The staff of the Super Speciality Hospital at Prasanthi gram is also coming to the Ashram in batches on pilgrimage like their colleagues at Whitefield. This evening, the first batch of staff with their families, around 150 in number, were seated in the bhajan hall. Bhagavan arrived as the bhajans went on, and after His darshan round, came into the bhajan hall. He first moved around them all, going around the hall a couple of times. Then He sat in the front of the hall and had group photos with them in batches of ten. After an informal interaction with some of the group members for some more time, Swami blessed prasadam for distribution and moved to the stage as the bhajans continued. Five minutes later, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.20 pm.
February 27, 2010 – Songs of Gratitude by X and XII Girl Students
Like every other day, on February 27 too the Veda chanting gave way to bhajan singing at 5:00 p.m. At about 5:20 p.m., Swami arrived into the Sai Kulwant Hall. The Primary School block which is normally empty other than on Sundays and Thursdays, was today sparsely populated.
The reason was the arrival of the outgoing batches from the girls' side. The X and XII class students had arrived, carrying with them cards, cushions, letters, pens, vibhuti and most importantly their hearts filled with gratitude. Swami took a complete darshan round and blessing the few birthday boys among the students, He moved into the Primary school area.
As He passed by the girls in the lines, He accepted letters and saw cards. Reaching the end of the lines, He saw that there was a girl seated with the harmonium. He asked her to begin playing and start the programme. The girl appeared confused as even though she began to play on the harmonium, it was barely heard above the speakers which were in full blast.
Swami then moved onto the stage for bhajans. Even as He sat for the bhajans, He looked once or twice at the beseeching girls. After a few bhajans, He called the birthday boys and blessed them once more! He also placed vibhuti packets into the trays of some of the boys. A couple of bhajans after that, as the clock showed 5:55 p.m., Swami asked for aarthi.
The loving Mother then moved towards her children who were waiting to open up their hearts. Swami asked the girls to begin their programme even as He sat in the western corner of the veranda, facing them. The girls began to sing out their hearts in Telugu, Hindi and English, the gist of all their songs being - "Swami, You are our everything. Without You, we are nothing. But with You by our side, there is nothing that we cannot achieve.
We seek You and nothing else." The power and thrill of singing in unison could be felt by all in the hall. They had no mikes to amplify their voice, but their hearts amplified their rich feelings as Swami sat listening. Now, the students began to move to Swami one by one offering various things.
A set of them offered to Him a soft velvety foot mat. With His permission, they raised His feet and placed them on it. The joy and satisfaction was all writ large on their faces. Soon, a line was formed with each one of the students being blessed with the opportunity of a personal interaction.
They gave Him letters and sought some clarifications. Pens and refills were blessed to be used as instruments of His grace during the exams. The songs were on continuously in the background. The half an hour was thus filled with joy, music and gratitude. At 6:25 p.m., blessing all the girls, Swami moved towards His Residence.
On the evening of 26th February 2010, devotees from Adilabad staged a dance drama “Kavim Kavinam” involving illustrious personalities like Prof. Kasturi, translator of Bhagawan’s Discourses, and who had written Bhagawan’s Biography and other books, famous poet Karunasri and Ghantasala, whose evergreen melodies have become immortal and cast a spell on people to this day. The Divine parents Mother Easwaramma and Pedda Venkama Raju also played important roles in the drama. This interesting drama brought alive the characters of those days who had carved a niche for themselves in their respective fields. Bhagawan, the poet of poets wrote wonderful poetry to highlight the follies of villagers and to bring about transformation in them through the poems.
On this evening, Bhagawan came for Darshan at 5.30 to the chant of Vedas. At the outset, tiny tots and elders from the district offered their obeisance to Bhagawan. The drama began with salutations to Bhagawan in the form of a dance. The dance drama was an imaginative expression of an assembly of famous personalities who meet in Vaikunta in the presence of Devendra Indra, the Lord of gods. Each one sings Bhagawan’s glory relating beautiful incidents of those days. Mother Easwaramma opines how one could forget the compositions and songs of Karunasri and Ghantasala on Swami.
Ghantasala considers it was his good fortune to come into Bhagawan’s fold and compose songs on Him. Pedda Venkama Raju becomes nostalgic when he narrates the incident in Bukkapatnam wherein Bhagawan composed a song instantly on the freedom movement of Bharat and about the downfall of ruthless dictator Hitler who was unknown till then to the innocent villagers of those days. Even the Britishers who were present in the congregation were stunned at child Sathya’s wisdom and knowledge. The song runs thus:
Do not cry, my child, do not cry. If you cry, you will not be called a valiant son of Bharat. Go to sleep, my child, go to sleep. Did you get scared because the terrible Hitler has invaded the invincible Russia? Go to sleep, my child, go to sleep. Do not cry, my child, do not cry. For the Red Army is marching under Stalin. They will put an end to Hitler. Then what else is the reason for your crying? Is it because the countrymen lack unity? All the countrymen will unite and fight to win freedom; Go to sleep, my child, go to sleep. (Telugu Song)
Then Mother Easwaramma explained how Bhagawan exposed people’s ludicrous follies in Puttaparthi through telling compositions. Here is the poem that Bhagawan composed:
What are these times that have descended on us! Oh folks! What are these times that have descended on us! The face powder has formed a cheap substitute for the turmeric powder; Oh folks! What are these times that have descended on us! Gold necklaces have given way to cheap trinkets and chains; Oh folks! What are these times that have descended on us! (Telugu Poem)
Pedda Venkama Raju adds how Bhagawan brought about transformation in Karanam, the husband of Subbamma who had taken to evil ways through this poem:
Don’t seek the company of women of loose character; Surely you will fall down. Your caste people will not allow you into their homes; Your relatives will neck you out, if they see you; Your friends will beat you with chappals, If they see you in the company of such women. (Telugu Song)
Karunasri and Ghantalasala eulogise Bhagawan’s compositions and bring out the literary value in them. Prof. Kasturi sings a few poems of Bhagawan which impressed him.
