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|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        
 

Thursday, October 20, 2011

This day, 71 years ago, in a small and unknown town called Uravakonda in the erstwhile Madras Presidency of South India, a 14 year old boy named Rathnakaram Sathya Narayana Raju returned from school in the afternoon, cast away his books in front of his sister-in-law, Smt. Susheela, and declared most emphatically - “I am no longer your Sathya. I am Sai Baba! My devotees beckon me. I have my work to attend to. I am leaving!”  He moved into the garden of a neighborhood house, and to the people gathered there , he sang his  epoch making Bhajan – Maanasa Bhajare Guru Charanam, Dustara Bhava Sagara Taranam (Oh Mind! Worship the Feet of the Guru and cross the turbulent ocean of this worldly existence).

The day was spent in prayer and quiet contemplation by the devotees in Puttaparthi. They spent the day in remembering the often repeated statement by Bhagawan Baba, “I am Divine, but you too are Divine. The only difference is that I know about my Divinity and you are unaware of it". There was an hour long Vedam session from 1630 to 1730hrs in the evening. This was followed by short talk by Sri Anil Kumar on the significance of this day.

On this auspicious day, the learned speaker choose to recollect some of the declarations, vows and assurances made by the Lord a few of which are listed below,

• Prasanthi Nilayam is My Abode, My Heaven. It is from here that I operate, bless My devotees and protect them.
• When a person comes here, all his burdens are lifted and Joy pervades his being.
• The awareness of being in His presence guarantees success in one's endeavors.
• I love your Bhajans and Dance to their tunes in the shrine of your hearts.
• I behave like a Human so that you can experience proximity to me.
• I will never forget those who have taken refuge in me.

The translator of Bhagawan's discourses further elaborated that the holy concept of "Vasudeva Kutumbakam" or One World Family finds fruition only at the lotus feet of Beloved Bhagawan. He said that if one where to ask the speaker what was it that Bhagawan did, his reply would be that He spread Bliss and Peace.

The talk was followed by an Excerpt from Bhagawan's discourse given on the Avatar Declaration Day of 2002. The entire discourse titled 'Reminiscence Of The Divine' can be read here. The discourse was followed by the Epochal Bhajan of Bhagawan, ' Maanasa Bhajare Guru Charanam, Dustara Bhava Sagara Taranam'. The Bhajan can be downloaded here.

The programme concluded with Aalap Bhajans with students singing 'Antaranga Sai', 'Tum Ho Anaatha Nath Bhagawan', 'Sai Pita aur Mata Sai' and 'Sai Humaara Hum Sai Ke' with stirring aalaps. Prasadam was distributed to the gathering. Arati was offered at 1820hrs.

Friday, October 15, 2011

400 Youth from the state of Kerala reached Prasanthi Nilayam yesterday on a 3 day pilgrimage. Apart from listening to talks and sharing of experiences with Ashram elders, the youth also visited the various places of interest in the Global Township of Prasanthi Nilayam.

This evening there was a music concert by Sri O. S. Arun who began his music lessons under the careful ear of his father Vidwan O.V. Subramaniam. He is known for his sonorous voice that he wields with much confidence and musical personality and which he employs in tandem with his superior stagemanship. Sri Arun was blessed with the opportunity of performing in front of Bhagawan earlier during the Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam.

He started the concert with a classical Carnatic piece 'Prabho Ganapathe...' and 'Narayana Narayana' continuing with the Meera Bhajan, "Govinda...", following it up with Vittala Bhajans "Ye O Vittalae' and 'Vittala Vittala' interspersed with the beautiful Bhajan, 'Antaranga Sai'. He concluded his recital with the Bhajan "Govinda Madhava". Sri O.S. Arun was accompanied by Sri Hari on the Harmonium, Sri S. Ganapathi and Sri Nishikanth on the Tabla with Sri Kalai Selvan and Sri Freddie providing other side percussions. The Programme was followed by Bhajans and Arati. The artistes were honoured and Prasadam was distributed to all.

Friday, October 08, 2011

Odisha has had a long and loving relationship with Prasanthi Nilayam with Bhagawan having a special soft corner for Sevadal from the state. The youth and Balvikas from the state have come on a special pilgrimage in which they have volunteered to be of additional service in the way of ashram cleaning and other chores.

This morning they held a rath yatra for Bhagawan from Shivalayam (His birthplace) to the Vidyagiri Arch. The Rath was accompanied by 108 women carrying Poorna Kumbams (sacred pots), a group of conch blowers and Mridangam (percussion) artists among other devotees representing the folk culture of the state.

In the evening the students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Baripada, Odisha presented a Dance Drama entitled Konark. The state president Sri P. Jagannath Prasad Rao introduced the days programme. The dance drama started with adorable little athletic kids dressed in yellow dhotis, pink vests and orange turbans with feathers sticking out from their heads playing conches and making pyramid formations with great dexterity.

This was followed by a choreography of little girls dressed in red and white who after a few steps freeze into stone even as a few tourists arrive to the Konark temple.

These stones came back to life and explain to the tourists their history, the story of King Narasinghadev who conceived a temple shaped as a gigantic chariot to the Sun God, Surya, with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamental wheels pulled by seven horses, the story of the 1200 highly skilled sculptors who took 12 years to complete it but were at their wits end to install the Kalasam atop the temple, the story of Dharma, the brave 12 year old son of the chief sculptor who accomplishes the task and jumps to his death to save the reputation of the clan.

The skit was succeeded by a devotional music programme by the Sai Youth of Odisha entitled, "Sai Symphony". Starting with a Stotram, "Pathri grama samudbhootam", they continued with "Ram Bhajan Kar Mann", "Sai Teri Yaad Mahasukhdayee", "Sai Divya Roopam" and "Aditya Deva" before concluding with "Allah Tu".

The programme was followed by Bhajans. Sarees and clothes were offered to the participants. Prasadam was distributed to all.

Thursday, October 06, 2011 - 2145 Hrs. IST

"The Yajna that we are performing now is meant for Loka Kalyanam (good of the world). Do not think that we are performing the Yajna just because people are performing Yajnas elsewhere. This Yajna is being performed with total spirit of sacrifice. We have no desires or expectations. Our only desire is that everyone should be happy. People perform Yajnas and Yagas to overcome famine and drought situations. But I don't take such things into consideration. I do not give scope for such constricted vision. Famine, drought, etc., come and go. Whatever you do should confer everlasting happiness on all. It should help you to attain Divine grace." - Dasara Discourse, 11 Oct, 2002.

The Veda Purusha Saptah Jnana Yajnam reached its grand culmination today. The ritwiks started their worship very early in the morning and completed their tasks including the study of various scriptures, the allotted number of Surya Namaskars and the chanting of various Vedic Mantras. At 0900hrs they entered the Bhajan Mandir where they accepted the Poornahuti Samagri from Bhagawan. With the chief priest carrying the Dhaarini (a large silver spoon used for feeding ghee to the fire) and his wife carrying the Samagri, the priests went on a procession with Nadaswaram leading the group.

Reaching the Poornachandra Hall which was filled to capacity and some, the priests completed the proceedings of the Yajnam with Bhagawan presiding over the same in a special Peetam installed in front of the Yajna Kundam. The priests encouraged the gathering to participate in the chanting and mentioned a few prayers for them to repeat to offer our prayers to the Yajna Purusha, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Sri Kandukoori Kondavadhani from Rajahmundry who has been a part of innumerable Dasara Celebrations in Prasanthi Nilayam, spoke a few words describing the auspiciousness of the occasion. Holy water was sprinkled on all those who attended the function and Prasadam was distributed while Bhajans were being sung by the students. Maha Mangala Arati was offered at 0945hrs. The Tripura Governor Sri. D.Y. Patil participated in the programme.

