Day 10 - 18th April 2010 Sathya Sai Baba Darshan in Delhi -

Bhagawan came back to Prasanthi Nilayam to a devotional welcome...
After nine days of Northern India Visit, to Delhi and Shimla, Bhagawan came back to Prasanthi Nilayam to a devotional welcome. Bhagawan's plane touched down at the Sri Sathya Sai Airport at 3:59 and after a fifteen minute ride He was received at the Sai Kulwant Hall with Poornakumbham and Veda chanting. Upon entering the hall Bhagawan came for a half round through the gents' side to ascend the verandah, to stop for a while at the lower portico outside the interview room receiving Arathi. Upon Arathi, Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 4:25. Later in the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1725 to come for a half-round. Coming onstage, Bhagawan sat through till 1745 when Arathi was offered. Upon accepting Arathi Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram.

Earlier, Bhagawan took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1345. In the afternoon, Bhagawan left the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre at 12:20 heading towards the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Bhagawan was accompanied by his entourage of boys and senior officials including Mr. Jitendra Cheema, State President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Delhi.
In the morning, Bhagawan blessed the Sevadals who have been on duty throughout His stay in Delhi. Blessing them profusely, hearing State President's prayers to visit Delhi every year, Bhagawan replied in Hindi: Zaroor Aaoonga, meaning will definitely come. Before leaving, Bhagawan spent ten minutes amidst devotees blessing them profusely. Arathis were offered at Bhagawan's residence, then onstage and the final arathi just before departing, near the car. The Lord whose magnanimity and love encompassed Delhi and its environs for seven full days has been given an emotional farewell at the Centre. As the wheels rolled over carrying The Mighty Lord, the "Farewell Song" was still heard, mellifluously rendering the air, and many souls were trying to cover up their emotion with those beauteous momentous moments filling the vacuum created with His departure.

Bhagawan takes off from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1345. Scheduled "flight-time" between Delhi and Puttaparthi is 2 hrs. and 10 minutes. Bhagawan is expected to land at Sri Sathya Sai Airport, Puttaparthi before 1600 hrs. IST.

Day 9 - 17th April 2010 Sathya Sai Baba Darshan in Delhi

At Anand Vilas, Bhagawan emerged at 0845 while bhajan was on. After one bhajan, Bhagawan accepted Arathi before proceeding to the Airport at 0850 hrs. After an eighty-minute drive, Bhagawan reached the Airport at 10:20 and His flight for Delhi took off at 1045 hrs. IST.

Bhagawan's flight touched down at Indira Gandhi International Airport at 12 noon and Bhagawan reached His Divine Abode, Sri Sathya Sai International Centre at 12:40 hrs. Public Darshan is scheduled in the evening at 1730 hrs. IST. -  (Swami's darshan schedule in Delhi after Return from Shimla)

As Bhagawan is set to return from the National Capital to the Spiritual Capital, this previous evening prior to His departure to Puttaparthi, Delhi earned the rare grace of having her "Divine Guest" moving through landmark locations in the city, blessing the city in general with His Divine Presence.

Reports from Delhi indicates that, Bhagawan emerged at around 6 and set out moving through the Delhi lanes, glancing and blessing the environs of the Capital City. Bhagawan moved through the Rashtrapathi Bhavan, The Parliament House, India Gate till Amar Jawan Jyothi (the flame of the immortal warrior) and many an embassy building including the American and Australian while moving through the road leading to Connaught Place, New Delhi. The more than half-an-hour "Divine Safari" was at a slow pace and no doubt, the fortunate ones would be at the right place at the right time receiving blessings that came most unaware.

In the meantime, bhajan was on at the International Centre and Bhagawan upon returning, spoke to His boys who had just returned from Shimla in a bus. After five minutes Bhagawan accepted Arathi before retiring for the day.

Director of The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, one of Delhi's most important tourist destination, was at the Centre seeking Divine Blessings, inviting Bhagawan to the Temple complex.

Day 8 - 16th April 2010 Sathya Sai Baba Darshan in Shimla

This morning, Bhagawan came out at 11 while bhajan was on. Upon emerging granting Divine Darshan, Bhagawan went straight to sanctify the Ganesh Temple at the entrance. After sanctifying the temple, Bhagawan further proceeded to the hostel building adjacent to the school. At the hostel, Bhagawan was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the children with "welcome" song.