The Lord of Kailasa has manifested his Divine form with the crescent moon adorning his head, the cool water of the Ganga flowing between the matted locks, with his radiant eye in the middle of the forehead and the purple neck gleaming like the sheen of a blackberry. He wears serpent bracelets and a snake belt, his entire body is smeared with Vibhuti, his forehead is adorned with a Kumkum dot, his ruddy lips glow with the juice of the betel, diamond-studded gold earrings dangle from his ears and his whole body glows with divine effulgence. (Telugu Poem)
He also explains and lists out the 16 Vahinis of Bhagawan. He says that lofty concepts were explained in a simple and lucid manner by Bhagwan in these Vahinis. Prof Kasturi says that Bhagawan explains the essence of the Vedas lucidly in His Discourses, he also laces His Discourses with Chinna Katha (a short anecdote) which has a succinct moral at the end.
Karunasri feels sorry at the sorry state of affairs of the world today. People relish reading newspapers, but they have no time to read Bhagawan’s Discourses. At the end all the cast of the drama converged at the performing arena to seek Bhagawan’s blessings. Bhagawan materialised a gold chain for the actor who played the role of Prof. Kasturi. In a touching gesture, Bhagawan gave with His own hands the spectacles to the cast who played the role of Kasturi (since the spectacles were removed when Bhagawan materialised the chain).
Bhagawan went amidst the participants and showered His love on them. Bhagawan even instructed that the cast be given clothes, Prasadam and Vibhuti Prasadam. Meanwhile, the devotees from the district rendered a few songs.
The devotees took this opportunity to bless a few items which they would like to treasure like Siva Linga, photographs of Bhagawan and a Sarva Dharma symbol inscribed on wood. Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 7.20 p.m. after which Bhagawan retired for the day.
Over 3300 devotees from Adilabad district have come joining Parthi Yatra 2010.
Puttaparthi the Abode of Highest peace is buzzing with thousands of devotees every day. The crowd is growing and growing day by day...Very surprisingly the mercury levels are touching 40 degrees and the summer season has not yet started.
The heat is too much now a days. Due to the recent terror attacks elsewhere in India, stringent security measurements are being taken in Puttaparthi by the police department. Right at the Ganesha gate there are sevadals thoroughly checking every one like they check before entering Sai Kulwanth Hall....Continue reading with photo gallery
Once again, with the onset of summer, began that genre of programmes where the 'outgoing' students from the various educational institutions of Swami express their gratitude for everything! Its 'outgoing' because once a student of Swami, always a student of Swami. There is nothing like leaving Him or Him leaving us, but the physical separation itself seems so difficult.
And so, on that day the students from the class X and class XII were seated prepared to pour out their hearts to Swami. The marbled blocks presented a colorful sight as students in various costumes sat waiting for Swami to arrive.
At about 5:45 p.m., Swami arrived for darshan. He finished the usual round and as He came near the students, He blessed the birthday boys and accepted letters. Moving through the portico, He interacted with the devotees seated there and also seemed to speak at length with one of the staff members. Then, He arrived outside.
The principal of the Higher Secondary School showed Swami the hall tickets of the students for the upcoming board exams. Swami evinced great interest in them and began to leaf through the tickets that had been filed. He looked at the photo of each and every student who would be writing the Board exams in 2010. That in itself took about 15 minutes! Blessed indeed are those students! The principal then requested Swami on behalf of the students for an opportunity to present the gratitude programme. Swami nodded as He moved on. Also seated there was the expert percussionist Anandan Shivamani. He offered his pranams at Swami's feet and spoke with Him a few words. Blessing him, Swami moved on and arrived at the centre of the stage...
The Veda chanting was on and Swami began to read through the pile of letters on His lap. The boys in the front rows were eagerly trying to catch His attention for permission to begin their programme. But Swami seemed to be absorbed in His letters. After a while, Swami too began to participate in the chanting and moved His fingers up and down with the notes of the chants. At about 6:45 p.m., He asked for the aarthi. It was done and the student who presented the rose to Swami again requested Him for the gratitude programme. Swami only smiled and nodded. As the aarthi was completed, Swami asked the principal, "What is the programme today?" Excited murmurs coursed through the 'body' of eager students and soon Swami was seeing their card and blessing them to begin their programme.
As always, the presentation was studded with highest emotions and deepest feelings. Recipients of amazing instances of grace stood up and spoke out as to how doctors had ruled them as dead or soon-to-die at birth when Swami's invisible yet all powerful hand stretched out to their aid. There were some for whom a sentence from Swami had become the mantra for life and the cornerstone about which they based all their daily activities.
For some others, Swami's support in the darkest of their times had proved beyond doubt that Swami's love is indeed that of a thousand mothers. A few of them also recounted anecdotes that brought a smile on everyone's faces. It was a beautiful and emotion-filled journey down memory lane and everyone were drenched in the love that abounded in every word spoken.
Interspersed in between were songs that had been specially written and composed by the students for their beloved Swami. It is said that poetry is moments of inspiration and love recollected in tranquility. In the fading twilight, it was sheer poetry as the students sang and spoke. The songs were eloquent in their meaning and the talks were musical to the ears!
