Sunday, June 20, 2010- Sai News & Photo Updates Today, emerging at the waning twilight at 1835 hrs. and coming for a full round, Bhagawan went bit further into the ladies' side, soon to return coming onto the portico.
Ascending the portico, Bhagawan moved through the lower portico, spending quite sometime listening and conversing with many, before going for a full round of the portico, moving onto the upper portico from the rear end. Gliding through the upper portico, blessing many, Bhagawan came down to the lower portico, going for a full round before coming onstage at 1905 hrs., round of Ganesha.
Crescendo in bhajan marked His arrival on stage and the tempo continued as Bhagawan sat through crowning the dais feasting the weekend's assembly, shining in His Divine Magical Aura.
Mangala Arathi was offered at 1910 hrs. Blessing the beneficiaries for the evening, blessing prasadam for Primary School children, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1920 hrs. retiring for the day, marking the end of a glorious week that was blessed by dazzling twilight darshans on all seven days.
A special mention on the tiny tots from the Primary School, as they won His special attention yet again! Upon completing the round, Bhagawan chose to spent sometime at the primary block, especially amusing the first standard children who were distinguished in their light blue uniform, seated at the vantage block facing the interview room. As Bhagawan moved past them, there were many a little one, craning their necks, vying for a glimpse of their Swami.
Prasanthi seems to be catching up with the metamorphosis in Darshan schedule. In view of this recent change in darshan schedule, the shopping centre and the book centre will be going for change in their operational hours for the evening session. While the shopping centre will be opened from 1500 hrs. to 1730 hrs., the book stall will be operational between 1500 hrs. to 1800 hrs. The shopping centre will have a revised timing for the morning session as well, from 0830 hrs. to 1100 hrs.
Saturday, June 19, 2010- Sai News & Photo Updates: Today, emerging at 1825 hrs., on an evening when a cultural programme was scheduled, Bhagawan, gliding through the pathway, went for a full round before proceeding for a second round, this time to take a detour from half way through, from the ladies' end, to come on to the portico. Moving through the lower portico, casting His benedictory glance upon many, Bhagawan came onstage at 1840 hrs., well received with a crescendo in Veda chanting.
The stage was set for a musical ballet "Dorakuna Ithuvanti Seva", meaning, "there is no greater worship than selfless service to humanity", by Balvikas and Youth from Saroornagar Samithi, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
Veda chanting continued till 1852 hrs. till Bhagawan nodded for the commencement of the programme.
Barrage of blessings followed with men and women followed by participating children made a beeline to Bhagawan seeking initial blessings before the commencement of the programme.
Beginning with an announcement in English and Telugu making a mention of various service activities done by the Samithi, especially in the field of Vocational Training and Human Values, the participants made a collective prayer to Bhagawan to be with them in all their endeavours as the guiding light.
The music dance ballet, thematic as the title suggests, talks about the unemployed youth of the village who climb the ladder of success, finding right employment, thanks to the untiring youth of Sai Organisation, whose initiative brings light unto many a heart.
The fifty minute programme that was dominated by meaningful dialogues and depiction of service activities was interspersed with thematic dance presentations by the Balvikas and Youth.
The programme was followed by chanting of Holy Aditya Hridayam. As the chanting continued Bhagawan moved down the ramp to bless the participants with a photo session.
Mangala Arathi was offered at 2000 hrs. and blessing the beneficiaries for the evening, blessing the concourse with abhayahastha benediction Bhagawan moved off the dais at 2010 hrs., round of Ganesha, retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
Laddu Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage. Over 450 devotees including sizeable number of Balvikas children participated in this Parthi Yathra organised by Saoornagar Samithi of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Hyderabad.
This international centre privileged to house the Lord in physical, that attracts multitudes of different faith, does exhibit specimen programmes that serves as a pointer to humanity at large to emulate such service programme in the service of "Love All Serve All...Help Ever Hurt Never", bringing a better tomorrow!
Friday, June 18, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates:Today, emerging just after 0830 hrs.and coming for a full round granting Darshan, Bhagawan came on to the verandah to move further through the lower portico, showering blessings, before coming onstage at 0846 hrs. round of Ganesha, to the chants of Vedas.
As Bhagawan continued to sit onstage presiding over the session, in between engaging Himself in 'detailed' conversations with many a student, calling them to front, the Veda chanting continued beyond the scheduled hour at nine.
Moving off the dais at 0920 hrs., blessing a group of three prospective medical students, Bhagawan moved into the interview room for a brief pause. Veda chanting that had been on from 0800 hrs. came to a close as soon as Bhagawan moved off the dais, commencing bhajans.
Emerging from the interview room in ten minutes, Bhagawan glided past the upper portico, showering His blessings on many, coming onstage at 0935 hrs., round of Ganesha. As He came onstage there was a sudden crescendo in the bhajan singing that continued till 0940 hrs. when Arathi was offered. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 0945 hrs. retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
It was heartening to note that, this morning, Bhagawan picked up as many as six boys, that included bhajans boys, vedam boys, working boys and waiting boys, engaging in 'detailed' conversations, separately, while onstage, blessing them profusely. Indeed, He takes 'every extra step' reaching out to us responding to our inner call, call for The Divine! Prasanthi is indeed blessed to witness this Divine Drama!
In the evening, emerging at 1835 hrs., Bhagawan went for a full round before coming onstage at 1846 hrs., round of Ganesha.
As bhajans continued with heightened tempo, Bhagawan sat through, presiding over the session until 1910 hrs. when He moved off the dais calling a student and family for a private audience inside the interview room.
Emerging yet again in fifty minutes, Bhagawan glided through the upper portico to come onstage at 2005 hrs., well received with a crescendo in bhajan. Accepting Mangala Arathi in another five minutes, blessing the beneficiaries for the evening, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 2015 hrs. , retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
With the Creator's earthly sojourn in physical, an interim pose in His eternal sojourn that happens in this blessed land on planet earth, Prasanthi becomes the most happening place, where with His most subtle moves, incomprehensible for man's blurred vision, the Lord wields His power for the benefit of the world, as chanted at the end of each session, Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu! Prasanthi is indeed blessed and so are those souls whose hearts are tuned to this blessed land!
Thursday, June 17, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: Today, on this auspicious Thursday morning, emerging from His Divine Abode at around 1050 hrs., Bhagawan drove down towards the hospital end. Diverging from the petrol bunk on the way to the hospital, Bhagawan returned to the ashram via western gate. Driving past the the work-in-progress construction site at the western end of Prasanthi, blessing many onlookers on the road side vying to steal a glance of The Divine, Bhagawan returned to Yajur Mandiram via Book Trust - Shopping Centre Road at 1130 hrs.
Later on a cloudy yet pleasant evening, emerging at seventy five minutes into the bhajan that began at 1730 hrs., Bhagawan went for a full round feasting thousands of hearts, minds and souls granting Divine Darshan! After the usual round, Bhagawan moved bit further into the ladies' side to return taking a "u-turn" coming on to the portico.
Spending sometime, conversing with three prospective students in detail, who are entitled for sponsored medical education at Bangalore, Bhagawan moved further through the lower portico coming onstage at 1905 hrs., round of Ganesha.
