging devotees, inspite of little hardships, common
with such a mammoth occasion. This was vouchsafed from the remark made by
a police official who has come for the first time on duty, “though I am a
skeptic, the devotees’ love for Bhagawan Baba and their discipline is
amazing and I am witnessing the power of Bhagawan Baba’s divine love.”
Indeed, Thiruvanmiyur, located at the southern end of the city of Chennai,
better known for housing the legendary Marundeeswarar Temple, dedicated to
Lord Shiva has a new name and fame ever since Bhagawan has blessed it to
be the venue of this epoch making spiritual festivity.
On the morning there were close on 12000 devotees gathered in the hall and
the proceeding began with abhishekam followed by Rudra Parayana, Rudra
Homam, Ashtavadhana Seva in the order. Towards the end of the session a
melodious Tamil hymn rendered the air, cooling the minds. This was
followed by Mangala Aarathi marking the end of the morning session.
Devotees in Chennai are reaping the benefit of Bhagawan’s Divine Darshan
at His Holy Abode Sundaram every day …and they seem to be enjoying every
bit of it. This was a day when devotees were fortunate to watch His
bounteous love and compassion coming to fore in reality. Bhagawan came on
to the stage at 10:15 a.m. while bhajan session was on…and shortly climbed
down the dais to move in to the entire length of the devoted gathering
leaving everyone happy beyond expression. There was still something to
come…a rare display of His love and compassion!… a poor boy seated among
the devotees was blessed to be drawn towards Him, almost unaware
of…Bhagawan called the boy near and after enquiring his name materialized
a long gold chain to put the same around the boy’s neck…leaving devotees
with awe. God’s perfect Master Plan…right time and right occasion…and none
fails to get his or her dues!
In the afternoon an estimated 60000 devotees had gathered at the Yajna
site, and a few more were seen standing on the sides, failing to find a
place, still determined to get a glimpse of the Lord. After the regular
rituals, bhajans began at 5:35 p.m. Bhagawan arrived at the venue at
around 6:15 p.m.
Sri G.K. Raman, Convenor, Sri Sathya Sai Trust, Tamil Nadu, introduced the
speakers for the evening. Sri Vijay Krishnan, State Youth co-ordinator,
Tamilnadu, the first speaker for the day, began his speech thanking
Bhagawan profusely for making this Ati Rudra Maha Yajna a reality. He
said, from the day Bhagawan made this declaration, it was only Bhagawan’s
love which had been guiding the youth. He further added that Sai path was
the only path for global peace and sought Bhagawan’s blessings for the
project, the Youth has prayerfully proposed to Bhagawan. The project named
‘SHARE’ – Social Harmony and Rural Empowerment, has been envisaged to
empower 250 villages in a period of 3 years. Concluding his speech the
youth leader prayed to Bhagawan to guide and bless the youth in their
endeavour.
Sri T.G.Krishnamoorthy, formerly, President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva
Organizations, Tamil Nadu, the second speaker for the day appealed to the
devotees to thank Bhagawan profusely for the boon of Sai Ganga Project. He
said God has incarnated as Sri Sathyanarayana in Puttaparthi, and
Bhagawan’s physical features match with the descriptions available with
Srimad Bhagavatam, about the coming incarnation. It was indeed a scholarly
exposition and the devotees enjoyed every bit of the speech and gave a
thunderous applause to the veteran speaker.
The guest artiste for the evening was Sri Ustad Rashid Khan and party, and
it was all along loud applause around. The evening was made doubly
beautiful by the Hindustani rendition that left the audience in divine
ecstasy. An immensely pleased Bhagawan materialized a ring for the artiste
at the end of his programme. Bhagawan left the venue at 7:20 p.m. after
receiving Manga Aarathi.
Chennai Ati
Rudra Maha Yajnam Sixth Day...
-
Jan 26th-
A devout follower of
the Sathya Sai Baba, Sachin (Indian star batsman) went to seek His
blessings on Friday (January 26) in Chennai. SACHIN TENDULKAR presented a bouquet
of
flowers
to Swami. Bhagawan also granted
SACHIN Padanamskar- CHENNAI
-
click on the photo
(left) to enlarge
On the sixth day of the Yajna, Bhagawan arrived at the venue in the
evening, while bhajans were on… The speakers for the session were Hon’ble
Mister Justice, R. Ramasubramanian
and Sri Jagadish Chandra. Justice R.
Ramasubramanian has the distinction of being the youngest justice from
Tamil Nadu, and belonged to the first batch Balvikas of 1971 and Sri
Jagdish Chandra, is currently pursuing M.Phil programme at Sri Sathya Sai
Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam. The State Trust Convener,
Mr. G.K. Raman introduced both the speakers to the assembly. “With Swami, all are heroes; without Him, we are mere zeros…” was the
emphatic
declaration
by Justice Ramasubramanian marking the beginning of his speech.
Highlighting an incident wherein a boy of Christian origin was made to
chant Vedas in Prasanthi Nilayam, he stressed the absolute importance of
attaining unity among various religions. Profusely thanking Bhagawan for
the boon of Sai Ganga
Water Project and for His greater magnanimity in
blessing the city with His Divine visit, the speaker prayed to Bhagawan to
visit the city at least once in a year. Concluding his speech, Justice
Ramasubramanian had a word of advice from His own professional life for
the devotees assembled over there… “Today the High Court Judges are eager
to join Balvikas after knowing my background. Mark this… in the future all
the spheres in the society will be filled with only Sai devotees. So make
use of the opportunity now itself”.
The second speaker for the session, Sri Jagdish Chandra, who chose to
speak in Hindi, spoke on the Guru aspect of Bhagawan; Sai as Guru -
Brahma…Vishnu…Maheshwara…all in ONE. Substantiating his views, he narrated
a beautiful incident that had happened in Prasanthi Nilayam, long back.
Once in Prasanthi Nilayam, Bhagawan came to a group of 20 devotees who
were seated in the Mandir and asked the leader of the group, “How many?”
(as to how many of them were there in the group - a question Bhagawan
normally poses before calling any group for interview) “20 Swami”, pat
came the reply. “No, 21 including Me” came an emphatic correction from
Bhagawan. The next day Bhagawan again posed the same question to the
group, “How many?” Having learnt the great lesson on the previous day from
Bhagawan directly, the leader was confident this time. He said: “21
Swami”. “No, not 20 but 40, as I am in each one of you”, this was a
superior dose from Bhagawan. The third day when the question was repeated
yet again, the leader said: “40 Swami” …but, Bhagawan had yet another
point to prove, to teach. Bhagawan said: “you are wrong again - “We are
One and not many”. …a great lesson to preach Unity in Diversity, from
Bhagawan Himself, in His own inimitable style. “Indeed Swami is our
mother, father and guru guiding us at each step in every moment of our
life”, said the speaker concluding his speech.