Towards the end, there was also a dance by the students to the tune of a popular song, "Kannula mundara." The dancers came in all sizes and as they moved about, Swami blessed them with a sweet smile. The final song having been sung, the students requested Swami to come amidst them. Like the cherry atop the icing on the cake, Swami moved down the stage and posed with the children. They quickly changed and different groups got their pictures with Swami. It was almost 7:50 p.m. as Swami moved up the stage. Students offered Him trays of pens, refills and vibhuti packets - instruments to aid them during the board exams – and He blessed them. It was almost 8 p.m. when Swami moved into the Yajur Mandir.
Chennai based ace percussionist Sivamani was seen seeking Divine Blessings on the blessed twilight. A large group of devotees from Adilabad, come on a Parthi Yatra, are camping in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Sunday, Feb 21, 2010 - Whitefield Hospital staff blessed The penultimate batch of staff from the two hospitals at Whitefield had come to Prasanthi Nilayam on pilgrimage. This evening, they were seated in the Bhajan hall. Swami arrived for darshan ten minutes after the bhajans began in Sai Kulwant hall. After His darshan round, He moved on the verandah and entered the bhajan hall from the rear door. Moving among the staff and their family members, Swami interacted with them for ten minutes before moving onstage as the bhajans went on. Just before six o'clock, He blessed prasadam for distribution and accepted Arati before returning to His residence.
The Chinese New Year (of the tiger) was celebrated in the hamlet of Highest Peace on February 20. Buddhist monks belonging to the lineage of the Tibetan high Lama who had arrived a few days earlier stayed back to bask in the Divine Presence. The drama "Unity is Divinity" was scheduled on the evening of that day. The veda chanting started as always at 8:00 a.m. and the Buddhist monks were seated in the marbled blocks, waiting for Swami. And shortly after 8:30 a.m., the beautiful orange frame of Swami glided into the Sai Kulwant Hall.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - web layout design saibabaofindia.com
Everyone knows of the political situation between China and Tibet and the hardships that are being borne by the Tibetan Lamas. As exiles without passports to their own homeland, these Lamas have taken refuge in India (a country which has embraced people from everywhere all the time) and have established a monastery for themselves in Karnataka. With unity and harmony as the driving principles, these Lamas had arrived from their monastery to celebrate the Chinese New Year!
Swami moved through the ladies' side and He asked the event’s co-ordinator about how long the monks would be staying. Crossing over to the gents' side, Swami completed His darshan rounds and arrived at where the monks were seated. He called the boy who had anchored the programme very well the previous day.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - web layout design saibabaofindia.com
Speaking to him for a while, Swami materialized a beautiful gold chain and put it round his neck. Moving through the portico, Swami blessed some of them seated there and arrived on the stage. The Veda chanting had concluded and the bhajans began. Swami sat for the bhajans for the next 45 minutes!
He looked at the clock and it showed 9:45 a.m. He said, "One last bhajan." That bhajan was sung and Swami beckoned for aarthi.
As the aarthi was done, the photo of Swami gifting the chain was given to Him and Swami presented it to the boy. Swami asked him what he was studying and he said that he had three more years left to complete his graduation from a Buddhist school. Swami blessed him lovingly. Then, instead of moving to the residence, He moved into the interview room.
He sent shawls for all the monks. But before giving it, He had instructed that they be shown the shawl and asked what they felt about it. They loved it and Swami was so happy. He asked for all of them to assemble in the Bhajan Hall.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - web layout design saibabaofindia.com
The monks did so and soon, Swami was there. He asked all of them whether they liked the shawls and they were indeed very happy. "We will use it every night as we sleep." One of the monks told, "I love Swami." For a monk who believes in absolutely the Nirakara (formless) aspect, to openly profess love for Swami, it only demonstrated the power of Divine love.
Swami then began to explain to them about the Bhajan Hall in which they sat. He pointed out to the various idols on top and explained to them the Dashaavatars (the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu). He also showed them the Buddha and said that He too was there in the avatars. Swami then began to ask the monks their names and the meaning of the names. One of the younger ones had a heart problem and Swami told him not to worry.
Then, he spoke to Captain Aung who had been the facilitator for the whole group. He also moved amidst the monks and asked each and everyone his name. After three glides into the newly created aisles, Swami returned to the front.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - web layout design saibabaofindia.com
Swami was speaking so softly. On one occasion, when three people were straining their ears to hear, Swami said, "I am giving you a lot of difficulty right?" They were almost startled and said in one voice, "No Swami! We love you Swami." Swami then pointed to the covers which held the shawls. He read out what was written, "Hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray." Blessing all of them, Swami moved out of the Bhajan Hall at almost 11 a.m.
The drama in the evening had been announced to be held at 6:00 p.m. It was at sharp 5:55 p.m. that Swami arrived. The New Year evening began in a novel way. One of the staff members sought blessings the previous evening telling Swami that he had bought a new car.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - web layout design saibabaofindia.com
Photo source: sssbpt.org - web layout design saibabaofindia.com
Swami asked for him to come with the car so that He could have a look! Indeed wonderful and mysterious are the ways in which the Lord blesses His loved ones. So, as soon as Swami came out of the residence, A Tata Nano car greeted Him. Swami asked the staff member (from the SSSIHMS), "Which car is it?" "Swami, Nano." Swami lipped the name after him.
Even his parents had come as per Swami's command and the Lord spoke to the trio lovingly. Next, taking the key of the car, Swami blessed it. Then He told him to drive the car over lemons as is the tradition. Even as he did that, the lemons were squashed and some of the juice flew to Swami's hair. Swami beamed with joy as He wiped it and seemed to admire the driving skills of His student! Blessing the family with a group photograph, Swami proceeded.
