Video clip: Athi Rudra Maha Yagna-Inaugural day, with
clips from both morning and evening.
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Photos 1st day Om Sri Sairam to Sai Family, Rakhi Poornima wishes to all my Sai sisters. The
atmosphere in Puttaparthi, the abode of loving lord is fully charged as
part of the commencement of much awaited Ati Rudra Yagnam, the highest and
ultimate form of worship to Lord Shiva. How lucky we are to witness this
Yagna in the immediate
presence of Lord Sai Shiva himself….. This day is a
golden day in each one of our lives, the day for which we have been
waiting for hundreds of births.. the day conferred to those noble ones,
who prayed and prayed and just prayed to Lord Shiva..
We have heard of and might have witnessed many sacred rituals, Yagnas, but
this particular Yagna is a special one as it is being conducted in the
Abode of peace, Prasanthi Nilayam, in the immediate presence of Lord of
this Kali Age, who out of His Immense compassion has descended in a human
form to restore Dharma and teach us
to be human…. This Yagna, is not an ordinary one….. It is
a Yagna conducted aiming Peace and tranquility in this world, the world
which is in total confusion, disturbed. In a world in which PEACE is
broken into pieces…in a world, whose people are MILEs away from a SMILE…
and above all, this Yagna is directed by the director of the Universe….
To witness this ONCE IN A LIFE TIME ritual, thousands of devotees thronged
to Prasanthi Nilayam. Swamy came in the morning and Swamy had few
surprises,after darshan around 9am He came out for street
darshan, amidst cheers from thousands of devotees who
didn’t have the opportunity to have a close darshan inside the hall…..
All the devotees were looking forward to the afternoon darshan when the
actual Yagna was supposed to commense… the queues started very early
around 11am and all the devotees were made to sit in the hot sun, after a
long gap, in the vacant place next to Ganesha, reminding the days when
Swamy used to walk freely and there used to be packed house
darshans… the devotees were let in around 1pm and no
tokens were picked.
Kulwant hall was jam packed and the whole balcony of East Prasanthi was
filled with ladies. The Indian music band was ready at Swamy’s residence
and around 2:30pm amidst Mangala Vadyas, and as the 132 preists who were
chosen for the Yagna walked in chanting Vedas, Swamy’s car followed slowly
and drove in to Kulwanth Hall… There were 11 Homa gundams (the place where
the sacrificial fire will be lit) were prepared under a beautifully built
Mandap right across the dias. After a complete round, Swamy came walking
on the stage and was seated in His thorne..Mr.Vinay the youth coordinator
for Karnataka state and the fortunate one to be picked by Swamy to oversee
the preparations of this Yagna…came forward to Swamy… As he was explaining the
programme list to Swamy, He materialized a golden bracelet to him…
The programme started with a talk by Mr.Vinay about the importance of this
Yagna and how hard they worked to make it possible.. It seems Swamy used
to tell the minutest things to be done for this Yagna… when Swamy called
the head preist for an interview, it seems the priest told Swamy that his
Yagna will make Shiva very happy … Swamy then replies…”Iam always happy..
this is an Yagna for bestowing Peace in the
world” a very important statement reassuring that Swamy
is none other than Shiva Himself…
After the head priest finished his talk Swamy rose from His seat…. Every
one thought He would go to the Yagna place to bless it.. .but Swamy always
likes suprising devotees and His surprises always bring smiles on our
faces… and this time instead of getting down from the dias, as we all
thought, He asked to bring the Discourse table and the mike….. The
happiness of we devotees knew no bounds…We couldn’t believe what was going
on…..There were notice boards all over ashram giving the timings and
details of the pujas to be conducted on particular dates and according to
the notice Swamy’s discourse was on 20th very unusual for
Swamy to give the date of discourse in advance….We all were surprised… Is
Swamy going to speak?… Wow…. Its been a looooooong time since we heard His
voice, even though we can see Him every day, didn’t listen to his voice
for long… There was curiosity in every one…. How will He give the
discourse…. Standing or sitting?…. How will He sound like?.. Weak or
Normal… Will He speak about Yagna?.. will He finish with a bhajan?… bla… He rose up…... amidst claps and cheers….Devotees were
shouting, rasing their hands… thanking Swamy for this double BOON…
Suddenly there was pin drop silence.. what next?.. A sweet verse… or Prema
Swaroopulara…. Swamy raises His hands adjusts the mike… two boys slightly
raising on their knees, with one hand resting on Swamy’s back…
Swamy
adjusted his throat PREMA SWAROOPULARA…a big applause…. He starts.. “Due
to rapid modernization.. People are no longer attached to our culture
Indians have forgotten the values.. Gata Jeevudagu patin batikinchi yemu
gelche Savitri Bhrata Sadvi kade Savitri, the great lady, who brought back
her dead husband into life after successfully confronting Lord Yama (the
god of Death), is she not an Indian?…In which country will you see
a
woman who brought back her dead husband to life?…Tana Sathya Mahimache
Davagni challarchi chandramati Bharateeya Vanita kade… (Damayanthi who
estinguished the fire with the power of her truth, was she not an Indian
Woman? Sita who bravely entered into the fire.. was she not an Indian?
