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Text & photo source: Radiosai.org Prasanthi Diary, sssbpt.org -
Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org . |
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Sai News Archive 2010: | Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Archive 2009 | << June 2010 | Current Sai Baba News| August 2010 >>
Sai Baba Darshan News Photo
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Saturday, July 31, 2010:- Sai News & Photo Updates: This evening, emerging at 1725 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a complete round of darshan before coming onstage at 1740 hrs. Continuing with the spirit of celebrations, in the run up to the 85th birthday celebrations, the state of Punjab & Haryana followed by Jammu & Kashmir were to stage cultural presentations in the Divine presence. Soon Veda chanting came to a close as indicated by Bhagawan and organisers and participants from Punjab and Haryana came upto Bhagawan seeking blessing for the programme. Introducing the programme, as commanded by Bhagawan, Mr. Maninder Singh, the state representative, made a mention of the Baisakhi celebrations of this year in Delhi in the immediate Divine presence. Expressing gratitude to Bhagawan for His Northi India visit in April, Mr. Maninder Singh made a mention about the good harvest during the season, crediting the same to Bhagawan's Divine benevolence. Children from big cities get to perform in big auditoriums, but these children from rural background, not well educated and coming from a distant land travelling across five states covering over 2500 kms, are lucky to perform in the highest stage, in Sai Kulwant Hall in the immediate Divine presence of Bhagawan, said Mr. Maninder Singh profusely thanking Bhagawan for His continued grace and guidance. The first programme for the evening was a dance sequence by students from Sathya Jyothi Pioneer High School, Patiala. They danced to the tune of a famous sufi devotional number. What followed next was Punjab's trademark dance, Bhangra by the youth of Punjab. Wearing bright coloured patkas on the head, a lacha or lungi of the same color, long tunic and a colourful waistcoat, ghunghroos on the ankles, these youngsters sung to the beats of the dhol, singing couplets in Punjabi. Moving in circles, often lifting their sticks up, raisign themselves to reach a high crescendo these youngsters successfully created a Punjabi feeling celebrating the "Harvest of Love", as appropriately titled, in the immediate Divine presence. The presentation ended with a scene depicting religious harmony, hailing Mother India to be the best in the world, singing "Saare Jahaan Se Achcha Hindustan Hamara..." The session continued with J & K taking its turn. Ms. Kailash Mehra, famous gazal singer and Head of Dept., Music, MAM college, Jammu, singing some bhajans. Invoking Bhagawan, Lord Ganesha Ms. Mehra started off with a prayer to Goddess Sharada invoking Her to dwell upon her throat, singing, "Aaye Dwar Tumhare Sai..."After three songs Bhagawan asked the students to sing 'aalaap' bhajan; "Sri Raghavam..." was sung followed by another one, "Allaho Akbar..." literally turning the twilight into a God-lit one! It was time for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose for group photograph. Clothe distribution followed, safari pieces for boys and men and and sarees for girls and women. Upon retuning onstage, Bhagawan accepted one more Arathi before moving off the dais at 1915 hrs. retiring to Yajur Mandiram, not before blessing the concourse with "abhayahastha". Representing the United Kingdom, over 1300 devotees have arrived at Prasanthi on a pilgrimage that would last for ten days. |
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Friday,
July 30, 2010:
- Sai News & Photo Updates: On
this evening that was prematurely ageing, owing to overcast
conditions, Bhagawan emerged just after 1730 hrs. to a fresh bout of
Vedic chants...And when it drizzled yet again, at the right moment,
Bhagawan had the escort of an yellow umbrella cover on top. Gliding through, Bhagawan was greeted by a set of tiny tots from the
North Eastern State of Sikkim, arrayed at the centre pathway. These
children were scheduled to stage a cultural programme in the Divine
presence.
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Thursday, July 29, 2010: - Sai News & Photo Updates: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Holy Thursday arrived bringing along with beatific sight of
The Lord, His Divine Darshan! This morning, emerging at
1035 hrs. to the tunes of the bhajan "Devaki Thanaya Dayanidhe..."
that has a special line, pleading and praying for darshan, "Darshan
Dheejo Sai Deva...", Bhagawan went for a full round of darshan,
blessing the holy assembly. Frequently pausing towards the end of
the round, interacting with some of the bhajan boys, Bhagawan moved
towards the Primary block, spending quite a while, before moving
further into the ladies side for a full length. Returning shortly, Bhagawan came onstage at 1055 hrs. to a crescendo in bhajans. Moving off shortly, Bhagawan went into the interview room, spending next twenty minutes in, before emerging at 1120 hrs. What ensued was a slow round of blessing through the upper portico, wherein Bhagawan spent enough time, listening to many of the International representatives (Sathya Sai Organisation), before coming onstage at 1135 hrs., from the right of Ganesha. It was time for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off once again getting into the interview room, granting interview to a senior devotee. Emerging in ten minutes, Bhagawan glided into the ladies' side, not before blessing prasadam for Primary children, retiring for the session, at 1150 hrs. For the holy assembly, it was a sumptuous bhajan session extended for more than two and a half hour with sparks in between, of The Lord's beatific presence! Evening:
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Wednesday, July 28, 2010: - Sai News & Photo Updates: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This morning, along with the throng of devotees in the Sai
Kulwant Hall, when time also kept waiting, bhajans continued beyond
the 'scheduled' hour giving greater anticipation of a morning
darshan. ...And He emerged at 1020 hrs. to come for a complete round before moving onstage at 1033 hrs. Moving off shortly, Bhagawan spent next five minutes outside the interview room, flipping through a photo album on the recently held "Alwar Festival". Getting into the interview room, Bhagawan spent next fifteen minutes in before moving into the bhajan hall for a brief 'two' minutes. Returning onto the dais, Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi at 1105 hrs. before moving off, gliding into the ladies' end retiring for the session. Before retiring, Bhagawan asked for prasadam to be brought; blessed prasadam was subsequently distributed to bhajan and vedam boys and staff members present. On an evening when rain God showered his bounty from the heavens, the Overlord on earth decided to emerge in His car showering His bounty of blessings, Divine Darshan! This evening, emerging at 1720 hrs., Bhagawan went for a complete round in His car before alighting at the portico. Upon alighting Bhagawan spent awhile with a senior devotee from the US before getting onstage at 1730 hrs., round of Ganesha. Vedic chants continued for an extra ten minutes, until 1740 hrs. when Bhagawan nodded for bhajans to begin. Beginning with the Ganesha bhajan, "Ganesha Sharanam Parama Pavanam...", just into the second bhajan, Bhagawan moved off the dais, coming round of Ganesha to the lower portico. Blessing two of the Latin American representatives, spending awhile seeing their project report and album, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall through the rear entrance to spend next ten minutes in. Emerging at 1800 hrs. through the main entrance, Bhagawan glided through the lower portico, blessing some of the representatives from International Organisation and a group of students before coming onstage at 1810 hrs., from the right of Ganesha. Bhajans continued for ten more minutes before Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi at 1820 hrs. After accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais to get into His car, retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 1825 hrs. Blessed Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage. |
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Tuesday, July 27, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
After long more than a 'fortnight full' of
hectic schedule packed with cultural presentations on the trot,
today appeared to be a 'blank' day without any special
schedule...but, The Lord had 'His Own' plans... Emerging at 1745 hrs., Bhagawan took a detour through the ladies'
side to get into the interview room. Coming out shortly, Bhagawan
moved into the bhajan hall. Gliding through He exited through the
rear entrance, to glide past the lower portico coming onstage at
1800 hrs. , through the doctors' block.