Swami was preceded by a colourful Chinese procession. As Swami moved in the marbled blocks, He collected letters from Chinese kids who were seated in the front. Completing the darshan round, as Swami arrived on the stage, He lit the lamp in the altar of the Buddha that had been specially made. Then He asked for the programme to begin. It began with a plethora of offerings - Fruits, cakes and other edibles - all held very sacred by the Chinese.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - web layout design saibabaofindia.com
After the initial offerings, there was a speech by the coordinator. In his speech, he spoke about the importance of family that the Chinese culture had always lays stress on. He laid out a nine point sadhana as per Swami's guidelines to follow in one's life. With that, he welcomed everyone for the celebration of the New Year.
The programme then began with the Chinese performing a variant of the Burrakatha! Everyone was wondering as to what the programme would be like when three Chinese youth took centrestage. Explaining the path to peace and love through Swami's teachings, the boys sang out in Hindi, Sanskrit and Telugu.
It was amazing as to how a rural art form from Andhra Pradesh had traveled all the way to China, only because of the fact that Swami loves it! The boys also chanted a verse from the vedic mantra Rudram and the chanting was impeccable. Their 15 minute presentation was very well received and Swami also clapped for it. It was after this that the drama began. The drama was centred around family and family values. It had its share of humor and was excellently acted out by the youth and elders alike. It consisted of a typical modern family where the elders are not cared for and the values have gone for a walk! There is complete disharmony and restlessness. Wrong decisions are taken based on hypocrisy and the very foundation of the family is shaken.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - web layout design saibabaofindia.com
It is at this point that the 'grand'father of the family steps in to begin a dialogue that has a profound impact on everyone present. He narrates tales from ancient China and inspires love and bonding in the family. He advises them as per Swami's teachings to ensure that the love in the family strengthens the harmony in society.
Amidst all this wisdom, there was a deaf character who provided comic relief. Towards the end, there was an emotional reunion among the family members. Interspersed in the drama were some colourful dances from China. Soon, the entire troupe came ahead into the final formation.
Photo source: sssbpt.org - web layout design saibabaofindia.com
Swami immediately moved down the stage and granted group pictures for the participants. Then returning to the stage, He asked for aarthi which was taken. However, after the aarthi, He asked the students to sing bhajans. Two bhajans later, there was another aarthi. As this happened, many Chinese moved up to Swami at the stage and presented Him a rose and took namaskar.
The boy who acted as the rebellious son in the drama, having shed tears of repentance, began shedding tears again as he approached Swami. Swami seemed to console Him but that seemed to evoke more tears. Another boy by his side consoled him, rubbing his shoulders in a brotherly way.
Swami then moved into the interview room and brought sarees and white safari pieces. He then had them distributed to all the participants. He also blessed prasadam for distribution. Finally, ensuring smiles on every face, Swami moved towards Yajur Mandir and the time now was past 8:00 p.m.
Bhagavan did not come for evening darshan on Monday - instructions were sent to offer Arati and conclude the bhajans at 6 o'clock. On Tuesday and Wednesday He spent much of the evening sessions in the interview room, coming for darshan at 5.20 and 6.10 respectively. It was nearly a quarter to eight when He returned to His residence yesterday after Arati. This afternoon He went for a drive at half-past noon, and came for darshan at ten to five. During His round of the hall, He interacted with some of the devotees and monks who have started gathering here for the Chinese New Year celebrations. After blessing the 'Birthday boys', Swami blessed prasadam for distribution and moved to the interview room at 5.45. At six o'clock He emerged, accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
The 14th of February all around the world is celebrated as Valentine's Day with or without much ado! In its original untainted form, the day is a celebration of true pure Love. And anyone with a little (or loads of) experience in the world will know for sure that true pure love or Divine love is possible only when one is immersed in the Divine.
As far as Puttaparthi is concerned, it was the dawn of yet another day, for everyday is a celebration of pure love in this holy hamlet. The Shivarathri ceremonies and celebrations having concluded, separation pangs filled the air as it was time for the students from Brindavan and Anantapur campus to return to their respective campuses.
During the Sports and Cultural Meet 2010, the students from the Anantapur campus had not got the opportunity to present their "Cultural" part of the Meet. In line with His delays not being His denials, Swami lovingly permitted them to present that planned programme on that day and the girls were simply overjoyed. They sat in the marbled blocks awaiting His arrival. The Veda chanting stopped at 5 p.m. and resumed at 5:15 p.m. with Swami's arrival. Swami took a complete round and even as He passed by the Anantapur block, He asked for the letters the girls were holding.
He asked them what their programme was about. Finding out that they wanted to sing songs, He told them to begin the moment He reached on the stage. As always, a host of initial offerings preceded the programme. This included the release of a CD.
The programme consisted of a good variety of songs from light to classical. Starting with a prayer invoking Lord Ganesha, they went on to songs of Shiva and the Mother. Interspersed were two excellent renditions on the violins. The two girls who played those pieces seemed totally lost in the tune. There was a solo piece on the keyboard too.
They poured forth their love and devotion to their dearest Swami. As the songs went on, Swami called the Brindavan students who were holding up a card. They pleaded with Him to visit Brindavan soon. Swami saw their card and blessed them.
Curiosity now seemed to overcome Swami as He called another boy. He was holding a message that read, "Swami Plz Come To Brindavan." Swami asked him what "Plz" meant! He answered, "Swami, please." Swami seemed stunned at the new spellings (thanks to the sms and email age!) He blessed that student and sent him back.
The 40 minute programme was sung and performed by about 30 girls and as it came to the last song, Swami asked, "How many more? Three?" The warden was a little confused and said, "Four more" when immediately the singers corrected her, "Swami one more." Swami nodded and the whole campus sang out their Sports Meet gratitude song.
