Acknowledgement -
Source: photos, text etc. Our humble
thanks to all Sai friends for Sai Baba photos & textual matter,
particularly to www.sssbpt.org - www. sairadio.org SBOI group members 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
Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshana Santhi Mahotsavam web
material Source:
www.sssbpt.org - www. sairadio.org - SBOI group members for darshan accounts
& photo material - Layout: www.saibabaofindia.com
Words can't explain the kind of bliss that thousands of devotees witnessed
during the last day of Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshana Shanthi Mahotsavam.
Apart from the many thousands, there were many Swami ji's belonging to various
temples, spiritual organisations and Institutions. The atmosphere was totally
Divine and why not - it was the day to thank the DIVINE for coming to His world,
and witnessing 1000 full moons in this BODY.
People started coming in as early as 5am into the stadium. The security staff
were all alert and everyone wanted this DREAM day to be a very grand one in
typical Swami's style.
All the VVIPS one could think of were present in Puttaparthi apart from many
other dignitaries. And while we all were waiting for Swami, Prof.Anil Kumar and
Nagaphani Sharma rendered some beautiful poems praising our beloved Swami's
compassion and love.
It was around 9am when Sri Jayendra Saraswathi from Kanchi Peetham arrived into
the stadium followed by Swami Shivakumara from Sri Siddaganga muth, Karnataka,
followed Sri Sakthiamma Swami from Sri Narayani Pitham and others
At 9:45 am the most auspicious time, a profoundly memorable moment in our lives,
that moment which is undoubtedly a result of years and years of sadhana, that
moment of glory, which made every one jump in joy and that moment of joy which
took us to Samadhi state came when the Lord of the Lords clad in bright golden
yellow robe, seated in the golden coloured Mobile Throne appeared.
He sat in Supreme Bliss looking at all of us majestically from His Golden
Chariot as it entered into the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View stadium amidst Veda
chantings with 3 huge elephants leading the procession followed by students
chanting Vedas. The priests and all the Swamiji's on the dais watched the
Greatest Avatar the man kind has every witnessed. Thousands in the stadium were
wiping their eyes, to take away the tears of joy and have a good view of the
MATCHLESS Lord whom we very rarely see in His Golden Chariot.
Swami's chariot which had small tyres was pulled by Sevadals, (they
might have done lot of meritorious deeds in their past lives to be chosen
for this once in a life time chance), and the chariot took its time and it
was just beautiful to watch Swami in His golden chariot seated all alone,
blessing all the devotees seated on either side, watching all the
arrangements in the stadium and a sweet smile in appreciation.
The Chariot slowly came closer to the dias, all the primary school kids seated
right across the dais were in full swing with their characteristic full throated
Veda chanting. Swami sweetly looked at them appreciating their devotion and
blessed
them from the Golden Chariot. As the Golden Chariot came closer to the
dais, He was slowly wheeled on to the dais and all the Spiritual heads
looked at Him, some of them were here for the first time and we could
see the bliss on their faces and a first hand experience of what our Swami is
and what we devotees mean to Swami and the love He has for us.
The Chariot stopped in front of the dais and Swami transferred on to the
dais. He then proceeded to see the vedic activities taking place by the priests
and Swami visited each and every Yagna Kunda and blessed the rituals while
witnessing the poornahuthi thus ending the Most memorable Event which the Man
kind has ever witnessed so far. Swami then came forward and all the Swamiji's
were seated on either side of Swami. It was a treat to watch this particular
scene where the Avatar of this Kali age with Swamijis from distinguished
Spiritual organisations (Muths) in India on either side. Sri Shiva Kumara Swami
from Sri Siddaganga Muth Spoke in kannada thanking Swami for this opportunity
and asked the humanity to uphold the Indian culture and Dharma. The Swamiji who
is a centurion was seated next to our beloved Swami and Swami had a sweet smile
when He exchanged words with Him.
It was around 10:45am and Arathi was given to Swami and taking leave from all
the blessed souls, Swami left to His Physical Abode in His usual Porte car thus
marking the end of a magnificent, never before SAI morning and there were
smiles and just smiles on every one's faces... and any particular reason for
that broad smile??? Its the reflection of Love we have for Swami and if you are
smiling or there are any tears in your eyes while reading this report.. its all
Swami and His love being reflected on you.....Will we have another holy day like
this.. probably yes if Swami blesses us...
Prasadam was distributed to all the approximate150,000 devotees (the chosen
souls) and we all left for our homes with our families hoping to come back again
at 5pm for a cultural programme by Ms.Mahalakshmi Iyer and Troupe and hopefully
a divine discourse from the 1000 full moon Swami... while others headed to the
Bangalore International Airport to get back to their countries after their 3 or
4 day after having witnessed one of the most important days in the history of
the universe.
( Submitted to SBOI-Group)
17 Evening, was held at Sai Kulwant
Hall. Bhagawan came to the Hall at 5.25 p.m. and went round the Hall to the delight of the
huge gathering. The Sankaracharya of Puri was present on the dais on this occasion. The
arrangement of idols for this evening’s programme, Rukmini Kalyanam (marriage of Rukmini with
Lord Krishna) was Lord Krishna’s idol placed on a pedestal on one side, decorated in all
splendour and His consorts Rukmini, Sathyabhama on another pedestal, on the other side. The
celestial wedding was performed in the traditional manner with all its piety.