This land of Bharat, is a Karma Bhoomi, Punya Bhoomi…. A sacred land…
That’s the reason why Shiva was born in this holy land..akhila desala kidi
upadhyaee kade…. This land of Bharat is the teacher to the whole world…
Born in such a sacred land, even Indians are not behaving like human
beings..
TEACH VEDAS TO CHLDREN AND LEARN VEDAS:
“All the parents should teach their children to learn Vedas and understand
their importance. Those are the FORTUNATE ones who learn Vedas and
remaining are the most UNFORTUNATE ONES… Swamy then called two overseas
boys who are in Swamy’s school and asked them to chant Vedas, After they
chanted a hymn,
Swamy interferes and continues…. “These boys are studying
in our institute… Recently there were devotees from Iraq and Iran who
visited to Puttaparthi village… Even today there are few Iran devotees
living in puttaparthi and who chant Vedas like any person..
Understand the essence of Vedas..out of the four Vedas Rig Veda, Yajur
Veda, Sama Veda and Adharvana Veda, Rig Veda is very important…
He again asks the boys to chant another Hymn..Swamy continues “the essence
of Vedas is LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.. HELP EVER HURT NEVER…
ABOUT ATI RUDRA YAGNAM
This Yagna is not a simple ritual.. this is being conducted for Loka
Kshema( for wellbeing of the world)… Today’s world there is no peace There
are Yagnas conducted at many places…. Any one can do Yagnas, but none can
match this particular Yagna being conducted in Prasanthi Nilayam… those
who participated in this Yagna and those who turn their
entire concentration on this Yagna are the BLESSED ONES….(He also gave
some technical details and some calculations about this Yagna which
unfortunately I don’t remember)
Appreciating Mr.Vinay.
Swamy then turned to Mr.Vinay, who was sitting next to the table.. this
boy Vinay has worked very hard for this Yagna to be successful.. this
yagna is a very expensive affair… Many people came forward to donate rice,
ghee etc..but he very politely denied all… He just said.. for me Swamy is
enough.. He will take care.. That’s TRUE DEVOTION… He and his wife
participated very actively for this Yagna..They are married for 10 years…I
(Swamy) even asked Vinay, if he wants a son.. He said.. I want only YOU
Swamy… Swamy continued… I have never seen such a devotion
Swamy continued” I never charge any money for anything.. In Sathya Sai
Organisation there is NO VALUE for money… Education is free of cost… from
class one to PHd the education is absolutely free…even in general hospital
and in the super speciality hospital there is no charge what so ever…
Swamy continued “For a open heart surgery one has to spend 3 to 4 hundred
thousand rupees.. how can a common man afford the price?.. what will
happen to them if they don’t have the money for operation? In our hospital
a patient walks in with plain clothes and walks out with brand new ones…
This is the speciality of our hospital added Swamy..
(The above discourse was based on memory…pls read the official version)
It was 4:15 pm by then and Swamy sang Hari Bhajana Bina Sukha Santhi Nahin
bhajan… His voice sounded very strong…After the bhajan He was about to sit
down but stood again and continued… May all of you be blessed with happy
life, healthy life..long life and divine life….(loud applauds)
Swamy spoke for 45 minutes… After which the Yagna commenced while
Swamywatched it from the dias...
It was such a blessed day for all of us … made us very very
happy…According to sources. Tomorrow morning (10th aug) Swamy would be
installing Shiva Lingam which is a part of the Ati rudraYagna…
After the programme Prasadam was distributed to all the devotees and
interestingly even to the devotees who were out side the whole.
After the first day of the Yagna…. It rained in Puttaparthi, signifying
the blessings of the Gods in the heavens showering their love and grace on
this Holy Land
Swamy Sata Koti Pranams for this DIVINE BOON…
BLESS all those who made it to the Yagna
DOUBLY BLESS those who feel they are little bit UNLUCKY for not being the
LUCKY ones who witnessed this Moment of this Yuga….