Sitting onstage for the next half an hour, adorning the centre stage, blessing birthday boys in between, Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi at 1935 hrs. Continuing to sit onstage for some more time, blessing the beneficiaries for the evening, reading letters and conversing with them, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1945 hrs. retiring to Yajur Mandiram. Conch whistling that goes simultaneously while Mangala Arathi is performed to The Lord in physical deserves a special mention as it evokes a nostalgic festive feeling adding up to the charged up devotional fervour.
Longer waiting, resulting in heartfelt yearning, pining for His immediate Divine Presence, brings greater joy and satisfaction unto thousands, when He glides past them and later sets Himself onstage as the Crowning Glory! And when Prasanthi is living up to her name presenting the Lord in physical, arranging a 'grand divine feast", it is Nithyakalyanam Pachcha Thoranam meaning perpetual festivity in Prasanthi Nilayam!
Today, emerging at 1822 hrs. in a cool, pleasant evening, Bhagawan went for a full round of Darshan at the end of which He blessed the tiny tots from the Easwaramma School English Medium section. Moving further into the ladies' side, Bhagawan went for a half-round before taking a detour from the ladies' end to come on to the portico.
Blessing a group of faculty and students from the Dept. of Economics of SSSU, Bhagawan moved through at a reduced pace, blessing many on His way, before coming onstage at 1850 hrs., round of Ganesha.
As bhajans continued with added rush of devotional ecstasy, with the blessed twilight slowly giving in, Bhagawan sat through the session as the presiding deity in physical. Mangala Arathi was offered at 1915 hrs. upon which, blessing the beneficiaries for the evening, blessing the concourse with abhayahastha benediction, Bhagawan moved off the dais, gliding into the ladies' side at 1925 hrs. retiring to for the day.
The spiritual township is having a good populace of devotees with three additional groups, a Parthi Yathra contingent from Chhattisgarh, a special group - "Sai Anandam" from Orissa and another group, a Parthi Yathra contingent from Hyderabad, are camping adding up to the the normal inflow of devotees. With the first International contingent of over thousand American devotees due for arrival shortly as the first batch of the scheduled International Parthi Yatra by various International zones, the spiritual township is all set to embrace more lively sessions in the coming days.
Today, emerging at 1845 hrs., on a cloudy evening turned twilight, Bhagawan went for a full round before coming onstage at 1852 hrs., round of Ganesha. As Bhagawan continued to sit onstage, 'bhajans' that has been on got into a higher gear, raising the tempo.
With Bhagawan onstage, crowning the dais that shone in brilliance under the light of the Lord, experiencing the Divine, students continued to sing 'face to face' unto Him, lifting Prasanthi spirit to heavenly heights! ...And He sat on showering His subtle benediction unto the assembly casting Glance Divine! Mangala Arathi was offered at 1935 hrs. and blessing the beneficiaries for the evening, Bhagawan moved off the dais, slowly gliding into the ladies' side, retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 1940 hrs
Monday, June 14, 2010- Sai News & Photo Updates:Today, emerging on a pleasant evening at 1740 hrs., Bhagawan came for a full round granting Divine Darshan to thousands who were waiting with unquenching thirst to steal a glance of His beauteous Divine form. Satiating the thirst, upon completing His round, Bhagawan moved onto the upper portico raising His hands in Abhayahastha blessing the visiting Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Sri ESL Narasimhan. The honorable guest was seated just outside the interview room. Moving into the bhajan hall for a while, Bhagawan, upon emerging, glided through the upper portico blessing many with His Glance Divine, proceeding onstage round of Ganesha at 1800 hrs.
With soothing, soul stirring heart renderings, bhajans, rendered the air spreading powerful vibrations all over, Bhagawan sat through the session for the next 45 minutes,. before moving off the dais after receiving Mangala Arathi at 1845 hrs., not before asking for an encore of the Universal Prayer, "Samastha Lokaaha..."
Moving off the dais, Bhagawan moved into the interview room blessing the visiting Governor and his entourage with a 20 minute interview. After the interview, emerging at 1910 hrs., Bhagawan spent sometime outside blessing some devotees, before proceeding towards His Divine Abode, Yajur Mandiram!
Earlier, former Intelligence Bureau Chief and the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Sri ESL Narasimhan, who was on his maiden visit to Prasanthi Nilayam visited the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram going round various departments. After Bhagawan's Darshan and Interview, the Governor along with his entourage left Prasanthi Nilayam.
Today, on this week-end Sunday, Bhagawan emerged in the evening at 1835 hrs. entering the hall satiating a pining assembly's hunger with His immediate Divine presence. Completing a full round moving along the pathway, Bhagawan gave special attention to the tiny tots from Primary School, many of whom were seen craning their necks to have a glimpse of their "Swami". Upon completing the round, Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side going for another round, this time to take a detour from half way, at the ladies' end before returning to the primary block, to pause for a while amusing the chirpy, innocent, little ones before coming onto the portico.
Conversing with many, including the Union Minister of State for Railways Sri KH Muniyappa, Bhagawan glided past the lower portico to come onstage, round of Ganesha at 1905 hrs. As bhajans continued with greater tempo, Bhagawan sat for next five minutes before accepting Mangala Arathi. Blessing the beneficiaries for the evening, conversing with the the priest, Bhagawan sat for a while before moving off the dais at 1920 hrs., heading into the interview room.
Emerging in fifteen minutes, Bhagawan slowly glided into the ladies' side retiring to His Divine Abode, Yajur Mandiram.
Fresh batch of students, tiny tots, from the newly commenced English Medium batch at Easwaramma School also joined the children from Primary School feasting maiden Darshan of their "Swami".
Shining in resplendence with His Divine aura engulfing the vast Sai Kulwant assemblage, the week-end Sunday throng of devotees including the student fraternity thoroughly enjoyed The Presence of The One on this waning twilight, in this Land that did Penance, the Valley of Peace, Prasanthi Nilayam!
Today, this evening, emerging at 1810 hrs. with bhajans on, following the previous day's pattern, Bhagawan, upon completing a full round of Darshan moved bit further into the ladies' side before taking a "u-turn" to come onto the portico at 1825 hrs. Moving through the upper portico, listening, conversing and blessing many, Bhagawan went into the bhajan hall through the rear entrance.
Emerging yet again through the prime entrance, Bhagawan glided through the lower portico to come onstage at 1835 hrs., lighting up an already glittering twilight with His immaculate Divine presence. Sitting through officiating the bhajan session for the next ten minutes, Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi at 1845 hrs. Blessing the beneficiaries for the day, blessing a bhajan boy with Vibhuti prasadam, conversing with another student, finally blessing the Brindavan representatives conversing with them, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1900 hrs., not before blessing the assembly with abhayahasta, proceeding to Yajur Mandiram.
Being the maiden week-end of the new academic year, fresh batch of students from Brindavan Campus and the entire batch from Anantapur Campus have come to Prasanthi seeking Divine Blessings.
Today, this evening, emerging at the waning twliglight, at 1850 hrs., Bhagawan glided through the devotees granting a full round of Darshan before moving bit further into the ladies' side to take a "u-turn" coming onto the portico in 15 minutes. Moving through the portico, conversing and blessing many, including a 'lengthy' stint with Sri Rituraj Ji Maharaj,the young scholar who conducted Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajna some months ago, Bhagawan came onstage at 1916 hrs. to accept Mangala Arathi.
