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Photos: Drama by students of
Brindavan Campus
 30 New Photos
(Sankranthi)
from
Prasanthi Nilayam
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On
the 13th, the students of the Brindavan campus got permission to put up their drama
and so from 12pm itself, work began in right earnest to erect the sets. It was
complete only by 4:40pm after which at about 4:50pm, Swami arrived for darshan in
the car. As Swami completed the ladies side darshan round and moved into the stage
area, the entire set and backdrop lay hidden behind a huge veil. Completing the
darshan round, Swami moved into the interview room. Slowly the sets were put in
place and everyone waited eagerly. Huge screens had been put up by the students in
various parts of the hall to facilitate comfortable viewing for all. Swami moved
into the bhajan hall where all the participants of the drama were seated. He
interacted with them for about 10 minutes and enquired into the roles and costumes
of many of the actors. It was about 5:20pm when Swami came out and sat onstage and
asked for the programme to begin.
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Along with the veil, jaws dropped too seeing the magnificence and splendour of the
intricate sets that had been prepared. Towering till the roof and standing about 30
feet across, just admiring all its different facets and aspects itself would have
taken an hour! The drama to be staged was entitled, "Bhakta Potana." Four students
playing major roles in the drama came up to Swami and presented Him the card and
flowers of dedication. The drama opened with the scene at the magnificent temple
that had been set. The inspiring story of the devotee-poet Pothana was threaded as a
discussion between Lord Vishnu and Garuda, His divine eagle-mount. Pothana firmly
believes in the truth that only that is worthwhile which is dedicated to the Lord.
His relative, the poet Srinatha (literally meaning,"the Lord of wealth") tries to
persuade him to get salvation for himself through riches and fame. But pothana
becomes the true "Sri-Natha" by making the Lord his treasure. He works miracles
through his sheer love for the Lord and cures a rich atheistic and critisizing
landlord, Gajendra of his paralysis. The high point in Pothana's life occurs when
Lord Rama appears in person in his presence and commands him to write the
Bhagavatham in Telugu. Implicit obedience to His Lord has made Pothana a household
name in Andhra Pradesh today where his Bhagavatham is revered and adored. |
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Padma Nayaka king of Warangal, Sarvajana Singha Bhoopaala , wanted Pothana to
dedicate 'Andhra Maha Bhagavatamu' to him. The king was himself a scholar and wrote
many works including Rasdrnavasudhdkara-a well known Sanskrit drama. But, Pothana
refused to obey the king's orders and dedicated the Bhagavathamu to Lord Rama alon,
whom he worshiped with great devotion. He was of opinion that poetry was a divine
gift and it should be utilized for salvation by devoting it to the God. The king
gets infuriated and commands his troops to destroy the work saying that if it was
truly Rama's property, He would protect it. The whole village stands as a shield but
are soon crushed by the brutal force of the soldiers. Finally when all is seeming
lost, an invisible force filed barricades away all the soldiers. The true devotees
at the scene see the great devotee Hanuman protecting his Lord's work! The king begs
pardon and all celebrate the glory, grandeur and Love of the Lord. |
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Threaded into the drama were beautiful songs, dances and stories of the mischievious
Lord Krishna from the Bhagavatham. The devotion filled evening came to a close with
the massive final formation. What a unique idea it was! All the participants of the
drama came forward and performed Aarthi to Swami. A simultaneous 100 Aarthi
performance! Wow! It was indeed a sight to behold. As they concluded, Swami seemed
so very happy and proud. He seemed to get quite emotional as the final song spoke
the Truth of how He was there as the ultimate redeemer and support. Once the song
and dance concluded, in a spontaneous gesture, Swami beckoned Pothana and created a
gold chain for him. What followed next was a series of group photographs wherein all
the participants of the drama - those on stage and those off it too- came to Swami
in small groups and had a cherishable and treasurable picure taken. When Swami gives
(and He gives so very often!), He gives completely. Everyone were so joyous and
dozens of letters and cards exchanged hands. Swami spoke to many of the studensta
and surely a lot of problems would have been solved and dreams fulfilled in those
little talks! |
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After the whole session, Swami told all the students to sit against the magnificent
backdrop and asked the photographer to take pictures of that beautiful sight. Then,
calling the warden of the Brindavan campus, Swami spoke very appreciatively about
the drama. He also promised,"After I visit Muddenahalli, I will come and stay in
Brindavan. That time put up a full 3 hour drama on the Bhagavatham and I will see
it." Needless to say there was a rupturous applause at this joyous news. The Divine
Director not only appreciates the 'actors' in the 'drama' of life, but also showers
love for a good performance of a drama within the drama! Receiving Aarthi and having
it announced that the next day would be the prize distribution for the students on
the holy day of Sankranthi, Swami retired for the day.
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32 New Photos -
55 New Photos - New Year with Sri Sathya Sai Baba