There was an extensive repertoire of musical feast awaiting the audience
in the twilight session in His immediate Divine Presence. The guest
artiste for the evening was Sri Unni Krishnan, noted Carnatic Vocalist,
who along with his troupe enthralled the audience taking them to musical
ecstasy. The weaving of pure music that emanated from the blessed artiste
was indeed a treat for the packed audience. He began with “Shambo Mahadeva,
Shankara Girija Ramana“. Bhagawan was seemingly following the piece,
engrossed in bliss. Next to follow was a Marati piece on Bhagawan followed
by a famous Soordas composition “Hey Govinda Hey Gopala”. The last song of
the troupe was indeed a clarion call, heralding the underlined message
that GOD IS ONE ONLY, “Bramham Okkate”.
The stage was set for the students to take over. …and they sang
reproducing the old magic of legendary singer, Ghantasala through his
famous song, “Shiva Shankari, Shivananda Lahari”…an apt offering for the
ONE who is the embodiment of Shiva and Shakthi. The stage was perfect for
the inner feelings to pour forth, as the sun was slowly vanishing and as
the nightfall was taking the stage, and under the beaming light on the
decorated dais was seated Bhagawan, a huge gathering keenly focussed on
the rarest moments befell, and the song was indeed the right one for the
occasion. As the song with high aalaps rendered the air, …that had
everything in its blend, raaga, thaala and bhaava and the audience who
were spellbound at the feat that was done with aplomb, a rare quality that
comes to fore at the right occasion with Bhagawan’s students, it was
devotion at it peak with a surge of emotion that was seen on many faces
presented on occasion. The boys continued with three more songs in Tamil
and at the end of the programme Maha Mangala Arthi was offered to
Bhagawan. Yet another day with Bhagawan…to cherish…for the little hearts.
Scroll down to see
more photos
Chennai Ati
Rudra Maha Yajnam
Fifth Day...
On
the fifth day of the Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam, Bhagawan arrived at the venue
at 11:00 a.m. while Gayathri chanting as a part of the customary offering
of the Yajna was on….After the Gayathri chanting, at Bhagawan’s instance
rithwiks chanted SriRudram…and this was on for quiet some time Bhagawan
was seemingly engrossed in the chanting and at times was repeating the
lines … “Namah Shambhave Cha Mayo Bhave
Cha Namah Shankaraya Cha Mayaskaraya Cha…” Towards the end of the
session Bhagawan blessed Prasadam for distribution and Mangalaarathi was
offered to Him.
Photos
Morning - Fifth Day
In
the evening Bhagawan arrived while bhajan session was in progress.
The
speakers for the session were Sri Ranganatha Raju, student of the School
of Business Management, Prasanthi Nilayam and Sri Sai Giridhar, student of
Masters in Science Programme, SSSIHL at Prasanthi Nilayam.
Sri Ranganatha Raju, a Telugu Speaker, spoke about Bhagawan’s Divine
Mission. His speech in Telugu, often intertwined with poetry was indeed a
treat for the huge assembly that it went into continues raptures…Sri Raju
ended his speech serving a silent reminder that - the entire humanity is
indebted to Bhagawan and there is absolutely no way to repay him back as
everything belongs to him alone - The second speaker dwelled on the
subject Absolute Truth - “The
Absolute Truth is One; The Wise
speak
of That in many ways” – Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanthi. He observed that
the root cause of present day evil prevalent in the society is nothing
but, ego and one has to surrender at His Lotus Feet to get rid off this
curse.
Photos
Evening
- Fifth Day
We may call Him by any Name, worship in any Form, but, surrender is
the key to attain True Wisdom…reminded
the speaker. His
speech was coupled with beautiful narrations and stories from the epics,
namely, stories of King Janaka and that related to Bhagawan Sri Krishna.
He even highlighted a personal conversation that he had with Bhagawan
wherein He was blessed to learn the great lesson that
everything in this world is worthless
without God… as is the case, like adding any number of zeros is
useless, until these zeroes are preceded by the numeral 1. The speaker
concluded with an emphatic note that only
by the removal of ego that one can realize that HE and SAI are ONE!
Maha Mangalaarathi was offered at the end of the speech that drawn the
curtain for the fifth day of the Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam.
Scroll down to see
more photos
The fourth day of the Yajna saw the regular rituals in the forenoon
session. …And in the evening session, It was prayer all along, with much
intensity… and bhajan session was on…and there came Bhagawan, all merciful
Lord…a fitting finale to the heartfelt prayers emanated from the thousands
assembled… a happy ending to a day long wait!
The guest artistes for the session were Sarvasree Vasu Rao and noted
playback singer Malaysia Vasudevan; the troupe was introduced to the
assembly by the Trust Convener, Mr. G.K.Raman. They produced six melodious
songs in six different languages, an apt offering to a gathering of
multitudes, coming from different languages with varied cultural
background. This was followed by a musical offering by Bhagawan’s students
from the Institute, who were blessed to be a part of His entourage; The
students were Sri Guru Prasad, a first year student of School of Business
Management, Sri Om Prasad, a second year student of Master of Science
Programme, Sri Ashwath Narayanan, a Second year student of Master of
Science Programme, Sri Ravi Teja who accompanied on flute, a former
student of School of Business Management and Sri Nishikant Barodekar,
noted Tabla exponent, currently serving in the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri
College of Music at Prasanthi Nilayam. Pic below 2nd - 3rd & 4th day -
Music is undoubtedly a vehicle for prayer…and these students with their
melodious rendering once again proved the same…as to how best you can win
the heart of Bhagawan…through Naadopasana…The first song rendered was
“Sindhanai Sei Manamae…”, meaning “O mind, dwell upon The Lord!” composed
in Raag Kalyani, a famous Tamil song in praise of Lord Subrahmanya. This
was followed by “Eppadi Padinaro Adiyaar…” in Raag Aaberi glorifying those
saints whose lives were devoted to Lord Shiva. After these two songs, at
the instance of Bhagawan they sang a popular movie song “Amma
Endrazhaikkaadha Uyir Illayae…”, in Raag Kalyani meaning “There is no life
without seeking the Mother…” Yet another one… “Janani, Janani, Janani…” a
fantastic song rendered in Raag Revathi, devoted to the Mother of the
Universe. …and throughout the session Bhagawan was seen completely
engrossed in this Naadopasana, musical offering. It is truly said: rhythm
is the pulse of Indian music; its essence is spiritual…and with a touch of
feeling it reaches Him…and these renderings stand testimony to it. …and
the curtain was drawn for the twilight session with a beautiful song
“Swamiki Entha Premayu…” sung by the three students together, a song on
Bhagawan’s all conquering love…literally conquering the thousands
presented over there.