Swami asked the students by His side to get sarees and personally chose which saree He wanted to present them. Then He moved down. Sitting in front of the singers, Swami personally gifted a saree to each and every member of the music group. After the distribution was complete, Swami posed with all of them for a group picture. Then, He moved up the stage.
The bhajans by the Anantapur girls were on and soon Swami received Aarthi. As He was leaving, the photographer got the group photo that had been taken minutes back. Swami seemed so keen to almost study the photo. Then He turned around and called out for the Principal and Warden of the Anantapur campus and gave the photo to them A joyous applause rented the air as all the girls celebrated this additional shower of grace.
On His way to Yajur Mandir, Swami blessed two distinguished doctors, Dr. Roger Freedman and Dr. Ted Zaharias from Utah, USA who were in Puttaparthi for His darshan for a day before leaving to Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield, Bangalore, the next day to perform a series of cardiac surgeries.
Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 - Shivarathri Bhajans conclude - Shivarathri Vigil Concludes in the Divine Presence -
The Shivarathri bhajans continued through the night and the microphones were turned on at six o'clock, and Bhagavan came to Sai Kulwant hall five minutes later. He moved down the centre of the Hall beyond the lotus gate, inspecting and blessing the prasadam kept there before moving to the stage. Swami sat onstage for half an hour as the bhajans went on. He then moved to the bhajan hall and blessed the food kept there as prasadam. Moving to the gents' side of the hall, He went near the garage area where more prasadam was arrayed, and then made another full round of the hall.
Shivaratri Video
After some time onstage, Swami again moved to the bhajan hall and made another round of the front of Sai Kulwant hall. At 7.10, He asked for the Arati to conclude the night-long bhajan, and asked for the prasadam to be distributed. He watched as everyone was served sweet rice and tamarind rice on leaf plates. Moving to the bhajan hall once again, He went into the interview room, and returned to His residence after half an hour, blessing many devotees on the way.
In the evening, Bhagavan came for darshan as the bhajans went on at a quarter-past five. He sat onstage for nearly an hour after coming into the bhajan hall to see the clothes arranged there for the group from Orissa. Wall calendars were distributed as the bhajans went on. The penultimate batch of beneficiaries of the houses built by Bhagavan after the Orissa floods were here during the Shivarathri celebrations, and today Swami was gifting them with clothes. The ladies from the group were asked to assemble in the bhajan hall, and Swami moved there to bless them. He interacted with some of them and moved among them after sarees and vibhuti prasadam had been distributed. After this interaction, Swami returned to the stage, and the gents from Orissa had their clothes and vibhuti distributed in the Sai Kulwant hall itself. It was seven o'clock when Bhagavan accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
Shivarathri in Prasanthi assumes greater significance with the Lord in physical frame preside over the day’s proceedings leading up to whole night vigil with akhanda bhajans singing His glory. The auspiciousness tagged to the festivity permeates the air with Divinity becoming a silent witness, immense in nature, tranquil and silent, accepting the offering of singing through the night.
Shivaratri Video
The day’s long wait came to an end when the Lord clad in maroon came out of His Abode heading towards the Poornachandra Auditorium wherein thousands upon thousands had been seated for darshan. Blessing the vast concourse, Bhagawan had a ‘trial inspection’ run of the special screen relaying proceedings from the Sai Kulwant Hall.
Ushering into the Sai Kulwant Hall, the Lord was welcomed by the auspicious sounds of Nadaswaram and Pachavadyam while Veda chanting by the students was on. Bhagawan, upon completing the round, cut the special cake done by a special Italian “cake-makers”.
Bhagawan moved through the verandah to come on the dais commencing the proceedings for the evening. When all were clueless as to what would be the programme before the commencement of the Akhanda Bhajan, the Lord signaled to His students.
At the transitional phase between day and night on the auspicious Shivarathri occasion, at the twilight, the Nataraja, the Greatest of the Dance Masters, chose to dance in the minds of the devotees listening to the musical excellence of His students. An hour long musical feast, started at 5:45 p.m. with the Lingashtakam, the talented bunch of students brought out rare repertoire of musical pieces, ranging from Carnatic to Hindustani, from Telugu to Hindi, all at ease enthralling the Lord and the capacity audience that filled the Sai Kulwant Hall to capacity.
Click here to watch Shivaratri video from 12th Feb
As they continued with the song, "Mahaprana Deepam" raising the rhythmic energy levels, enticing and tickling thousands upon thousands of vocal cords to chorus, the subtlety of the auspiciousness tagged to the festivity was emerging out bringing in beauty in the hearts of thousands in the immediate Divine Presence of Sathyam, the Truth. Sai Kulwant was verily exhibiting Sathyam Sivam Sundaram in reality. While the number "Om Namah Shivaya" in Hindustani was a treat to the ears, the next piece that followed was a Carnatic one that left lasting impressions. Immensely pleased with the rendering, Bhagawan called the two singers onstage asking them to sing a “thillana". Akhanda Bhajan started at 6:45 pm when the twilight was slowly giving way to the auspicious night. As the boys and girls, in alternate turns continued with the bhajans, Bhagawan sat through for quite long until He retired to Yajur Mandiram after 8 pm.
Arathi was offered in between as instructed by Bhagawan but without Shanti Mantra, continuing the bhajans with added vigour.
Upon the Arathi, an announcement was made about the Akhanda Bhajan to continue as a whole night vigil, with various groups participating in alternate turns, singing all through the night, until Mangala Arathi at 7 followed by prasadam distribution.