Inaugurating the hostel building by pulling the ribbon string, Bhagawan sat for sometime listening to the children singing before returning to "Anand Vilas" to accept Arathi at 12 noon. As the penultimate evening (darshan session) before Bhagawan's departure to Delhi arrived, there was greater expectation and excitement in the air as the news of Bhagawan's departure was flashed and confirmed by then. Bhagawan was ushered in at 5 granting Divine Darshan. At 5:10, Bhagawan asked the Music Troupe of students accompanying Him to have their...continue reading------>>>

Day 7 - 15th April 2010 Sathya Sai Baba Darshan in Delhi & Shimla

In the morning, at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre, Bhagawan came out at 9:15 granting darshan for five minutes before accepting Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan left for Indira Gandhi International Airport. Bhagawan would be taking off for Shimla after 10 to reach Shimla Airport by 11. From the Shimla Airport Bhagawan would be motored to His Divine Abode, Anand Vilas, situated 35 kms apart.

Shimla finally had her hunger satiated! After 35 long years of waiting, when Bhagawan's plane landed at the Shimla Airport just after 11:30, it was a dream come true for many and for the hill station, it was her destined and defined moment, for the sanctifying touch of her Beloved Lord. Entire stretch of thirty five kilometres, from the Shimla Airport to the newly built "Anand Vilas", the Divine Abode in Shimla, thousands upon thousands on the road satiating their lives desire, stealing a glance of the Lord. There was a riot of colours all along, with flowers and buntings welcoming the Lord all over, with rangoli adorning the floor at every every important locations and thousands upon thousands vying for a glance lined up all along the way.

There were devotees showering flowers, dusting the ground that touched the "Feet of The Lord", falling at Him in sasthtanga posture, many with moist eyes, but all with their hearts full of Love with beaming faces of having satiated their hunger to have Him in their midst, yet again. It appeared as if entire Shimla township came to standstill welcoming The Lord!

The original convoy of around 15 to 20 vehicles multiplied in to huge proportions, crossing the hundred mark and Bhagawan motored the entire stretch of 35 kms in over 80 minutes, blessing the thousands on His way, to reach "Anand Vilas" at 12:50. At the "Anand Vilas" there was a huge gathering of devotees. Upon arriving, Bhagawan entered His latest of the Abodes, inaugurating and sanctifying the same. Thereafter, Bhagawan moved onto the balcony at the second floor granting Darshan to the devotees assembled inside. It was a moment of great satisfaction and joy for the devotees of the state, a moment to cherish and a dream come true and for The Lord, it was His Sankalpa that materialised.

Earlier, at the Shimla Airport, Bhagawan was welcomed by the Himachal Pradesh Governor, Ms. Urmila Singh along with scores of other dignitaries. A mention should be made of the active participation of the Alumni of Sri Sathya Sai University, contributing their might, making Bhagawan's long pending visit a most memorable one.

On the first evening at the new Divine Abode, Bhagawan emerged for darshan at quarter to six while bhajan was on. As bhajans continued, Bhagawan sat through for almost an hour, blessing the vast assemblage of devotees before accepting Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan retired for the day.

in Shimla, at Anand Vilas, what one would witness and appreciate is the highest reverence and devotion of the devotees over there that was on exhibition ever since Bhagawan arrived at the Divine Abode. When The Lord emerged in the evening, granting darshan, one could see thousands of hands going up, in pure devotional ecstasy, greeting The Lord. ...And as the assemblage glued their eyes on the beauteous form of the Lord, it was nothing, but bliss of being in the immediate presence of the Lord that was reflecting on each and every face. The huge darshan ground outside Anand Vilas could easily accommodate thousands, almost the capacity that the Sai Kulwant Hall of Prasanthi would hold.

In the twilight, this exquisite architectural marvel situated at Pujarli in Shimla district was shining in splendour as a beacon of Love and Peace. The building that was constructed in the most hostile and harsh climatic conditions prevailing in the cold arid zone in the high altitude mountain ecosystem was executed by Sai Engineering Foundation, a voluntary organisation working for the welfare of humanity without the distinction of caste, colour, creed, region and religion. The construction work was ably supervised by Sri Raj Kumar Verma, a long-time devotee and CEO of the Sai Engineering Foundation, as an offering at His Divine Lotus Feet. Devotees from various parts of the states would come in batches, on every Sunday, to contribute their might in the construction work as their loving offering to Bhagawan.