Meanwhile a new quarters for the milkmen of the Sri Sathya Sai Gokulam was inaugurated this morning.

Vijaya Dasami also marks the concluding ceremony of the Prasanthi Vidwan Mahasabha. The calming tunes of Mantra Puspam was rendered by the senior Research Scholars of the institute to begin proceedings at 1630hrs. Sri Shashank Shah speaking on the significance of Vijay Dashami enumerated the reasons for its celebration, namely the vanquishing of Ravana by Rama, the Great by the Good, the defeat of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga or the evil by the righteous and the end of the Agnyatvasa of the Pandavas.

Sri Ratheesh Kumbalath, final year student of MA Economics spoke on the topic, "Gratitude to Mother, Motherland and Divine Mother". He quoted the instance of Sankara who even as a renunciant ran to his mother's side at her death bed. He went on to speak of the sacrifices of the freedom fighters. It was Ruskin Bond who said, "A man who does not when to die does not know how to live." He concluded his talk speaking on the unique relationship shared between the students and Bhagawan.

Sri Sanjay Sahni is the Director of the Brindavan Campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, an inspiring speaker and a role model teacher who enjoyed immense proximity with the physical presence of Bhagawan. Starting with the Kabir Doha, " Saat Samundra Masi Karun, Lekhani Sab Banraye| Dharati Sab Kagad Karun, Sai Gun Likha Na Jaye||", he said that the glory of the Lord can never be completely comprehended. He recounted a conversation between Prof. Bhagavantam and Bhagawan where Prof asked Bhagawan how come after the many years of association he still did not understand Him. Bhagawan replies, you have lived with yourself for even more years, the day you understand yourself, you can get closer to understanding Me.

Speaking of many instances of Love between Bhagawan and His students, the learned speaker mentioned several instances of students in the campus still experiencing His Divine Presence and Love. He concluded his talk speaking on the Vedic dictum, He is smaller than the smallest and larger than the largest and quoted fitting examples for both.

The speeches were followed by the what has become the most awaited part of the programme, the recording of Bhagawan's discourse. Today Bhagawan spoke on viragya and how only God can provide Selfless Love. He then narrated a "Chinna Katha" to illustrate this. A student listens to His Guru chanting, "I have no parents, no wives, no relatives, no friends" and chastises him saying that it is untruth since he does have very loving parents, wife and son. The guru then instructs him to fall unconscious at his house and pretend to be dead. He does as instructed and finds every member of the family lamenting his death much to his satisfaction. Then the guru enters as giving a glass of water says that if anyone partakes this water, they will die and restore the life of the corpse. Hearing this everyone gives excuses and ask the guru himself to drink it. Listening to this the student develops complete detachment and follows his master out of his house.

The final programme for the day was a rendition of Banaras Gharana, a form of classical music with a 350 year old tradition, by Padma Bhushans, Pandit Rajan and Pandit Sajan Mishra from Varanasi. They were accompanied in the Harmonium by Sri Vyas Murthy Katti while the students and staff of the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri of Music, Sri Kaustubh Pare, Sri Vivek Karmahe and Sri Nishikant Barodekar played two tamburas and tabla respectively. They started their concert with the song, "Shankar Bhole Maheswar", followed by the Tulasidas Bhajan, "Mein Na Jeyum Bin Ram", "Jai Jai Durge Ma" in raag Durga and concluded with "Sadho Aisa hi Guru Bhawein". Bhajans by students followed while Prasadam was being distributed. The artistes were honoured with Shawls.

Prof Anil Kumar hailing the successful completion of this grand festival, announced that there will be a programme by the youth from United Kingdom who participated in the Grama Seva on 07th Morning and a skit by Tamil Nadu in the evening.

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Durga Ashtami is the day earmarked in Prasanthi Nilayam for Aayudha Puja or the worship of instruments. Bhagawan has often reminded us that "Expression of Gratitude" is one of the most important virtues of man. This value which is ingrained in the culture of Bharat finds expression today when man thanks the tools which have helped him in his profession and his life.

As per tradition, at 0800hrs, the vehicles which had the privilege of being used by Bhagawan were brought to the Sai Kulwant Hall where it was worshipped. Ashram Elders broke coconuts even as chocolates were distributed. On this auspicious day we can but only pray that God makes us too his ideal instrument scooping out all our shortcomings so that we became a hollow flute which our Sai Krishna will play.

The Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yajnam reached its antepenultimate day as the Ritwiks doing Parayanam reach engrossing parts of the grand epics they study. At 0930hrs Arati was offered in Poorna Chandra Hall after which the devotees line up for a close Darshan of the Sanctum Sanctorum of Bhagawan. Meanwhile students covered 13 villages of Puttaparthi and Bukkapatnam Mandals including Amagondapalyam and Janakampalli among others.

Monday, October 03, 2011
Eighteen villages of Puttaparthi mandal was covered by students today even as more and more devotees throng Prasanthi Nilayam to witness the daily Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajnam as it entered its fourth day.

This evening the programme started at 1630hrs with Vedam chanting by the students of the Brindavan Campus of the University. Sri Aman Jhaveri introduced the speakers of the day, Sri Rishabh Sachdeva, a final year MBA student and Prof. Anantaraman, faculty of the university and media coordinator of the trust.

Sri Rishabh said that man has a fundamental desire to grow, to expand, to explore and to improve or in other words not to stagnate. Quoting Bhagawan's famous phrase, "LIfe is a Challenge - Meet it", the student said that the only way to do that is through surrender. To emphasise the point he narrated the experience of his own mother and the various travails she went through only to pulled out by Bhagawan every time.

Prof. Anantaraman speaking on the theme, "Our Lives, His message", listed the two main characteristics of the Avatar of the age in his 40 years of association with Him. The first, His Vajra Sankalpa or Cosmic Will and second His Absolute Detachment. Way back in 1947 in a letter to His brother, Bhagawan outlined His Mission and it had to come true. Every deed of His was perfect. The unconvetional university system of Bhagawan was rated as the Crest Jewel of University Education by the National Accreditation Bodies. His Hospitals provide tertiary level care absolutely free of cost and the list goes on. Now, the learned professer, said is the time for us to carry His living legacy as the world will remember Bhagawan based on what his devotees do by His Divine Inspiration.

The speeches was followed by excerpts from Divine Discourses of Bhagawan. Bhagawan through many analogies and parables, conveyed the importance of good company. The Discourse concluded with the Bhajan, "Subramanium Subramanium..." in the sweet voice of Bhagawan.

A classical Carnatic and Hindustani concert by the staff and students of Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music titled, "Sai Naada Narayani" followed. The students started with the carnatic recitals, "Vara Valabha Ramana" and "Devi Neeya Thunai", followed by an instrumental piece with the Veena being the central instrument. Next it was the turn of the students of Hindustani music to display their skills through a Tarana and a song, "Jai Jai Jai Jaga Janani Devi". The programme concluded with a stupendous carnatic performance by a faculty member of the college.