File photo: Sri Rituraj Ji Maharaj with Bhagwan
Blessing the Rose Beneficiary for the evening with materialised Vibhuti Prasadam, blessing two student beneficiaries, blessing a videographer from Prasanthi Digital Studio, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1925 hrs. round of Ganesha, enroute blessings many, retiring for the day at 1935 hrs.
This morning, Bhagawan, upon emerging at 0940 hrs. came for a full round of Darshan before coming onstage just after 1000 hrs. Enroute, Bhagawan interacted with many, including Vice Chancellor designate, Sri Sathya Sai University, Prof. J. Sashidhar Prasad who is set to take over the mantle in a function scheduled for the evening at the University Auditorium.
Coming onstage, Bhagawan called for Arathi in three minutes and while returning, He interacted with Mr. Kornelis M. Keur, Hon'ble Consul General, US Consulate, Hyderabad who was seated seeking Divine Blessings. Being Thursday, tiny tots from Primary School were also present and for some of them, the first standard children, this was their maiden Darshan. Before retiring at 1010 hrs., Bhagawan blessed Prasadam for the Primary children.
In the evening, Bhagawan, emerging from His Divine Abode at 1730 hrs. drove down straight to the University Auditorium where stage was set for the new incumbent of the Vice Chancellorship of Sri Sathya Sai University, Prof. J. Sashidhar Prasad to take over.
In the auditorium, bhajans began at 1655 hrs. and the hall was filled to capacity with Faculty, Staff and Students of the University along with senior administrators from various... Read the complete update & view photos from today---->>
On this morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. This evening, one hour Vedam was continued by forty-five minutes bhajans before Arathi was offered at 1815 hrs.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: This morning, emerging at 0908 hrs., Bhagawan came into the hall to take a detour from the ladies' end, coming onstage round of Ganesha. Officiating the bhajans, Bhagawan sat through till 0920 hrs. when Arathi offered.
Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais to drive down to Super Speciality Hospital at Prasanthigram, spending almost half an hour over there before returning to Yajur Mandiram at 1020 hrs., via culvert gate at the rear west end of the Ashram. In the evening, Arathi was offered at 1855 hrs. as there was no Divine Darshan.
On this morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
This evening, lighting up an 'anticipatory' twilight with His resplendent Divine Presence, Bhagawan emerged at 1845 hrs. while bhajans were on. Craning necks with eager and expected eyes vying to steal a glance of the beauteous form, Bhagawan glided through the pathway completing a full round, blessing many on His way.
Ascending the portico, Bhagawan moved through, patiently listening to many, coming onstage at 1900 hrs. Presiding over the bhajan session, giving it a fillip with His immediate Divine Presence, Bhagawan sat through the next fifteen minutes, dawning joy in many a heart at the natural dusk bejewelling the Sai Kulwant with HIM, the Crowning Glory.
Arathi was offered at 1915 hrs. and as Bhagawan sat through donning the role of a "Silent Witness", blessing the assembly at the waning twilight, boys got prasadam blessed which was subsequently distributed to the students and staves. Sitting onstage till 1730 hrs., watching the distribution proceedings, Bhagawan moved off the dais, patiently listening to many, slowly gliding into the ladies' side enroute Yajur Mandiram.
On this Sunday morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. In the evening, Bhagawan, upon entering in at 1735 hrs. took a detour from the ladies' end to come onstage at 1745 hrs. Sitting through the next forty-five minutes Bhagawan accepted Arathi at 1830 hrs. Moving off the stage Bhagawan spent sometime with some of the doctors from the Super Speciality Hospital, Prasanthigram before proceeding to Yajur Mandiram at 1840 hrs.
Saturday, June 05, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: On this cool, pleasant Saturday morning, emerging from His Divine Abode just after nine, Bhagawan came into the hall in His car to move out, driving down to Super Specialty Hospital. Back in the mandir, as bhajans continued, Bhagawan returned just after 0950 hrs. Moving in His car through the gents’
side, Bhagawan came on to the portico to move in to the bhajan hall for a brief more than a minute, before coming onstage at 1000 hrs receiving Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 1005 hrs. In the evening, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 1830 hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. This evening, emerging at 1740hrs. Bhagawan went for a full round of darshan before ascending the portico, gliding past the same to come onstage at 1752 hrs. through the right of Ganesha. Presiding over the bhajan session for the next more than forty-five minutes, Bhagawan accepted Arathi at 1838 hrs. Blessing the rose beneficiary, student beneficiary, Bhagawan sat for some more time before coming off the dais at 1843 hrs. through the right of Ganesha, enroute blessing some devotees, retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
Earlier in the morning, Bhagawan emerged at 1120 hrs. to move out, driving down to Super Speciality Hospital at Prasanthigram. After having a round of inspection, Bhagawan returned to the Ashram in an hour at 1220 hrs. through the culvert gate at the rear west end of Prasanthi.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. Later, before noon at 1140 hrs., Bhagawan moved out of the Ashram to drive down to Super Speciality Hospital for a round of inspection. Blessing the hospital with His presence, Bhagawan later returned to Yajur Mandiram at 1240 hrs. via culvert gate at the rear west end of Prasanthi. This evening, upon emerging at 1755 hrs. coming for a full round of Darshan, Bhagawan spent quite sometime on the portico conversing with some senior devotees before moving onstage at 1820 hrs. through the right of Ganesha. Sitting onstage for ten minutes presiding over the bhajan session, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1830 hrs., getting into the interview room. Spending the next forty minutes in, Bhagawan again emerged at 1920 hrs. to come onstage. One more bhajan followed before Arathi was called for at 1915 hrs. Spending some more time blessing some boys, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1920 hrs. retiring to Yajur Mandiram, not before blessing the concourse with an abhayahasta. Being Thursday and having 'missed' morning darshan, tiny tots from the Primary School also attended in full force for the evening darshan, their maiden one for the academic year.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
After three consecutive 'noughts', means sessions without Divine Darshans, on an eagerly awaited Wednesday evening, Bhagawan arrived at 1800 hrs. granting a full round of Darshan. Upon completing His first round, Bhagawan went for another round through the ladies' side before taking a detour completing the ladies' end. Upon coming on to the portico, Bhagawan moved through the upper portico, blessing many on His way, to come onstage through the right of Ganesha.
File Photo: Sai Baba Darshan
The evening was indeed special, as this is the maiden darshan for the students in the new academic year that commenced yesterday. Granting sumptuous darshan to the students and devotees, sitting onstage for sometime, Bhagawan called for Arathi just before 1900 hrs. before retiring to Yajur Mandiram. Sweet Prasadam was distributed to the entire assembly.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
In the Evening, Bhagawan arrived at 1645hrs amidst Vedic Chants. After crossing the ladies side, Bhagawan turned right towards the Prayer Hall where the teachers of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School were assembled. Bhagawan took their letters and blessed them on the eve of the new academic year. Bhagawan then went to the interview room and called the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and the Cabinet Ministers accompanying him for an interview. At 1730 hours the Chief Minister came out and headed towards the Sri Sathya Sai Airport where a helicopter was awaiting him. Meanwhile the Secretary to the CM of Andhra Pradesh along with Minister Geetha Reddy had a conference with Bhagawan.