These 'Anathas turned Sanathas'
were a blissful lot in His presence and one could see many a
teary-eyed face with great love and feeling writ on them...a great
feeling of Gratitude!. The entire contingent was blessed with
Vibhuti prasadam also. After spending ten minutes at the ladies'
side, action was shifted into the gents' side where a ditto blessing
act was repeated.
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Monday, July 26, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prasanthi continues to bask in the festive glory, as it rained music
yet again! The morning after
Guru Purnima
witnessed the carnatic duo, Malladi Brothers, continuing from where
they had left in the previous evening. Emerging at 0815 hrs. in His car, Bhagawan took a detour through the ladies' side to come onto the portico. Moving into the interview room Bhagawan spent next 45 minutes in before emerging yet again at 0900 hrs.
Bhagawan came onstage shortly after 0900 hrs. to the holy chants of
Vedam. The stage was set for the music concert and the artistes were
already onstage as per His Divine instructions.
It was 1025 hrs. and the duo was singing Mangalam to various God forms, supposedly the final song. Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Blessing the artistes with Vibhuti Prasadam, Bhagawan moved off the dais to interview room. Coming out in ten minutes, Bhagawan had a series of short interactions cum blessings before gliding into the ladies' side at 1040 hrs. retiring for the session.
Evening: After a fabulous
musical morning session, in the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1650
hrs. to come for a slow, detailed round that took fifteen minutes.
Moving into the bhajan hall after the round of darshan, Bhagawan
spent next five minutes in before emerging through the main door to
come onstage, not before spending sometime interacting and blessing
some seniors.
Starting off with an offering to Lord Ganesha 'whistling'
Mahaganapthim..., He went on 'singing' Entharo Mahanu Bhavulu...,
Ramanannu Brovara..., Raghuvamsha Sudha..., Nagumo..., Pibare Rama
Rasam..., Govinda Krishna Jai..., Sai Bhajana Bina..., Prema Muditha
Manase Kaho... etc. An hour into the concert, Bhagawan called the
artiste to bless him with a golden chain followed by blessings to
all the accompanists giving away gifts. This was followed by the
final session singing the last two songs...namely, Nagumo, Pibare
Rama Rasam.
It was the gift of rare talent, of His own creation, that the
versatile artiste 'played back' unto Him, the bestower of talent.
Time clock ticked to 1845 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala
Arathi. After Arathi, all the artistes including Malladi Brothers,
who were also present listening to the concert, huddled around
Bhagawan receiving bounty of blessings that included a photograph
session.
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Guru Poornima - Sunday, July 25, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : When year 85 of His Divine Advent projects itself to be the 'one off' occasion so far witnessed, Guru Purnima of this 85th year cannot be anything different. Yes, on this auspicious Guru Purnima Day, in the evening, The Mighty Lord was ushered into receive a stupendous welcome, as Divinity richly deserves! Emerging at 1625 hrs. donning dazzling crimson robe, Bhagawan came into the hall to the melodious tunes of Gurupaduka Strotram sung by students accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Nadaswaram and Panchavadyam. Gliding through the surge of devotees, conferring auspicious benedictions, Bhagawan went for a complete round, in between blessing many a student who were having special cards and mementos for the occasion, before moving further into the ladies' side for a full length. Taking a 'u-turn', Bhagawan came onto the portico where the Guru Purnima Special Cake done by Italian devotees was awaiting the Lord along with couple of other ones. Blessing these cakes, Bhagawan moved further to come onstage at 1650 hrs. to melodious tunes of qawwali sung by students.
In another five minutes, famous Carnatic duo, Malladi Brothers took over, singing onstage, facing the Lord upfront. The next ninety minutes saw Indian classical music's finer variety, Carnatic, that is so dear to the Lord, dominating the proceedings, exhibiting her distinct variety. As they went on singing, Bhagawan sat through, keenly attentive, gazing at them, often reflecting emotive expressions, enjoying the melody often lifting His tender fingers beating to the tune, a sign of His 'involvement' in the musical melody. The duo went on singing some special compositions on Bhagawan, His Love and His Mission. The duo was accompanied by their composer father and a group of men on various instruments, namely, violin, Veena, tabla, mridangam etc. The violinist deserves a special mention for he often reproduced, solely, repeating the vocal aalaap with equal dexterity. Towards the end the musicians engaged in a mini jugalbandhi giving needed fillip to the prevailing devotional ecstasy. The concert that began at 1700 hrs. continued for the next ninety minutes till the duo sought His blessings after their round of performance. It was time as Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. The next almost ten minutes Bhagawan spent onstage as family members of the duo came unto Him seeking Divine blessings. Accompanists were also blessed by Bhagawan. In the meantime, Italian chocolates and Laddu Prasadam were blessed by Bhagawan that were subsequently distributed to the assembly. Prasanthi experienced unprecedented rush of devotees and every available space in the spacious Sai Kulwant was filled by the rush of devotees. Huge screens were erected on both ladies' and gents' side to felicitate better view of Bhagawan from every possible angle. An extra set of devotees were accommodated in the Poornachandra Auditorium. Retiring at 1845 hrs. Bhagawan moved through the ladies' side, blessing the concourse, heading towards the Poornachandra Auditorium. Bhagawan spent two to three minutes onstage conferring blessings upon the assembly, blessing prasadam, before retiring after granting abhayahastha to the delight of thousands assembled in the hall. |
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Saturday, July 24, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : Guru Purnima along with Maha Shivarathri and Bhagawan's Birthday comes on top of the list in terms of festive fervour, congregation of devotees and oftentimes, for important announcements with reference to Trust, Organisational and Institutional activities! With a day to go for the grand festivity, Prasanthi is already bustling with steady inflow of devotees, especially from Andhra Pradesh. As is 'her' won't during such mammoth festive occasions, 'Prasanthi', after filling to capacity, started accommodating this surge of devotees in the verandahs of Ashram residential blocks. ...And on this Guru Purnima eve, emerging at 1708 hrs. to the holy chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a complete round blessing the capacity audience that filled every available slot in the spacious Sai Kulwant Hall. As He was gliding past the centre block, Bhagawan had a detailed look at the Balvikas children and Youth from Tamil Nadu arrayed in drama costumes, for the scheduled dance drama presentation later in the evening. With Bhagawan slowly completing the round, Veda chanting reached a crescendo, enhanced by the vibrant primary school children. Completing a full round, Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side, blessing and interacting with many, before