The students continued with Bhajans while Prasadam was distributed to all. Arati was offered at 1840hrs.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Today was a historic day in Prasanthi Nilayam. Today we complete 50 golden years since the first Veda Purusha Saptaha Gyana Yajna was performed in Bhagawan's Divine Physical Presence at Prasanthi Nilayam in the Navaratri of 1961. The ritwiks assembled at 0700hrs in the Bhajan Mandir of Sai Kulwant Hall. After the preliminary chants they accepted diksha vastram (new clothes) from the Ashram elders and invoking the blessings of Bhagawan changed into the same. The Kalasam was then taken in a procession to the Poorna Chandra hall where it was installed on the western end of the dais,. A special Kumkum Archana along with Lalitha Sahasranama Parayanam was commenced by the Head Priest and his wife.

At the venue in Poornachandra Auditorium the dais was most magnificently adorned fitting for such a solemn event. A large silver throne of Bhagawan which the Lord has blessed during many birthday celebrations presided over the stage on the left side. A large picture of Bhagawan with His most benign smile adorned the right side of the stage. Statues of Rama Lakshmana Sita stood in all readiness to the left of the stage as if guarding the Yajna Sthala against the 6 enemies of the mind: Desire, Anger, Lust, Greed, Attachment and Ego. The stage had the Yajna Kunda (Sacrificial Pit) prepared as per the injunctions and students dressed in orange chanting Vedam.

With Bhagawan presiding over the session, the priests lit the sacred homam creating fire by friction, by rubbing two sticks from churning of two wooden pieces. The fire produced was deposited in the sacred sacrificial pit, marking the beginning of the Yajna. Soon other rituals commenced. As one priest went on doing Surya Namaskar, a group of priests got engaged in Parayanam, reading of holy scriptures. Mantra Pushpam was chanted by students before Arati was offered at 0930hrs. After the Arati, the devotees lined up in Sai Kulwant Hall for close Darshan of the Sanctum Sanctorum and the students continued their Grama Seva with Puttaparthi Village being the beneficiary today.

The evening programme commenced at 1630hrs with Veda Chanting by Primary School Children. Sri Shashank Shah introduced the Prasanthi Vidwan Mahasabha which has been conducted every evening during the Yajnam for the last five decades. Navaratri is a festival of victory, of Power (Shakti) adored and celebrated in 3 forms for 3 days each. Anger, Adventure and Audacity (Tamas) dedicated to Mahakali; Wealth, Authority and Prosperity (Rajas) dedicated to Mahalakshmi; Self-Control, Knowledge and Discipline (Satwa) dedicated to Maha Saraswati.

The Avataric Resolve of Nurturing the Vedas and the Scholars, Protection of the Righteousness and the Devout lead to the formation of this holy yajna, said the learned speaker. At the conclusion of the very first Veda Purusha Saptah, Sri Ganapathi Sastri who could expound every syllable of the Vedas stated that he had not had the privilege of witnessing such a scrupulously correct Yajna, which could pass the most rigorous tests of ancient Indian scriptures and traditions while quoting Vedic Mantras in support of what looked like casual acts of Bhagawan and declared that Baba was the Veda Purusha.

Sri Jagadish Chandra, Asst. Prof, Dept of Physics spoke on the interesting topic, 'A Deal with Divinity'. He recalled the deals between Young Krishna and the fruit seller, between Bhagawan and Prof. Kasturi and said that God is the best one to have a deal with since He is the only one who roots for us to get the best of the deal. Those who believe in Me, will not only be provided with food but also with Bliss, he quoted Bhagawan. Take the name of Sai once and everything will be achieved, he advised.

Sri Nagarjuna, student of II year MBA spoke on the significance of Navaratri Festival in our lives. The highlight of his speech was a beautiful anecdote of Bhagawan. A person carrying a heavy bundle on his head gets into a train and having taken his seat continues to carry the bundle. When questioned he replies that since the train is already carrying so much weight, he wants to help by carrying his own burden. Similarly ridiculous, Bhagawan said is the fate of man who does not surrender.

As per tradition, the speeches was followed by Bhagawan's Divine Discourse. Excerpts from the Discourse on Oct 20, 2001 where He gives the true inner significance of Navaratri, the purpose of worship of Mother Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati and the message on the importance of Morality in Human Life.

The programme was followed by Baul Sangeet, typical folk songs of Rural Bengal which derives devotional inputs of Hinduism, Sufism and Buddhism. Its hymns give the lessons of spiritual practices in daily life. Sri Purna Das Baul a world famous Baul singer has performed in front of Bhagawan on Nov 1975 during the celebrations of the 50th year of Divine Advent where in Bhagawan blessed him with a locket which he wears to this day. He performed with his son Sri Bibyendu Das Baul. The programme was followed by Bhajans. The artistes were honoured with gifts. The day's session concluded with !rati at 1830hrs.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

On the second day of Dasara, the students covered 23 villages of Puttaparthi and Kothacheruvu Mandals in the morning after circumambulating the Mandir. The evening programme started at 1630hrs with Vedic invocation.

At 1650hrs Sri Ajit Popat started his talk in his characteristic style. He reminisced about the very first Grama Seva and the instructions Bhagawan had given him and his group then. Stressing on the strength and power of one's mind, He recounted the four stage of Sadhana or Spiritual Practice as defined by Bhagawan to him, namely, Feel->Know->Experience->Realise. It is important to feel that the throne in the Sanctum Sanctoram is not empty. He is seated there as the eternal witness, he stressed.

In the house of the Lord, there is no regression, frustration or depression, only Sai Session, he quipped. Concluding with the reminder, "I am not a beast, I am not a bird, I am a man, I am a Sai Devotee, I am verily God", Sri Ajit Popat prompted the assembly to follow him in his Jaikars.

Sri R. Raghavendra, son and disciple of Padmabushan Sri Mushnam Raja Rao and Padma Sandilyan performed a Carnatic concert in the Divine Presence. He was accompanied on the violin by Smt. Charulatha Ramanujam, Sri Sudhindhra on the Mridangam and Sri Sashi Shankar on the Ghatam. With his faultless voice, Sri Raghavendra started the concert with Naadha Tanu Manisham, upping the tempo with Shiva Shiva Shiva Enna Raaya, continuing with Arunachala Naayakam and other songs before concluding with Chandrasekara...

The concert was followed by Bhajans by students and concluding with "Prema Mudhitha.." in the Divine Voice. The artistes were honoured with clothes and Prasadam was distributed to the assembly. The Publishing department of the hostel released a new edition of "Vandana" with Divine blessings.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

On this extremely auspicious day of the birth anniversary of the Beloved Sai Baba of Shirdi (as revealed by Bhagawan), Prasanthi started her Dasara festivity with Kalasa Sthapana at 0800hrs in the Bhajan Mandir of Sai Kulwant Hall. At 0830hrs, students of Bhagawan started this year's Grama Seva. 23 villages including Kodapaganipalli and Narepalli of Kothacheruvu Mandal was covered today.

This evening saw a scintillating presentation of Classical Hindustani Music by Ustad Gulshan Bharti, a renowned exponent of the Lucknow and Senia Gharana. Ustad has earned name and fame across the globe, showcasing Indian classical musical forms at the Festival of India in France in 1991, Russia in 1987, Canada in 1988 and Pakistan in 1986.