File Photo: Sathya Gita taking padanamaskar
After this interview, Bhagawan headed towards the stage and listened to Bhajans. At 1815 hours Bhagawan called for the car and headed outside while telling the students that He would be back for Arati. Bhagawan then went for a ride along the Puttaparthi Main Road all the way to the hospital inspecting the various maintenance activities going on in the edifices of Bhagawan's mission: the University buildings, the Hospitals among others. Interestingly Sathya Gita, Bhagawan's pet elephant calf was going for her walk along the road. She was overjoyed when Bhagawan's car approached her. She then started running behind Bhagawan's car much to the amusement and discomfort of her caretaker who had great difficulty keeping pace. Bhagawan returned to Sai Kulwant Hall and accepted Arati at 1945hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. In the Evening, Bhagawan arrived at 1815hrs with Bhajans being sung in the background. He went for a complete round blessing all assembled and moved towards the place where General Hospital staff are seated and blessed them before coming on to the stage.
Bhagawan listened to Bhajans while reading letters collected during the Darshan round. Bhagawan accepted Arati at 1920hrs and went into the interview room. Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandir at 1945hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. In the Evening,Bhagawan arrived at 1725hrs amidst Vedic Invocations. He went for a complete round blessing the gathering and then once more to the delight of the devotees assembled. Enroute, Bhagawan blessed the teachers of the Brindavan campus before their return to Bangalore for the new academic term. Bhagawan then came onto the stage and listened to Bhajans. Bhagawan accepted Arati at 1810hrs and went inside and called a couple of devotees for interview. Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandir by 1900hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. In the Evening,Bhagawan arrived at 1805hrs for the second day's celebration of Buddha Poornima. Bhagawan interacted with many of the delegates of the Buddha Purnima group - who have gathered from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka and many other Buddhist populated countries - during the Darshan Round. Bhagawan then came onto the stage and indicated that the programme may begin.
This evening's programme started with a Malaysian Choir, who performed some very melodious pieces composed around popular Sai Bhajans with which they ended every piece. It was a very innovative performance at the end of which Bhagawan blessed the group.
This was followed by a traditional Thai dance entitled "Rabam See Pak" performed by children from Thailand. Immediately after this was a skit from the Youth from Sri Lanka entitled, "Angulimal". At the end of this presentation, Bhagawan went down the stage and lovingly interacted with all the participants. He materialised a chain for one of the actors and distributed sweets to all participants with His own hands.
This presentation was followed by International Bhajans. Bhagawan accepted Arati at 1945 hours and retired to Yajur Mandir after repeatedly blessing all those present with Abhayahasta.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. On this Auspicious Buddha Poornima Evening, Bhagawan emerged from Yajur Mandir at around 1720hrs and turned left (opposite to the Sai Kulwant Hall) and proceeded towards the adjacent building. All the teachers of Bhagawan's University (including the Anantapur, Brindavan and Prasanthi Nilayam campuses) were seated in the hall of this Annexe to Yajur Mandir. Bhagawan interacted with many of the teachers and collected all their letters.
Photos: Buddha Poornima in Prasanthi Nilayam
Bhagawan then proceeded towards the Sai Kulwant Hall. A procession of small children led the group followed by another group wearing traditional dresses for the occasion. Behind them were a group of drummers from Srilanka who provided a rhythmic drum and dance presentation while moving ahead in front of Bhagawan. Bhagawan went for a complete round and came onto the stage where he lit a lamp to mark the commencement of the celebrations. Various works of Sai Literature both original works and translations were released by Bhagawan on this Sacred day. The zonal chairperson, Sri Ravindran introduced the speakers for the evening, Dr. Art-Ong Jumsai, the Sai educator from Thailand and Mr. Sudhamek of Garuda Food Indonesia. After their succinct talks, there was a presentation of a 35 minute skit titled "Yashodhara".
The skit detailed the sacrifice of the princess Yashodhara who after being stranded by her husband Siddhartha (who later becomes Gautama Buddha), lived the life of a renunciant. The skit went on to describe the return of Buddha who recognises her penance and blesses her. She later becomes one of the principal disciples of Buddha attaining supernatural prowess. Bhagawan blessed the participants with clothes and a group photograph. Prasadam was distributed to the entire gathering. Bhagawan accepted Arathi and retired by 1930hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. In the Evening, Bhagawan arrived at 1735hrs even as the entire hall was reverberating with the unique uniting simple music of Sai Bhajans. He went for a complete round blessing the assemblage. Bhagawan then came onto the stage and listened to the Bhajans and called for Arathi at 1810hrs. He then beckoned to Prof. Veerabhadraiah to speak. The learned professor is also the current editor of the Telugu version of the monthly magazine Sanathana Sarathi. The professor started his talk by stating that Bhagawan has asked him to speak about Purnima. He elaborated on the beneficial effect of the full moon day and the no moon day on the mind of the Sadhaka.
He then went on to remember - on the occasion of the Buddha Poornima Eve - what Bhagawan once declared to those who considered Buddha an atheist. "If Buddha is an atheist, who is a theist?” was the question put forth by Bhagawan. He then set on focus the scholarly aspect of this Avatar's personality. No one, he stated emphatically, can explain with such simplicity and profoundness the nuances of the Upanishads and the Brahma Sutras like Bhagawan has in His Vahinis.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. In the Evening, the Sai Kulwant Hall was well decorated by the devotees from Indonesia, Thailand and other countries who have assembled in Prasanthi Nilayam for the Buddha Poornima Celebrations.
Further more the students of Bhagawan who have stayed back during the vacation had prayed for a programme titled "Lava Kusha Ramayana" which had been accepted. Hence the ambiance was festive. Bhagawan arrived at 1715hrs amidst Vedic Invocations. He went for a complete round blessing the assemblage. Bhagawan then came onto the stage and listened to the suktams chanted by the students for sometime after which he went to the Prayer Hall where He interacted with the students and enquired about the parts played by the various students and keenly examining the costumes worn by students.
Bhagawan then came onto the stage and instructed the programme to begin. After a wonderful performance from the students, Bhagawan blessed all the participants with cloth pieces and then posed for the coveted group photograph. The students who played the parts of Mother Sita and Son Kusha were blessed with a chain and ring from the Divine Hands. Bhagawan then blessed all the students with sweets. Bhagawan then accepted Arathi and retired at 1915 hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. In the Evening, Bhagawan arrived at 1740hrs while Bhajans were on. He went for a complete round collecting many letters and blessing the gathering.
Bhagawan then came onto the stage and read many of the letters collected while listening to the Bhajans. He accepted Arati at 1845 hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. With heavy rains overnight Parthi remains cool with sun continues to hide behind the clouds. On this weekend session, this evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1751 hrs. to come for a full round of Darshan.
With a scheduled programme for the session, earlier, one hour Veda chanting was followed by a pause for twenty minutes until Bhagawan emerged coming into the hall. Coming onstage just after 1800 hrs., Bhagawan blessed the organisers of this evening's presentation to commence the presentation. The presentation was a bouquet of devotional and patriotic songs by Balvikas gurus from North Canara district of Karnataka. The songs were from an audio album, titled "Sai Geetanjali", containing 85 value songs aimed at educating Balvikas children, brought out on the occasion of the 85th year of Bhagawan's Advent.