Prasadam was distributed at the end of the session and Maha Mangala
Aarathi was offered to Bhagawan…Bhagawan blessed the entire assembly with
His Abhaya Hastha before leaving the premises. …A day long waiting finally
turned out to be a wonderful musical evening…
Scroll down to see more photos
22-01-2007 Third Day...
The third day of the Ati Rudra Maha Yajna began at 5.00 a.m, with Aruna
Parayana followed by Mahanyasa Parayana. An estimated gathering of 25,000
were present listening to the vedic chants, while awaiting Bhagawan’s
arrival. Panchamritha Abishekam was performed to the Sri Sathya Sai
Sundareswara Lingam followed by Rudra Parayana.
Bhagawan arrived at the Yajna Vedika at around 9.05 a.m. Bhagawan came
directly on to the dais to watch the proceedings, while Rudra Homam was in
progress, All merciful Bhagawan went for a full round of the entire
stretch of the hall, blessing the devoted gathering. Bhagawan also went
into the Yajna Saala, going round the 11 homa kundams. Bhajans started at
9:50 a.m. At the end of the Bhajan session Maha Mangala Aarathi was
offered to the Sri Sathya Sai Sundareswara Lingam.
A group of visually impaired girls were brought to Bhagawan for His
blessings. One of the visually impaired girls said: “I could feel
Bhagawan’s Divine Love when He came near”.
In the afternoon, Bhagawan arrived at around 4.30 p.m. He went straight on
to the dais to occupy His specially arranged seat. The first speaker for
the afternoon was Sri R. Krishnamurthy Sastrigal, a retired Principal of
Madras Sanskrit College. The scholarly speaker who chose to begin his
speech in Sanskrit, then switching over to Tamil narrated the greatness
and significance of the SriRudram. The next speaker was Sri Sanjay
Mahalingam followed by Sri Sashank Shah, both research scholars from
Bhagawan’s Institute in Prasanthi Nilayam, who accompanied Bhagawan to
Chennai. Sanjay Mahalingam, who chose to speak on the subject, The Purpose
of Life was exuberant and vibrant with his rare rhetoric skills that got
the gathering to an exalted level. The speaker emphasized that the purpose
of life is Absolute Wisdom and the only means to attain this wisdom is
Absolute Detachment. Sri Sashank Shaw, chose to speak on various service
activities being done by Bhagawan, namely, Medi-care, Socio-care and
Edu-care citing statistics from various international sources.
The guest artiste for the evening was Master Umayalpuram Sivaraman, a
Mridhungam exponent of repute. The blessed percussionist, who sought
Bhagwawn’s blessings before the performance was accompanied by Neyveli C.S
Radhakrishnan on double violin, Sri E. M Subramanian on ghatam, Sri
Shrirangam on morsing, Sri Anirudh Athraiyya on Kanjira, Sri Shivakumar
also on mridhungam. The artiste rendered two classical pieces enthralling
the audience with his beats on the drum in carnatic style and the whole
audience including Bhagawan were fully immersed in the musical offering
that had energy that was vibrant, tempo that had momentum and rhythm that
had harmony, that there was rhythmic clapping to the beats on the drums,
all around. The synchronization of various instruments was the highlight
of the performance. The final performance by the troupe was the famous
bhajan Prema Mudhita Mana Se Kaho Rama Rama Ram…the entire gathering
accompanied the piece in ‘chorus’ clapping to the tune. Bhagawan left the
dais at 6:30 p.m. marking the end of the day three of the Maha Yajnam.
January 21, 2007
-
21-01-2007 Second Day...
On the 21st, the morning session began with the chanting of Aruna Parayana
(an invocation on Lord Aruna, the charioteer of Surya, the Sun god). This
was followed by chanting of Mahanyasa (a section of SriRudram) in the form
of parayana (chants), that was followed by by Panchamrita Abhishekam to
the Sri Sathya Sai Sundareshwara Lingam (as christened by Bhagawan).
Bhagawan arrived at around 9:30 a.m. accompanied by Union Cabinet
Ministers Sarvasree Shivaraj Patil and Raghupathi. He sat through for
almost an hour watching the proceedings. The priests performed Homa
(agni-yagna when performed on a small scale is also known as havan, homam
or agnihotra) on Rudra and Sai Gayathri after the Rudraabhisheka and
Parayana.
Scroll down to see
more photos
Picture source: omkara.tv.
Scroll down to see
more photos
Bhagawan left the site at around 10:40 a.m. to the Nehru Stadium, the
venue of the official felicitation function. The session ended with Around
10.40 a.m. The proceedings for the session ended with Ashthavadhana Seva
(an eight-fold ritualistic service to the Lord).
This was indeed the day, the occasion for Thanksgiving, a formal
Thanksgiving by the citizens of Chennai, an official function, Water – the
Elixir of Life organised by the Chennai Citizens’ Conclave at Jawaharlal
Nehru Indoor Stadium to felicitate Bhagawan. It is apt to take a flashback
to 19th December 2004 at Prasanthi Nilayam, when three thousand odd
devotees from Chennai Metropolitan arrived in a fleet of buses to have
Bhagawan’s Divine Darshan and express their heartfelt gratitude on behalf
of the Metropolitan City for His concern and blessings upon them.
This grand function attended by glitterati from bureaucracy including His
Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala, Hon’ble
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Karunanidhi, His Excellency the Governor
of Maharashtra, Mr. S.M.Krishna, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra,
Mr. Vilas Rao Deshmukh, Hon’ble Union Minster for Home Affairs, Mr.
Shivraj Patil, Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav,
Hon’ble Union Minister for Communications & IT, Mr. Dayanidhi Maran
besides some ministers from the cabinets of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Bhagawan in His Discourse underlined the need for people to cultivate
selflessness. He also said that the rich should come forward to undertake
such welfare activities for the benefit of people. The Hon’ble Chief
Minister of Tamil Nadu and a few other ministers present also spoke on the
occasion.
The afternoon program started around 3.30 p.m. and the hall was brimming
to its full capacity leaving the rest of the gathering to spill the open
grounds…an estimated assembly of over sixty thousand devotees, and a few
of them were also seen standing on both sides of the road leading to the
venue, waited in the blistering sun to catch a glimpse of Bhagawan.
After the Panchamrita Abishekam and Rudrabishekam, Ashthavadhana Seva was
performed. Bhajans started at 6:20 p.m. and Maha Mangala Aarathi was
offered at 6:50 p.m. which marked the end of the second day of the Yajnam.