Click here to read more and see today evening's
photos slides
Lord had a special invitee and from the heavens rained droplets; drizzles dripped in the wee
hours bathing Prasanthi as if showing gratitude; unwilling to budge from the sight that was
heavenly , she went on showering herself, making merry of the boon bestowed upon…
Yes, rain god forced her entry into Prasanthi and was unwilling to desist. The day 2 of the
Yajna had a dizzying start due to the sudden rains, but things fell in place soon when lashing
rains subdued to cooling drizzles retaining the charming freshness and adding to this
freshness arrived Bhagawan at 9:30 a.m.
While spirit beyond the platform was bit dampened due to the intermittent
rain, the dais was yet again a scene for bustling actions. The morning rituals included
Yagasaala Suddhi and Pratah Kaladharanam. A group of priests were engaged in Sarva Veda Shakha
Parayanams while another set of Rithwiks were engaged in Navagraha Parayanam and Maha
Mrithyunjaya Japam.
Two main rituals for the second day of the Yajna were Satharudra Abhishekam and Maha
Mrithyunjaya Homam. Satharudra Abhishekham was performed to the Sayeeshwara Lingam that was
consecrated during the Ati Rudra Maha Yajna held in the year 2006. Abhishekham was done to the
linga with milk, curds, clarified butter, turmeric paste, sugar, vibhuthi (holy ash), coconut
water etc. Maha Rudrabhishekam is performed invoking greater benediction from Lord Rudra. As
each of these items were offered under strict religious discipline with accompaniment of vedic
mantras, the Linga that was charged by the Divine hands during the Atirudra was shining in
splendour evoking nostalgic memoirs. top
Maha Mrithyunjaya Homam was done invoking immortality for all living beings. The two hour long
homam was done by the Chief Priest for the Yajnam. With the accompaniment of holy chants and
Bhagawan presiding over, Poornahuthi was offered to the Yajna Purusha. Oblations including
vastra, phala etc. along with a golden chain materialised by Bhagawan were offered to the holy
fire followed by Mangala Arathi.
These are the spiritual exercises that entail detailed scriptural procedures to follow in
precision and the blessedness that it brings goes not for any limited sect, but for the
universe at large, ensuring greater benediction for world harmony.
Earlier, His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, the Pontiff of
Avadhoota Datta Peetham at Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama in Mysore came on stage paying
obeisance to Bhagawan. After spending sometime with Bhagawan and watching the Poornahuthi
proceedings, the Swamiji left the stage while proceedings were still on.
The Yajna Vedhi was indeed a sight of greater benediction with 150
priests sitting around chanting vedic mantras and performing rituals along with 150 boys
chanting Rudram. With weather taking its toll showering rain drops from heavens beyond the
sky, and Bhagawan in His majesty showing up with His pristine presence, two elephants taking
guard on either side of the platform raising trunks in reverence reminding one of the kingly
days, the sight was absolutely dazzling and spiritually elevating. Gods of the highest heaven
would also be watching this heavenly sight through the holes of heaven,
if there be, when Yajna Vedhi was virtually transformed into a virtual heaven…and they seemed
to be singing to the fraternity on planet earth… top
This is the house, the house of the Lord!
We wish the best for you!
This is the house, the house of the Lord!
We wish the best for you!
Bhagawan who came at 9:30 a.m. spent an hour on the platform, at times watching the rituals,
often moving around blessing the pundits and students onstage and the devotees who dared to
show up in spite of intermittent rains. Managala Arathi was offered at 10:30 before Bhagawan
retired to His Divine Abode.
World may watch this Divine cosmic drama without entreating much into the greater import it
entails. But, anything that happens at His instance has a greater meaning and it is aimed at
Loka Kalyaanam, for the benefit of world at large!
The weeklong Bhagavata Saptaha came to a grand conclusion on 16th November
2008. On this evening, Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at 4.40 p.m. Needless
the say, the number of devotees have swelled to enormous proportions. As
Bhagawan came to the dais, the priests started abhishekam (ceremonial sacred
bath) of the idols of Lord Krishna and Rukmani and Sathyabhama (the consorts
of Lord Krishna). The abhishekam was done with religious fervour, chanting of
Vedas by students and priests. As the ceremonial bathing of the idols with
milk, curd, honey, diluted sandal paste, tender coconut and Kumkum continued
in the traditional way, the students chanted Sri Rudram, Purusha Suktam, Sri
Suktam, Bhu Suktam and Narayana Upanishad from the Vedas. After each
ceremonial bathing with water, the idols were dried with soft cloth and arati
was offered to the Lord. Lord Krishna with His consorts was garlanded with
different types of garlands. If it was Tulasi (basil) garland one time, it was
a fragrant rose garland next time. With such scrupulousness and devotion, the
entire ritual was performed. An LED screen placed at the eastern side of the
Hall, gave a view of the entire landscape of the proceedings. After completing
the abhishekams, elaborate decoration was done on the idols. It was sight to
watch the Lord and His consorts adorned with jewels and gems of exquisite
beauty and diadems on the head.