Starting with obeisance to Lord Ganesha, songs on Lord Sathya Sai Shirdi Sai, Mother Goddess as Mother Sharada, that was followed by a patriotic number to end with a song on Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwara. This was followed by 2-3 bhajans by the troupe before Arathi was offered to Bhagawan at 1845 hrs.
Blessing the rose beneficiary, blessing two student beneficiaries, blessing two of the "burra katha boys" discussing on an ensuing drama presentation on Rama Katha, Bhagawan moved off the stage at 1851 hrs. through the right of Ganesha, en route blessing many and blessing mango prasadam, retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0935 hrs. This evening, upon emerging at 1740 hrs. Bhagawan was ushered into the hall to take a detour from the ladies' side to come on to the portico. Gliding past, moving towards the dais, Bhagawan blessed two seniors, conversing with them 'in detail' before taking His seat on the dais at 1747 hrs. As bhajans continued Bhagawan sat through the session, blessing the birthday boys in between, before calling for Arathi at 1835 hrs. Moving off the stage at 1840 hrs. after asking for an encore of the Universal Prayer, "Samastha Lokaha...", Bhagawan moved into the interview room, having calling some seniors in. Emerging just after 1900 hours Bhagawan glided through the ladies' side retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
Today is the third anniversary of the 'departure' of Sai Gita, Bhagawan's legendary pet elephant. It was on this very day, three years ago, the legendary pachyderm dropped down at Prasanthi Nilayam, after living a 'life full' at Bhagawan's Divine Lotus Feet! - Tribute-Sai Geeta
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. After a two-day spell of gloomy inclement weather, Parthi experienced rainfall last night, maintaining the temperature at 25°C - 27°C range.
On this gloomy day when Sun remained hidden behind the "passing clouds", this evening, upon emerging from His Divine Abode just after 1800 hrs., Bhagawan was ushered into the Sai Kulwant Hall at 1804 hrs. to the more than soothing invoking bhajan, "Aao Pyaare Nayan Hamare..." Taking a detour from the ladies' side, Bhagawan came directly onstage through the right of Ganesha at 1810 hrs. officiating the bhajans for the rest of the session.
With bhajans, some high pitched and some fast paced calling out His various forms one after another, filling the air with potent vibrations, Bhagawan sat through the next twenty minutes receiving the 'chants' directly, glancing at the twilight's assembly that in turn was glued at His beauteous form shining resplendent under the bright light. Accepting Arathi just after 1830 hrs., Bhagawan sat through for the next ten minutes, blessing the rose beneficiary, blessing the student beneficiaries, reading their letters and attending to them with "Divine Whispers". Calling the priest and whispering something in his ear Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1840 hrs. to glide past the ladies' side moving unto His Divine Abode, Yajur Mandiram, not before blessing two senior devotees just before leaving the verandah.
The Thursday morning wore on donning a gloomy mask, owing to the cyclonic depression that was closing in moving towards the Andhra cost. This morning there was no Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
This evening, completing a full round of Darshan after emerging at 1712 hrs., Bhagawan came onstage at 1730 hrs. when bhajan commenced. Sitting through the next 45 minutes, often seen reading letters, apparently blessing the concourse with His Divine Darshan, Bhagawan accepted Arathi at 1815 hrs. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan sat for some more time watching mango prasadam distribution before coming off the dais through the right of Ganesha. Blessing some senior devotees Bhagawan glided past the lower portico at 1825 hrs. moving towards His Divine Abode, Yajur Mandiram.
Interestingly, Bhagawan was seen 'throwing' vibhuti packets, one after one, blessing many students just before Arathi.
When it is time for recreation and relaxation for the student community all over India, having summer holidays, a group of students have been camping in Prasanthi throughout the summer, relishing His proximity while pursuing to continue at the hallowed portals of Sri Sathya Sai University with higher education. ...And the darshan sessions are often marked with the live presence of a group of tiny tots who would be innocently hopping about vying for closer darshans.
Entrance examination process for the University and Higher Secondary School that began in the first week of May have been completed with the final results, of the professional courses, declared yesterday, pending that pertaining to primary admissions. The academic year is scheduled to start on 1st June.
In the meantime, results for the 12th standard CBSE exams were announced and Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School, Prasanthi Nilayam scored another cent percent results with 110 out of 112 appeared securing distinction, toppers being two students, a boy and a girl from the boys and girls wing respectively with 96.4 perc closely followed by 96.2 perc at the second spot. - Also read: eye witness darshan account from 20th May 2010 submitted to SBOI-Group by a Sai devotee. click here
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
In the evening,Bhagawan emerged at 1710 hrs. to come for a full round of Darshan. Coming onstage at 1725 hrs., as Bhagawan sat through glancing over the letters, Veda chanting continued beyond the scheduled hour until Bhagawan asked for the bhajans to commence at 1745 hrs.
Bhagawan sat through the next fifteen minutes before calling for Arathi just after 1800 hrs. Upon accepting Arathi, blessing the rose beneficiary, blessing the student beneficiaries, conversing with one of the bhajan boys for sometime, Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1810 hrs. not before blessing the concourse with double abhayahasta, ladies and gents separately.
Bringing respite from the scorching summer, Parthi, for a change had a different experience with the day's complexion turning from bright to gloomy. The inclement weather owing to a cyclonic storm in the bay of Bengal has come as a great relief with temperature dropping from a scorching 42 to 25-27.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
Emerging at 1730 hrs. in the evening, Bhagawan, upon completing a full round of Darshan, went for another round, to take a detour from the ladies's end to come onstage at 1752 hrs. through the right of Ganesha. As Bhajan was on, Bhagawan continued to sit presiding over the session. At 1805 hrs., most unexpectedly Bhagawan gestured to stop bhajans, calling for mike to be brought. After a brief pause of 3-4 minutes, at 1810 hrs., to the surprise and delight of the august assembly, Bhagawan started an 'impromptu' Divine Discourse.
Dwelling on the greatness of 'celebrated women', Savitri, Chandramathi, Mother Sita, Panchali and Damayanthi Bhagawan discoursed for next fifty minutes that was translated by Prof. Nanjundaiah, formerly, Controller of Examinations at Sri Sathya Sai University (who was also a translator to Bhagawan during earlier years) in the absence of regular translators, Prof. Anil Kumar and Sri Narasimhamurthy.
Everyone is afraid of death; however Yama goes everywhere discharging his duties, said Bhagawan in an apparent reference to Savitri's victory over the Lord of Death who with the Power of her Chastity won the Lord's grace to bring her dead husband back to life. Lavishly commenting on the Power of Chastity of Savitri, Bhagawan said, nowhere else in the world, other than in Bharat, one could find such stories of revival of a dead person, and hence God's special love for the land of Bharath. Power of Chastity is equivalent to Power of Penance. Scary God of Death, Lord Yama is scared of Chaste Woman, said Bhagawan emphasising on the greatness and power of Chastity.
Shifting the story to Raja Harishchandra, Bhagawan dwelled upon the story in detail emphasising how the Eashwara Himself was pleased with Harishchandra's adherence to Truth that finally won him everything. Harishchandra was totally selfless, said Bhagawan urging one and all that 'i' and 'mine' should be eschewed to understand the Self.
Dwelling upon the story of Mother Sita and Her Power of Her Chastity followed by that of Damayanthi and Panchali, Bhagawan said, all of them were known for the great Power of Chastity, who lived their life for their ideal husbands; with unity between husband and wife anything could be achieved.