He started the presentation with the song Tujhe Doondtha, followed by Mohein Ab Mere, Raja Maharaja and concluded fittingly with Satguru Maharaj Sai. Accompanied by Sri Moinuddin, Sri Ilyas Khan, Sri Shyam Kumar, Sri Aqeel Ahmad Khan, Sri Chandan Warsi, Sri Muquim Warsi and Kum Meena Verma, Ustad Gulshan Bharti took the assembly into a transcendental state with his mystic Sufi rendition.

The programme was followed by Bhajans. The artistes were honoured with gifts and Prasadam was distributed to all. The day's session concluded with Arati.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Devotees from Prakasam District got their opportunity to perform their annual pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam this week. A speech and a Carnatic music concert comprised today's programme. A skit entitled 'Seva Aradhana' is scheduled for tomorrow.

The programme commenced with Vedic recitation at 1630hrs. At 1700hrs, Sri . M.S. Krishnamurthy, District President of Prakasam District addressed the gathering. He started his speech enumerating the contribution of Prakasam District to the culture of Bharath, to its society and the holy mission of Bhagawan. Conveying his salutations to the various temples of the district, and expressing gratitude for the various industries it houses, he reported on the activities of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations in the district.

The State President in a Nostalgic Mood

He then went on a nostalgic mood, recounting the past pilgrimages of the group, the programmes performed and the loving interactions with Bhagawan. He remembered the various groups of Islamic devotees, Lawyers, Principals and Teachers from the district who arrived with the pilgrimage in previous years.

The artistes seek blessings before the programme

Sri Prakash Rao, the cultural coordinator introduced the artists of today's music programme: 'Sangeetha Sevamani', Dr. Dwaram Lakshmi (Prof of Music, Padmavathi Mahila University, Tirupathi) performed in the accompaniment of 'Sangeetha Sevamani' 'Violin Kala Deepika' Smt Challa Prabhavath, (Principal of Venkateswara College of Music, Tirupathi) on the violin, Sri Parupalli Subramanyam on the Mridangam and Sri Alugolu Satyanarayana on the Ghatam.

A scintillating presentation.

The concert started with the Aalap, "Sathya Sainam Vishnum" leading to the song Vatapi Ganapatim in Hamsadvani raag, followed by Appa Rama Bhakthi in Pantuvarali raag, Krishna nee beganae in Yaman raag and concluded with the Bhajan, Govinda Krishna Jai. Very melodious aalaps for each song enhanced their beauty. A sublime voice and a flawless rendition on the violin was the highlight of the programme.

Mangala Arati

Thursday, September 8 ,2011 Onam

The sky was overcast this evening, but not to deter or dampen the spirit of ongoing Onam 2011 celebrations.

This evening, on the eve of Thiruvonam, there was a musical offering by Child Prodigy S. Mahadevan, a 12 year old from Kerala, who was fortunate to perform in many stages across the India. Beginning with the invocatory song Ekadantam Bhaje, the little artiste went on singing for the next 45 minutes, presenting six carnatic pieces.

Some of the other compositions rendered were Paripalayamam..., Sri Sathya Narayanam..., Peetambharam... etc. all sung with interludes of aalaaps presented with aplombl. The blooming artiste did excel bursting into lengthy aalaaps as interludes, in his tender voice, with great dexterity infusing life into the session.

The 45 minute session was followed by another rendering, a solo, by the familar artiste during many an Onam celebration over the decade, Music Director from Kerala Sri TS Radhakrishnan. Bhajans continued for the next ten minutes that ended with Subramaniam...Subramaniam in Bhagawan's Own Golden Voice.

Artistes were felicitated with clothes and prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage before Mangala Arathi offering at 1800 hrs.

Thiruvonam, the day that is marked with the return of erstwhile emperor Mahabali, will be celebrated in Prasanthi Nilayam tomorrow. Over the years Prasanthi has seen many such live Onam sessions, where in, invariably, Bhagawan would address the devotees from the state with an initial vernacular greeting and reveling on the greatness of the emperor Mahabali.

We Wish Our Readers a Happy and Holy Thiruvonam 2011.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Bhajans that has been an integral part of every day Prasanthi sessions took a slight detour today presenting an innovative style of bhajan singing known as 'Sampradaya Bhajans' as the ongoing Onam celebrations 2011 entered in its second day here in Prasanthi Nilayam this evening.

The programme for the evening was Sampradaya Bhajans by Sri Vinaya Chandra Menon. Sampradaya Bhajan is a traditional bhajan singing, more popular in South India, a tradition, as the name suggests, is handed down by one's ancestors and is considered to be the forerunner of modern day Carnatic music concerts, as it has a harmonious blending of the divine, art and music elements.

Beginning with invocation of the prime deities, with his rich and melodious voice echoing the Sai Kulwant Hall, Sri Menon invoked next The Supreme Lord Presiding Over the session, Beloved Bhagawan, with a 'dhyana sloka' Sada Sadswaroopam Sadgurum Sainatham...before commencing the programme with the song Jaya Jaya Sai Namo...Jaya Jaya Jagadisha Namo...

Adjusting the tune within the fabric of Carnatic rules, almost following a medley pattern, the versatile singer sung with elan another 12 compositions, regaling Prasanthi to greater devotional heights, while remaining himself completely engrossed in singing. His mixture of songs included vernacular songs in Malayalam and Tamil and some of Prasanthi's Own bhajans, namely, Vande Uma Nandanam..., Amba Mandahasa Vadhani..., Subramaniam Subramaniam etc...

Sri Vinaya Chandra Menon is a trained artiste in this mode of singing, trained under the expertise of various Bhagavatars, and has been performing this particular form of bhajan in various temples, namely Tirupathi and Shabari Mala etc...Sri Menon was accompanied by Natesan, Gururaj Murthy, Rajesh Menon, Hari Menon and Parvathi Menon in vocal, Ramakrisnna in Harmonium, Swaminathan in Mridangam and Shankar Vinayak in Dolki.

At the end of the 50 mts. session, the artistes and accompanists were felicitated with clothes. Bhajans by students continued for the next ten minutes before Mangala Arathi at 1800 hrs. Blessed laddu prasadam was distributed for the entire audience.

The final speaker was Sri Aravind B, an accomplished speaker, writer and photographer, working in the Prasanthi Digital Studio. Recounting some wonderful moments of his personal interactions with Bhagawan, he said that He always holds our hand. Our prayer to Him is to ensure that we don't leave His hand. Being a student of the institute he said is an academic process but to be a Sai Student is in everyone's grasp as it is only Surrender that will make us one. Surrender, he quoted Bhagawan, is the acceptance that everything which happens is for one's own good. Hence we need to be joyful always as everything we get has been handpicked by Him for our own personal good and growth. Tears of joy, love and gratitude he said is the most appropriate 'speech' that we can offer Him.

The inspiring talks were followed by a beautiful music programme, a bouquet of five songs. The songs were interspersed with experiences shared by some of the students. Sri Raghuram Bhat from Prasanthi Digital Studio gave a particularly poignant speech, welling up the eyes of all. Many of the old songs which Bhagawan enjoyed in previous programmes had fresh instrumental pieces woven between them symbolic of the ancient but ever fresh nature of our Master, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The programme was followed by Bhajans and Arati. Prasadam was distributed to the assembly.

Saturday, September 3, 2011 

Today, Saturday, on the third day to the grand Ganesh Chaturthi festival, scores of Ganeshas were taken out in a procession to the Sanctum Sanctorum in Sai Kulwant Hall before retreating for the immersion ceremony, marking the culmination of the grant religious extravaganza that gripped Prasanthi Nilayam for the past three days.  