After this, it was the turn of Sahasraavadhani Medasani Mohan, another erudite
scholar to conclude the proceedings of the Bhagavata Saptaham. He dilated at
length on Sri Krishna Leela, right from the Lord’s birth to His killing of
demons and the childhood pranks of Krishna. His narration started from Sri
Krishna’s birth in the jail and how he heard an akashvani (audition from the
sky), which foretold his end. He continued with how the river parted when
Vasudeva was carrying the child Krishna to rescue it from the tyrant Kamsa and
the killing of Poothana. He gave a beautiful analogy by saying that Lord
Krishna had all the traits of previous Avatars like Matsya, Kurma, Varaha just
like human beings inherit the traits of their previous births. The butter
stealing episode of Krishna too found a mention in the speaker’s inimitable
style. At the end of his didactic speech, Bhagawan blessed the speaker with
clothes and materialised a chain for him.
If it was the mellifluous rendition of Priya sisters yesterday, it was the
beautiful compositions and their singing in ornate style by Malladi Brothers
from Vijayawada today. All their songs were sung in Carnatic classical style.
Bhagawan released a DVD “Sai Naada Jhari” sung by the brothers. As it was
being released, a song from the album, Sai Namasmaranam Sada Rupa Dhyanam was
played on the public address system. Their father who also happens to be their
Guru gave a lead to the songs in the form of verse in a melodious manner.
The first song Sri Raghuvara Sugunalaya …sung in Bhairavi raga was preceded by
a Sanskrit verse and Telugu verse by their father in Mohana raga. The next
song Janulamadhya Tirugadhe Jagapati …was sung in Khamas raga. One song
followed the other in quick succession. Janaki Ramana Dasaratha Nandana sung
in Kaapi raga was the next Carnatic classical song. The next song was the
famous Ramadas Kirtana, Takkuveni Manaku Ramudu Okkadundu Varaku ... sung in
Suryakamti raga, Capu Tala had a spellbinding effect on the audience. Disathu
Me Sarva Sukhadayi …, a Sanskrit song was the next one sung in Sankara
Bharanam raga.
It is worth mentioning here a Telugu poem sung by their father: “Dear Lord, in
times of misery and difficulty, I have been fortunate to receive Thy grace
without Thy knowledge. So, I have now become a thief. Oh Easwara, it is my
humble prayer, please catch hold of me and do not let go off Thy hold.” This
was sung in Tilang raga.
Now it was the song for the occasion, Sathya Paritraana, Dharma Paala, Santhi
Varada, Prema Swarupa Sai…” This raga “Sai Chandrika” needs special mention
here as it was invented by Malladi Brothers themselves. Sai Chandrika is the
derivative of Kokila Priya Raga, which is the 11th raga in the list of 72 Mela
Kartha Ragas (fundamental ragas) in the Carnatic School of Music. Since it is
the 83rd Birthday of Bhagawan, the 11th raga in Carnatic music, i.e., 83
subtracted by 72 Mela Kartha Ragas was chosen as the raga for this song. Their
next composition was Sai Namamamrutham Sai Charitamathulitam sung in Yama
Kalyani raga. Another composition for this occasion was sung by their father –
Sahasra Chandra Darshanam …The raga for this song was Madyhyamavathi. They
capped their performance with the famous Mangalam song Rama Chandraya Janaka
…Then Bhagawan blessed the singers and the accompanying artistes with clothes.
Mangalarati for the day was offered at 7.45 p.m. to Bhagawan.
Watch out this space for the concluding day report of this grand and glorious
festival.
Setting of the Venue:
The three-day Maha Yajna for Universal Peace started on
the morning of 15th November 2008. The Yajna is being held in the sprawling Hill View Stadium.
People thronged the stadium right from 4 ’o clock in the morning. Elaborate arrangements have
been made for devotees’ convenience. The entire stadium has been carpeted and the stage where
the 12 Homa Kundas are constructed is in an elevated place for better viewing of the
proceedings of the Yajna. A beautiful idol of Lord Venkateswara occupied the centre stage. top
Beautiful photographs of Bhagawan adorned all sides of the galleries with the caption, “Glory
to our Lord Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba”. Giant LED screens provided the entire panorama of
the proceedings in the stage and the stadium. Flags of different countries punctuated both
sides of the galleries. Sound acoustics was so well arranged that the Veda Parayanas could be
heard clearly even at the end of the stadium.
Proceedings of the Yajna:
At 7.30 a.m. 150 students in their shining ochre dhotis
and angavastrams occupied their positions in the Yajna Vedika. It is worth mentioning here
that the dhotis were personally given by Bhagawan to these students. 150 priests are
conducting this Yajna for universal peace. Out of them 62 are from Shringeri and the rest are
from Andhra Pradesh. The officiating Chief Priest of the Yajna is Lakshminarayana Somayaji.
The Yajna began at 7.45 with a prayer to Lord Dakshinamurthy and chanting of invocatory
Mantras to Lord Ganesh. At the outset, the Chief Priest outlined the various aspects of the
Yajna. To mention a few: Ganapati Homa, Lakshminarayana Puja and Suryanamaskar (salutations to
sun god) was performed by 4 priests. The Chief Priest then instructed 6 priests to officiate
in each of the Yajna Kundas.