Power of Chastity and Dharma is not confined to women alone, man equally has to follow the same, said Bhagawan further commenting that women should never transgress their limit, disobeying their husbands. Referring to Bharath's greatness, Bhagawan cautioned that opting to leave the nation and moving out of the country is a waste.
Bhagawan concluded His Divine Discourse at 1905 hrs. with a promise to discourse in detail the following day. One Rama Bhajan followed upon which Arathi was offered before Bhagawan moved off the stage at 1915 hrs. Spending next five minutes inside interview room, Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 1920 hrs.
As if celebrating the unexpected 'bonus', the Divine Discourse, as Bhagawan moved off the stage after ending His Divine Discourse, outside Sai Kulwant Hall, Wind God was in a celebrating mood as he was blowing across the hamlet with unusual force.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
In the evening, emerging at 1729 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a full round granting Divine Darshan. As Vedam continued beyond the scheduled hour at 1730, owing to a proposed cultural programme by students, Bhagawan upon completing the round moved into the bhajan hall where a group of 19 boys in their costumes with an additional band of a dozen backstage boys were invoking Divine Blessings for the ensuing presentation.
Blessing the participating students after spending sometime amidst, Bhagawan exited through the rear entrance to come onstage at 1747 hrs. through the right of Ganesha. Veda chanting continued for some more time, till 1752 hrs., when the participating students exited from the bhajan hall seeking Divine signal for the commencement of the presentation.
The programme entitled "Sai Bhakta Samrajyam", a collective effort of singers, dancers and actors was the depiction of Bharat's glorious devotional tradition presented in dance form entwined with lucid narration. Set against the backdrop of Saint Vyasa's predicament seeing the disastrous Kurukshetra scenes, Sage Narada advises him the right antidote, to embark on compiling Lord Hari's story.
What followed was an array of glimpses from the lives of past masters depicting devotional trails, namely that of, Saint Thyagaraja, Saint Annamacharya, Saint Thukaram, Sadashiva Brahmendra (an Avadhoota lived in Tamil Nadu), Saint Tulsidas, Sakkubai, Bhadrachala Ramdas etc., brought in with devotional fervour intertwined with narrations of their heroics with Divine Name.
It was the wandering saint, Sage Narada's privilege yet again, donning the role of "interlude presenter cum commentator" to "introduce" these foremost devotees of yester years to the presiding deity, Lord in physical, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba!!!
The fifty minute programme came to an end at 1840 hrs. with the the cast of Narada profusely thanking Bhagawan for the great good fortune Bhagawan bestowed upon them, the students, to learn at His Divine Lotus Feet! They concluded the programme bursting into a group song "Madhurama Amrithama Dharicherchu O' Nesthama...", afterwhich Bhagawan moved down the aisle to bless the participants with a coveted photo session. Arathi was offered at 1846 hrs. and Bhagawan moved off the dais at 1852 hrs. not before blessing the concourse with repeated Abhayahastas.
Bhagawan emerged at 1012 hrs. coming for a full round of Darshan. Upon completing the round, blessing many, Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side, before taking a "u turn" to come on to the portico. Interacting with some senior devotee, Bhagawan moved onstage through the right of Ganesha at 1030 hrs. Blessing some of the birthday boys, blessing the assembly, Bhagawan sat through the next fifteen minutes presiding over the soul-stirring bhajan session before accepting Arathi at 1045 hrs.
Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the stage at 1050 hrs., blessing the morning assembly with Abhayahasta, before moving into the interview room calling an overseas couple for interview. Emerging in fifteen minutes, Bhagawan moved towards His Divine Abode, Yajur Mandiram at 1110 hrs.
On this Sunday evening, blessing the weekend assembly of devotees, Bhagawan emerged at 1725 hrs. to the last strains of one-hour Vedam chanting. Completing His round, following this morning's pattern, Bhagawan went bit further into the ladies' side, to return shortly without advancing much, with a "u turn" to come onto the portico.
Upon ascending the portico, Bhagawan had a 'detailed' interaction with two of the visiting doctors of SSSIHMS, Prasanthigram, before coming onstage at 1740 hrs through the right of Ganesha. Sitting through the next forty-five minutes, presiding over the bhajans, often reading letters from devotees, Bhagawan called for Arathi at 1825 hrs.
Upon accepting Arathi, an interesting session had been ensuing with Bhagawan appeared to have settled for a series of blessings and interactions. Beginning with the day's Rose Beneficiary, a staff working with North Indian Canteen, for whom Bhagawan materialised a Golden Chain followed by Vibhuti Prasadam, Bhagawan had a series of interactions with number of boys who were arrayed seeking Divine Blessings. Interacting with motherly concern, sitting quite patiently often seeking clarifications, Bhagawan materialised a golden ring for a boy, blessing the student profusely. The session continued with many more boys taking their turn until Bhagawan finished blessing the last boy in waiting before moving off the stage at 1856 hrs. For the weekend assembly, it was indeed an interesting session, especially watching The Lord interacting with His chosen instruments, in between materialising gold on the most auspicious Akshaya Trithiya, a very auspicious day as per the Hindu almanac.
With the summer's fury grips the whole nation, this "Divine Valley of Peace" is also having her due share bearing the brunt of the sweltering summer. With the temperature mark crossing 42°C, for the devotees' benefit the adjustable roof of the spacious Sai Kulwant Hall went rolled open during the evening bhajans bringing respite from the intense summer.
Prasadam was distributed to the assemblage before Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 1857 hrs. after a brief one-minute interaction with representatives of "Sai Sannidhi", an in-house alumni group.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
In the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1800 hrs. to come for a full round of Darshan. Upon coming on to the portico, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall at 1814 hrs. to interact with the Research Scholars of the University who had assembled seeking Divine Blessings. Blessing the special assembly, Bhagawan spent quite sometime inside before exiting through the rear entrance to move onstage at 1826 hrs. through the right of Ganesha. Presiding over the bhajan session for the next almost twenty minutes, Bhagawan accepted Arathi at 1845 hrs. before retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 1850 hrs., not before blessing the weekend concourse with repeated Abhayahastas, twice, to cheering applause from the devoted assembly.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. This evening, emerging at 1740 hrs., Bhagawan came onstage at 1745 hrs. after taking a quick detour from the ladies' side. Presiding over the bhajan session for the next fifteen minutes, Bhagawan accepted Arathi at 1800 hrs. As prasadam, mango, was being distributed, Bhagawan sat onstage for sometime, post Arathi, watching the proceedings and in between interacting with one of the bhajan boys before moving off the dais at 1806 hrs. to the interview room. Coming out at 1820 hrs., Bhagawan moved towards His Divine Abode, Yajur Mandiram, blessing the concourse with a Abhayahasta while on the move.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
On this Thursday evening, Bhagawan, upon emerging at 1747 hrs. and coming for a full round of Darshan, came onstage through the right of Ganesha at 1805 hrs. Presiding over the bhajan session for the next fifteen minutes sitting onstage, Bhagawan accepted Arathi at 1820 hrs. Watching over the assembly of devotees, blessing them with abhayahastha, and blessing couple of bhajan boys with Vibhuti Prasadam, Bhagawan sat for some more time before moving off the stage at 1825 hrs. proceeding towards the interview room. Emerging after spending more than ten minutes in, Bhagawan went for a slow round on the upper portico to return gliding through the lower portico, proceeding to Yajur Mandiram at 1852 hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. in the evening, emerging at 1728 hours to the last strains of one hour Vedam chanting, Bhagawan went for a full round of darshan, blessing the concourse, before coming onstage at 1740 hrs. Presiding over the bhajan session for the next 45 minutes, Bhagawan accepted arathi at 1825 hrs. before proceeding to the interview room at 1830 hrs.