( Swami didn't come out for morning darshan, at this
( i.e.today evening)
moment lots of devotees are waiting for Swami's evening
darshan since it is expected that Swami might come out for darshan, there
is also going to be a musical program at ARMY site today. (21st Jan. 7.p.m. IST -We have just recived an update from Chennai that
Swami didn't come for evening darshan today and there was no music program
too.
)
Sai Baba with CM
M. Karunanidhi
of Chennai and other State Govt.
ministers and VIP's - Nehru indoor stadium in Chennai
click on the photos to
see large size
In the morning Swami visited the Nehru
indoor stadium in Chennai, according to some sources there were around 8
thousand people present. Yesterday Swami visited
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi
"CHENNAI:
Sri Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi met Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi at
the latter's Gopalapuram residence here on Saturday. The meeting lasted
nearly an hour. The Chief Minister gave two books to Baba, including one
on Kural. Asked what they spoke during the meeting, Mr. Karunanidhi
quipped, "Tamil." And then he added: "Neither did Baba talk politics nor
did I speak spiritualism." The Chief Minister said he thanked Baba for his
contribution to the lining of the Telugu Ganga canal.
He had also appealed to him to take up more such welfare schemes in the
State. Earlier Sri Sathya Sai Baba was received by PWD Minister Durai
Murugan, HR and CE Minister K.R. Periakaruppan and Union Minister
Dayanidhi Maran. " source: The Hindu newspaper/ SBOI
click on the photos to
see large size
"Tirupathi Devasthanam request Swami help
with the water project
Yesterday officials from Tirupathi Devasthanam in Tirupathi were here in
Chennai to meet Swami and
request for Swami's help with the water project to supply drinking water
to the devotees in Tirupati. They asked for donation of 800 Crorers for
the water project and Swami's blessings to complete it. The official also
said that Swami enquired him about the free weddings that Tirupathi
Devasthanam was conducting. The official said that Swami smiled and
accepted their request. "
click here to read more Sai news in media
source January 20, 2007 -
20-01-2007 First Day...
The Ati Rudra Maha Yajna commenced with religious fervour on the 20th
January 2007, being conducted at Dr. Vasudevan Nagar, Thiruvamiyur with
Bhagawan formally charging the Linga with His Divine Hands. The Yajna is
to continue for 10 days to end with Maha Poornahuthi. Elaborate
arrangements have been made for devotees’ convenience.
On the 20th January, the day of the commencement of the Yajna, devotees
started gathering at the site by early midnight. The much awaited Yajna
commenced at 3:00 a.m. with the invoking of Ganapathi Manthras. This was
followed by Swasthi Vachana, Bimba Suddhi, Kalasa Sthapana and
Nethronmeelana. …and the entire area was vibrant with the resonance of
Vedic Chanting.
Bhagawan arrived at around 8:30 a.m. Mr. G.K.Raman, the Trust Convener
welcomed Bhagawan. He said: “Thiruvanmiyur, which has the holy temple of
Marundeeshwara (oushadeeswara – Shiva, The Lord of medicine), today, is
blessed with the Rudra Himself as Sathya Sayeeshwara.
Sri Nanjunda Dixit, the Chief Priest explained the significance of the Ati
Rudra Maha Yajna in detail. “Our Swami is both Shiva and Vishnu” he
declared and added that that was the reason for the Yajna starting on
Shravana and ending on Arudra stars (the stars for 20th and 30th Jan
respectively).
It was the turn of Bhagawan to surchage the lingam, known as Prana
Pratishta that marked the formal commencement of the Yajna. Bhagawan left
Sundaram at around 10:00 a.m.
The afternoon session began at 3:30 p.m. with the chanting of Rudarm
followed by Abhishekam to the Lingam (Eashwara). Bhagawan arrived at 5:45
p.m. Mandolin Maestro U. Srinivas and party gave a beautiful instrumental
rendering that would have taken one and all to the many musical feats done
at Sai Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam in His Divine Presence.
The day’s proceedings came to an end with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.
On the 20tht morning, Bhagawan had made a surprise visit to the residence
of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. M. Karunanidhi at Gopalapuram. He
spent almost an hour with the Chief Minister’s family. Few images
( below) from Chennai
Ati Rudra Maha Yajna site & Swami's
Darshan -Chennai 19th Jan. Bhagwan landed at Chennai airport
on Friday at 2.15 by a chartered flight of Paramount Airways accompanied
by students.
Bhagawan descended and got into the waiting car and proceeded to
Sundaram.
Devotees were waiting at
Sundaram from 11am itself and after Swami arrived
at
Sundaram , Bhajans commenced and Swami blessed everyone present with
very good darshan from Kamalam (Lotus shaped balcony) for about 15 minutes and went inside after
Aarthi.
20th Jan: Morning
Bhagwan arrived at Yagna site at
9.00 am and is expected to stay till around noon since there are
facilities provided for Swamy's interview etc it is said that he could
stay and give his discourse in evening session. Swami gave a full darshan
and went around all sides and made his devotees so happy.
January 19, 2007
Swami is in Chennai- Our beloved lord has set his foot in Chennai at
around 2-20 PM.
This morning, after His morning darshan round in the car at 8.20
am, Swami sat outside onstage listening to the Vedic chants for twenty
minutes. The Primary School Children were chanting with gusto, and Swami
Blessed them before walking to the Bhajan Hall.
The aircraft for Bhagawan's flight to Chennai arrived after noon.
Swami arrived at the Sai Kulwant Hall in His car at 12.30, paused at the
centre of the Hall and accepting Arati, left for the airport. The plane
took off for Chennai after an hour. -
Om Sairam dear Sai
Family,
Swami left Prasanthi Nilayam at 12:25pm for Chennai. The roads of
Prasanthi Nilayam were packed with devotees, local and overseas, to have a
glimpse of our beloved Lord before He leaves for Chennai for the 2nd Ati
Rudra Maha Yajna in less than a year time.
The flight which was supposed to take Swami landed in Prasanthi Airport
around 11:30 and there were people all over.
Swami travelled in His usual TOYOTA PORTE car to the airport. The car went
very slowly, took about 40 minutes to reach airport which is approx.10
minute drive. One would imagine how slow the car was and it was a TREAT to
watch Swami. Once, twice were not enough. Swami was all smiling.. the
devotees who saw Swami, ran to the opposite side and went a little beyond
the car and cross the road again to swami's side. Many including me were
doing this and Swami was equally enjoying the play... It was just wonderful
to see Swami.