Bhagawan arrived at the Hill View Stadium at 8.40. As He was nearing the Vedika, he was given
a grand welcome from the Hanuman hilltop with a display of pyrotechnics. At the Yajna Vedika,
He was traditionally welcomed with Poornakumbham. Then the students and priests began the
Yajna with the chanting of Ganeshatharvasheersham. This was followed by Purusha Suktam, Sri
Rudra Prasna. As the chanting was in progress, the sacred fire for the Yajna was produced in
the traditional way by the process of churning one piece of wood over the other. The Veda
chanting continued with Narayana Suktam, Sivopasana Mantra, Sri Suktam, Vishnu Suktam, Bhu
Suktam, Medha Suktam, Neela Suktam, Suryopanishad, etc. Auspicious items were offered in the
Yajna with the chanting of Vedic Mantras. Bhagawan went around the Yajna Vedika seeing the
proceedings and granting the bliss of His Darshan to devotees in the stadium. At 10.25 a.m.
Arati was offered to Bhagawan and He retired for the morning session.
top
Photos:
Saturday, Nov 15, 08
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*******************
What entails when the Almighty Lord comes out in the open on a fresh
morning that is slated to be infinitely auspicious? He spends time
oozing compassion, while being dispassionate all along.
This was what Prasanthi had in store when Bhagawan emerged out of His
Divine Abode driving down to the venue of the epochal event, Sahasra
Poorna Chandra Darshana Mahotsavam.
The day that promised much finally arrived. Much before the golden
rays peeped from the eastern sky to the hallowed spiritual township,
Prasanthi Nilayam was up on her feet, bustling with joy and enthusiasm
at the imminence of the moment much awaited. And every attention was
on to the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, the venue that was finally
spruced up to perfection for the formal commencement of the big event.
top
As the Yajna Vedhi was getting beefed up with final touches before the
formal beginning, 150 Rithwiks designated for the yajna along with the
crux of the vedam boys from the ashram were readying themselves for
the final whistle to blow. The programme formally commenced at 7:45 am
with Punyaaha Vachan followed by Sankalpam by the person designated to
conduct the function. Adoring the centre stage on the dais was a
replica of the Lord of Seven Hills, Lord Venkateshwara, well decked,
matching the pristine splendour and spiritual aura of the presiding
deity of Venkatadri.
Morning rituals included chanting of the names of Lord Ganesha, the
Lord who removes obstacles, one lakh times followed by Sahasra Modaka
Ganapathi Homam by 62 Rithwiks from the Sringeri Sharada Peetam. This
was followed by Shatha Rudra Abhishekam and Navagraha Japam — chanting
of 10,000 names for each of the nine grahas, which will continue till
evening. Of the 12 homa kundas only three were lit for the day, one
each for Maha Ganapathi Homam, Sudarshana Homam and Maha Mruthyunjaya
Homam. Lakshmi Narayana Puja was performed to the main deity of
Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshanam.
The Chief Priest officiating the Yajna, Lakshmi Narayana
Somayaji from Sringeri Mutt, was in an ecstatic mood while
sharing few words with us. He felt that officiating the Yajna in
the Divine Presence was a great fortune and he had got it also
because of the blessings of Bhagawan and his Guru, His Holiness
Jagadguru Shankaracharya Bharati Teertha Swamiji of Sharada
Peetam, Sringeri.
Earlier Bhagawan was given a rousing reception, Poornakumbha
Swagatham, at the Shanti Vedhika at 8:40 am and simultaneously
crackers went bursting at the Hanuman Top atop the Hill,
heralding the auspiciousness of the occasion. Onstage, Bhagawan
was taken to the main shrine of Lord Venkateshwara and priests
were seen explaining and seeking blessings from Bhagawan.
Subsequently, the Yajna fire was generated with the ceremonial
churning and rubbing of wooden blocks to produce fire in the
most natural way formally commencing the Yajna. The most
compassionate Lord moved around the stage several times blessing
devotees with His fulfilling presence.
Mangala Arathi was offered to Bhagawan at 10:25 am before the
Lord retired to His Divine Abode. Navagraha Japam continued till
12:30 pm. In the afternoon, Sudrashana Japam has been scheduled
to be from 3:30 to 6:30 pm, and Sundrashana Homam from 4:30 to
6:30 p.m.
In the evening, the focus of attention would be shifted to Sai
Kulwant Hall as Bhagawata Saptaaha will continue for the sixth
day, followed by a cultural programme by the famous carnatic
classical duo Priya sisters scheduled for the twilight session.
Om Sairam dear Sai family, it was a beautiful morning and the day of the
most auspicious occasion of Sahasra Poorna Chandra darshana Shanthi Mahotsavam
was full of joy and contentment. The stage was all set for the most auspicious
event. the crowd started getting into the stadium as early as 5am and by the
time Swami arrived the stadium was almost full. The crowd may double in the
coming days
The priests and the students selected for Veda Chanting with the learnt
priests arrived on stage around 8am and the Ganapathi Prarthana began...
Swami came to the Hill View stadium, as the sun was just up and as the clock
showed 8:40am. Swami came in His usual Toyota Porte car straight away got on
the stage with the help of a specially designed lift. There were fire works on
the hill top near the statue of Lord Hanuman. 3 huge screens were arranged for
devotees sitting far to see the happenings on the stage..