Emerging yet again in seven minutes, Bhagawan glided past the upper portico, blessing many, to move onstage at 1845 hrs. through the right of Ganesha. Glancing the assembly for the next more than a minute, Bhagawan moved off the stage to proceed towards Yajur Mandiram.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
In the evening, Bhagawan was ushered in at 1748 hrs. to come for a full round. Upon completing the round, ascending the portico Bhagawan came onstage at 1805 through the right of Ganesha. Sitting through the next half an hour Bhagawan called for Arathi at 1835 hrs. before leaving the podium after sitting for another ten minutes, interacting and blessing some boys including birthday boys. Blessing some more on His way, Bhagawan left for Yajur Mandiram at 1848 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. In the evening, Bhagawan, upon emerging at 1805 hrs. went for a full round of darshan before coming onstage at 1825 hrs. Sitting through the next almost twenty minutes, Bhagawan called for Arathi at 1843 hrs. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan sat for a while watching the assembly, blessing them with double Abhayahasta, ladies and gents seperate, before moving off the stage at 1848 hrs. , retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
This morning, Bhagawan was ushered in to the hall at 1001 hrs. while bhajan was on. Going for a full round of darshan, ascending the portico, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall to exit through the rear entrance to come onstage through the right of Ganesha at 1014 hrs. Presiding over the session for the next ten minutes, Bhagawan called for Arathi at 1024 hrs. before moving off to the interview room at 1030 hrs., not before interacting with two of the students, blessing them with Vibhuti Prasadam. After spending next twenty minutes in, Bhagawan emerged yet again at 1050 hrs. retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
In the evening, emerging at 1645 hrs., Bhagawan went for a complete round to come onstage at 1658 hrs. to the chants of Vedam. Coming onstage, Bhagawan called for Sri Ajit Poppat of United Kingdom, blessing him to address the gathering. Offering Shradhdhanjali on revered Divine Mother Easwaramma, continuing with the spirit of celebration, the erudite speaker spoke on the "Chosen Mother" quoting some of the revealing experiences he had with Bhagawan related to Mother Easwaramma. It was interesting to note that on a day when the world is celebrating International Mother's Day, someone was paying glowing tribute to the most privileged Mother on planet earth, Mother Easwaramma, verily in the Divine Presence of The One's Presence.
The forty minute speech was followed by another one by Sri B.N. Narasimhamurthy, Warden, Brindavan Campus of Sri Sathya Sai University who dwelt in detail on his first darshan of Bhagawan almost five decades ago, and the Prasanthi of those days. Both the speakers made the session quite alive with interesting experiences and revelations and Bhagawan sat through the session, onstage, granting His coveted Divine Darshan. At the end of the second speech at 1810 hrs., Bhagawan called for Arathi. Sitting onstage for some more time interacting with some of the boys, and 'overseeing' prasadam distribution, Bhagawan moved off the stage at 1820 hrs. into the bhajan hall, after blessing the concourse with Abhayahastha. Moving through the bhajan hall Bhagawan emerged through the rear entrance to glide past the lower portico blessing many on His way before setting off to Yajur Mandiram at 1832 hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. In the evening, Bhagawan, upon emerging at 1720 hrs. went for a full round of darshan before coming onstage at 1735 hrs. through the right of Ganesha. Sitting through the next more than half-an-hour bhajan session, Bhagawan moved off the stage at 1807 hrs., through the right of Ganesha, into the interview room. Emerging yet again at 1840 hrs., Bhagawan called for Arathi before moving off the dais at 1855 hrs. after a bout of interactions followed by Abhayahastha Blessings, proceeding towards Yajur Mandiram.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs.
In the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1756 hrs. to come for a full round of darshan. Coming on to the portico, gliding through, Bhagawan interacted with many seniors who were having many project proposals, before coming onstage through the right of Ganesha at 1820 hrs. to preside over the bhajans. Bhagawan sat through till 1830 hrs. before calling for Arathi and upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan spent some more time onstage, glancing at the students, waving His right hand in His inimitable style, raising His abhayahasta, not once, but thrice before moving off the stage at 1835 hrs. Interacting with many seniors Bhagawan moved into the interview room at 1845 hrs. to spend next 25 minutes in, granting mini interviews to seniors before emerging to move off to Yajur Mandiram at 1910 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage before Arathi was offered. Summer is at its 'intense best' in Parthi with the onset of Agni Nakshatram (fire star) that marks the intense summer during May in South India and with the University Entrance Examinations on, there is a good floating crowd filling the Prasanthi precincts, daring the summer onslaught.
On this auspicious Easwaramma Day morning, Bhagawan emerged in His car at 0955 hrs. to proceed directly to Easwaramma Samadhi Mandir.
Reaching the Samadhi at around 1005 hrs., Bhagawan was received religiously by Vedam, Bhajan and Nadaswaram troupe. Moving into the Samadhi Mandir, Bhagawan.
As various ritualistic offerings continued inside the Samadhi Mandir with huge garlands being placed on the statues
followed by clothes and fruits offering and coconut breaking, Bhagawan went to circumambulate the dais holding the statues of "Divine Parents" before Arathi was offered. Upon accepting Arathi, blessing the mini assembly, Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram. Laddu Prasadam was distributed to the assembly at Easwaramma Samadhi.
Returning from Samadhi Mandir at 1030 hrs., Bhagawan went for a 'complete' round through the gents' side, alighting on the portico at 1035 hrs. to move, cutting through the lower portico, to come onstage at 1042 hrs. Sitting for sometime, Bhagawan moved off the stage, to move into the bhajan hall to exit through the rear door to go for a short round of the dais through the Vedam block to come onstage at 1100 hrs. to preside over the bhajan session.
Marking the special occasion, special prasadam, Tamrind Rice and Sweet Rice were distributed to the entire assemblage of devotees. Arathi was offered at 1115 hrs. and upon accepting Arathi an announcement on the evening programme was made, informing that Balvikas children from Bangalore would be staging a dance drama on the life of Bhadrachala Ramdas.
Upon the announcement, interacting with some senior devotees, Bhagawan moved off at 1130 hrs. proceeding towards Yajur Mandiram, not before showing His abhayahasta twice for a round of applause from the capacity crowd of devotees. After the Universal prayer, the normal Jaikar to Bhagawan was followed by a special Jaikar to Holy Mother Easwaramma.
This evening, Bhagawan, upon emerging at 1452 hrs. came for a full round before coming on to the portico, to move into the bhajan hall. In the bhajan hall, Bhagawan interacted with the group of teachers and organisers representing various Sai educational institutions who have come for a workshop on "Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini", a nascent project on higher secondary education, under the auspices of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations. Bhagawan spent quite sometime in the middle interacting and blessing the group of over fifty, before exiting through the rear door to cut through the upper portico, coming onstage at 1730 hrs. Veda chanting that has been on continued for next five minutes before Bhagawan asked for the cultural programme to commence.