taking a "u-turn" to come into the bhajan hall. Gliding through, Bhagawan emerged through the rear entrance to come onstage at 1725 hrs., round of Ganesha. Veda chanting ceased soon as drama participants made a beeline unto Him, along with senior officials, seeking initial blessings before the commencement of the programme. An announcement by former State President, Mr. TG Krishnamurthy followed, who briefly introduced the theme of the presentation entitled Sai Yugam Sathya Yugam to be presented by the Balvikas and Youth of Tamil Nadu. The presentation had episodes from the past and present, essaying the colossal, magnificence of the present day Mission set in motion by Bhagawan. Lord Brahma, after creating four progenitors, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanātana, and Sanat Kumāra, gives them a tour comprising of comparative study of their present, explaining in detail corresponding mission that would happen in the times of the Avataric mission in Kali Yuga. The colourful, innovative presentation ends with Bhagawan Krishna's declaration that He would come back in Kali Age as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The fifty minute presentation emphasised the title Sai Yugam Prema Yugam, singing a theme group song echoing the same. Upon the end of the programme, Bhagawan moved down the dais, blessing the contingent with group photo session. Spending sometime around, Bhagawan materialised an emerald ring for one of the youth before moving through the rows, casting His benedictions upon many. Coming onstage Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, at 1850 hrs., Bhagawan moved off the dais, enroute interacting with many including Carnatic vocal duo Malladi Brothers, before gliding into the ladies' end retiring for the day. Earlier, before coming into the Sai Kulwant Hall, emerging at at 1550 hrs., Bhagawan went for a drive towards the hospital end to return to ashram after an hour, at 1700 hrs. View more pictures from 24 July 2010 Sai Yugam Prema Yugam - Click here |
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Friday,
July 23, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : With
two more days to go for Guru Purnima, Prasanthi is already full and
there is a steady inflow of devotees ahead of the grand festivity. Today, in the evening that was marked for the Latin American Choir to perform, Bhagawan emerged at 1750 hrs. to come for a full round of darshan to the merriment of thousands upon thousands filled every available slot in the spacious Sai Kulwant Hall. A slow, detailed round ensued, conferring blessings on many, before Bhagawan ascended the dais at 1810 hrs. to the holy chants of Vedam. The chanting continued for another 15 minutes, after which He blessed the co-ordinators and officials from the region to commence the programme. As per His Divine command an announcement on the programme was made through the loud speaker system, listing out the participating countries.
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Thursday, July 22, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In Parthi it rained again and this evening when the Sai Kulwant
assembly was awaiting the emergence of The Lord, Prasanthi was still
experiencing intermittent drizzle. Emerging at 1725 hrs. with an
yellow umbrella cover on top, Bhagawan came into the hall to go for
a complete round before coming onstage in fifteen minutes, at 1740
hrs. Upon coming onstage Bhagawan lit the lamp before asking the
Veda chanting to cease.
Episodes related to his marriage wherein the scene depicting his
aversion to marriage as well as final fleeing to escape the clutches
of married life, Maharaja Shivaji's prayer to accept him as his
disciple, service activities with the motto, Dil me Ram hath me kaam,
his meeting with his aged blind mother after long separation etc.
were depicted essaying the greater message of constant contemplation
of God's Name with unflinching love and devotion towards God. At 1855
hrs. Bhagawan asked for bhajans to begin. After 2,3 bhajans, He
indicated for Mangala Arathi and as the Arathi song was over He
raised His palms blessing the concourse with a double abhayahastha.
After Arathi, moving down the stage, Bhagawan posed for a photo
session with the participating children. Coming onstage, He paused
for a while looking at the backdrop on the stage, before moving off
the dais retiring to Yajur Mandiram in His car at 1910 hrs. |
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Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : Holy Ashadi Ekadashi
morning dawned in Prasanthi bringing along
with reminiscence of the great Marata tradition of Varkari
Sampradaya, wherein, lakhs and lakhs of devotees from all over
India, especially from Maharashtra, reach Pandharpur, the seat of
Lord Vittala, after a twenty-one day long 'spiritual journey'!
Evening On a damp evening
that experienced intermittent showers, Bhagawan, upon emerging in
His car at 1755 hrs. went for a complete round before ascending the
dais at 1800 hrs. setting the stage for the evening programme to
begin. What else could have been a better presentation to the
original Dance Master in physical form than what ensued later during
the session, a scintillating dance drama entitled 'Natya Veda', a
treatise on cosmic creation! Sri Deepak Mazumdar was an alumnus of Balvikas who had the rare
privilege of performing in His Divine presence as a little boy. He
was the direct recipient of Bhagawan's guidance and inspiration that
made him what he is today. ...To such a 'Master Mind' who anchored
his career, Deepak and Co. presented a dazzling display of dance and
music that lasted for fifty minutes, depicting the 'Trinity Affair'
of the Cosmic Concert of Creation! The presentation was an offering
by the Balvikas students of Thane District of Maharashtra.
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Tuesday,
July 20, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates :
Today, in the evening that leads to the auspicious morning of
festive Ashadi Ekadashi, Bhagawan emerged at 1715 hrs. to the holy
chants of Vedam. Completing a full round of Sai Kulwant Hall,
Bhagawan, upon coming onto the portico, spent quite sometime
interacting with many including 'Russian' representatives, before
coming onstage at 1735 hrs. The 'Russian' representation had a photo album titled, "Beloved
Swami in Ukraine" containing 62 images illustrating all-round
service activiities by the Sai Organisation helping the poor and the
needy in the country. Bhagawan flipped through each and every leaf
of the album, scanning through all the photographs, in between
seeking some clarifications. This is an extension of the 'Divine
Romance' that was on show a week ago, wherein devotees from the
Russian speaking countries made merry of His immediate presence
singing their hearts out unto Him. Eversince, Bhagawan has been
quite pleasingly entertaining the Russian representative who would
invariably be sitting with bunches of letters from devotees or
vibhuti packets (for distribution among devotees) for blessings.
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Monday, July 19, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates - LOVE IN
ACTION IN MAHARASHTRA : Sense of doer ship is the
only obstacle that could stop a devotee from reaching out God and
we, from Maharashtra, do not want to claim any such thing, said Sri
Nimish Pandya echoing collective voice of Maharashtra profusely
thanking Bhagawan for His Divine Grace that flows boundlessly into
the interiors of the state in the form of Sri Sathya Sai Mobile
Medicare Project.
hall, seeking His attention and blessing.