Greeting and housing The Lord, Pujarli in Shimla is presenting pleasant weather, a marked change for everyone, especially at a time when Puttaparthi and Delhi are under severe summer onslaught.

Today is Vishu, the Kerala New Year, a day when devotees from the state would celebrate in the immediate Divine Presence of the Lord for past many years.

Day 6 - 14th April 2010 Sathya Sai Baba Darshan in Delhi

This is the 'final' morning before Bhagawan embarking on the second phase of His North Indian visit, His sojourn to Shimla. Bhagawan is expected to fly to the hill station, which was India's erstwhile summer capital during the British regime, tomorrow morning. A new Divine Abode, "Anand Vilas" will be sanctified by His Divine presence and Bhagawan is expected to grant Divine Darshan at Anand Vilas.

This morning, at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre, Bhagawan was ushered in at 10:18 and as bhajans went on Bhagawan sat onstage till 10:30 when Arathi was offered. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan along with His entourage went to the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Higher Secondary School of Girls situated at Kalkajee Extn. Area in South Delhi. The Children had put up an interesting cultural programme, "Sathya Sai Katha", illustrating various incidents from the illustrious life of Little Sathya. Some of the incidents were that of the episode related to Hanuman and Rishyendramani. The programme presented in the form of a dance drama had some songs towards the end. It was a heart-touching entertainer for one and all and Bhagawan was seen 'absorbed' in the presentation. After the programme that lasted beyond 12 noon, Bhagawan and His entourage had lunch at the School after which Bhagawan proceeded to a devotees' residence.
 

Today is the Tamil New Year Day. Tamil New Year coupled with Malayalam New Year (Vishu) used to be a celebration for devotees from Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the Divine presence over the past many years, be it in Prasanthi Nilayam, Brindavan or in Kodaikanal. This is perhaps for the first time in many years that these twin new years are not celebrated in the immediate physical presence of Bhagawan.

In the evening it was beyond 7, precisely at 7:25, when Bhagawan came out granting the penultimate Darshan before leaving for Shimla tomorrow morning. As bhajans went on, Bhagawan moved down the ramp going amidst the devotees through the pathway, accepting letters from almost every stretched hand. He even chose to halt for a while at the mini-podium among the devotees granting coveted view of His Divine Form. After spending around fifteen minutes, Bhagawan accepted arathi before retiring for the day.

While it was veteran BJP leader and former Dy. Prime Minister LK Advani who made it to the International Centre seeking Bhagawan's blessings in the morning, in the evening, rest of his family members were at the Centre interacting and receiving Divine benediction. Another prominent figure present in the evening was Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik.

Bhagawan is expected to leave for Shimla by air tomorrow morning.

...And in Parthi, it was raining late in the evening, with intermittent accompaniment of lightning and thunder, as if she is rejoicing at His imminent return.

Also read: Bhagawan in Delhi - Day 6 Musings...

Day 5 - 13th April 2010 Sathya Sai Baba Darshan in Delhi

Today is Baisakhi! For people in North India, especially the Sikhs, Baisakhi is a mega event; it is a religious festival, harvest festival and New Year's Day, all rolled into one. And when Bhagawan Himself is in their midst in physical, in North India, the occasion becomes a real celebrations for the folks devoted to Bhagawan.

As Bhagawan’s Delhi sojourn turns to Day 5, on Tuesday morning, Bhagawan was ushered in at 11:40 to come onstage presiding over the bhajans at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre. Being the Baisakhi day, prasadam was distributed along with Vibhuti , a practice followed in Delhi, and the “Prasadam” was sanctified and blessed by Bhagawan. Clothes were also distributed to the public marking auspiciousness of the occasion. Blessing the assemblage of devotees, Bhagawan moved down the ramp proceeding further through the aisle; after finishing half-way into the aisle, Bhagawan returned to the dais.
 