In the night, the Sai Kulwant Hall was emitting powerful spiritual vibrations with various groups in alternate turns singing His glory followed in chorus by capacity audience, powered to keep vigil throughout the night. The consecrated Sayeeshwara Lingam that was the centre of attraction during the Ati Rudra Maha Yajna conducted in the year 2006 was installed in front of the dais, surcharging the atmosphere infinitely.
The fresh and spiritually charged morning found the Lord coming out as early at 6:05 am. Gliding through, He moved past the devotees, blessing the special prasadam for the occasion in between before taking a detour, cutting short to the dais. Bhagawan made several round through the verandah and Bhajan Hall and a second round starting from the gents side towards the ladies side finally ending in the verandah.
Arathi was offered at 7:10 pm upon which Prasadam, Tamarind Rice and Sweet Pudding were offered to the vast assemblage of devotees. Bhagawan retired to the Yajur Mandiram after 8 bringing the curtain down for Shivarathri 2010!
Huge populace of devotees attended the weekend festivity with thousands upon thousands thronging to the spiritual capital invoking Divine Blessings. As many as ten sheds have been demolished owing to the construction of new dormitories with better fecilities, west and south block verandahs had been occupied by the huge influx of Shivarathri devotees, well in advance, from 10th Feb onwards.
Once Swami left the previous night, the Shivarathri vigil began. It is said that there are as many ways to God as there are devotees. Each chooses his/her way to worship God and the Lord responds to each. The vigil too saw varied activities being undertaken. Of course, 'central' to everything was the bhajan singing that was on, alternating between the gents and the ladies. Many devotees undertook a night long fast. At about 9 p.m., once the mikes went off, group bhajans began.
A separate group was formed in a corner of the hall and they began to chant the Rudram. Reading of scriptures and holy books was resorted to by some; others who were of a strong physical constitution began circumambulating the Ganesha temple and the various other temples in the vicinity. Everyone tried to engage themselves in some spiritually beneficial activity or the other.
The night was deep and at the crack of dawn, the Saishwara lingam was re-adorned with flowers. 6 a.m. saw the mikes being turned on and once again the glory of Lord Shiva, as bhajans, echoed everywhere in the Nilayam. Ten minutes later, there was a hush and an outburst of Joy as the familiar orange of Swami's robe was seen at the western end of the hall.
Swami had arrived and He was once again on the special throne chair. As He moved through the ladies side and reached the centre of the hall, He was requested to bless the prasadam and Swami gladly agreed. Swami moved through the centre aisle to the Northern gate of Sai Kulwant Hall. Huge vessels holding chakrapongal (sweetened rice) and pulihora (tamarind rice) had been impressively arrayed.
Swami took the small "broom" made of sacred grasses and began to gently sprinkle water on the prasadam vessels; He moved along the entire array doing this. Some people were concerned about Swami having to go to all the vessels. But Swami Himself was very keen and He kept sprinkling water on all the containers. After that was done, He moved back through the aisle and continued to the stage. He arrived on the dais and sat for the bhajans. Everyone now perked up.
Sleep was definitely overpowering a few but it was no match to the glow that Swami brought. Active bhajan singing resounded in the hall. After a while, Swami allowed for the prasadam to be brought and kept in the front on the respective sides. Once that was done, Swami moved towards the Bhajan Hall.
He blessed vessels of food there and also gave some instructions on distribution. He then had a look at the leaves on which the prasadam would be served. Some things in life do not change and Swami's meticulous attention when it comes to devotees certainly tops the list. He then moved out of the Bhajan Hall from the rear door and made His way to the side area where the alumni generally sit.
He saw the arrangements that had been made for the prasadam distribution. Satisfied, He took a full darshan round in the reverse direction and the devotees were simply too happy. Moving through the gents and students, He went to the ladies too. Now, He arrived on the stage and once again, after a few bhajans, moved into the Bhajan Hall. This time, He took another round and traversed the path that had been neglected till now - the one in the front bordered by students.
It was 7:10 a.m. when He arrived on the stage and midway through a bhajan by the boys, asked for the aarthi. Even as the aarthi went on, the prasadam distribution began - leaves followed by tasty pulihora and pongal. And as all the devotees were being served, Swami moved into the interview room. It was shortly before 8 a.m. that He retired for the morning.
His devotees consider Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba as the Shiva-Shakti avatar (the embodiment of Lord Shiva and Mother Shakti). So it is no surprise that Shivarathri sees an influx of devotees in huge numbers to Prasanthi Nilayam. The resources and energies of the volunteers at Prasanthi Nilayam are tested to the last sinew and there are devotees everywhere.
The corridors of all the residential complexes too are filled to the brim and people spread sheets wherever they find a little space and spend time there. Long serpentine lines to enter the hallowed precincts of the Mandir are a common feature and people endure standing for 3-4 hours on the end with a smile.
Screens are erected and televisions placed at strategic positions to enable the devotees a good glimpse of their Sai Shiva. The Poorna Chandra auditorium becomes a theater with a giant screen where the marvel of technology brings the live happenings at the Sai Kulwant Hall.
The Shivarathri (literally translated as the night of Shiva) morning saw the Rudram being chanted with added fervour followed by bhajans. The Saishwara lingam that had been blessed with pranaprathistapana at the divine hands during the Athi Rudra Mahayajna in 2007 adorned the front area of the marbled blocks. Aarthi was taken at 9:40 a.m.
In the evening, Swami arrived at 5:20 p.m. He was dressed in a beautiful maroon robe and gasps escaped the lips of those thrilled devotees the moment He made His appearance. Before heading to the Sai Kulwant Hall, He moved into the Poorna Chandra auditorium. The hall was full and everyone seemed crazed with joy at the mere sight of Swami. They raised their arms as if grabbing and applying the love and grace that was exuding from Him. Swami took a gentle round on the stage.