As usual Sai Geetha was ready to greet Swami and she was uncontrollable
when Swami's car got close to her.. the students of Eswaramma high school
stood in a line and were seen chanting Sai Gayatri. Swami blessed them
raising His hand and next to them were senior boys, Swami gave a beautiful
smile to them as well. Swami was keenly watching the new indoor stadium as
brother Sathyajit, who was driving swami's car pointed to some thing...
Swami was seen saying something to some people and the crowd was
uncontrollable the moment Swami got close to them, there were was a big
scream of joy and the very next moment they run more further and be ready
for the car to pass by. Many were about to fall and Swami was looking at
them and many times, had facial expression, just as we have when we say
OOPS!!
As the car came to the bypass road (airport road) the crowd was double in
number.. I thought, there wouldn't be any one beyond Late Janaki ramayya's
Samadhi but to my surprise, there were hundreds of devotees...
HAPPY JOURNEY TO SWAMI was written with sand on the road on the airport
road.
as the car was approaching the airport the numbers doubled and also seen
were few local school kids....
Swami's car directly drove in the airport and near the flight.. A navy
blue flight form PARAMOUNT AIRWAYS was ready to take Swami and His
handpicked beloved ones...
after about 15 minutes or so... Swami's plane flew to Chennai... which
will be the centre of attraction for the next 2 weeks...
With a prayer, to Swami, to let us all enjoy the fruits of the Yajna and
with a humble prayer to Swami to bless us all to be His darling
children.....
Satish Naik...
GOD LUCK CHENNAI
Submitted to SBOI Group by
Member Satish Naik
Above: 1
p.m. Swami is on His way to the
Puttparthi airport to board a plane which will fly Swami to Chennai to
attend ATHI RUDRA MAHA YAGNA. Sathya Sai Baba is arriving in the Chennai
city after a gap of 10 years. 1.30 p.m. Swami's plane took off from
Puttaparthi Airport - destination Chennai. January 19, 2007
January 18, 2007This morning, Bhagawan visited the Indoor Stadium
complex at 9.15
am. Some more construction work is going on there,
like the addition of tennis courts. Yesterday and the day before,
Swami sat outside in the stage area in the Sai Kulwant Hall after darshan, and
Blessed many of the students, 'Birthday boys' and others. On Tuesday, the
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh had an audience with Swami along with
some of his Cabinet colleagues for around half an hour before the evening
bhajans began.
January 16, 2007
Direct flights to Puttaparthi by Kingfisher airlines. Devotees can now fly
to Puttaparthi airport directly from 21st January to 23rd
March on Kingfisher Airlines. above
photo of aircraft type ATR72 to be used on flying sector Bangalore -
Puttaparthi - Bangalore route.
Flight
Departure
Arrival
Days
of
Operation
Effective
from
Effective
till
Aircraft
Type
Puttaparthi
Bangalore
IT2413
1620
1700
Tue/Thur/Sat
23/01/2007
25/03/2007
ATR72
Hyderabad
IT2837
1250
1405
Thur/Sat
23/01/2007
25/03/2007
ATR72
Bangalore
Puttaparthi
IT2412
1130
1210
Tue/Thur/Sat
23/01/2007
25/03/2007
ATR72
Photos: Makara Sankranthi & Valedictory
Function of Sports and Cultural Meet 15 & 14 Jan
January 15, 2007 Makara Sankranthi & Valedictory Function of Sports and Cultural Meet : Makara
Sankranthi morning darshan was at eight o'clock. Swami was led into the
Sai Kulwant Hall by the Brass Band of the Institute, since the morning
function incorporated the Prize Distribution ceremony of the Annual Sports
and Games. Bhagawan came onstage after His darshan round and Blessed the
trophies and shields arrayed there, bought up to Him by the Sports
Directors of the various institutions. At 8.15, Swami signalled for the
proceedings to begin.
The
Vice-Chancellor, Sri A. V. Gokak, spoke first, elaborating on the
significance of the Makara Sankranthi festival, when the Sun begins to
turn Northward. The second speaker was Prof. G. Venkataraman, former
Vice-Chancellor. He congratulated the students for their enthusiastic
participation in various events and especially in yesterday's drama. After
his speech, the Vice-Chancellor called up the captains of the various
institutions and Bhagawan presented them with trophies. Following this,
Bhagawan got up to deliver His Sankranthi message.
The farmers rejoice on this day, since they have completed the harvest and
it is their day of rest. Even the poorest labourer would enjoy payasam on
this day. The festivities extend even to the animal kingdom, with bulls
being decorated and taken around in the villages.
See good, do good, hear speak good, think good. Take good examples
wherever you find them. Don't eat just for the sake of taste - eat
nutritiously. Sai students set an example wherever they go, at whichever
institution they work.
HINDU stands for one with
Humanity
Individuality
Nationality
Devotion and
Unity
When you have unity, you experience divinity, which unites all nations,
which depends directly on individual behaviour with human qualities.
After Swami sat down, He continued for ten more minutes.
Swami did not
want to go to Chennai earlier, when there was no water there - He felt sad
on seeing children playing in sewage water. Now, Swami has supplied water
from the Krishna river, everybody is happy, so Swami is going there.
Nowadays, people consumed with jealousy make up all sorts of stories. You
need not pay any heed to them - rely on your own experience. All My
students are pure 24 karat gold. I wish them all success in their
examinations.
Swami concluded with "Hari Bhajan Bina" and asked for Arati. Prasadam was
distributed to all while the Band played some tunes. Swami then returned
to His residence preceded by the Band.
In the afternoon, the Prasanthi Nilayam post-graduate students prepared
their drama, "Sri Krishna Rayabaram", presenting the story of Lord Krishna
going as a messenger of peace to Duryodhana's court. After His darshan
round, at 4.40, Bhagawan came to the Bhajan Hall where the actors were
ready with their costumes. He spent 20 minutes with them, joking a little,
speaking to the boys who made the costumes ready, fine-tuning Krishna's
dhoti and so on. Thereafter He went into the interview room for five
minutes, and then went in His chair up to the set which had been erected
in the centre of the Sai Kulwant Hall, interacting with the set boys too.
The drama got underway at 5.20 when Swami came back to the stage area.
Halfway through, during one of the scene changes, Swami went into the
interview room for a few minutes and returned. Poetic dialogues from the
Bhagavatha were highlights of the drama and were incorporated by Swami
Himself during the practice sessions. The drama concluded at 6.30 pm with
the "Vaasudeva darshana" of Lord Krishna with many hands and faces, played
by nine students dressed as Krishna. Even as all the actors gathered for
the final curtain call, Swami called up the student who played the main
role of Krishna and Blessed him with a chain. For the next 20 minutes,
Bhagawan interacted with the students and gave them photo opportunities
with Him - group photos, then in twos and threes. Swami accepted Arati and
went to the interview room briefly, only to emerge and again interact with
the students. It was nearing seven o'clock when Bhagawan returned to His
residence. Sankranti discourse
excerpts Also read a
detailed report & transcript of Swami's discourse sent to SBOI Group by a
devotee
January 14, 2007This evening, the
Brindavan students presented their drama "Bhaktha Prahlada". The central
part of Sai Kulwant Hall was prepared as the stage for the drama, and the
backdrop covered the Lotus arch gate. More than a thousand disciples of
the Maharashtra saint "Junglee Maharaj" were conspicuous among the
devotees with their yellow headgear, sitting together as a group. Their
spiritual master was seated on the verandah.