He knows the deserved one, He knows the right timing and He knows how to act…. As bhajans went on, Bhagawan, while onstage, spotted a mentally challenged child and asked the sevadal to go and give vibhuti prasadam to the child. Completely conquered by the Power of Divine Love exhibited by Bhagawan, the child’s mother was in tears as her joy knew no bounds. None would know what prayer the child or the mother would have sent forth to the Divine making them eligible for His Divine intervention that was so soothing and comforting, not alone to the suffering soul, but to the audience who were fortunate to witness the Divine benevolence.

Bhajans continued till 12:30 when Arathi was offered. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan proceeded to Rajeev Mahajan’s (a senior devotee from Delhi) residence for lunch. He was later accompanied by His entourage of students.

Prominent personalities visited Bhagawan on this day at the Centre included Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Mr. Praful Patel,  Governor of Punjab and Administrator for Union Territory of Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj Patil, Hon’ble Justice (Retd.) MM Punchhi, Formerly  Chief Justice of India, Hon'ble Minister for Information and Public Relations, Andhra Pradesh,  Dr. (Mrs.)J.Geeta Reddy and popular playback singer from Bollywood, Suresh Wadkar etc.

In the evening Bhagawan is expected to grant Divine Darshan at the Dwarka grounds.

In the evening, as bhajans went on, Bhagawan was ushered in at 6:15 to proceed to Dwarka Grounds immediately. Bhagawan and His entourage reached the grounds just after 7. A music programme by popular Pubjabi Folk and Sufi Singer Hansraj Hans was scheduled on this Baisakhi evening. Enthralling the Divine, singing sufi devotionals, at times in Bhagawan's "own" name, the talented singer mesmerised the capacity audience for the next half an hour raining mellifluous music. Bhagawan was seen giving beats, enjoying the session, often immersed in the melody of devotion. Upon the programme and Arathi at around 8, Bhagawan and His entourage proceeded to Mr.Jitender Cheema's house for dinner. Mr. Jitender Cheema is the President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Delhi. Upon dinner, blessing the family Bhagawan and His entourage returned to the SSSIC at around 10. top

Day 4 - 12th April 2010 Sathya Sai Baba Darshan in Delhi

This morning, Bhagawan arrived at 10:25 while bhajan was on and sat through till 10:55 when Arathi was offered. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan and His entourage left for Bahai Temple, popularly known as Lotus Temple, owing to its stunning Lotus features. Bhagawan is expected to grant Divine Darshan at this monumental temple, which is a tourist attraction in Delhi.

The temple is situated 12km southeast of Connaught Place, New Delhi. In the evening, Bhagawan is expected to give Darshan at DC-10 DDA Grounds (Near Dwarka Sector-10 Metro Station), Dwarka. Reports from Delhi indicates that Bhagawan reached at the Bahá'í Temple at around 11:30.  Unique feature of this Bahá'í Temple is that like any other Bahá'í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all barring any religious or any other distinction, as emphasized in Bahá'í texts.

 Bahá'ís believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying vision of the nature and purpose of life and of the future of society. It is a gathering place where people of all religions may worship God without denominational restrictions.

The Bahá'í laws also stipulate that the holy scriptures of the  Bahá'í Faith and other religions can be read or chanted inside in any language. Following this traditions teachings from holy Bible, Holy Quran and Holy Gita were read out in the Divine Presence that was followed by a ten minute worship of Swami by people from Baja's faith. The function was attended by around 300 people, that lasted almost for an hour.

From the Bahá'í Temple Bhagawan and His entourage moved to Justice PN Bhagavathi's residence. Hon. Justice P. N. Bhagwathi is an eminent jurist of International reputation and was formerly the Chief Justice of India. Justice Bhagavathi has been a long time devotee of Bhagawan and is a member, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam.

Blessing the veteran and his family members, after having lunch at the jurist's house, Bhagawan retired to the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre at around 2:30. Bhagawan is expected to grant Divine Darshan at the International Centre in the evening before proceeding to the Dwarka grounds for the scheduled Darshan session.

Earlier in the morning, Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde, Minister for Power in the Central Cabinet was at the International Centre seeking Divine Darshan. Mr. Shinde has been a long time devotee of Bhagawan and had visited Prasanthi Nilayam several times.

In the evening, the scheduled darshan at Dwarka ground was cancelled and at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre, Bhagawan emerged at around 6:20 while bhajan was on. Upon emerging, at Bhagawan's instance, the music troupe of boys that escorted Bhagawan took over the singing, producing scintillating aalaap bhajans. The session extended till 7:15 when Arathi was offered.