Reaching the eastern end, He asked a photographer there, "Are there steps to go down?" The ramp to go down was at the western end and Swami expressed the desire to go down! Ah! The excitement of the devotees there should be seen to be believed. Swami was smiling, raising His hand in blessings and benediction. Reaching the centre, He moved through the path. People were shouting, "Sairam! Sairam!" and almost jumping in joy. When it looked people’s enthusiasm might make it difficult to manage them, Swami turned around.
As He ascended the stage, the photographer told Him that all that was happening live in Sai Kulwant Hall would be relayed to the auditorium. The lights were turned off and Swami saw the larger than life image of the Saishwara lingam on the screen. He appeared moved at this and then blessing the devotees assembled for one last time, He moved out of the auditorium into the hall.
The Veda chanting was on and the nadaswaram and panchavadyam by the students began to perform. Swami moved through the ladies side. He was on the special throne chair and was clearly seen by all as it has good height. Completing the round through the gents and students, Swami arrived at the centre. He had a look at the lingam that had been installed there facing the east.
Then He moved on. The warden of the Anantapur campus of the University sought Swami’s permission for the girls too to lead the bhajans during the night long vigil that was to follow. Swami nodded. The tiny tots from the Primary school had prepared a plethora of cards for Swami for the occasion of Shivarathri. Swami looked through all of them and then arrived at the portico.
There He lit the candle on a huge cake specially prepared for the occasion. Cutting the cake, He moved through the portico and arrived on the stage. He sat listening to the Veda chants for about 15 minutes. He then asked for the stotrams to begin.
The next 45 minutes, one felt as if Kailasa had travelled south to meet its Lord! Beginning with the Lingashatakam, the students sang the song Prabhum Prananatham. Many more stotrams and songs followed. They were so enthralling and hearing them and seeing Swami was such a profound spiritual experience. The song, Mahaprana Deepam raised the rhythmic energy levels in the entire hall and all those who could not sing along began to enthusiastically clap.
The song "Om Namah Shivaya" rendered in Hindustani style with all the variations and in depth knowledge of the raaga was a treat to the ears. This was followed by a Carnatic song. It was so impressive that Swami called the two singers to stage.
He told them to sing another song in the "thillana" style. They obliged and pleased Swami and also the thousands who had gathered. As they concluded, Swami told the students to begin bhajans.
And thus the bhajans began. It was almost 6:50 p.m. The boys and girls began to sing alternatively. Swami sat in His seat and it was such a wonderful darshan. The night arrived and truly Shivarathri was on at Prashanti Nilayam. Swami drank a glassful of water or two.
Everyone sat up alert as this was one of those signals which precede the lingodbhavam. The signals ended with that, thankfully, as devotees experience so much pain seeing their beloved Swami in pain during the lingodbhavam. The bhajans continued. After a while, Swami moved to the interview room.
Coming out, He continued to sit for the bhajans. After a few minutes, He asked for aarthi. Some people attempted to tell Him that bhajans would be on for the whole of the night. Swami nodded and called Prof. Anil Kumar. He had it announced that there would be bhajans the whole night and aarthi would be taken at 7 a.m.
the next day. Then, looking at the priest, He asked him again to do the aarthi. The priest was very hesistant but one more look from Swami and some forceful prodding had him waving the camphor. Swami called one of the teachers of the music group and said, "After aarthi, do not chant the Shanti mantra. Restart the bhajans instead."
That was done to the word and bhajans went on. After a couple of them, Swami told the Carnatic pair to sing the next bhajan. As they started to sing, Swami began to move towards Yajur Mandir. It was almost 8:15 p.m. when He retired.
"I am Nataraja—the dance master, the first among dancers. You are all dance pupils. I alone know the agony of teaching you each step in the dance!"
-Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
On Shivarathri how fortunate and deserving one would be, to be in the precincts of Prasanthi Nilayam that is blessed by the presence of Shiva himself in His physical frame! Yet, are we ready to embrace this fact. Or, will it be conceived to be a pseudo world that lures one with a temporary, so called, heaven? Well, it is not an insignificant piece of information that is to be sidelined in favour for the petty, ephemeral and mundane choices of the world....Read on>> The Great Night of Shiva - Cover Story on Shivarathri
The Sri Sathya Sai Organisation in Hyderabad is ever so active in serving the deserving. And Swami from His side has always kept the Divine inspiration going in His own way. On February 10, another feather was added in their service cap as they sought Divine blessings to inaugurate the mobile hospital van “Sri Sathya Sai Prana Mitra”. The van, decked in its flourescent blue stood majestically outside the Yajur Mandir building.
Shortly before 4:20 p.m., Swami arrived and the Grama Seva president along with the concerned conveners prayed to Swami to bless the endeavour. Swami was more than happy to do so. He moved towards the van and asked as to how it would function. "Swami, starting from this Shivarathri, it'll be available on a 24X7 basis for all emergencies. People can be safely taken to the hospital."
The next question was, "How much did it cost?" "Swami, 12 lakhs." Swami nodded and said that He was very happy and that service should be done. He blessed everyone associated with the project and accepted roses and letters from them.
The rear doors of the ambulance were opened and Swami seemed to scrutinize every inch of the van as He charged it with Divine healing and calming potency.
As He moved towards the Sai Kulwant Hall, He asked one of the security guards as to where he came from. He told Swami and then prayed for admission of his child in primary school. Swami nodded a "We shall see", and then moved ahead into Sai Kulwant Hall.