The procession that started from various Prasanthi locations, mainly from the hostels of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning and Schools arrived at the venue, Sai Kulwant Hall at 1610 hrs. By the entry of the last entrant, it was time for Vedam to begin. Shortly after Veda chanting began, the processionists moved forward, towards the Sanctum Sanctorum, going for a circumambulation of the Mandir.

The fleet of Ganeshas were arrayed, all in varied fanciful shapes and decor, colourfully adorned, ready to salute the Lord, Beloved Bhagawan in the Sanctum Sanctorum. The fleet that stretched from the Yajur Mandiram end to the East Prasanthi end, further projecting towards the south from both the ends, contained twenty-five Ganeshas representating hostels mainly, and various other sister institutions of Prasanthi.

After the circumambulation, that took fifteen minutes, the students from the Higher Secondary School presented a ceremonial dance, invoking Ganesha to come back next year.

Soon it was time for the Ganeshas to retreat. As one after one each batch brought its respective Ganesha to the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Chief Priest offered Mangala Arathi to each individual Ganesha before The Lord retreated towards the immersion ghat. The whole procession concluded at 1715 hrs. Throughout the session, Sai Kulwant Hall was resounding in loud chanting and bhajans as the colourful pageantry of Ganesha ruled the roost for the entire session.

This is the occasion when Prasanthi showcases Ganeshas in varied theme, displaying colourful innovative ideas with the enthusiastic devoted bunch of students putting their best to impress upon The Over Lord of Prasanthi. This year too, like previous years, the procession had all the variety of craftsmanship, representing greater spiritual truths of yore to modern innovative ideas. Some of them were the Phoenix Bird Ganesha, Garuda Vahana Ganesha, Helicopter Ganesha, Swan Ganesha by the tiny tots from the Primary School, Garden Ganesha by the tiny tots of Smt. Easwaramma English Medium School, Butterfly Ganesha etc...The whole programme was compeered by the students detailing structures and their, inner significance.

Bhajans continued for the next 45 minutes and Mangala Arathi was offered at 1800 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.

Earlier the hostel set of Ganeshas, that formed the crux of the contingent, were taken out half-an-hour in advance. Enthusiastic batches of students in colourful attire, chanting in loud with devotional exuberance assisted by musical paraphernalia led the procession.

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        
 

"My Life is His Message" is probably the most powerful quote of Bhagawan who always lived His life as an example for humanity. Respect to the mother, mother land and mother tongue were among the high principles he practised and taught. Therefore Bhagawan always encouraged his students to learn the folk arts of the land. Burrakatha sessions in Prasanthi hold a special significance, as, on most occasions, it is Bhagawan who 'demands' the same, selecting the theme and title by Himself. Ever since it’s grand entry into the precincts of Prasanthi Nilayam, this popular folk art of Andhra Pradesh has earned the status of ‘Divine Folklore’, earning the attention and grace of Bhagawan.

The Burra Katha focuses on presenting serious matters in an easily understandable manner with a touch of humour. It consists of three artistes, one the Kathakudu( Story Teller), the Rajakiya (Political Analyst) and the Hasyaka (Humourist).The trio, students from Sri Sathya Sai University, Sai Prabhakar, Aravind Sai and Sai Raghuram (Post Graduates of the University), blessed to be the ‘originators’ by being the first batch of burrakatha students,  have been displaying their skills in the distinctive art with constant blessings, guidance and encouragements from Bhagawan. Prasanthi has witnessed number of such burrakatha sessions over the past three years, enacting epical incidents in the Divine presence. The trio have been trained by Mr. Krishna Bhaskar from BHEL who had the rare blessing of conducting burrakatha sessions for Bhagawan during the early years.

This evening the students decided to perform on the theme "Yugaavatar Sai". Recounting the blessing of being His contemporary and playing a small role in His mission, the students narrated the blessed story of the Lord's Advent and His matchless splendor. The presentation was extremely beautiful gently taking the audience through history - His Story with well timed comic interludes, astute interpretations and melodious songs.

The programme concluded at 1800hrs followed by Bhajans and Arati. Prasadam was distributed to the assemblage

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        
 

Serene touch of Bhagawan Sri Krishna engulfed the Sai Kulwant Hall this morning as Prasanthi celebrated the auspicious Sri Krishna Janmashtami in this Highest Abode of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, today.

Today is Krishna Janmashtami, the day denotes the birth of Bhagawan Sri Krishna. Enchanting Little Krishna has been one of the most endearing Divine forms for millions and billions of hearts over past many millennia, cutting across borders and barriers set by religion, caste and nationality…And His song celestial Bhagavad Gita has been the right recipe for the human minds to reach their final destination.  His legacy continuous even after five thousand years of His Divine Advent. Little Krisnna,  fondled and...read complete Krishna Janamasthmi update & Report - Prasanthi Nilayam
 

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Monday, Aug 20, 2011

A group of 126 from the Central European country of Poland presented a musical offering at the Sanctum Sanctorum of Sai Kulwant Hall this evening in Prasanthi Nilayam. The group that has come on a Sai Pilgrimage comprised of 35 gents and 91 ladies.

The programme commenced just after 1700 hrs. after half-an-hour Vedam chanting. Beginning with a Ganapathi Prarthana, "Om Gananam Tva..." the group sang 18 songs in three languages, Sanskrit, English and native Polish.. Abba, Father, a song in praise of Heavenly Father picturising Jesus as the Dvine Son, Alleluya, a song in praise of The Lord, "There is a tone that sounds like a bell", a song on the Pranava - AUM, "Don't Worry, Be Happy", a song reflecting Bhagawan's assurance, were some of the compositions for the evening. The programme lasted for 45 minutes, ended with a song "Aum Santhi Aum...".

For Prasanthi, it was yet another nostalgic evening, revelling golden memories of Bhagawan enlivening many such sessions in the past with His unmatchable physical presence. The group sang in great harmony, echoing His message of Unity, with great devotional fervour. Women choristers were distinct in their floral headband while the entire troupe was donned in white. The Choir was ably conducted by Ms. Maria Quoos.

After the programme bhajans continued for another 10 minutes before Mangala Arathi was offered at 1800 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.

Prof. Anantaraman, Media Co-ordinator, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust thanked the group on behalf of the Trust, appreciating the programme, for their 'Voices of Unity'. He also announced about the arrival of a three thousand strong Parthi Yatra group from Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh that will be staging cultural programmes for tomorrow and the day after.

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        
 

Today is National Independence Day, 15th August! As the whole nation is gripped in patriotic fervour, commemorating the occasion, Prasanthi Nilayam, as she has been for past many years, once again got into celebrating mood joining the countrymen, commemorating the occasion in 'The Divine Presence!'.

The schedule for the day was a drama presentation,...continue reading with photos from Prasanthi Nilayam

Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011

The green scarved army with the message of peace from the heartland of Islam gave their second presentation in two days in the holy precincts of the Sai Kulwant Hall. After the soul uplifting performance of the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey, the other devotees from the Region offered a beautiful musical garland to their Lord.

Entitled "Sarva Devata Ateeta Swaroopa Karuna Sagar Sai" (which translates to My Lord Sai who is the ocean of Mercy and transcendental of all forms of God), the programme started with a brief introduction where in the narrator spoke about the unity of religions, the compassion of Bhagawan and the need to experience His love. read more with photos

They continued the programme with sacred verses from Zoroastrianism: 'Armaiti anahita, Ahura Mazda Tame Kare'.. This was followed by verses and songs from Buddhism: 'Budham sharanam gachami' and 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. Judaism was glorified with the piece 'Hevenu Shalom -Shabbat Shalom' and Christianity by the songs 'Dass Du mich einstimmen' and 'Agnus Die'. 'Bismillah' was their song on the glory of Islam.