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Sunday,
July 18, 2010
- Sai News & Photo Updates :
Sunday dawned in Prasanthi and with it the grand finale of the
ongoing five day Sri Alwarula Bhakti Samrajya Mahotsavam. Main event
for this concluding day was the Sri Sathya Sai Sathya Narayana
Vratham attended by 1108 couples.
The function began at 1600 hrs. with Vidwan Nidumamidi Srikanta Rao,
master of ceremonies, explaining step by step instructions, in
Telugu and English, for the couples to follow. First part of the
function lasted for 55 minutes upon which Sai Gayathri chanting went
on, invoking Bhagawan.
...And for this final day, Sai Kulwant's main stage, the dais, wore a thematic costume, symbolising and illustrating the special ritual for the day, Pushpabhishekam. It was a riot of flowers and colours everywhere...and in the evening, every heart and mind joined in unison, relishing every moment of the occasion, in the immediate Divine presence. Yes, it was Pupshpabhishekam in the hearts and minds in His immediate Divine presence! |
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Saturday,
July 17, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : On
this Saturday morning, while sacred Vedic hymns rendered the air
bringing soothing, holy touch to many an ear assembled in the Sai
Kulwant Hall, the centre of main activity turned out to be on an
elevated platform turned mandap (covered structure with pillars), in
the centre down the stage, facing the original Seat of The Divine!
The elevated platform, a square shaped one, had all the
paraphernalia related to the morning rituals, including eighteen
kalashas placed reverentially for worship along with a Sudarshana
Yantram, apart from having a sacred fire pit for the proposed Maha
Sudarshana Homam.
Nicely decked up, showing up with a riot of floral decor, quite pleasing to eyes offering a visual treat, the special seat of worship had the touch of grandeur and could be seen by everyone present in the hall without any exertion. The elevated platform also had two ramps on both sides, facing ladies and gents side, to felicitate Bhagawan to get onto the venue.
Coming onstage at
1006 hrs., Bhagawan spent sometime over the stage before moving off
the dais to the bhajan hall. Spending sometime inside and later,
around the interview room interacting with the organisers, Bhagawan
came onstage at 1022 hrs., soon to return to the interview room.
Coming onstage yet again at 1040 hrs., Bhagawan moved down the dais
on His way to the Yajna Vedhi.
In the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1710 hrs. to come for a full
round of Sai Kulwant Hall. As He was completing the round, Bhagawan
spent sometime pausing at the Easwaramma English Medium children
blessing birthday children as well others, who had some 'handiwork'
for their Swami.
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Friday,
July 16, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : Adding
festive fervour to this beautiful Friday evening, sonorous tunes of
Nadaswaram rendered the air welcoming The Lord at 1720 hrs. to the
august assembly in Sai Kulwant Hall. Being the third day of the
ongoing Sri Alwarula Bhakti Samrajya Mahotsavam, the dais bore a
festive decor of aesthetic theme, while the portico behind had a
riot of floral buntings artistically hooked and on to the ceiling.
A full round of Darshan ensued before Bhagawan came onstage in
fifteen minutes, at 1735 hrs. The priests were awaiting Bhagawan to
come onto the dais, as the final rituals for the evening Nithya
Pooja was to be done in His Divine presence. After the rituals,
Mangala Arathi was soon offered to the Idol and Bhagawan in
physical. Bhagawan continued to sit onstage and Veda chanting went
on with added vigour till one minute past 1800 hrs., till Bhagawan
indicated for the evening proceedings to commence. |
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Thursday,
July 15, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : Today,
in the evening, upon emerging at 1625 hrs. to the chants of Vedam,
Bhagawan went past the ladies' end before taking a detour from the
gents' end to come onto the portico climbing the eastern aisle, to
move into the interview room. Spending an hour inside, Bhagawan came out at to glide past the upper portico, listening and blessing many to come onstage at 1730 hrs., enroute, blessing the speaker for the session, Sahasravadhani Sri Medasanimohan of Tirupati.
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Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates :
Today, this evening, emerging at 1715 hrs. to the chants of Vedam,
Bhagawan went for a complete round before reaching the Vedam block
to have a detailed look at the dais that was decked up to grandeur,
being the first day of the "Alwar Mahotsavam".
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Tuesday,
July 13, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates :
Today, in the evening, emerging at 1724 hrs. to the chants of
Vedam, Bhagawan went for a complete round before coming onstage at
1740 hrs., round of Ganesha, after spending quite sometime in the
lower verandah interacting with some devotees.
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July 13, 2010 – Soulful Drama and Heartfelt Singing by Devotees from Russian Speaking Countries
Superlatives are used in
a language when something too wonderful for words takes place. This
gives a fair estimate to the readers. But what does one do when a
superlative filled narrative is immediately succeeded by something
that is simply of the same level if not better? It is a better idea
to sound clichéd than try to be different in one’s narrative.
There was a hint in the previous update that the coordinator for the Russian speaking countries prayed to Swami for another programme. It had indeed been the case and Swami had permitted these God-crazed Russians (please note that the term ‘Russians’ here refers to all the devotees from Russian speaking countries and not only the inhabitants of current Russia) another opportunity to present a programme in the Divine Presence.
The stage had been set in Sai Kulwant Hall for a little skit and some singing. A slight drizzle began and it developed into a steady rain. It was at 5:15 p.m. that Swami arrived for darshan and since it was raining, a yellow umbrella was held over Swami’s chair. The minute Swami noticed this He made a sweet frown and told that He needed no umbrella. If people make a hue for such small sprinklings, what would happen when they would witness what He had planned to shower that day? Swami soon entered the hall and moved through the ladies’ side.
At the centre, He collected letters from the participants who were seated in front of the backdrop which carried a sample of scenic Russia. Completing the darshan rounds as He came near the students, there were many who got the Shirdi Sai Satcharitra Parayanam books blessed by Him. The week long reading of the Shirdi Sai story is done as a sadhana by many in the hostel during the appropriate period and Swami seemed to be appreciative of it as He blessed all of them along with the card they had made. He traversed through the veranda and then came out onto the stage. He sat for quite a while reading letters as the Veda chanting went on. Wherever familiar, the Russians too joined whole heartedly in the chanting. It was at 6:05 p.m. that Swami asked for the chanting to stop and the programme to begin.
As far as the Divine
smiles are concerned, Swami seemed to take over from where He had
left off the previous evening. Broad smiles greeted the men and
women who went up to Him and made floral offerings. Swami asked them
which country they had come from. Then, as the announcement was on,
two kids - a boy and a girl - moved towards Swami with what looked
like some special bread and other eats from these countries.