He accepted letters and moved through the students into the gents’ side. He accepted letters as He passed by the students and then arrived on stage by 4:40 p.m.
The Veda chanting was on and the students were holding a card to seek permission for a programme on Shivarathri. Swami smiled and He threw a packet of vibhuti for one of the students. The student took that as a blessing as well as the permission to go to Swami, so he moved up and informed Swami about the planned programme. Swami again smiled, nodded and sent him back.
Turning to His left, He called Mr. Ajit Popat to address the gathering. The next half an hour or so was an energy-filled talk as Mr. Popat, the Puppet as he calls himself, dilated on the simple rule to being close to God - Swasth raho, Vyasth raho aur Mast raho!" (Be healthy, busy and joyous). Health referred to both physical and mental aspects. Being busy in contemplating upon, "Who am I? Where do I come from?" is the way to wisdom.
Finally being happy by living in the present and neither anticipating the future nor worrying about the past was the way to lead life. The speaker presented many anecdotes from the fictional life of Mullah Nasaruddin which is metaphorical of man's life today.
He concluded his speech with three forceful “Jai Bolos” to Bhagavan. Swami seemed moved with his speech and blessed him profusely.
Swami then looked at the bhajan group and said, "It’s time! Start bhajans." Bhajans followed for the next half an hour almost. At the end of it, Swami asked for aarthi and then started returning to His residence.
A big group of 690 devotees from Ooty, Nilgiris have come on a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam spanning over three days. The group comprising 350 ladies and 340 gents had an extra day stay when Bhagawan asked them to have their programme on the 7th evening, against the original plan of having the same staged on the 6th evening.
The Nilgiris, popularly known as the fairyland of Tamil Nadu is a marvellous natural wonder, an epitome of God’s creative craft in pristine perfection, where mother nature bejewels herself with exquisite repertoire of native boons. Passing through the times in several centuries, the Nilgiris, the blue mountains of Southern India has been going through rich cultural evolution from time to time, from the times of the Cheras and Cholas through to the times of Pandyas, to the Hoysalas, to British to the present day.
After the rare initiative taken up last year bringing spiritually elevated souls from the valleys of the blue mountains, this year the group had the folk art form, Therukoothu, Street play of Tamil Nadu to present to the Lord.
On the evening of 7th February 2010, devotees from Ooty, Tamil Nadu presented a folk dance drama “Sathyavan Savitri” from the epic Mahabharata. The folk art style of the artistes brought alive the hoary culture of Bharat. Bhagawan came for Darshan on this evening at 5.05 p.m. to the chant of the Vedas. After Bhagawan came to the dais of the Hall, the organisers sought Bhagawan’s blessings and presented the programme for the evening to Bhagawan. As is the tradition, the drama began with salutations to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles. There was a cast dressed in the costume of Lord Ganesh, which made the presentation all the more realistic.
The inner meaning of the story of Sathyavan Savitri is that God protects those who lead a life of chastity following the path of truth. The story runs thus: The childless king of Madra, Ashwapati, lives ascetically for many years and offers oblations to Sun God Savitr. He wishes to have a son for his lineage. Finally, pleased by the prayers, God Savitr appears to him and grants him a boon: he will soon have a daughter. She is born and named Savitri in honour of the god.
Once Savitri reaches the marriageable age, she chooses as her husband Sathyavan, the son of blind king Dymatsena, who after he had lost everything including his kingdom lives in exile as a forest-dweller.
Sage Narada advises her father that Savitri had made a wrong choice of marrying Sathyavan as he was destined to die in a year. In response to her father’s pleas to choose a more suitable husband, Savitri refuses by saying that she will choose her husband only once.
Three days before the foreseen death of Sathyavan, Savitri wears the clothing of a hermit and takes a rigid vow of fasting and vigil. Her father-in-law tells her she has taken too harsh a regimen, but Savitri replies that she has taken an oath to perform these austerities, at which Dyumatsena offers his support.
The morning of Sathyavan’s death, Savitri taking the permission of her father-in-law accompanies her husband to the forest. While splitting wood, Sathyavan becomes weak and swoons to death. Lord Yama comes to claim the soul of Sathyavan. Savitri follows Yama as he carries the soul away. When he tries to convince her to turn back, she discourses on Dharma to Yama, praises Yama for his just rule and offers successive formulas of wisdom. Impressed by her speeches, Yama accedes to offer her any boon except the life of Sathyavan. She first asks for restoration of kingdom and eyesight for her father-in-law. Yama instantly grants the boon. Secondly, she asks for a son for her and Sathyavan. Yama agrees to grant even that boon. It is then that Savitri seizes the opportunity and tells Yama that it is you who have praised me as Pativrata (one of chastity). Now what am I to do? Unable to wriggle out of the tricky situation, Yama agrees to give back the life of Sathyavan.
Sathyavan awakens as though he has been in a deep sleep and returns to his parents along with his wife. Meanwhile Dyumatsena regains his eyesight. Since does not know of the happenings, Savitri narrates everything to her husband and parents-in-law. Joyfully the king and his entourage return to his kingdom. At this happy turn of events, the drama too concluded.
Bhagawan materialised a gold chain for the lead actor Savitri and also blessed the cast with a photograph session. Bhagawan also gave clothes to all the participants with His own hands. After distribution of Prasadam to the cast, Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 6.45 p.m. Thus, concluded the programme of the devotees from Nilgiris.
The group has been coming regularly for the past 5 to 6 years. Sai awareness programme is on aiming at having 108 bhajan mandalis during the 85th year of His Advent. The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, over the years, has been striving to bring the village heads of the Badaga community, main populace of the valley spreading over 600 villages, to Bhagawan as a part of the ongoing awareness programme.
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