These songs were followed by songs of gratitude to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, namely, 'He's got the whole world', 'We are the world', 'Gespriesen sei der Herr', 'Laudato si' and 'Du bist die Liebe'. Bhajans by students commenced at the end of this programme at 1750hrs and Prasadam was distributed to the entire gathering. Arati was offered at 1800hrs.

In other news, Thursdays and Sundays have become extremely special days in Prasanthi Nilayam this month since one Bhajan in Bhagawan's own voice is played to the delight of all devotees assembled in the hall. All devotees are blissfully able to follow the sweet voice of our most beloved Bhagawan.

Meanwhile there is a large congregation of devotees from the Middle East in Prasanthi Nilayam now. They have decorated the Sai Kulwant Hall in Islamic style. They are expected to have cultural programmes the following week

He spoke about the presence of Bhagawan felt more than ever before in every aspect of the institute's functioning. The utmost duty of the alumni, he emphasised was being Shining Examples for the society to emulate. The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is a unique university which never needs to compare itself with any other varsity. He concluded his talk with the way forward on how the Alumni can contribute to the University.

After the Mandir Session on the 30th, Prof. G. Venkataraman addressed the Alumni and their family with an attempt to understand the concept of Premabandham, what it actually means and what the responsibilities associated with it are.

The next morning contained interactive sessions with Sri. S.V. Giri, Trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Prof. Anantharaman, Media Coordinator and Faculty of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The role of 25000 Alumni of the University spread across the world was discussed. Their talks was followed by a presentation and interaction on the Sri Sathya Sai Vidhya Vahini Project by Sri Satyajit and other members of the team. Enemy of innovation is to work in isolation and hence the Alumni was urged to work together on this noble task.

At 1700hrs in the evening, the Alumni put up a programme of thanksgiving to their Lord, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The programme started with speeches from Sri. SBSS Madhav and Sri. G V Ravi Shankar. This was followed by a music programme which suffused the ambience with nostalgia. Arati was offered at 1800hrs

Monday, Jul 25, 2011

Taking a leaf of inspiration from Bhagawan, carrying the mantle of His precious Divine Teachings, a group of youth from Australia under the banner, Sai Youth Australia, staged a musical programme in the Sai Kulwant Hall this evening. The programme commenced at the end of half-an-hour Vedam chanting, just after 1700 hrs., with customary offering at Bhagawan's Maha Samadhi.

Beginning with an invocatory song in Telugu, "Premamurthini Swagatham.." the group continued with "Sathya Sai We Love You..." before bursting into a commentary, dwelling upon, reminding themselves of Bhagawan's advice during the group's previous visit last year, to share love with all. With this they sang "Swami, We Are Your Youth Autralia..." that was followed by an often heard Telugu number. One more Telugu song followed, that glorified the importance of service, yet another

familiar song, "Sai Maatha Biddalame Andharam..." which was followed by a "Qawwali "Meri Muhabbat Mera Khuda Hey...". The group ended the programme, expressing gratitude to Bhagawan, praying for continued guidance to move in the path shown by Him, following His advice "service begins at home...". Students took over to sing bhajans for the next fifteen minutes before Mangala Arathi at 1800 hrs. Special Prasadam was distributed at the end of the programme.

The group from Australia comprised of around sixty members, 35 ladies and 25 gents.

Reveling in His unfathomable glory, entwining various attributes of the attributeless Divine, the guest artiste for the evening representing the district, Sri Sasidhara Sharma, an accomplished TV artiste, accompanied by eleven accompanists sang for the next 45 minutes before students took over for a fifteen minute bhajan session. At the end of the session, before Mangala Arathi, an announcement on the Water Project Scheme implemented in the district was made, offering gratitude to Bhagawan for His immense love and compassion to the suffering people of the district. 196 villages have been benefitted from this stupendous scheme supplying "Elixir Divine' to the drought affected areas of the district. Special Mangala Arathi was offered at 1800 hrs. and special prasadam was distributed to the entire gathering.

The group from Medak included 200 men and 500 women devotees. The group is to continue with their cultural offering tomorrow as well.

A special guest block comprising of medicos attending the ongoing Ortho Conference was also present for the evening session.

It is an emissary of Bhagawan’s love. It is God who has set up these hospitals and it is He who will run them. Sometimes I envy the students because I am not young enough to join the university. It is the alumni who will spread the light of effulgence of Bhagawan’s teachings in the world, opined Sri Pandya. If you want to experience love, this is the place. During dramatic performances Bhagawan bestows his benevolent look on the children and inspires them. Bhagawan has inspired so many millions to do service in Sri Sathya Sai Organisation. It is only God who can do such a stupendous task. No one could achieve what Sathya Sai Avatar could achieve. Bhagawan gave the feeling to everyone that He has come only for him. This is the personal experience each one had with Bhagawan. No individual can shake the foundation of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, the legacy of love. Surrender everything to His love. This divine legacy of love will unflinchingly be present in every humankind. Manifestation of love through Sathya Sai Educare will live forever. Sri Pandya declared, “He will speak from within us, He will never leave us”. Bhagawan brought us to Him. Now is the time to reflect on His Divinity. Keep coming to Prasanthi Nilayam. At the end of all, we have to merge in Him. Every time you look in the mirror, think emphatically, you are God, told Sri Pandya. Bhagawan gave this Guru Dakshina (offering) on the 24th of July 1965: “Give Me your unselfish and unwavering mind. I will appear and give Darshan to you”.

After Sri Nimish Pandya’s speech, there were a few Bhajans by students. An announcement was made that Radio Sai has started a new service in Telugu on this day of Guru Purnima. It can be heard over Radio Sai Telugu Stream. Radio Sai Telugu has become a 24 hour channel from this day. Radio Sai can also be heard over mobile phones. Radio Sai will also start broadcasting the proceedings in the Mandir. Arati was offered at 10.25 am.

The Darshan of Mahasamadhi started immediately after the programme and will continue throughout the day. As people were having Darshan of the Mahasamadhi, a few songs and commentaries by students were in progress. This was followed by continuous chants of Sai Gayatri.

The Malladi brothers began their rendition with a song in Hamsadhwani Raga. The songs extolled Bhagawan as a Brahmajnani (one who has the wisdom that reveals the inner reality), as the One who chose to be born in the Ratnakara clan and the mother of the Avatar, Easwaramma. The concluding songs raised the tempo to a crescendo, namely, Janula Madhya Tirugade Jagapati (the Master of the universe who moves amidst people), Sai Namasmaranam Sai Rupa Dhyanam (Chanting the Name of Sai and meditating on the form of Sai).

At the end, Prof. Anil Kumar showered praises on the singers and compared them to the singers Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana who sang along with Bhagawan in Venkatagiri during those earlier days. Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President, Sri Sathya Sai Organisations honoured the singers and artistes with silk Angavastrams, after which the singers paid their obeisance to Bhagawan. A few Bhajans followed and the morning programme concluded with Arati at 10.15 am.