Swami stayed for the whole morning session and overlooked all the rituals, not
forgetting the thousands gathered to have a glimpse of our beloved Lord..
Swami came on all corners of stage, for quite sometime, for the devotees to
have a heart full darshan and dip in the ocean of bliss.
Swami around 10:30am asked for Arathi and it was announced by Prof.Anil Kumar
that there would be cultural programme in Sai Kulwanth Hall. a vocal concert
by Priya sisters.
tomorrow's programme will commence at 7:30am and the much awaited Suvarna
Ratha Darshana Utsavam (Swami coming in His golden chariot ) will be on 17th
November after 9am... So stay tuned to Puttaparthi, to our Lord Sai...
With loving pranams at the lotus feet of our beloved Lord.
R.Satish Naik from Puttaparthi
Prasanthi Nilayam is gearing up to have a date with destiny, as the epoch
making event, Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshana Shanti Mahotsavam is scheduled to get underway
on the 15th November on a grand scale. The festivity is scheduled to have a formal beginning
with the commencement on the 14th evening with a group of 170-200 learned priests entering the
specially erected Yajna Vedhi in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium. The festivity would
continue for three days to have a grand finale on the 17th in the Divine Presence and will be
attended by devotees from all around the world.
The preparations are in full swing in the Hill View stadium with
a 56 ft Yajna Vedhi being completed at the Shanti Vedhika. This
extended portion is a temporary build that has a permanent base
built with granite walls and laden with sands, protruding to the
front as an extension to the existing Shanti Vedhika structure.
There are 12 homa kundas evenly marked on this extended
platform. This extension is being done in such a way that the
existing structure is left in tact underneath, well covered by
this newly erected platform…
Apart from the venue, Yajna Vedhi, all the statues adorning the
huge Hill View Stadium have been repainted to resplendence; all
the roads leading to the venue have been resurfaced, a huge arch
is being done on the road leading to the stadium and bamboo
barricades are being done in the stadium for proper crowd
control.
Prasanthi Digital studio teaming up with the students of Sri
Sathya Sai University is gearing up to provide deferred telecast
and video streaming of highlights everyday for the benefit of
viewers across the world. Two huge LCD screens are projected in
the stadium to facilitate a better view of the proceedings to
the massive crowd expected to attend the function. Closed
Circuit TV transmission will be provided in Sai Kulwant Hall
adding on to their effort to reach out devotees with better
coverage.
Hundreds of extra hands, ranging from masons to welders &
carpenters, painters to sculptors, technicians to engineers are
being pressed into service, and hundreds and thousands of extra
sevadals from different states have been already deployed to
meet the emerging festive demand, Prasanthi Nilayam, the global
spiritual town housing the supreme divinity is doubly ensuring
not to leave any stones unturned and thus making the event a
momentous one! Above report courtesy: sssbpt.org
The entire township was seen bubbling
with enthusiasm with devotee influx scaling with the tick of time. A visit to
the railways station in the early morning found huge number of devotees
flooding the platform, all beaming with great joy at the prospect of being in
the Divine presence of the Master Beloved.
Yajur Mandiram was seen decked up with
parading lights of various hues shining in brilliance as it ought to be. And
at the venue, it was a heavenly sight on the previous night as the stadium was
already at its luminous best with gleaming white shafts flashing through the
halogens, installed all around, lighting the entire stadium granting a classy
dazzling touch, with gobos and parcans adding on to the brilliance and
glamour. Huge hoardings with Bhagawan’s pictures and messages have already
been mounted and the hilly terrain and the newly painted statues on the south
of the stadium have been properly lit up along with the two monumental
edifices on top, the museum and the university building, that perfectly
accords with the dark sky on top, carving a perfect picturesque setting in the
backdrop of the entire stadium. Two LED panels are projected on either side of
the Shanti Vedika to facilitate close view of the proceedings on the stage.
Sound and light professionals are on the job to ensure perfection to match the
demanding occasion; sound effect that is expected to generate would be
sufficient to cover a mammoth congregation of 4.5 to 5 lakhs of audience. The
stage decorations are still on with lights and flowers taking lead role adding
to the glitter and grandeur. Students of the Sathya Sai University along with
senior students from the higher secondary school are on high alert to press
into service any time, if required. Green carpet has already been laid on the
sprawling ground that has been divided into various blocks with bamboo
barricades.
150 priests, 60 from Shringeri Sharada
Mutt and the balance from various mutts of Andhra Pradesh would be
participating in the three day long Yajna that would be officiated by
Lakshminarayana Somayaji of Sringeri Sharada Peetam. The primary function of
the Yajna began at 20 Hrs. today with the priests congregating on the platform
chanting vedic mantras that lasted for 90 minutes. The grand opening of the
Yajna is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. IST on Saturday morning.
It is the fraternity’s privilege to
rejoice anticipating the grandeur of the occasion felicitating the grandsire
of the family as per the traditional custom. It is its privilege to run the
show for Him and it is again the fraternity which is privileged to get
felicitated by this sire, through this wonderful opportunity that is bestowed
upon to humanity by the all mighty Lord walking on two feet.