The drama had a simple
yet moving theme. It traced the journey of a young Russian man who
travels to different countries in the quest for songs of God. He
comes across different people of varied cultures among these Russian
speaking countries. He hears songs from Kazakhstan to Ukraine and is
surprised to find mention of Sathya Sai or Sai Baba in all of the
songs.
It was more like the people from different countries were coming forward to bring out the innermost recesses of their hearts in the Divine Presence. Swami’s beautiful smiles during the programme were enchanting and enamouring. As the drama concluded in about 15 minutes, the children came forward and got ready to sing. Another wonderful session of singing followed and though they were kids, their singing was very matured and beautiful. It was really sublime and each of the children sang songs in different tongues, but all embodying Love for God.
In fifteen minutes, they were done with the singing when Swami called one of the boys and asked him what his name was. Vladmir was the answer and Swami asked him what he liked. There was no answer and the boy sat gazing deeply into those mesmerising eyes. Swami waved His hand and materialized a golden ring for the lad and flashing a broad smile slipped it into his ring finger.
Swami now told the student beside Him to get something. Out came a beautiful photo frame with lights. Swami called the boy and gifted him that frame. Then He told him to call all the other children too. He gifted all of them with similar photo frames. Even as He gifted them, He enquired from many of them where they had come from and whether they played any instruments.
He permitted a few ladies to begin singing and then seemed to be engrossed in making plans on what He wanted to bestow. Swami got white safari pieces for the adult members of the group on the gents’ side. He gifted the ladies with sarees and there was a sense of fulfillment and joy on every face. Once the ladies’ singing
concluded Swami asked the men to sing bhajans. At the end
of two bhajans, He called those singers and presented them
with safari pieces saying, “Get shirt and pant stitched from these!”
Even as Swami was distributing aarthi was done. But even after the aarthi, Swami continued with the distribution and looking at the ladies told them to sing bhajans. Ah! Their joy knew no bounds. The singing began and Swami was simply so beautiful. All those who witnessed that day will rewind and play those memories over and over again for it was a festival of devotion and Grace.
A second aarthi
was performed. Swami called the coordinator of the Russian group and
gifted him a safari piece. Meanwhile the photo of Swami placing the
ring for Vladimir was given to Swami; He had a look at the picture
and then calling Vladmir gifted it to Him. There was applause.
Swami also turned to the coordinator and asked, “What was that boy’s name once again?” “Vladimir, Swami” was the answer and Swami smiled. Time had flown and at the end of another blissful session, Swami turned towards the Residence at 7:15 p.m. It will be no exaggeration to say that we must all be grateful to these ‘Russians’ for they gave so much joy to our dear Lord. |
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Monday, July 12, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : A fresh week is born and with the fresh week, His Unique Graciousness! Divine Darshan! On this beautiful, pleasant, Monday morning, when Sun-God remained aloof, Bhagawan emerged at 0941 hrs. to come for a full round of Sai Kulwant Hall. Ascending the portico, Bhagawan spent awhile 'interacting' with some of the officials from Sathya Sai Organisations before getting into the bhajan hall through the rear entrance. Sanctifying a Ganesha statue followed by an array of Alwar statues, pertaining to the ensuing Alwar Festival, Bhagawan came out of the bhajan hall through the front door to come onstage at 1000 hrs., through the doctors' block.
...And, after the United States, now it is the turn of the erstwhile Soviet Union with Russian as the common language. A group of twelve Russian speaking countries have come together gearing up to present a united show in the immediate Divine presence, and the Prasanthi. Mandir bore a festive look with colourful decorations, typical of the Russian culture, adorning the centre-hall, the dais and the portico, with flowers of various hues, creepers, flying squads of 'birds' etc. showing up greeting one and all into the "Russian Festivity".
Back in Mandir, as the session progressed, with bhajans on, Bhagawan sat through, conferring highest benedictions, until 1035 hrs. when He indicated for Mangala Arathi. As the Universal Prayer was emanating from a thousand throat, Bhagawan raised His blessing palm unto the gents first followed by the ladies. Leaving the dais, Bhagawan had an interaction with the Russian group in-charg,e who was appraising Bhagawan of the programme scheduled for the evening, before leaving the dais retiring for the session. ll Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ll |
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The evening of Russian Rejoicing! Russian Choir in Prasanthi -12 July 2010 |
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This evening was the evening of Russian Rejoicing!
...And on this evening, emerging at 1520 hrs. to the chants of
Vedam, Bhagawan went for a complete round acknowledging the presence
of the "Russians" before blessing a couple of them, from the ladies'
contingent, with Vibhuti Prasadam, spending awhile at the block.
Coming onto the portico after a slow and detailed round, Bhagawan
went into the interview room, soon to emerge to come onstage at 1540
hrs., through the doctors' block.
Soon
came an 'instant photo', of the conductor receiving special
blessings, and as the conductor was called unto Him to receive the
same there was a loud cheers and applauses from the assembly.
ll Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ll |
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July 12, 2010 – Lovely and Lively
Singing by Devotees from
The people from Russia have always occupied a special niche in Swami’s heart. Whenever they have come to Puttaparthi, they have done so in sizeable numbers and have sung in His presence with all their hearts and throats. And every time without fail, they have captured the heart of their Lord along with those of all the devotees who have gathered in the hall.
It is no surprise that during His Shivarathri discourse on 16th of February 2007, Swami declared, “Several devotees are coming here from Africa and Russia. The devotion of the Russians is indescribable. There are several Russian devotees sitting in this hall. They enjoy My discourse a lot.” (Pointing toward the Russian devotees) "’Look! Those devotees with raised hands are all Russians.’ They are all very devoted.” (Pointing towards the Russian devotees again) "You are not Russians. You belong to our country only! I love you all."
And so, when it was known that the devotees from Russian speaking countries would present their programme, everyone felt that it would be a special evening. The hall was filled with the Russian men and women in their lovely blue and white flowing dresses with the women decking their heads with white floral wreaths. It was 5:25 p.m. when Swami arrived for darshan. He crossed the ladies’ side and as He came to the centre, a glow came over His face. This was the kind of glow that appears on a devotees’ face when he/she sees the Lord. Being pure reflection, it showed on His face too! There was such an exchange of Love and Joy that one could literally feel them in the air.
Swami asked one of the ladies as to where she came from. Soon He was surrounded by women pining to touch His redeeming feet. In emotional joy, one of the women even tried to kiss His hand, but Swami drew His hand back. Bhagavan prefers Love to be treasured in the innermost recesses of one’s heart and has never encouraged such emotional outbursts. The smile quickly returned to His face and moving ahead, He interacted with the men too. The Mandir had been colourfully and beautifully decked and Swami glanced at the decorations. When Swami came to the front too He could not seem to resist speaking to the Russian devotees. He arrived on the stage and calling one of the students said, “They are Russians! They have come in hundreds!” He was so happy and moved with that fact itself. The Russian coordinator moved to Swami and told Him about the programme. Swami nodded and smiling beautifully at him, asked for the programme to be started.