In a touching gesture suffused with Divine Love, Bhagawan, upon accepting Arathi, decided to travel to Krishna Menon Marg, New Delhi, to the residence of former Prime Minister of India, Sri Atal Behari Vajpayee. The former Prime Minister was scheduled to visit Bhagawan at the International Centre couple of days before, seeking His blessings, but could not make it owing to ill health. Eleven years ago, when Bhagawan visited the capital city last time, Mr. Vajpayee was the Prime Minister and the SSSIC was inaugurated by the Divine hands in his presence. Vajpayee has been a long time devotee of Bhagawan and had visited Prasanthi Nilayam several times. After blessing the veteran leader, Bhagawan returned to the International Centre at around 8:30.

Back in Parthi, it drizzled yet again! Giving respite from the scorching summer, rain god drizzled cooling showers on Monday late evening in Puttaparthi. Fifth day in succession without her "Soul", though Parthi wears a "missing aura", the spiritual township does not appear to be barren as it used to be during olden days when Bhagawan would move to Brindavan for longer stay, for 2-3 months. In Parthi, it is expectation and anticipation of the good news, the news of His return. top

Day 3 - 11th April 2010 Sathya Sai Baba Darshan in Delhi -

Sunday morning, on the 3rd day of His Delhi sojourn, Bhagawan was ushered in at 10:50 while bhajan was on. Upon coming onstage, Bhagawan sat for sometime blessing the concourse with His Darshan, before moving down the ramp proceeding to the aisle blessing the devotees with closer darshan. Moving half way through the aisle Bhagawan returned onstage to sit through till 11:25 when Arathi was offered. 

Later during the day, in the evening, Bhagawan is expected to grant Divine Darshan at Sri Sathya Sai International Centre at around 5 before proceeding to a private function to be held at Mavalankar Auditorium, behind Parliament House of India, twenty minute drive from Sri Sathya Sai International Centre. Former Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai University and eminent scientist, Padmasree Prof. G.Venkataraman, Bharti Group Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal etc. are scheduled to address the selected audience. This would be followed by a cultural presentation, drama, by alumni of Sri Sathya Sai University, Prasanthi Nilayam.
 

Information received from Delhi indicates that, in the evening, Bhagawan came out at 4:20 to come onstage while Vedam was on. Even as Vedam gave way to bhajans, Bhagawan continued to preside over the session till 4:40. Upon accepting Arathi, at 4:45, Bhagawan left for Mavalankar Auditorium, the venue for the evening function.

Information received from Delhi indicates that, in the evening, Bhagawan came out at 4:20 to come onstage while Vedam was on. Even as Vedam gave way to bhajans, Bhagawan continued to preside over the session till 4:40. Upon accepting Arathi, at 4:45, Bhagawan left for Mavalankar Auditorium, the venue for the evening function.

Bhagawan and His entourage reached at the Mavalankar Auditorium at about 5. There were three speakers for the session. Prof. G Venkataraman who spoke first dwelled upon in detail on the Chennai Water Project. His speech was aided with video and slide show presentations. He spoke about the beginning of the project, as to how dramatically Bhagawan announced of the project and how the project went ahead despite challenges from various fronts, by sheer grace of Bhagawan. He was followed by Sunil Bharti Mittal who spoke about Bhagawan and the greater good fortune of being a part of His Mission. He mentioned about His marriage into a family devoted to Bhagawan for decades and His first darshan of Bhagawan in the seventies. What attracted him most about Bhagawan was Bhagawan's secular approach where religion does not play any role. He mentioned about the presence of two prominent Muslims in Prasanthi during the twin visits he had made to His Divine Abode in Andhra Pradesh. While it was Dr. Farooq Abdullah, a devout muslim and former Chief Minister of J & K, was the first one, second one was the then Minister of Education of UAE, Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. Sri SV Giri, the third speaker spoke in detail on the subject, Bhagawan and His Mission.