It reads well…the full moon on 13th November, and the
very next day on the 14th, India marked her presence on the moon to become
only the fourth nation to scale this historic milestone, when the national
tri-colour was planted on the moon’s surface, and 15th November will be
marking the beginning of the epochal event in Prasanthi Nilayam, the
spiritual capital on planet earth. The splendorous full moon was shining in
the backdrop of the dark sky wondering at the drama happening in her name on
planet earth and she was seemingly saluting the Lord for she has been
privileged to witness eighty-two glorious years of the Avatar’s Divine
mission on planet earth!
A lens man's journey through the hustle and bustle of a big event in a
township like Prasanthi Nilayam would be most satisfying. He understands the
angle, he understands the shot, he understands the activity, he understands
the expressions, and as he moves through the crowd, he gets photographic
delight.
We have our special lens man who had
flown in from Germany to ensure that he would not miss the best of actions
during the momentous festivity. And these photographs tell us the facets of
this hallowed township and that of the devotees who are the life of the
spiritual saga of Prasanthi Nilayam. top
With each passing hour, every inch of space in Puttaparthi and the Ashram is
getting filled with devotees. Yes, it is with each passing hour, instead of
the oft repeated each passing day, that multitudes are flocking this spiritual
epicentre. All that one sees is a sea of humanity.
Sai Kulwant Hall, the venue of the evening programme was filled to its seams,
and many were waiting outside the Hall craning their necks to have a glimpse
of the Lord of Puttaparthi, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Today also happens to be the penultimate day of the Bhagavata Saptaham. The
decoration of Govardhanagiri (Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhana hill to save
the cowherds of Vrindavan from prosecution by Indra, the Lord of devas and
rain) was done on the idol of Venugopala Swami. The idol was beautifully
placed on a swing, with priests continuously swaying the Lord.
The evening talk on 15th November was by Dr Rajagopal Chakravarthi, a scholar.
He began his talk by saying that Bhagawan’s abode was the confluence of
Puttaparthi and Tirupati.
Throwing light on the Bhagavatam, Dr Chakravarthy said it was first discoursed
by Narada, who in turn passed it on to Vyasa and thereafter his son Suka
Maharishi gave a sermon to King Parikshit in his final moments.
The story of Ambarisha in the Bhagavatham is very sacred. Sages Vashishta and
Gautama once instructed King Ambarisha to perform the Aswamedha Yaga. During
the Yajna, Ambarisha forgot his kingdom and even his body. He concentrated
only on Lord Narayana. At the end of the Yajna, Lord Narayana appeared and
presented His personal weapon, Sudarsana Chakra, to Ambarisha. Armed with this
blessing of Sudarsana, Ambarisha was able to enjoy the world and surmount all
difficulties in his life. He had no worries, sorrow or desires. He
concentrated wholeheartedly on the Lord.
Sometime later, Ambarisha performed the Dwadasi Vratam, a twelve-month vow.
After observing certain disciplines for twelve months, Ambarisha was to fast
on the day prior to the completion of the one-year period. The fast was to be
broken at a particular time the next day, just before the one-year ended.
These were the
stipulations of the vow. Ambarisha was getting ready to break his fast on the
last day when Sage Durvasa arrived unexpectedly. Ambarisha received him with
great respect. Durvasa said, “Oh King, no one has performed such a vow in the
world. You will achieve great fame.” Ambarisha pleaded, “Swami, you must
accept my hospitality today.” Durvasa said, “With pleasure. But give me some
time. I will go to the river, bathe and complete my daily prayers.”
So saying, Durvasa left for the river with his entourage.
The next programme for the evening was a classical Carnatic music performance
by the famous duo, Priya Sisters – Shanmukha Priya and Hari Priya.
The first song was an invocation to
Lord Ganesh in Raga Naatai – Mahaganapatim Manasasmarami…What followed this
was a torrential outpour of mellifluous music. To name a few: Bantureeti
Koluviyyavayya Rama… sung in Hamsa Nada Raga, Mudakarata Modakam Sadavimukti
Sadakam… in Yamuna Kalyani Raga, Jo Achudananda Jo Jo Mukunda… in Neelambari
Raga. This song, which is specifically sung as a lullaby song, had a special
significance today evening as the Lord Venugopala Swami was being continuously
swayed in the swing.
The soulful renditions also included two bhajans, Jaya
Maa Jaya Maa Jagadeeswari Sai Maa and Shankara Siva Shankara Siva Shankara
Shambo sung in Darbaari Kaanada and Chakravagam respectively. After the
programme, Bhagawan blessed the sisters and the accompanying artistes with
clothes. The eventful day ended with offering Arati to Bhagawan at 7.30
pm.
Sprucing up to the occasion, the township is
bustling with enthusiasm as the clock ticks to the scheduled hour for the
epochal event to get underway. Roy Christie, a veteran South African
journalist who is currently camping in Puttaparthi reflects the mood and vibes
outside.
Sathya Sai Baba's ashram in
Puttaparthi has always been a vibrant place – the energizer of the Cosmos
resides there, after all, in human form – but in recent weeks it has gone into
hyper drive.
The reason? The ashram is preparing
for two events of significance – firstly to mark a moment with a proud place
in Vedic tradition, as Sathya Sai Baba experiences one thousand full moons
during His life so far.