The lady who was to conduct the music programme came out to the front and then the singing began. Right at the start, there was a small march past of sorts as men and women holding the flags of the various Russian speaking nations walked past the stage. Swami smiled and blessed them. Now the ‘singing proper’, if we may call it so, began. And it was simply awesome and oozing with love and devotion to say the least. It started with a lady making the initial offerings to Swami. The songs were all in the
Russian tongue but it was clearly sung in the language of the heart.
Swami’s face simply blossomed as the singing progressed and looking
at each and every Russian face around it was clear that the
blossoming was mutual. Swami kept telling the coordinator seated by
His side that every song was beautiful and full of feelings.
Swami kept looking at all the members involved in singing and playing the various instruments. He would almost fix His gaze on one of the instrumentalists and when he/she looked up at Him, He would reward them with a most sweet smile. Ah! How beautiful was this divine romance!
The choir was typically traditional Russian music. The lilting melodies tugged at the heartstrings and powerful feelings were evoked in ones being as they sang. Some were fast and joyous numbers and though they were in Russian, they had the whole hall clapping enthusiastically with them, participating in every moment of the rejoicing. The songs were all so
wonderfully tuned that even as they got over, one wondered, “Is it
over already?”
The group concluded their
singing and Swami simply looked at them and said, “Continue
singing.” The coordinator asked Swami whether they could sing
bhajans and Swami gladly consented. And so, one of the ladies
began “Salaam Alaikum, Salaam Alaikum”. The conductor now came to
her position and then started a most memorable song. It had
different beats in it and beginning with a slow tempo, it would
speed and build up to a crescendo after which it would fall back to
the original slow! The effect was mesmerising and people suddenly
found that their feet and hands were moving automatically in rhythm
of the song.
Swami now told the Russians to continue with their bhajans. And they began to look at each other’s faces! This was not a prepared part of the programme. It was in devotional bravery that some members ventured and began to sing into the mike. Thus, “Vitthala Hari Vitthala” filled the air. And the singing was so beautiful.
More bhajans flowed out and Swami said, “They do not clap hard like our boys; the bhajans are so beautiful.” He called one of the students and told him something which he simply could not hear and grasp. He told Swami, “Swami, these people derive so much joy simply in seeing You!” Swami nodded and seemed to become emotional.
He then called the
keyboard player and asked her to sing a bhajan. She began a
slow and beautiful bhajan, “Shirdi Sai”. This was new but
the feelings it embodied were as ancient as the concept of love and
pining for the Lord. In the meanwhile, the photographer gave Swami
the picture of the conductor being divinely “chained”!
The coordinator now showed Swami another card for probably another programme. Swami had a look at it and then asked for aarthi. It was 7:00 p.m. when Swami blessed both the aarthi chance and rose chance students before moving back towards Yajur Mandir.
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Sunday, July 11, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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In Parthi, it rained overnight, almost continuously, dawning a fresh beautiful morning with greater anticipation of yet another "Act of Highest Benediction" - Divine Darshan! On this weekend morning, emerging just after 10 past 10 to the soothing, soul-stirring Rama bhajan, "Sri Rama Sri Raghurama...", Bhagawan went for a complete round blessing the sunday morning's assembly. Towards the end of the round, moving through the front block, Bhagawan accepted many a letter from students before spending "extra-time" at the Primary block, watching over the tiny tots. At the end of the round, Bhagawan moved bit further into the ladies' end before returning with a "u-turn" to come onstage at 1028 hrs., round of Ganesha. As the session progressed, with Bhagawan sitting onstage (often seen) going through letters from devotees, fifty minutes into the session, Bhagawan indicated for a special aalaap bhajan, resulting in "Allaho Akbar.." for the bhajan Rama Hare Hari Naam Bolo.... It was 1128 hrs., an hour after He came onstage, and Bhagawan turned to the priest indicating Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan called the "aalaap" singer unto Him blessing him with interaction and Paadanamaskar. Moving off the dais, Bhagawan spent sometime interacting with some of the seniors before gliding past towards the ladies' end at 1140 hrs., retiring for the session. In the evening, the US contingent is expected to stage their second and last cultural programme in the immediate Divine presence of Bhagawan. l Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ll
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This evening,
on the second day of the US cultural programme, emerging at 1725
hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a full round of 10
mts. before attending to the Primary School children, pausing for a
while, watching them chanting Vedam in all earnestness and
confidence. After a pause of seven minutes at the Primary block,
Bhagawan later came onto the portico, to glide through the lower
portico, coming onstage at 1745 hrs., round of Ganesha, well
received with a high-pitch Vedam chanting.
Ascending the dais Bhagawan asked the students to start
bhajans as the US children started sitting in orderly fashion as
directed by Bhagawan. One could see the enchanting Divine sitting
onstage grabbing eyeballs, especially of the children from the US,
who were lucky to be seated at a close quarter in the immediate
physical presence of The Lord.
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Saturday, July 10, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday's pleasant, beautiful evening was made 'holy' by a group of
men and women from the United States who sang their hearts out
echoing the 'Voice of the Soul of America' in the immediate Divine
presence of Bhagawan. In the evening, making an early entry at 1631 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan showed up on the dais at 1644 hrs. for a brief two minutes before moving off into the interview room. Coming out at 1716 hrs. Bhagawan came onstage, signaling to stop Vedam chanting to commence the scheduled programme.
ll Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ll |
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July 10, 2010 – Presentation of a Choir by the US group
It was an early start for the evening as by 4:30 p.m., Swami arrived for darshan on July 10. It was a day when He had permitted the group from US to present their choir. Swami completed the darshan rounds and asked for the programme to begin at about 5:20 p.m. The card and floral offerings were made and Swami blessed them to begin.
Beginning with “Simple Gifts”, a song that tells one to live life as a gift, they moved on singing “The Potter’s Hand”, a prayer to mold one’s life, followed by “Deep River” a supplication to Lord as Deep River to help crossing over unto His campground. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was the next number, a song of Tribute to America that was followed by “There will be Joy in the Morning”, a song of hope for joy and peace.
“How Beautiful”, a song of praise for the Lord emanating from the deep heart was next which was followed by “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name”, with little children praising the Lord. The penultimate number was “Hallelujah” song from Handel’s Messiah.
Swami had His bundle of letters in His hand which He was reading during the programme. The songs were all of a type and variety that is rarely heard in Prashanti Nialayam. Swami smiled as He seemed to ask the students, “Can you understand what they are singing?”
One of the students who was looking at the script given and trying to sing along elicited another smile from Him. It was obvious that the student was making that effort only to make an ‘impression’ on Him and He clearly knew it! It was so hilarious seeing this reaction.
