NEW PHOTOS : Bhagawan's Delhi - Shimla Sojourn - A Report - (1)... April 23

In the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1705 hrs. to come for a full round of darshan. Upon ascending the verandah, Bhagawan went straight into the interview room. Emerging again at 1750 hrs., Bhagwan glided past the upper portico to come onstage through the right of Ganesha at 1800 hrs. Bhagawan sat through the rest of the bhajan session that concluded with Mangala Arathi at 1815 hrs. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 1820 hrs.

Deferred Tamil New Year celebrations will be held tomorrow in the Divine Presence which will be followed by Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, on the day after. Tamil New Year and Kerala New Year, two of the regular festivities in Prasanthi Festive Calendar were celebrated by the respective states on the 14th and 15th of April, while Bhagawan was away in Delhi-Shimla.

This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.

Later at around 1215 hrs. Bhagawan emerged to go for a drive outside towards the hospital. Taking a detour from the petrol bunk, Bhagawan returned to Ashram at around 1240 hrs. via culvert gate, glancing and blessing the dormitory construction work-in-progress, at the rear west end of Prasanthi. In the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1725 hrs. for a full round of darshan. Upon completing His round, Bhagawan came onstage at 1741 hrs. through the right of Ganesha, to sit through the bhajan session that lasted at 1812 hrs. when Arathi was offered. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan spent two more minutes onstage, talking to one of the lead singers, before retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 1820 hrs., not before blessing the concourse with His Abhayahasta, raising His twin palms three times.

This morning, Bhagawan arrived at 1020 hrs. to come for a full round of darshan. Coming onstage at 1035 hrs. through the right of Ganesha, blessing many on His way, Bhagawan sat for five minutes before accepting Arathi at 1040 hrs. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 1045 hrs.

Mr. N. Chandrasekharan, CEO, Tata Consultancy Services and Mr. K. Jairaj, Additional Chief Secretary, Dept. of Energy, Govt. of Karnataka were at Prasanthi seeking Divine blessings of Bhagawan.

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Videos Bhagawan Returns to Prasanthi Nilayam --->>>

In the evening, emerging at 1705 hrs., Bhagawan went for a complete round of darshan to come onstage at 1725, interacting and blessing many on His way. As Bhagawan continued to sit onstage listening to the chants of Vedas, that commenced at 1630 owing to a change in schedule, the chanting session continued till 1800 hrs. when Arathi was offered. Interestingly, there was a second round of "Samastha Lokaaha...." chanting at His special instance after the first round of chanting. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1805 proceeding towards Yajur Mandiram.

Owing to intense summer, there was a change in the evening schedule in Prasanthi Nilayam with effect from today. Veda Chanting would commence at 1630 hrs. to continue for an hour and Bhajans would commence at 1730 hrs., until further announcement.

The Kingfisher VT-KFK Airbus 320 carrying the Lord landed at the tarmac at Sri Sathya Sai Airport at 1559 after 140 minutes on flight journey between Delhi - Puttaparthi. Bhagawan received at the Airport by Secretary, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sri K. Chakravarthi and Airport Director, Capt. Sharma. Enroute to Prasanthi, covering the three kilometer road stretch, it was celebration all over, with hundreds lined up at vantage points to have a glimpse of The Lord on His return journey.

There were many a folded hand, there were flower showers with colourful petals strewn at the “Divine Chariot”, there were arathi offerings, there were coconut breakings and there were another hundreds silently glancing at Him, all in merriment of His return. The joyous ride took almost fifteen minutes with Bhagawan reaching the precincts of Prasanthi Nilayam just after 1616 hrs. for a traditional welcome with Poornakumbham and Veda chanting. Heaps of flowers strewn on the windshield was reminiscent of the merriment of the occasion and behind the beauty of these flowers was hiding the beautiful charming Lord of Puttaparthi.  

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 maganimity and love encompassed Delhi and its envirosn 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 vaccuum created with His departure. More photos------->>>

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.

Earlier, recording of bhajans and devotional songs had been on at "Anand Vilas" from 9 onwards until bhajans began at 10:40. Union Steel Minister, Veerabhadra Singh, who hails from the state, was at "Anand Vilas" seeking Divine Blessings.

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. 

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.

as 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.

"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... read more >>>

Sai Ram - Departure from Puttaparthi
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.

Delhi awaits Divine Arrival

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba will be visiting Delhi and National Capital Region on a weeklong trip starting from 9th April 2010. Bhagawan along with His entourage of senior administrators and students are set to fly from Prasanthi Nilayam Airport in a special chartered flight in the afternoon on 9th April. A notification by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations - Delhi posted on the official website, saidelhi.org, (or here on this SBOI page) indicates of elaborate Darshan arrangements for the devotees at DC-10 DDA Grounds (Near Dwarka Sector-10 Metro Station) Dwarka on the 10th, 12th, 13th and 14th April. Entry to the Darshan ground will begin at 15 hrs. IST. Bhagawan’s last visit to Delhi was in March 1999, when He officially sanctified and inaugurated the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre at Lodhi Road in the presence of Sri. Atal Behari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India.