Time-honoured ceremonies accompany
such a milestone and Vedic scholars from all over India are gathering here to
take part in the proceedings which begin on Saturday 15 November and conclude
on Monday, 17 November.
Secondly, Sathya Sai Baba's 83rd
birthday will be celebrated shortly afterwards, on 23 November.
The Full Moon ceremonies take place at
the Hill View Stadium, capable of holding the vast audience of devotees who
are expected to attend. The sacred programme of events will include special
prayers for the well-being of all humanity and for world peace. top
The ashram is always the centre of a swirling tide of comings and goings as
the human throng ebbs and flows. Some time ago Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
announced that the great Indian population were now ready to receive His
message and that they would be attending the ashram in greater numbers.
That, of course, has proved to be the case. In recent weeks the Poornachandra
Hall and mandir have been crowded with Indian devotees with only a sprinkling
of Europeans and others. Now that is changing. The Westerners traditionally
flock to Puttaparthi for Sai Baba's birthday and also for the Christmas
celebrations.
Where I live my next door neighbour is a Venezuelan and down the corridor
there are an Iranian and a Briton. When I go for lunch at the Western Canteen
I meet a Canadian, an American, a Sri Lankan and a Londoner.
At the Internet shop where I Google, the language mix has enlarged. French,
Italian, Russian now join the melodious murmurings which resound from cubicle
to cubicle.
And in recent days gangs of workmen have been carrying out a feverish
upgrading of various aspects of the ashram.
At the main gate they placed a new, impressive structure atop the gate,
constructed, according to a British builder I know, of a wooden base and
plaster of paris superstructure. He watched the men as they worked.
He told me with a note of awe: "They put it up and painted it so fast I was
impressed."
And security is clearly a primary concern. The newspapers revealed recently
that a special detail of security forces had been deputed to saturate
Puttaparthi with a cordon of safety.
Police are everywhere. You hear their vehicles in the still Puttaparthi
nights, the occasional police siren triggering an outbreak of barking dogs and
braying donkeys.
But apart from the town of Puttaparthi, Prasanthi Nilayam remains the Abode of
Supreme Peace. When Sathya Sai Baba appears before the throng of worshippers,
a stand-out vision in His red robe and with His distinctive halo of dark hair,
a wave of love arises from the thousands of devotees and washes over Him – He
who is self-described as "the embodiment of love."
There is an electricity in the air, the energy of adoration, and there is
hardly a dry eye in the great concourse
The Lord
of Thousand Moons: Avatars of God are spectacular occurrence
at any given time in history. But, the triple Avatars of Sri Shirdi Sai, Sri
Sathya Sai and Sri Prema Sai are in themselves unique in the history of the
known Universe. And now we are living here as contemporaries of the Sri Sathya
Sai Avatar, the second in line of three avatars spanning over three hundred
years. When Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai is crossing the physical milestone of 83
human years of His glorious earthly sojourn, within all this wonderment, we
are about to experience a most auspicious event, commemorating the epoch
making occasion, Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshana Mahotsavam.
Going by the Hindu scripture, a human being crossing 83 years in his physical
frame is a remarkably significant occasion. This occasion comes with a greater
import when he is supposedly sighting the moon the 1000th time during his
physical sojourn. For the mortals it entails a greater significance. But, how
does it signify, when it comes to The One who is credited with the onus of
entire creation? An answer to this would come when Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai
Baba, the Lord walking on two feet is crossing this humanly attributed mile
stone, as His physical frame is touching the 83rd year of His glorious sojourn
on planet earth.
Commemorating this once in life-time happening, a Sahasra Poorna Chandra
Darshana Mahotsavam is being organised in Prasanthi Nilayam from 15th to 17th
in the immediate Divine Presence. The mysterious significance attached owing
to the Divine stature of this festivity does make the event a rarity that goes
much beyond human perceptions when it comes to the spiritual import of the
occasion.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the Avatar of the age, will gaze upon His one
thousandth full moon in His earthly lifetime, an occurrence that is
significant from human perspective. This is perhaps for the first time ever in
the history that an Avatar grants Poorna Chandra Darshanam! It is time for the
humans, lucky being contemporaries, to thank their stars that we are here
enjoying this auspicious time with Him.
Marking the symbolic significance of the ultra special occasion, Bhagawan is
expected to mount the golden chariot, once again at the Hill View stadium for
full public view that would be lead by a cavalcade of glittering combine.
How blessed are we that our Lord would be here among us to bless us with His
Darshan on such a cosmically significant moment in history!
A riveting account of a transcendental miracle of Divine as chronicled by Dr.
John Hislop in Sanathana Sarathi, May 1974
Early in the morning of Dec 8, 1973, Swami departed Prasanthi Nilayam for
Brindavan. After an hour or so of driving, He directed the three accompanying
cars to turn off the road to a clearing in an uninhabited area of forest.
Everyone got out. Swami was in a delightful mood, moving about amongst the
party and cracking jokes with the men.
Beside the picnic area was a wood apple tree with a few large apples in view
in the upper branches. The men tried to knock some of these to the ground by
throwing stones, but without success. One small apple, about an inch in
diameter, did fall to the ground, and Baba picked it up. top
Holding the small wood apple between thumb and forefinger against the morning
sun, Baba said, "Here is the moon.” Then He closed the small apple in His hand
for a moment, and when His hand opened, the apple had disappeared and in its
place there was a most extraordinary object.