These three illuminating speeches were followed by a cultural presentation, drama, by Delhi Youth with the active participation of alumni of Sri Sathya Sai University. Upon the programme, that lasted for approximately two hours, Bhagawan along with His entourage moved to the residence of Kulwant Rai at Aurangazeb Lane where the entourage was treated with sumptuous dinner. Presiding over the Bhajans, blessing the family members, Bhagawan along with His entourage returned to the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre at Lodhi Road bringing curtains down for the third day of Bhagawan's Delhi sojourn.

In the morning, Jaswanth Singh, formerly Minister for External Affairs, Govt. of India, was at the International Centre seeking Divine Blessings.top

Day 2 - 10th April 2010 Sathya Sai Baba Darshan in Delhi -

On the first morning of Bhagawan in Delhi after 11 years, the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre was bristling with devotees in large numbers. Along with these thousands there were men and women of accomplishments from the world of business and society, vying to steal a glance and blessings from Bhagawan.

This included the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Telecom that runs India’s largest cellular company, Airtel, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Hero Honda Group Chairman Brij MohanLal Munjal, Minister of State for Railways, Mr.Muniappa and Justice Karpaga Vinayagam, currently Chairman, Appellate Tribunal For Electricity and Times of India Chief Mrs. Indu Jain.

 

Rudram Chanting began at 8:33 followed by bhajans at 9 that continued till 10:55. Bhagawan came out at 10:45 to preside over the bhajans for the next ten minutes, sitting onstage.

Upon accepting Arathi Bhagawan moved towards the Primary School block.
 

There was a cultural programme by slum children emphasising the greater importance of Unity of Religions. Upon the end of the programme, Bhagawan moved around the complex, sanctifying and blessing various facilities including the computer lab etc. Many Sevadals and devotees got the opportunity having closer darshan and many with Paadanamaskaars.

 

In the evening, Bhagawan granted Divine Darshan at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre at around 5 past 5. As Bhajans continued, Bhagawan sat onstage for 10-15 minutes before Arathi was offered. Upon accepting Arathi, at 5:30, Bhagawan moved to the public Darshan venue at DC-10 DDA Grounds (Near Dwarka Sector-10 Metro Station) Dwarka. Devotees from various North Indian states were also present apart from thousands of Delhites. Many have come from UP, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
 

After Rudram chanting followed by Bhajans, Bal Vikas children from the state had a Drama presentation before a capacity audience and more importantly for Bhagawan. At 7:30 Bhagawan left the venue for Sri Sathya Sai International Centre, not before blessing the tiny tots with a photo session. top

Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba arrives in Delhi  - Day 1 - 9th April 2010

Information received from Delhi indicates that the "Air Chariot" carrying Bhagawan touched down the tarmac at Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 1650 hrs. IST. Bhagawan and His entourage would be driving down to Sri Sathya Sai International Centre, almost an hour drive from the airport.
 

After an hour-long drive by road, as His car turned into the street where the International Centre is situated, at around 1745 hrs. IST, the drums beat out loud to welcome Him. Bhagawan’s car was led upto the entrance of the Centre by the boys of the band dressed in white and blue, followed by the group of Veda chanting boys dressed in orange. This Vedam group in their splendorous orange attire appeared like marigolds being offered at the Divine Lotus Feet. There were so many Balvikas children that received Him too.

 All arrangements had been well synchronized, those on wheelchairs had been placed just by the entrance to the lane were they could with great ease have a glimpse of their Lord… Soon Bhagawan granted Darshan to all as ‘Swagatam” rang out in the air. Interestingly, Sri Sathya Sai International Centre and the Shirdi Baba temple, both at Lodhi Road, are opposite to each other.

The Divine darshan charmed everyone and ended for the day with Aarati offered to Bhagawan. There was hope for more such Divine interludes in the next few days as the national capital is basking in the Divine Presence!!!

Sai Ram - Departure from Puttaparthi - Bhagawan leaves for Delhi...

Posted at 1630 IST on April 9, 2010

Delhi’s joy becomes the moments of desperation for Prasanthi. As the national capital is gearing up to welcome the most anticipated moment, the “Return of The Lord”, after eleven long years of anticipation, Prasanthi bid farewell to The Lord who embarked on a weeklong visit to the national capital starting from tomorrow.

Despite the intense summer, at 13 hrs. post lunch, Sai Kulwant had good assemblage of devotees anticipating Bhagawan to make His entry enroute to His scheduled departure at 2:15.