Illustrious story of Bhadrachala Ramdas, whose trials and tribulations, that was forced upon him, for having accused of mis-utilising the treasury funds for temple construction and final redemption was well depicted by the Balvikas children from Bangalore, in the dance drama entitled, Bhadrachala Ramdas. The fifty minute dance drama ended on a happy note when Lord Rama along with his brother Lakshmana in the guise of servants went to the tax collector to pay and bail out a "surrendered" Ramdas, after 12 years of imprisonment.
“ Responding to our Easwaramma Day Reporting, we have a mail received from Ms. Janet Bock Bicker, wife of late Richard Bock who had the good fortune of photographing the Divine in human form during earlier days....After reading about the preparations for Eswaramma Day, I am feeling a strong urge to send you the following photo and comment. Sunday, February 6, 1972. Mid-morning, as I was walking alone from the ladies' side of the darshan area, between the back of the Mandir and the rooms to the south for permanent residents, I saw Swami's mother standing with several ladies in front of her room. I paused from a distance, bowed my head, folding my hands in the namaste gesture..." Read On--->>
At the end of the presentation Bhagawan blessed the cast of the drama with group photos. Bhajans started at 1845 hrs. and continued till Arathi at 1855 hrs. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan sat for some more time onstage, as Prasadam was distributed to the drama crew. Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram at 1905 hrs. More Photos Easwaramma DayAlso: read Eye witness account Easwaramma Day - submitted by a devotee
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. On the Easwaramma Day Eve, this evening, Bhagawan emerged just before 1645 hrs. to drive past ladies' end, proceeding towards Mother Easwaramma Samadhi where work was in progress for the installation of statues of Divine Parents' of Bhagawan's physical frame. Upon reaching the Samadhi Mandir at 1647 hrs., Bhagawan unveiled the newly carved statues of Mother and Father by pulling the ribbon string, thus sanctifying the same. Inside the Samadhi Mandir, Bhagawan went round raised platform bearing the Samadhi's of "Divine Parents", before asking to break coconuts on all the four corners of the 'Mandir' inside.
Spending almost fifteen minutes at the venue, Bhagawan accepted Arathi before returning to the Mandir just after 1700 hrs.
Earlier, Bhagawan was accorded a traditional welcome at the Samadhi Mandir with Vedam and Bhajan troupes escorting Him to the venue. The entire area was spruced up and was covered with flowers and buntings heralding the auspiciousness of the occasion. The function was a private affair and thus general devotees were not permitted inside. On the road, leading to the venue, hundreds were lined up to catch the glimpse of Bhagawan.
Returning to Mandir at 1705 hrs. to the chants of Vedam and Nadaswaram recital, Bhagawan came for the "balance round" through the gents' side to come onto the portico through the slope on the gents' side, skipping the Vedam block. Alighting near the interview room, Bhagawan spent sometime outside the interview room before proceeding to the bhajan hall to emerge through the rear door, coming onstage at 1715 hrs. Listening to the holy chants of Vedam mixed with the nadaswaram recital in the background, Bhagawan sat onstage for the next half-an-hour, till 1745 hrs. before moving off the interview room. Bhajans began at 1745 hrs. and Bhagawan, emerging yet again at 1800 hrs. moved through at a snails pace, cutting across the upper portico to come onstage at 1812 hrs. Shortly, He called for Arathi and upon accepting Arathi Bhagawan spoke the priest before calling Mr. Narasimhamurthy,
Warden, Brindavan Campus for the announcement to be made on the next morning's function. The announcement read as follows: Easwaramma Celebrations would be held in the next morning at 1000 hrs. and the idols of the parents of physical frame of Bhagawan would be installed at the Samadhi Mandir during the auspicious occasion.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940hrs. In the evening, Bhagawan arrived at 1645hrs amidst vedic invocations. He went for a complete round collecting many letters and blessing the gathering. After completing the round He proceeded once more towards the ladies side and collected letters from those who missed out on the first round.
Bhagawan then came onto the stage and listened to the Suktams being chanted. Bhagawan proceeded towards the interview room 1725hrs and called a few devotees for an interview after which he entered the prayer hall where he interacted with some students and the priest who does regular worship there before proceeding back to the stage. He accepted Arati at 1815hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940hrs.
In the evening, Bhagawan arrived by car at 1717hrs and turning left in Sai Kulwant Hall and proceeded towards Mother Easwaramma Samadhi. After enquiring about the work going on there, Bhagawan then inspected the painting work going on in the university and school buildings and then granting Darshan to people in the village at their very doorstep, Bhagawan drove towards the dormitory construction site.
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After interacting with the engineers there and inspecting the work, Bhagawan returned to Sai Kulwant Hall at a quarter to six and sat on the stage as Bhajans where going on. Bhagawan accepted Arathi at 1805hrs. He then proceeded towards the interview room after which He interacted with some Alumni who are working in Bhagawan's university and hospital and retired to Yajur Mandir at 1840hrs.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940hrs. In the evening, Bhagawan came by car at 1628hrs and after crossing the ladies side turned towards the portico. Vedam was in progress as Bhagawan descended from the car and came on to the stage. He interacted with a few students and blessed Birthday boys with long conversations and showers of akshata. He then threw a vibuthi packet towards one of the alumni of the university with whom, He then conversed at length. Bhagawan then went to the interview room at around 1700hrs and after some 20 minutes summoned the car. Bhagawan then proceeded towards Mother Easwaramma Samadhi and oversaw the preparations for Easwaramma day which is held on May 6th of every year. Bhagawan returned to Sai Kulwant Hall at a quarter to six and after listening to Bhajans for 15 minutes, accepted Arathi.
This morning, there was no Divine Darshan and Arathi was offered at 0940 hrs. In the evening, Bhagawan arrived at 1725hrs while Bhajans where in progress. He went for a complete round interacting with many devotees, collecting their letters and blessing the various articles and invitation cards held by them. Bhagawan then came onto the stage and listened to the Bhajans. He interacted with a few students and blessed one of them who offered Bhagawan a rose with a chain. He accepted Arati at 1810hrs and asked for an encore of "Samastha LokahSukhino Bhavanthu". He then sat silently for 5 minutes enveloping the entire gathering in peace. Bhagawan then proceeded towards the interview room where he spent some 10 minutes after which he entered the prayer hall where he interacted with some university administrators before proceeding back to Yajur Mandir.
Acknowledgement - Source: photos, text etc. Our most humble thanks to all our Sai friends and fellow devotees for Sai Baba photos & textual matter, particularly to www. sssbpt.org - www. radiosai ,Heart2Heart Team (Prasanthi Diary) , Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation for darshans & photo material and all the other official & public domain sources - Also, Various Sai Baba groups ,Forums & individuals etc. In addition, submitted articles, Darshan account, photos & Sai news by respective Sai devotees from all over the globe & SBOI group members to Group Saibabaofindia & www.Saibabaofindia.com website. Submit Sai news & Photos: mail to: saibabaofindia@yahoo.com - Text & photo source: Heart2Heart Team (Prasanthi Diary), sssbpt.org - radiosai.org - Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org- saibabaofindia.com & SBOI group.