The object in Swami's hand was a translucent disk (of stone?) thin at the
edges and thicker at the centre. It reflected light in a brilliant way and
throughout its body there was a puzzling variety of modifications. There were
dark areas of uneven shape and size; there were short and longer veins of
luminous mineral like materials of all shades of color; there were specks and
dots of color that reflected brightly in the sunlight. The total effect of the
disk was one of great beauty.
Everyone gazed at the object with intense interest and wonderment. Holding the
disk to the sun, Baba said that it was the moon in miniature comprised of the
moon's matter, that it was 'a mirror of the moon.' Nobody understood what He
meant, and we started to ask questions at length and we understood that the
two sided disk was an accurate miniature in stone and minerals of the two
sides of the moon.
It was as if one were to photograph the moon as it is seen from Earth, and
then to journey to the opposite side of the moon and photograph that side.
Each side photographed would appear on a photographic plate as a circular
disk. Thus, one side of the translucent disk created by Baba mirrored one side
of the moon, and the other side of the translucent disk mirrored the opposite
side of the moon. The darker unevenly shaped areas on the disk were the very
large features of the moon's surface; the brightly reflecting specks and dots
were individual mountains and smaller mountain ranges; the shorter and longer
veins of brilliant varicolored mineral were additional features of the moon's
landscape. top
Indeed, the visual modifications to be seen in the disk were so complex that
we could not readily understand it. Swami said that the mineralized appearance
of the luminous features of the disk were in fact moon minerals, that they
could be seen in the disk because it was thin and therefore translucent, and
that the same mineralization was in the moon itself. The miniature moon was
exact and fully accurate, and were there to be a photographic enlargement,
Scientists could at once recognize all the landscape features with which they
were familiar.
Baba told us that He would not give the miniature moon to anyone, and that the
disk would be returned to where it came from. He did not describe that source
and nobody asked Him.
At this point, food taken from the cars was ready, and a delicious breakfast
was served by the ladies of the party. I had the moon disk in my hand, so I
put it in the pocket of my jacket and kept it there until breakfast was
finished. Then I returned it to Swami. He again held it up to the sun and all
along the edge of the stone disk there was a rich golden light. Swami said,
see there is the sunrise!
After we had all admired the golden light, Swami again closed His hand over
the moon disk and when in a moment He opened His hand, the moon disk was gone
and in its place was the original small wood apple.
By this time a few strangers had appeared from somewhere and Swami gave them
the remaining food. The ladies tidied up the picnic ground, we all returned to
our cars, and we resumed the drive to Brindavan thoroughly pleased by the
breakfast picnic with Baba.
Bhagawan arrived at 4 o'clock this evening in His chair to Sai Kulwant Hall. The priests who
were to conduct the Sahasra Chandra Darshana Mahotsavam ceremony from tomorrow were seated in
front of the stage. Clothes and other ceremonial materials for them were brought out. After
Swami's blessings, Sri Adikesavulu Naidu, chairman of the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam,
distributed the items to the more than 120 priests. The Bhagavatha Saptaham speech for today
began after the distribution at 5.15 pm. Dr. K. Ramanujacharya narrated the stories of Dhruva
and the churning of the ocean, bringing out the inner meanings of the Puranic stories. As the
speaker concluded at 6.30 pm, Bhagawan blessed him with a chain before accepting Arati and
returning to His residence in the car. An announcement was made about the programme commencing
tomorrow at 7.30 am in the Vidyagiri Stadium. The priests moved to the stadium, where they
completed preliminary rituals onstage. www.radiosai.org is readying to carry video web streams
of the highlights of the ceremonies over the next three days.
7:30 a.m. Yajnam
9:30 a.m. Arrival of Bhagawan
upto
1:00 p.m. Yajnam
3:30 p.m. Yajnam
6:00 p.m. Cultural Programme – Vocal Concert by Malladi Brothers
17-11-2008
7:30 a.m. Yajnam
9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
“Sri Sathya Sai Suvarna Ratha Darshana Utsavam”
Golden Chariot Procession
In the Presence of His Holiness
Sri Sri Sri Dr. Shivakumara Swamigalu, Head of Sri Siddaganga Muth, Tumkur
Sri Jagadguru Madhwacharya Mahasamsthana Pejawara Mathadeesha H.H.Sri
Vishwesha Tirtha
Sri Sri Sri 1008 Sri Sushameendra Thirtha Sri Padulavaru
Sri Jagadguru Kanchi Kamakoti Peetadhipathi Sri Jayendra Swaraswathi Swamigal
Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, Suttur Mutt
Pujya Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji
Sri Sri Rangapriya Mahadesika Sri Sri
Sri Sakthiamma, Sripuram, Golden Temple, Sri Narayani Pitham
10:00 a.m. Poornahuthi
10:30 a.m. Benedictory Addresses
10:45 a.m. Divine Discourse – Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
5:30 p.m. Arrival of Bhagawan
Sri Rukmini Kalyanam
Cultural Programme – Ms. Mahalakshmi Iyer & Troupe
6:30 p.m. “Grand Finale”
6:45 p.m. “Maha Mangalarathi”