The different thing in that day’s choir was the presence of a lady who was assisting the choirmaster. She signalled with her hands so that the aurally- challenged people from the group too could participate in the singing.
After the music programme, Swami permitted the members to sing bhajans. While this was on, out of the blue Swami called one of the lead singers from the ladies side and materialized a golden chain for her. He put it around her neck and told her to go and sing another bhajan. With great joy, she did as commanded. Soon after that, Swami received aarthi and retired for the day. |
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Friday, July 9, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Today, on a cool, rainy Friday evening, breaking a twenty minutes pause of silence that ensued the one-hour regular Vedam chanting, another bout of Vedam chanting started at 1750 hrs., heralding His entry, while invoking Bhagawan to the assembly in Sai Kulwant Hall! Coming for a complete round, pausing in between attending to some groups including the one from the US, Bhagawan completed the round ascending the portico. Moving through the lower portico at a slow pace, pausing, listening and blessing many on His way, Bhagawan came onstage at 1802 hrs., round of Ganesha, marked by a crescendo in chanting.
The state of Rajasthan was to stage another cultural programme after yesterday's programme on the ruler of Mewar, Rana Pratap Singh. Veda chanting continued for another fifteen minutes before Bhagawan signalled for the programme to commence. The programme entitled "Khwaja Garib Nawaz" was a narrative drama, in Hindi, on the life of illustrious sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisty, lived in 12th century, of Ajmer. The programme lasted for 45 minutes and after a pause of 7 to 8 minutes Bhagawan asked the Organisational office bearers to distribute clothes to the participants. Soon Bhagawan moved down the aisle to pose for a group photo session with the participants. At 1920 hrs. Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi, upon which, before leaving the dais, Bhagawan blessed the concourse with abhayahastha. Moving into interview room for a short while followed by bhajan hall, Bhagawan emerged in five minutes, retiring for the day to Yajur Mandiram. The visiting US group is expected to show up in the coming days with a couple of cultural programmes. |
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Thursday,
July 8, 2010- Sai News & Photo Updates: On this
Thursday morning, after an initial bustle five minutes in advance,
Bhagawan emerged to arrive into the hall at 0826 hrs. to the holy
chants of Vedam. What ensued was a slow but complete round with a
couple of pauses in between, including one at the US gents'
contingent, where Bhagawan interacted with one of the seniors. Advancing to complete the round, when Bhagawan showed up moving
towards the Vedam block, there was a crescendo in Vedam chanting
with tiny tots joining the lead, en masse. Bhagawan chose to spend
awhile at the block 'entertaining' the little hearts, many of whom
were craning their necks to have a glimpse of the Lord!
In the evening Bhagawan emerged at 1652 hrs. to the chants of Vedam. Coming for a slow and detailed round, blessing the cast of an ensuing cultural programme for which a backdrop was already set in the centre, Bhagawan paused for a while at the Primary block watching the children chanting Vedam in presence of their "Swami". Coming onstage at 1710 hrs. Bhagawan blessed the organisers from the state of Rajasthan to commence programme. As commanded by Bhagawan, the State President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Rajasthan, made an introductory announcement on the programme. The forty minute programme by the Balvikas and Youth of Rajasthan was a depiction of the lofty ideals of the great king of Mewar, lived in the 16th century, who stood for the honour and dignity of his Motherland. Upon the end of the programme Bhagawan moved down the aisle posing for a photo session with the participants. It was 1805 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. After a pause, Bhagawan moved off the dais, round of Ganesha, gliding through the lower portico at a slow pace, interacting with and blessing many, beaming His characteristic, loving smile that beamed from His enchanting face. Soon He got into the bhajan hall, soon to exit getting into the interview room spending next half an hour in. Upon emerging at 1852 hrs. Bhagawan glided into the ladies' side retiring for the daey.||Samstha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu|| |
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Wednesday, July 7, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
This morning, damp owing to intermittent
drizzle, upon ushering in at 0850 hrs. to the chants of Vedam,
Bhagawan went for a complete round before coming onstage just after
0900 hrs.
Bhajans that began at the scheduled hour went on till 0930 hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan left the dais retiring to Yajur Mandiram. This evening, damp again due to overcast conditions, Bhagawan emerged at 1650 hrs. to the holy chants of Vedam. Going for a detailed round granting darshan, Bhagawan spent a minute at the US Ladies' contingent conversing with some before gliding into the gents' side. Moving further, Bhagawan spent awhile at the old students' block, conversing with a couple of them before materializing a golden chain for one of them. Coming onstage at 1715 hrs., Bhagawan sat through the next 45 mts. presiding over the session. Bhajans began at 1745 hrs., half an hour behind the appointed hour, and continued till 1800 hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, blessing the beneficiaries, Bhagawan moved off the dais, not before asking for an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha...". The day-long intermittent drizzle had by now strengthened into a downpour lashing out at Prasanthi and Bhagawan 'called it a day' retiring to Yajur Mandiram, driving back in His car, at 1810 hrs. |
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Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: This morning Bhagawan was ushered into the hall at 0812 hrs. to the holy chants of Rudram. Going for a full round of the hall, Bhagawan, upon coming onto the portico moved further to come onstage at 0825 hrs., round of Ganesha. Moving off in the very next minute, Bhagawan spent sometime in the middle interacting with some students at length, before getting into the interview room. After a long pause of 75 mts. Bhagawan came out of the interview room to come onstage at 0955 hrs. Mangala Arathi was offered at the stroke of 1000 hrs. and upon accepting Arathi, soon Bhagawan retired for the session, not before conferring His abhayahastha benediction to all who were present in the hall. |
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Monday,
July 5, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
This morning, after an initial bustle indicating His
arrival, Bhagawan emerged at 0845 hrs. to the chants of Vedam. Going
for a complete round, interacting with some in between, including
the gents' contingent from the US, Bhagawan came onstage just at the
stroke of 0900 hrs. Veda chanting stopped soon and bhajans began
with the invocatory Ganesha bhajan "Lambhodhara Hey Vigneshwara...."
The session continued for next forty minutes, with "Bolo Narayana Jai Jai Viththala..." being the concluding bhajan. Mangala Arathi was offered at 0941 hrs. and upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais to glide into the ladies' end, retiring for the session at 0950 hrs. This evening that was made cooler after a spell of afternoon rains, upon making an early entry at 1637 hrs., Bhagawan went for a complete round before coming onstage at 1649 hrs., round of Ganesha. Veda chanting continued till 1700 hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for bhajans to commence. Half an hour into the bhajan, Bhagawan asked for "aalaap" bhajan resulting in a high pitch aalaap "Allaho Akbar..." singing the bhajan, "Rama Hare Hari Naam Bolo..." The session prolonged till 1855 hrs. when Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi. Asking for an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha...", repeatedly for the second continuous session., Bhagawan continued to sit for some more time watching over the assembly as prasadam was being distributed. At 1905 hrs. Bhagawan moved off the dais heading into the interview room. After 40 mts., Bhagawan emerged at 1845 hrs. to glide into the ladies' end, retiring for the day. |
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Sunday, July
4, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: This Sunday
morning, emerging 'quite early' at 0755 hrs., much before students
and many devotees showed up anticipating darshan, Bhagawan went for
a full round before coming onto the portico. Gliding past the lower
portico Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall through the rear
entrance wherein He spent the next almost half-an-hour interacting
with some members of the Youth of Karnataka.