Meanwhile in the Poornachandra auditorium, the second day of the World Youth Conference began with opening prayers at 0830hrs. The first speaker for the day was a young adult speaker Aparna Murali, a member of the International Youth Council from Zone 1 comprising the countries – U.S.A., Canada, West Indies and Israel. The second young adult speaker was Mathias Seital, again a member of the International Youth Council from Northern Europe. The third and fourth young adult speakers were Anatoli Dikunov from Russia and Alvin Leo from Zone 3 comprising the countries – Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Both were members from the International Youth Council.

The delegates dispersed into study circle groups and deliberated on the topic “Sai Young Adults – Sai Ideal Leaders of the Future.” After the lunch recess, the reports on the deliberations of all the study circles were presented by the group facilitators. The day’s proceedings ended with concluding remarks by Sri Shitu Chudasama, International Youth Coordinator and closing prayers.
Evening Programme:

The evening programme commenced in Sai Kulwant Hall with Veda chanting at 1630hrs followed by speeches by two youth from the International Sathya Sai Organisation. The first speaker was Sri Shitu Chudasama, International Youth Coordinator. Sri Chudasama said that Bhagawan had granted permission for this youth conference in last November to Dr. Michael Goldstein. This youth conference is “of the youth, for the youth and by the youth.” There are 440 youth leaders. Many of them are active participants in international youth programmes.

The next young adult speaker was Sri Daniel Strauss, Member of the International Youth Council. Speaking on the deliberations of the conference, Sri Strauss said that delegates examined on the ways to improve the organisation. In addition to new guidelines, delegates were asked to structure the old ones. An important deliberation was to make Sai leaders for the future. Young leaders are important for the Sai Organisation.

After the speech of Sri Strauss, youth from 16 countries presented a choir in unison. The group was christened LASA (Love All Serve All). The voices of the youth, both gents and ladies gelled well with the musical instruments. The international choir enthralled the audience for about an hour. At the end, the leader of the group expressed his gratitude to Swami for the opportunity. The students from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning sang a few Bhajans, and then Arati was offered at 6 p.m.

Dr. Michael Goldstein, Chairman, Prasanthi Council and Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation, who followed next with his key note address introduced the fundamentals of this year's conference, namely the spiritual principles that should prevail in the lives of every Sai youth and organisation as whole.

Some of the youth leaders, all members of International Youth Council, shared their experiences in implementing various programmes that effectively helped in the transformation of hearts and promoted human consciousness. These included Ivan Bavcevic from Southern Europe, Parani Kumar and Anjali Daswani from Far East Asia, Daniel Strauss and Perla Yannelli Fernandez Silva from Latin America.

At the end of these succinct talks, the group broke into Study Circles and deliberated on the Ideal Sai Leadership and the way forward.

MahaSamadhi will be unveiled for public darshan on Gurupoornima day...read more

"Dhanyanti Parthi" (Blessed is the Land of Parthi) was the name of the Dance Ballet which was to follow. This dance was also a deep spiritual lesson helping the audience understand the philosophy of the Varkari's system of devotion. Sri Deepak Mazumdar, one of the earliest Balvikas students was the teacher for the event. The dance started with a group of children headed by Sri Mazumdar all dressed up as Varkaris, starting their pilgrimage to Pandharpur. Their one prayer to Vittala being that let them always be attached to Him and be completely detached from the world.

A question is then raised that since God is omnipresent, what is the need to travel to pilgrimage sites like Pandharpur and Parthi. The answer is given that since the Lord had taken human form and lived there, the sacredness of even the soil here can raise the consciousness of the pilgrim to great spiritual heights.
 

Programme Schedule for Ashadi Ekadasi and Guru Purnima, July 11 and 14 - 16, 2011

As the Palkhi Seva commences, the point is brought forward that body is in fact the temple of God and hence the search for God should always lead us within. Finding the omnipresent companion within, the devotees dance to the tune of Divine Music, in the company of the Divine. Demonstrating this beautifully, Sri Mazumdar worshipped an empty screen with flower petals only to find it forming the silhouette of Bhagawan.

Bhagawan is the Divine Director, Composer and Artist of this play called life. It is only in union with Him can we rid ourselves from the travails of the world. Attachment to Him and Detachment from the world is the message with which the dance programme reached its completion.

Gifts were distributed to all participants. At 1730hrs Bhajans resumed and Prasadam was distributed to the entire gathering. Arati was offered at 1740hrs. This was a very important event as it revived the grand festivity of Prasanthi Nilayam - the land of Nityakalyanam (eternal auspiciousness) and Panchathoranam (eternal celebration).

The Varkaris continued their grand tradition of Palkhi Seva. Every year they carry a Paduka for Bhagawan in a pada yatra ( through walk) from Dharamavaram to Puttaparthi. Sri Nimish Pandya (District President of Mumbai), who played the master of ceremony today, recollected how Bhagawan used to always enquire about the welfare of these simple devotees from him again and again over the years.

The programme for the day started at 8:00 AM with the chanting of the Holy Rudram. At 8:20, Sri S.V. Giri, after taking Bhagawan's blessings, lit the lamp to start the proceedings. It started with the sacred sound of the conch. The sound of victory, the sound of truth, the sound of clarity, lit joy in the hearts of all as it declared the festivities open.

PRECIOUS MEMORIES by Prof V N Pandit				Photos: Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Vibhuti Miracle  in New Delhi June 2011
The Story behind the 6 Namaskar Photos of Sri Sathya Sai Baba				Video: Swami's Last Darshan  in Poorna Chandra

Sri Pavithra Bhat who has performed on numerous occasions in front of Bhagawan led the procession with a rhythmic dance. The flag bearers followed behind and then came the solemn bearers of the Palkhi. The Palkhi was brought near Bhagawan's throne and the bearers, removed the Padukas from it and placed it at the lotus feet before lovingly adorning it with a garland made from Tulasi. At the conclusion of the dance, Sri Pandya announced the music programme by the Mategaonkar family.

Sri Parag Mategaonkar led the family in taking Bhagawan's blessings. He played the keyboard. His wife Smt Suvarna Mategaonkar and daughter Ketaki Mategaonkar were the singers of the morning and Sri Amit accompanied them on the tabla. Smt Suvarna started the proceedings with a dedication to Lord Vittala, "Sundare ke...". She was followed by her daughter Ketaki who sang the Bhajan, "Ram ke gun gaan..." (Sing... Sing the glory of Lord Rama). There was an emotional piece by Kum Ketaki, "Sai Ke Sang..." which spoke about the travails in the path of devotion and how a true devotee sticks to the Lotus Feet even when everything is taken from him. They concluded traditionally with a Vittala Bhajan. The participants were honoured with clothes.

Bhajans began at 9:30 AM and Arati was offered at 9:45 completing the morning's programme. A dance ballet by Balvikas children from Maharashtra is scheduled for the evening.

The festival season is here. Ashadi Ekadasi which often marked the first programme in the festival calendar of Prasanthi Nilayam will be celebrated tomorrow and four days thence, we shall have the unveiling of the Mahasamadhi of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba fittingly on the holy occasion of Guru Purnima. The complete schedule is available here:

Programme Schedule for Ashadi Ekadasi and Guru Purnima, July 11 and 14 - 16, 2011

A two day International Youth Conference is also scheduled to be held in the Poornachandra auditorium on the 13th and 14th of July. This will be an event attended by delegates from various countries across the globe.