Bhagawan came onstage after His darshan round and the drama commenced at
4.45 pm. The opening piece was a symbolic narrative dance depicting
Hiranyakashipu, a counterpart of the modern-day atheist, conquering the
five elements and declaring that none should worship God, since he,
Hiranyakashipu, was the all-powerful one. The settings of the drama, all
prepared by the students themselves, were quite magnificent and on three
tiers. The hour-long drama which was enlivened by many songs and
quotations from the Bhagavatham also conveyed many of Bhagawan's sayings
through the sage words of Prahlada.
Bhagawan was very pleased with the presentation and bestowed a chain on
Prahlada as the drama concluded. Then He went down and had a photograph
session with all the students. After Arati, Swami went into the interview
room for ten minutes. Then He again went towards the drama boys, spoke to
many of them and had another round of photographs with them singly and in
twos. After fifteen minutes of this photo session, Swami entered His car
and left for His residence. click here to see all
the images from Bhaktha Prahalada
January 13, 2007This
evening, Bhagawan sat onstage for fifteen minutes after His darshan round
in the car at 3.40 pm. After Blessing a large number of 'Birthday boys'
and taking letters from some students, Swami got up and walked back to the
verandah. There, He entered His car and left for a drive. The Brindavan
drama students were ready for a dress-rehearsal in the Poornachandra, and
when Swami left the Mandir in the car, the Prasanthi Nilayam drama
students scrambled to get ready in the Institute Auditorium. But Swami
kept both groups guessing, returning to the Mandir via the rear gate of
the Ashram and later attending the Bhajan as usual.
January 12, 2007 Morning Sports and Cultural Meet: (click here or scroll down to read the Evening
details):
The Sports and
Cultural Meet of the Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions got off to a
colourful start this
morning. Bhagawan arrived
at the Vidyagiri stadium by 7.15 am and was led to the Shantivedika dais
by a procession consisting of the Brass Band troupes of Anantapur and
Prasanthi Nilayam
campuses, slow-march squads with flags,
caparisoned Sai
Gita and motorcycle escorts from all three campuses of the Sai University.
As soon as Bhagawan was seated onstage, the ceremonial march-past began.
First to cross the dais and salute Sai Ma were the tiny tots of the Sri
Sathya Sai Primary School.
They were followed by the girl students of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher
Secondary School, the Anantapur women's' campus of the University, the boys
of the Higher Secondary School and finally the Brindavan and Prasanthi
Nilayam mens' campuses. With all the students arrayed on the ground after
the marchpast, the
Institute flag was brought to the flagpost in front of
the dais, and Bhagawan hoisted the flag using a remote control button at
His seat onstage. After the Oath by the students to "...participate in the
Annual Sports and Games in the true spirit of sportsmanship ... and for
the Glory of our Mother Sai", Bhagawan lit the Games torch and released
balloons and doves. The torch was carried halfway up the Hill by students
in relays, and thereafter by the mascot, a large Dove, and lit up the
flame atop the Hill, while the torch song composed by the students filled
the air. With this, the inaugural ceremonies concluded with the Brass
Bands of Anantapur and Prasanthi Nilayam marching past the dais while the
students marched out of the ground and cleared it for the presentation by
the Brindavan campus.
The Brindavan programme began at 8 o'clock, with the "Thunderbirds" -
students on paramotors coming in to land from the empyrean. Two students
made impeccable landings in the middle of the ground and ran up to
Bhagawan for blessings. The next presentation was by the "Trailblazers" on
motorbikes. Criss-crosses, ramp jumps, riding standing on the pillion with
no rider below: the trailblazers executed all these stunts with precision,
ending with a large pyramid of more than 30 students on 14 bikes. The 20
minute Brindavan programme concluded with a cricket drill. Set to the tune
of the song "Aashaayein", the colourful drill with a grid of students
executing various cricketing strokes in a synchronised manner ended with a
"last ball of the match" demonstration. All the Brindavan students then
gathered together on the ground singing their final song to Swami, "Aasman
pe".
The boys of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School and the Prasanthi
Nilayam campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute were the next to present
their programmes. A dance to the song "Eka Dantaya" began the proceedings
with the backdrop of a large figure of dancing Vinayaka. The dancers were
in various colourful folk costumes, including traditional peacock and
horse costumes. Gymnastics on a long and narrow trampoline followed -
somersaults, back-flips, even jumping over a van. "Prasanthi Kungfu" was
next - a display of Chinese martial arts, with the largest ever display of
120 traditional Chinese weapons. A basketball medley followed, with
students spinning basketballs on their hands, jumping over a van with a
trampoline to do a slam-dunk, ending their basketball wizardy by throwing
all their balls in the air together at the end. The "Meteors" followed -
school boys twirling twin balls of gold on either side of a 3-foot elastic
rope, bouncing the twirling balls high in the air, juggling with the balls
on fire and so on. The "Hawks" then took centrestage - carabining down
from Vidyagiri Hill at high speed. Human Pyramids by the school students
was next, with the highest pyramid being 8 levels high. The "Power
Rangers" then took over, doing a variety of stunts on seven jeeps.
"Ground-surfing" by pulling along a pair of students lying on the ground,
Pyramids, handstands, handwalking and jumping through hoops of fire from
jeep to jeep, unconcernedly standing on the bonnet as the jeep moved on
without a driver, criss-crosses at high speed and driving on a collision
course only to swerve away at the last moment - all this was presented in
just five minutes. The "Power Rangers" ended their show with a human
firecraker offering obeisances to Swami while bursting the firecrackers
draped all over him. Indian martial arts with a Punjabi flavour was the
next item, with twenty-foot long swords being a star presentation.
The Prasanthi Nilayam programme concluded with the Hawks again carabining
down the Hill, making smoke trails, breaking pots and ploughing through
walls on the way. "We Love You" was written in ten-foot letters of fire as
the Prasanthi Nilayam students gathered in the ground for their final song
"Aaj ke din Hum gayenge". Bhagawan accepted Arati from the stage and
returned to the Mandir at 9.30 am as the afternoon's programmes by the
Anantapur Campus and the Primary School were announced.