Swamy in your DIVINE DICTIONARY… there is no word like UNLUCKY.. Just
knowing your Omnipresence and Omniscience is the Luckiest Luck…..
Bless us all Swamy…… May your blessings be always with you….
Jai Sai Ram
satish Naik
Read more:
1st day
official report
ATHI RUDRA MAHA YAJNA FOSTERS THE DIVINE NATURE OF HUMANS
9th August 2006
The day when people were engulfed in fascination for English language,
Knowledge of one’s own religion and language declined;
When knowledge of one’s own religion and language declined,
The cultural outlook disappeared;
When cultural outlook disappeared, righteousness declined on the earth;
When righteousness declined and disappeared from the earth,
The exalted position of Bharat was shattered.
Oh! Bharatiyas! Open your eyes and be alert to the situation, at least
now.
Oh! Men of noble qualities!
What more can I explain and exhort?
(Telugu poem)
The land of Bharat is very sacred. It is the land of sacrifice. It is a
holy land. It is the land where a number of chaste women took birth.
Savitri, who brought her deceased husband back to life,
was she not a chaste woman of Bharat?
Chandramati, who by her power of truth could extinguish the wild fire,
was she not a chaste woman of Bharat?
Sita, who for establishing her chastity entered the fire and came out
unscathed,
was she not born in this great land of Bharat?
This great land of Bharat is surrounded by an ocean of Sathwic quality.
The Bharata Jathi is resplendent with chastity and purity. Bharat is an
extremely fertile land of noble feelings.
Is it not true that this great land of Bharat is a world teacher?
(Telugu poem)
Is there another country in the entire world where a chaste woman could
bring her deceased husband back to life? This land of Bharat gave birth to
many such chaste women. In the Ramayana, the demon King Ravana abducted
Sita, the chaste wife of Rama and kept her in confinement under a tree in
Ashokavana in Lanka, guarded by the demons. He used to entreat her daily
to come under his fold. But, during the 10 months when Sita was under
confinement in Lanka, she never raised her head and looked at his face
even for a second. Such was her purity and chastity. The land of Bharat is
like a teacher to all the countries in the world. Though not all men in
this country are suffused with great and noble feelings, every woman here
is certainly chaste, truthful and righteous. Even when their husbands
return home, the women in Bharat would greet them only submissively. Where
else would Lord Shiva incarnate, except in such a sacred land as Bharat?
God cannot be manifested merely by offering worship, performing vrathas or
by conducting rituals like Yajna. It is only by developing purity of heart
and noble qualities that one can have the vision of God. All the objects
in the world are created by the omnipresent and omnipotent Lord who is the
creator, sustainer and destroyer of the universe. Every object in this
universe is a gift of God. God is immanent in every object. It is said,
Easwara sarva bhutanam (God is the indweller of all beings) and Isavasyam
idam sarvam (the entire universe is permeated by God). Hence, whatever
object you come across, consider it as an embodiment of Divinity. People
say, this is a cloth (showing a handkerchief). It is not really so. It is
a piece of cloth made by wearing together a number of threads. But, that
is also not a correct description. It is a manifestation of cotton. From
cotton come the threads and the threads are woven together to make a
cloth.
What is the nature of Divinity? Nirgunam, Niranjanam, Sanathana Niketanam,
Nitya, Shuddha, Buddha, Mukta, Nirmala Swarupinam (God is attributeless,
pure, final abode, eternal, unsullied, enlightened, free and embodiment of
sacredness). Divinity is given different names by different people, but
God is beyond name and form. He is all names and forms. He is
all-pervading. That is why He is described as Sarvatah panipadam tat
sarvathokshi siromukham, sarvatah sruthimalloke sarvamavruthya tishthati
(with hands, feet, eyes, head, mouth and ears pervading everything, He
permeates the entire universe). You are concerned with the human body.
But, it is like a water bubble. The mind is a ‘bundle of thoughts’. Hence,
one should not lead one’s life reposing full faith in the body and mind.
No doubt, the human body is a gift of God. In fact, we are born to offer
everything that has been given by God, to God Himself. Lord Krishna in
Bhagawad Gita declared, Mamaivamsho jivaloke jivabhuta sanathana (the
eternal Atma in all beings is a part of My Being). He said, You are all My
amsa. Hence, you are not a mere human being. The name given to you in this
objective world is the one that is given by your parents. In fact, at the
time of your birth you had no name at all! Humanity is associated with
Divinity, which is pure and sacred. It is only to foster such a sacred
nature in human beings that God incarnates from time to time. Whenever
righteousness declines, God incarnates to uphold Dharma in keeping with
His declaration:
Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati Bharata,
Abhyutthanamadharmasya tadatmanam srujamyaham.