Sri S.V. Giri spoke in English. He assured the assembly that Bhagawan has kept the institutions in fine health and it shall continue to run in the same manner as they were functioning during the Physical Presence of Bhagawan. Infact the admissions in the Institute have gone up indicating the trust that devotees are having on the Sai Institutions. He invited some of the pilgrims to stay back till next friday, the 15th of July, when The MahaSamadhi of Bhagawan will be opened for public view on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima.

He appealed for the continued support of the organisation members to carry the Sai Mission forward. He also requested the group leaders who will be guiding the second batch to insist to them that they speak in a polite manner to the Devotees so that they have a good experience while visiting the ashram.

He encouraged everyone to listen to radiosai both for staying connected to Prasanthi Nilayam through Bhajans, Discourses, Musings etc and also to get factual information from the trust so that we are not flustered by reports in the media.

The State President of Kerala recalled that on the 31st January of this year, Bhagawan had chosen to start the Poornachandra auditorium audience when Kerala were doing service. That time Bhagawan had called him close and expressed that this was a beautiful scene, seeing all the Sevadal assembled in this grand hall.

He then informed the esteemed trustee that many of the devotees had approached him and said that they did not feel Bhagawan's absence even for a split second. Overwhelmed with emotion he reminded the fellow devotees of Bhagawan's dictum,

Look Back - Thank God
Look Forward - Trust God
Look Around - Serve God

Being ambassadors of Bhagawan, we need to watch our actions carefully and behave in accordance with teachings of Bhagawan, he warned. With this we need to make Kerala into a Sai Samrajya, the Kingdom of Sai, he declared in the end.

The State President of Rajasthan invoking Bhagawan in his heart, appealed to the pilgrims to take this energy which was obtained in doing service in the holy land of Prasanthi Nilayam and use if for spreading Educare, Spiritual Growth and Service in the form of Narayana Seva (Feeding of poor) and Grama Seva (Sri Sathya Sai Village Integrated Programme).

He encouraged everyone to read the literature of Bhagawan so that we get a true idea of the grandeur of this Avatar and we are able to appreciate the opportunity given to the fullest.

Sri Janakiraman thanked the Sevadal for their valuable service rendered and emphasised on the lessons learnt from the speakers. He reminded everyone that Prasanthi Nilayam is our Mother's house and there is no place more special than this. The work which Bhagawan has given us must be continued by us, was the parting message from the speaker.

Sri V. Srinivasan spoke in Hindi. He thanked the Sevadal volunteers for the great service they have been doing in the ashram and their native places. He quoted Bhagawan saying, "I do not want your devotion. I want your transformation." Having Service and the chanting of the Lords name as your two legs march forward towards transformation was his advice.

The State President of Gujarat thanked Bhagawan for removing all obstacles and blessing the Sevadal with a peaceful ambience to discharge their duties. He said quoting one of the youngsters from a remote hamlet in Gujarat that the pilgrims were extremely happy with this opportunity and that more and more interested in joining this cause.

Sri Janakiraman once again thanked the Sevadal for their valuable service rendered and emphasised on the lessons learnt from the All India President's speech

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 where it had been kept in safe custody. Apart from the 5 Trustees, and two members of the Council of Management, including the former Chief Justice of India, Sri.P.N.Bhagawathi, two other eminent judges. Justice Sri.A.P.Misra, retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India ...Continue reading - Inventory of Valuables,Gold,Cash etc in the premises of Yajur Mandir

 Students and staff from all the Campuses of the Institute participated in this programme. Read  the full Report with photos - Day 1,2 & 3

They ensured that starting from Guru Purnima this year, all festivals as per the normal calendar of events will continue. Other events like the Prasanthi Seva, Parthi Yatra, pilgrimage programmes, various conferences and training programmes, Bal Vikas and cultural programmes, etc., will also continue as before. Read the Complete Statement here.

Meanwhile Vedam Chanting and Bhajans are continuing as usual from 08:00 am to 09:30 am in the morning and 04:30 pm to 06:00 pm in the evening. The majestic throne of Bhagawan sits atop a wooden stage in front of the Samadhi. Sunday, the biblical day of rest, saw many devotees coming to rest on the lap of their Mother Sri Sathya Sai and inhale the sense of peace that is unique to Prasanthi Nilayam, the incense from which Bhagawan spreads the Fragrance of Love across the cosmos.

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        
 

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No wonder then that we had a soothing rainfall the very same night. ...And last evening (26th May) being the final darshan of Maha Samadhi before the commencement of a proposed six-week long construction phase, good number of devotees filed past the Samadhi before the curtains came down at 2000 hrs.

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        
 

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        
  

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        

This day (6th May 2011) being Easwaramma Day and the 13th day after Bhagawan shed His mortal coil and became the all-pervading Universal Consciousness, a special function was arranged in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium to feed the Narayanas (feeding of the poor and forlorn).
 

It was rightly named as Maha Narayana Seva. Elaborate arrangements were made in the stadium to feed the Narayanas in an orderly manner. The stadium was barricaded well so that the Narayanas could sit comfortably and partake of the Prasadam and receive clothes. The local administration had provided the Police force in good numbers to send the Narayanas in a single file to the stadium. The Seva Dals of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation too manned the important locations in the stadium and helped in the smooth conduct of the function.

 

Easwaramma Samadhi

The function began at 9.30 hrs. with the lighting of lamp in the dais of the stadium. Two huge photographs, one of Bhagawan and another of Mother Easwaramma was placed on the dais. A beautiful cut-out of Bhagawan serving the Narayanas in the Hill View Stadium was arranged as a backdrop. The Narayanas were allowed in the stadium from 7.00 hrs. to 9.30 hrs. People had lined up outside the stadium as early as 6.00 hrs in the morning to gain entry. The Narayanas were served a laddu, Puliohara (Tamarind rice) in adequate quantities, water sachets, clothes, Vibhuti Prasadam and a photograph of Bhagawan.

By 9am the whole stadium was full. As there was no announcement or bhajans sung till then, it was so nice to see poor villagers, forming small groups and singing bhajans.
 

Narayana Seva Sri Sathya Sai Hill View stadium

By 9am the whole stadium was full. As there was no announcement or bhajans sung till then, it was so nice to see poor villagers, forming small groups and singing bhajans. Those bhajans are very identical to Prasanthi Bhajans, (not bilittling the students) but when the villagers sang, it sounded very different and nice Probably because of the kind of innocence with which these bhajans are sung.


 

Sri Sathya Sai Baba's Samadhi Photo -  Size: 2300 x 1300

 
All the Trustees of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust were present on this occasion. The function concluded at 10.00 hrs with the offer of Arati.
 

Meanwhile, at the Mother Easwaramma Samadhi, special prayers and offerings were conducted in the morning that was attended by Bhagawan's ' family' members, students and devotees.
 

Evening Session:

The evening session had three elders sharing their experience with the devotees. Prof. Anil Kumar who introduced the speakers of the day, hailed mother Easwaramma by quoting Bhagawan's own declaration that Rama, Krishna, Shivaji or Gandhi became what they were because of their mothers. Same way, I am Sathya Sai today because of Easwaramma!...keep reading

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        

In the evening, a special congregation will be held honouring the occasion wherein elders will share their experiences that will be followed by a Carnatic concert by Malladi Brothers.

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||        

In the evening, Vedam starts at 1630 hrs. till 1715 hrs. and Bhajans will continue for next 45 minutes, till 1800 hrs. Darshan starts at 1800 hrs. to go up to 1930 hrs.

|| Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ||       

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