January 12, 2007EveningSports and Cultural Meet:
The Afternoon programme got underway with Bhagawan arriving at the Stadium
at 3.35 pm. The gymnastics boys of the Primary School led Swami into the
Shanti Vedika with "two-person cartwheels". Once Swami went up the lift to
the stage, small children, three girls and three boys, came up to Him and
presented the Primary School programme card, commencing their events. Most
of the colourful Primary School mass participation items were presented on
a 20x20 grid marked on the ground and were impeccably synchronised. A
semi-classical dance, frolicking by small boys dressed as flowers, a dance
in South-East Asian style with long fingernails, an East-West fusion dance
by boys, small girls dressed as flowers, a peacock dance and formations
with hoops followed one after the other. Interspersed with these items
were the gymnastic and acrobatic feats by the boys: floor exercises
including jumps over a group of supine boys, breathtaking Malkhamb feats
on five poles including leaping from pole to pole with no extraneous
support, an aerial grid formed by 30 students on 40 foot tall scaffolding,
and human pyramids in intricate patterns. The hour-long presentation drew
to a close with all the students assembling together to the song "Madhura
Mohana".
After a ten minute break, Swami came back onstage, and the Anantapur
campus programme got underway. Roller-skating on platforms atop twin
trucks was the first item, with many routines from
figure-skating
exhibited in that cramped space. Next was the thematic presentation on the
Integral System of Sathya Sai Education. Each item of theirs highlighted
one facet of the Integral System. Starting the day with prayers and yogasanas was depicted with a Yoga drill. Academics, inculcating mutual
love and respect between teacher and taught, was displayed with a synchronised drill using folding chairs. Sports and games was represented
by a badminton drill. Service activities and grama seva were also
presented, with the construction of houses for the needy being depicted.
The two trucks with girls atop poles and ropes doing a malkhamb drill
provided an interlude. The "dancing dolls from Anantapur" danced to a song
extolling Bhagawan and His educational mission. The concluding event was a
depiction of the Convocation ceremony. As all the students gathered for
their final song, the acrobats atop the poles on the trucks in the
background arranged themselves to form the word "SAIRAM". Bhagawan
accepted Arati and returned to the Mandir at 5.40 pm.
Both in the morning as well as in the evening, when Bhagawan reached the
Yajur Mandiram, He interacted with the motorbike escort students and the
Band groups, appreciating the students' presentations and also granting
them group photos.
January 11, 2007
On Tuesday, Swami had visited the Airport in the morning, where the
paragliders
of the Brindavan campus took off in His presence. In the evening, He
watched them land at the Stadium. Yesterday, Bhagawan came to the Stadium
in the morning and watched the touchdown of the paragliders, and later the
marchpast practice. In the evening, He came to the Institute Auditorium by
2.45 pm and watched the drama practice by the Prasanthi Nilayam students
for more than 90 minutes. Then He returned to the Mandir and started a
long bhajan session in the Bhajan Hall, going on from 4.45 to 5.45 pm. And
finally, this evening, the Brindavan students got a chance to present
their drama rehearsal in front of Bhagawan in the Institute Auditorium.
Swami went to the Auditorium after evening darshan and remained there till
nearly five o'clock when He returned to the Mandir for Bhajans. After
Arati, Prof. Anil Kumar was asked to announce the Sports Meet programme
for tomorrow in the Stadium, and the Prize-Distribution along with
Sankranthi celebrations on the 15th. Photos - Car Darshan 11th
Jan
January 10, 2007
These days, Swami is going to the Vidyagiri stadium daily
and watching the
practice
(Sports day-12th Jan) sessions there. Also today 10th Jan 07
Swami drove outside the Ashram to watch the on going sports day
rehearsal inside the open spaced stadium. Swami drove twice i.e.
Morning & evening. Practically every day blessed devotees are enjoying
closeup car darshan on the main road.
January 8, 2007
This evening at 4.55 pm, Bhagawan came onstage, and the Music College
students presented a programme on the occasion of Thyagaraja Aradhana, the
birth anniversary of Saint Thyagaraja. As is customary, they sang some of
the famous Pancharatna kritis composed by Thyagaraja, and also some more
of his popular works like 'Nagumomu', accompanied by veenas and violins
along with the mridangam. After 45 minutes of their programme, Swami
called them up and gave them clothes. Then they continued with an
instrumental rendering of 'Manavyalakim' following which Swami accepted
Arati and returned to His residence.
These days, Swami is going to the Vidyagiri stadium daily and watching the
practice sessions there. In the mornings there is the march past practice,
and in the afternoons, practice sessions of the various campuses'
demonstration items for the inaugural function of the Sports Meet. This
year, the function is to be held on the 12th of January instead of the
11th, as per Bhagawan's instructions. Swami has been going to the stadium
via the main road and returning through the Primary School, the General
Hospital and Sai Srinivas Guest House.
January 4, 2007
This morning, Bhagawan came to the Vidyagiri stadium to watch the march
past practice session by the students. He was there from around 8.45 for
about half an hour before He returned to the Mandir. Last evening, after
coming for darshan at around 4.20 pm, Swami sat onstage at around 4.30 for
twenty minutes, blessing the 'Birthday boys' and taking letters from some
students. Later, He came to the Bhajan Hall for Bhajans as usual.
January 2, 2007 This morning,
Bhagawan spent a lot of time with the Sai Students - alumni of Prasanthi
Nilayam and Brindavan. After Swami's darshan round, the Sai Students were
called into the Bhajan Hall and Swami was with them from about 8.30. He
moved among them, He spoke to them, they sang to Him - it was a moving
session. 9 o'clock came and went, there were no Bhajans. Finally, at 9.45,
Swami asked some of the erstwhile Mandir singers to sing some of His
favourite Bhajans, including 'Sai Bhajan Bina'. Bhagawan finally retired
to His residence at 10.10.
January 1, 2007
The New Year was ushered in with musical programmes by Swami's students
past and present, in the evening and
the morning respectively. Bhagawan came for morning darshan at 7.20 and
went around the packed Sai Kulwant Hall in His car. He then came onstage
and the hour-long music programme began. The conclusion was a presentation
by the Brass Band. Swami asked the Band students to come up for group
photographs. Prasadam was distributed to all. Swami then went into the
interview room, and when He came into the Bhajan Hall, the students began
Bhajans. Swami presented the main singers of the morning with clothes, and
after the first Bhajan, accepted Arati and retired for the morning.
Bhagawan was
led into the Hall in the evening by a procession of Sai Students chanting
Vedam and bearing the Poorna
Kumbham. On reaching the stage, Swami asked the Vice-Chancellor to start
the proceedings at 3.35 pm with an introductory speech. After Sri. A. V.