In the evening, it was yet another 'early entry' as Bhagawan emerged to come into the hall just after 1630 hrs. to the chants of Vedam. The hall appeared half empty with students were still to arrive while the Primary children were just making it to the hall. Being the second day of the East Godavari Programme, the 'centre stage' was set for another cultural programme. A backdrop with Bhagawan in various postures, from His yester years, with a lounge in River Godavari, signifying the 'golden olden days' when Bhagawan had travelled from Rajahmundry to Bhadrachalam boating for three long days, was set in the centre. Bhagawan, while gliding past, showed keen interest in the same and was seen explained by one of the seniors about the same. Scanning the devoted assembly, Bhagawan moved along, slowing down at the students' block, blessing some of them with closer interaction. Primary children got special attention as Bhagawan paused for a while watching them chanting the Veda, resulting a crescendo in volume, as the innocent ones made a full throated attempt, en masse. Spending sometime at the block, moving along, Bhagawan came onto the portico. Moving further through the lower portico, this time at a slower pace, patiently listening and blessing many, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall through the rear entrance. Exiting through the main entrance Bhagawan came onstage at 1700 hrs. Soon Veda chanting stopped as Bhagawan indicated for the programme proceedings to begin. Initial intro on the programme followed, with representatives coming onstage seeking blessings. Some of the selected old devotees, most of them octogenarians, who were the recipients of boundless Divine Grace in those olden days when Bhagawan visited their homes. Launch of SSSVIP website came next that was followed by a gratitude speech and an ensemble of cultural presentation tagged to many an activity taken up by the Organisation for the upliftment of the tribals in the region. Sri Sathya Sai Navaratnamala was the first item that was chanted by the tribal children, who sang the customised composition to existing popular tunes, raining Gratitude to Master Beloved suffused with devotion in its purest essence. Colourful dance sessions bringing forth cultural essence of tribals from the district, explicitly showing up their gratitude and devotion to Bhagawan followed, that included chakka bhajan, peacock- snake dance to conclude with an innovative dance programme, an expression of joy at the rail facility to Prasanthi Nilayam. Next half-an-hour witnessed the tribal children singing bhajans while Bhagawan moved off the dais into the interview room. As bhajans continued Bhagawan emerged yet again, at 1835 hrs., to come onstage in next five minutes, round of Ganesha. After the bhajan session got over, there was a pause of silence when Bhagawan sat through watching over, interacting with some of the seniors from the group, passing on some instructions. Clothes distribution to the children followed and in due course of time Bhagawan moved down the aisle to pose for a photo session with the children. It was obvious that His compassion was filling and fulfilling. Bhagawan, upon coming onstage after the photo session, moved down yet again to pose with the girls, moving among them in between the disciplined rows followed by the boys to come back onstage at 1910 hrs. Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi in next couple of minutes and upon accepting Arathi, off He moved from the dais, retiring to Yajur Mandiram. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage before the Arathi offering. Over 600 tribals and another thousand, approximately, devotees have joined the three day Parthi Yathra that concluded with this evening's cultural programme. In the meanwhile, the second batch of US devotees has arrived in Prasanthi Nilayam and is already busy engaged in rehearsal sessions expecting to show up in His Divine Presence. The group is scheduled to stay for next ten days starting from tomorrow. |
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Saturday,
July 3, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:
This morning, emerging at 0823 hrs. to the chants of Vedam,
Bhagawan went for a full round before coming onstage at 0835 hrs.,
round of Ganesha. Sitting onstage, silently watching over, Bhagawan was seen repeating the Vedam in between, while remaining glued at the assembly casting His benedictory glance upon them. Veda chanting continued beyond the scheduled hour, till 0907 hrs., when Bhagawan asked to commence bhajans.
Evening: On a cloudy
evening, that was slowly waning, that was made damp owing to early
evening drizzle, Prasanthi had a special group of six hundred, of
tribal origin, awaiting Bhagawan to grant them Darshan! the proceedings for
the evening was to commence. Representatives from the visiting group
made a beeline unto the dais with various offerings, starting with
Poornakumbham, symbolically signifying a traditional 'Welcome to The
Lord'. Among the various things presented included an album
comprising of photographs of Bhagawan's various visits to East
Godavari, 18 in all, starting from early 1960s. |
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Friday, July 2, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This morning, emerging at 1035 hrs. and coming for a full round of
darshan, Bhagawan came onstage at 1045 hrs. after a brief 'stop
over' in the interview room. As bhajans continued, Bhagawan sat
through, in between blessing a couple of boys with Vibhuti Prasadam,
one with a packet while another one with materialised Vibhuti. The
session continued till 1015 hrs. when Bhagawan nodded for Mangala
Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1025
hrs. retiring to interview room. A lengthy pause ensued as Bhagawan
called a couple of seniors in for interaction. Emerging at 1100 hrs.
Bhagawan interacted with and blessed some seniors in the upper
portico before gliding towards the ladies' end retiring for the
session. Evening
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Friday, July 2, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This morning, emerging at 1035 hrs. and coming for a full round of darshan, Bhagawan came onstage at 1045 hrs. after a brief 'stop over' in the interview room. As bhajans continued, Bhagawan sat through, in between blessing a couple of boys with Vibhuti Prasadam, one with a packet while another one with materialised Vibhuti. The session continued till 1015 hrs. when Bhagawan nodded for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1025 hrs. retiring to interview room. A lengthy pause ensued as Bhagawan called a couple of seniors in for interaction. Emerging at 1100 hrs. Bhagawan interacted with and blessed some seniors in the upper portico before gliding towards the ladies' end retiring for the session. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday, July 1, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Auspicious Thursday arrived heralding an early
evening darshan! Emerging at 1715 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, that
got enhanced with the primary children joining in full throat,
Bhagawan went for two full rounds of Sai Kulwant Hall before
ascending the portico at 1740 hrs., after 25 minutes of Darshan
rounds! Moving into the bhajan hall Bhagawan blessed three students who were set to make their debut in Burrakatha, in the evening in His divine presence. Exiting through the main door, Bhagawan glided through the lower portico to come onstage at 1750 hrs., round of Ganesha, to the holy chants of Rudram.
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