To the delight of thousands assembled, Bhagawan came in His Toyota Porte at 1:43 on His way to the Airport. Stopping for a while at the centre near the lion at the ladies' side, Bhagawan blessed the assemblage, while coconuts were broken and Arathi was offered, a regular sight during Divine departure over the years. Upon accepting Arathi and blessing the concourse, Bhagawan drove past the hall at 1:45.

Blessing scattered groups of devotees awaiting enroute, intending to steal a glance of the Lord braving the scorching sun, Bhagawan arrived at the Sri Sathya Sai Airport at 2:07, driving directly towards the flight. Boarding the plane at 2:11, the specially chartered Kingfisher VT KFG airliner took off at 2:32 after a five minute runway run, embarking on a two hour airborne sojourn carrying the Lord to the national capital, Delhi. Hundreds of onlookers, including staff and students were at the airport wishing “Happy Journey” to Bhagawan for His weeklong Divine Sojourn.

In the meantime reports from Delhi indicates of the mood of merriment of the greater anticipation of His Divine Arrival.    top

Here comes the musings on the mood in Delhi…

Oh, how He fulfils the yearning of every heart,
The longing has to intensify,
Incessant is the flow of grace, of the One who lived in Shirdi,
But now walks amongst us as Sathya Sai…

India’s capital city – Delhi, truly became the nation’s pride, as it so lovingly and joyfully prepared to welcome Beloved Bhagawan on this afternoon. The Sri Sathya Sai International Centre, New Delhi, is being decorated gaily. Shamianas have been put up, there are flowers of a myriad colours, red carpet everywhere that Beloved Bhagawan will tread. Sai brothers and sisters are on Seva Dal duty are seen sharing information to all who are eager for a darshan of The Lord. There is a kind of expectancy and excitement in the air which is so palpable. Lord Surya seems to have softened His rays, birds are chirping with delight, animals too have sensed the visit of the Lord, the leaves on the trees are swaying with joy as the breeze brings news of Bhagawan’s arrival…

Like coming across an oasis in the middle of a desert, Bhagawan’s visit is an event that every parched heart is looking forward to. When one listens to the news on any channel or in the newspapers, all one gets to hear is negative things that makes one feel threatened, frustrated and helpless. Beloved Bhagawan – His very name, His darshan, sparshan and sambhashan is the beacon of light, hope and love that all are looking forward to.

The flying chariot for our sweet Lord is scheduled to arrive in the Rajdhani at around 4:30 pm. The International centre is being beautified even as Brindavan was when Sri Krishna returned for a visit. Can one imagine the joy of the Brijvasis – the cows, calves, the gopis, gopas? Delhi too, will with great fervor and humility receive the touch of the Lord’s Holy Lotus Feet after a separation of ten years…

The world over, the attention of Sai fraternity and spiritual seekers is fixed on Delhi, as devotees await news of the Lord’s visit. If we but let our imagination flow, we can perhaps visualize the flying chariot in the blue sky, with Lord Ganesha in front leading the divine entourage, Lord Kartikeya and Ananta Shesha as Lord Balram, on the two sides as escorts, and of course, Sri Hanumanji following…a sight fit for celestial beings!!! There will be a brilliant glow in the sky that will move northwards over India to descend into New Delhi and all will benefit from the constant flow of grace.

How very fortunate are we all to get even a glimpse of the Lord in this His present Avataric form!!!  top

Darshan

In the afternoon, Bhagawan arrived in the car at 1:43 on His way to the Airport for the scheduled departure for Delhi at 2:15. Stopping for a while at the centre near the lion at the ladies' side, Bhagawan blessed the assemblage, while coconuts were broken and Arathi was offered, a regular sight during Divine departure over the years. Upon accepting Arathi and blessing the concourse, Bhagawan drove past the hall at 1:45. Blessing scattered groups of devotees awaiting enroute intending to steal a glance of the Lord braving scorching sun, Bhagawan arrived at the Sri Sathya Sai Airport at 2:07, driving directly towards the flight. Boarding the plane at 2:11, the specially chartered Kingfisher VT KFG airliner took off at 2:32 after a five minute runway run, for a two hour airborne sojourn carrying the Lord to the national capital, Delhi.

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Also read: Delhi awaits Divine Arrival

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Photo Dwarka sub city: click to enlarge