Gokak's speech, the Sai Students offered to Bhagawan the CDs of the 9th
and 10th volume of bhajans sung by Sai Students. Their musical offering
for the evening began with a presentation on the Brass Band, and continued
with songs interspersed by a few words from many of the alumni. Bhagawan
was very pleased with their programme. He went into the interview room
after the program concluded at 5.30, and when He emerged at 5.45, asked
for Bhajans in the Bhajan Hall. After 20 minutes of Bhajans, He accepted
Arati and returned to His residence.
For More detailed report & photos click here
December 31, 2006
This morning, Bhagawan came to the Sai Kulwant Hall at 9.30 while the
Bhajans were going on. After going around the Hall in His car, He sat for
half an hour onstage as the Bhajans continued. Coming near the interview
room, Bhagawan accepted Arati and went into the
interview room. On emerging after a few minutes, Swami took a round of the
Verandah, and once again came onstage. There, He spoke to some teachers
and students, and finally returned to His residence at around 10.35 am. In
the evening, Darshan and Bhajan were as usual.
Yesterday was the auspicious day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi, when the Lord
gives darshan from the Northern direction. Swami arrived for Darshan at 8
o'clock in the morning, and after His darshan round, sat onstage (facing
North!) listening to the Vedic chants for nearly half an hour before going
into the interview room.
December 27, 2006Bhagawan
sat outside for a few minutes both yesterday and today after evening
darshan, listening to the Vedic chants and blessing the 'Birthday boys'.
This morning, He came down the verandah at around 8 o'clock, talking to a
few elders seated there, and blessed Mr. Gopal Rao on his 99th birthday.
Last evening, He spoke to some of the students whom He had selected "for
the Chennai trip" - some of them are singers and some are good at public
speaking. He asked the singers about the songs they had practised and
listened to them for few minutes.
December 25, 2006Christmas
Darshan: Christmas day Divine
Discourse
" On that day, they wished to
take photos with Me. I told them that they might silently pray in their
hearts so that their request would be fulfilled. To their joy, each one of
them found a photo with Swami standing beside them. The devotion of
Africans is indescribable." Read more Holy
Christmas dawned with the overseas devotees assembling in the Sai Kulwant
Hall
and singing carols till around 6.20 am when the Nagarsankirtan concluded.
Bhagawan
arrived at 8.45 am, resplendent in a white robe. After His darshan round
in the car, He came onstage and the students' presentations got underway
at 9 o'clock.
First were the
young Primary School boys with violins, playing popular Christmas tunes.
As they played "Jingle Bells", many tiny Santa Clauses came up to Swami,
throwing toffees for all the children. Next was the Institute boys' band
with a fifteen minute
Christmas
selection. Carols and other Christmas songs by the students followed. Just
before ten o'clock, the songs concluded and Swami asked for Bhajans to be
sung as prasadam was distributed to all. Swami went into the interview
room and emerged after ten minutes, walking down the verandah and cutting
the Christmas cakes arrayed there. Then He continued to walk down to the
stage, then came down to where the students were seated, walking all the
way up to the ladies' side. Then He sat in His chair and went on a full
darshan round in the chair, thrilling all the devotees. He returned to the
Verandah, accepted Arati and left for His residence in the car at nearly
eleven o'clock.
26th Dec:
Eye witness account of Christmas celeberations & excerpts
of Swami's discourse sent by a devotee from Puttaparthi..."Om Sairam to dear Sai Family ,warm regards
and merry Christmas to all, Don’t know where to start and how to put in
words the IMMENSE mercy and love shown by our beloved Lord, Jesus Christ
of this KALI AGE..." Read more
December 25, 2006Evening
Christmas Darshan:In the afternoon,
Swami arrived at
around
3.45 pm and sat onstage for a few minutes listening to the Vedic chants.
Then the speakers of the afternoon were announced by Mr. John Behner, the
South American Zonal Co-ordinator, who also narrated how Swami had
recently healed his eye without surgery. The first speaker was Mr. Arthur
Hillcoate. In his brief talk, he exhorted all his Sai brothers and sisters
to follow Bhagawan's teachings and fulfil their lives. The next speaker
was Father Charles Ogada from Nigeria,
currently teaching at the Sathya Sai School in Zambia. Father Charles
spoke very movingly about how the Lord came into his life and prayed that
the entire world may have the blessing of coming to Bhagawan. Swami was
very happy and materialized a chain for him after his speech. After these
talks, Bhagawan sat for a while, gazed at the overflowing Sai Kulwant Hall
and finally got up to deliver His Divine Message at 4.50 pm.
Swami's began by saying that there is no
difference between Him and us, and just like the bouquet of
flowers in His hand, all humanity is One. He narrated the delight of the
devotees He met in Africa, and spoke of the love and tolerance exhibited by the
wildlife there, saying that nowadays men are behaving like animals and
animals are behaving like men should! Concluding His hour long Discourse, Swami asked for
Bhajans to commence. After fifteen minutes of Bhajans, Swami accepted
Arati from Mr. Behner and Father Charles, and retired for the day.
Two days back, the
Karnataka state cricket team had come for Bhagawan's darshan, led by their
coach Venkatesh Prasad. Swami walked amidst them down the upper verandah
after His evening darshan round, and later had a photo session with them
onstage just as the five o'clock Bhajans began. Yesterday, the Union
Railways Minister Sri Laloo Prasad Yadav had an audience with Swami.
This evening, the
choir programme by overseas devotees heralded in the Christmas spirit. The
Sai Kulwant Hall was "decked with boughs of holly" and other seasonal
decorations. The front pillars had green cloth coverings over the lotus
decorations. Children standing on either
side of the path welcomed Swami as He came into the Hall just before four
in the evening.
After
His darshan round, He came onstage and the programme began with the
children's choir. They sang traditional Yuletide songs like "We wish you a
Merry Christmas" along with Sai songs like "Sa re ga", ending their
half-hour programme with "Jingle Bells". The grown-ups then took over and
began their soulful forty minute programme. Bhagawan enjoyed their
presentation, which included songs like "Almighty God", "You are my
Shepherd", "Jesus be with us", "Soham Sai Om" and "Turn your eyes upon
Swami", accompanied by violins, guitars, keyboards and a trumpet. Blessing
all with His
Abhayahasta, Swami went into the interview room after the programme, and
Bhajans by the students began in the Bhajan Hall as prasadam was
distributed. Swami
returned to the stage after ten minutes and Blessed the two lady
conductors of the two choirs with sarees. Then He accepted Arati waved by
the two conductors and retired for the day at 5.30 pm.