In the meantime, hectic preparations are on at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre and at the venue of the public darshan DC-10 DDA Grounds, Dwarka.

 Daring the scorching summer that is always at its merciless best in the capital city, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations - Delhi has teamed up thousands of dedicated Sevadal volunteers and skilled workforce, who are busy engaged in sprucing up the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre at Lodhi Road and the main darshan venue DC-10 DDA Grounds at Dwarka.

 Areas attended by these dedicated work force ensuring perfect setting for welcoming the Divine at the International Centre are, decorations at various locations, setting up of the special dais for Bhagawan, rehearsal of Veda Chanting with mock shows, mock show of Brass Band Team of Sri Sathya Sai Primary School at Sri Sathya Sai International Centre, Balvikas Girls’ welcome rehearsal, Setting up of Public Sound System etc. and at the public venue, hundreds of Sevadal volunteers are engaged in setting up of the tent, arranging the ramp, stage lights etc.

On this penultimate Darshan session before embarking on a week-long visit to the national capital, Delhi, this evening, Bhagawan emerged at 5 to come for a full round of Darshan.

Upon completing the round in 15 minutes., Bhagawan moved through the lower portico to come onstage through the right of Ganesha, at 5:20. Presiding over the bhajan session till 5:45, upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan asked His student entourage for the trip to assemble and present before Him. After a brief interaction-cum-instruction session with some of the members in the group, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 5:55 proceeding to His Divine Abode, Yajur Mandiram, not before raising His Divine Palm thrice, to students, to gents and to ladies separately.

Presiding over the bhajan session for the next 12 minutes, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 5:35 into the interview room. Emerging from the interview room at 5:49, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall for a flash before returning to come onstage at 5:53. Arathi was offered at 5:56 and Bhagawan moved off the dais just after 6, retiring to Yajur Mandiram, not before raising His Abhayahastha, thrice, blessing the students, gents and ladies separately.

Sitting for a while presiding over the bhajans, Bhagawan accepted Arathi at 5:55. Upon Arathi, Bhagawan sat through for some time, watching prasadam being distributed before moving off the stage at 6:06 not before blessing the concourse with a double Abhayahasta. Interacting and blessing some devotees, Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 6:11.

Upon Arathi there was amusement around, when Bhagawan raised His double abhayahasta thrice blessing the concourse amidst rounds of applause. Responding to the claps for the first abhayahasta, Bhagawan granted a second one which was received with greater merriment and Bhagawan, reciprocating to the jubilant mood, raised His Divine Palm for the third time in a row, again for a round of applause. Moving off the stage at 6:17 Bhagawan had a brief interaction with some of the faculties from Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music before proceeding to Yajur Mandiram at 6:20. Upon retiring, Bhagawan blessed the outgoing batch of security personnel (andhra police), outside Yajur Mandiram.

Emerging at 11:14, after a three minute interaction with some senior devotees, Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 11:17. In the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 4:18, to come for a full round of Darshan. Coming onstage at 4:34, through the right of Ganesha, Bhagawan sent word for the group from Sathya Sai Samithi, Super Speciality Hospital, Whitefield, Bangalore, seated inside the bhajan hall, to occupy the space next to 3rd block outside. Bhajans began fifteen minutes in advance, at 4:45, and continued till 5:30 when Arathi was offered. Upon Arathi, Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 5:35. Prasadam was distributed to the entire Sunday assemblage.

Emerging at 6:43 Bhagawan called for Arathi at 6:45 before moving off the stage through the right of Ganesha, glancing and blessing many, before proceeding to Yajur Mandiram at 6:55. Prasadam was distributed to students who are staying back despite summer vacation.

In the evening, Bhagawan arrived at 4:22 for a full round of Darshan. Ascending the verandah in 13 minutes, Bhagawan went into the bhajan hall wherein some boys from the Brindavan Campus, in costumes, were seated seeking blessings for the Gratitude Programme. Emerging at 4:42, Bhagawan moved onstage, through the right of Ganesha, interacting and blessing many on His way.

Undergraduate students from the Brindavan Campus presented their Gratitude Programme that commenced at 4:45. The programme that lasted for more than an hour was a heartfelt offering, narrating and depicting many an event that touched their hearts and thus shaped their lives.

A small skit was enacted towards the end, wherein the Maharabharata scene of Arjuana preferring Lord Krishna while Duryodhana was more than happy to settle for the 'mighty' army, before the Kurukshetra Battle, was depicted. Bhagawan materialised a chain for the cast of Arjuna, while blessing all the three casts with interactions and photo sessions.

Arathi was offered at 5:50 and Bhagawan, after some more interactions on His way, proceeded towards Yajur Mandiram just after six.