(When there is a decline in Dharma and rise in adharma, I incarnate Myself
for the establishment of Dharma.)
In today’s world, righteousness has declined and truth has gone into the
oblivion. The whole world is filled with injustice, indiscipline and evil
behaviour. In such a chaotic state, faith in God is the only lasting
remedy. Truth is the only refuge, for, truth is God. Love is God, live in
love. Devoid of love, one cannot live. Hence, one has to love God to
receive the gift of love from God. It is only by love that God can be
attained.
As stated by the Pundit who just spoke, the ‘Athi Rudra’ consists of many
Namakas and Chamakas. They sustain the human life. From where did this
power come? The Namaka and Chamaka are taken from the Krishna Yajur Veda.
It is an all inclusive Veda, from which the other Vedas, Sastras
(scriptures), Ithihasas (ancient legends) and Puranas emanated.
Unfortunately, today, the Vedas have lost their pre-eminent position due
to poor patronage. People who take to a serious study of the Vedas and
chant the mantras contained in them regularly have become rare. A regular
study of the Vedas and practice of Vedic injunctions confer all forms of
wealth on the human beings. The fundamental principles governing human
life and destiny are contained in the Vedas. The Vedas are the gift of God
for the welfare of the entire humanity. The Vedas make no distinction
whatsoever on the basis of religion, caste, nationality, etc. The Veda
mantras can be chanted by one and all. (Swami then called two boys from
abroad studying in Prasanthi Nilayam and asked them to recite Sri Suktam).
It is Swami’s wish that the Vedas shall be spread to every country, so
that every human being irrespective of religion, caste, nationality, etc.,
learns Vedas and chants them. Some people from Iran and Iraq have come to
Puttaparthi, day before yesterday. The devotees from Iran are still here.
We are making efforts to teach Vedas to all people. The Vedas remove all
types of sorrow. The yajna that is being performed now is different from
other rituals like Puthra Kameshthi yaga or Aswamedha yaga. It is for the
welfare of the entire humanity. A few fortunate ones are learning the
Vedas and propagating them. But, unfortunately many people are making no
efforts to teach the Vedas, though they have studied them. Today, all the
students in Sri Sathya Sai Educational Institutions are being taught
Vedas. As a prelude to the learning of the Vedas, one has to acquire
knowledge of Sanskrit, the language of Vedas.
Nowadays, people of every country are making efforts to learn Vedas,
especially the Rig Veda. Along with it, they are also learning the Yajur
Veda, Sama Veda and the Atharvana Veda. Vinay Kumar has been appointed as
the youth leader of Karnataka State. He is entrusted with the
responsibility of bringing together all the youth in Karnataka on one
platform and make them learn the Vedas and spread the message of the
Vedas. Similarly, youth leaders have been appointed in all the states of
India like Andhra, Kerala, etc. Not only that, youth leaders have also
been appointed in the Sathya Sai Seva Organisations in all the countries
of the world for the propagation of the Vedas and Vedic chanting.
The Vedas are not to be neglected. The secret of the entire creation is
contained in the Vedas. The Vedas establish the goal and purpose of human
life. Everything concerning creation, sustenance and dissolution of the
universe is contained in the Vedas. The Brahmacharya (celibacy), Grihastha
(householder), Vanaprastha (recluse) and Sanyasa (renunciant) Asramas are
rooted in the Vedas. People are able to realise the glory of the Vedas
now. Wherever you go, even in the villages, you will find the ladies also
chanting the Veda mantras. There may be difference in the body structure
between the males and females; but, so far as the Vedic learning is
concerned, there is hardly any difference. The Veda is very sacred.
Especially, the Athi Rudra part is a very important section. ‘Rudram’ is
generally understood as a synonym to Lord Easwara. In fact, it is the
essence of all the Vedas, namely, Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana Vedas.
Another important feature of Rudram is the Ekatwa (oneness) between the
two parts, namely Namaka and Chamaka. The Namaka emphasises on the aspect
of detachment whereas Chamaka stresses on the aspect of desire. But, the
essence of both aspects is one. What is to be discarded and what is to be
desired? The evil is to be discarded and good is to be desired. Both are
essential. Whereas Namaka lays stress on Virakti (detachment), the Chamaka
speaks of desires for this and that.
People generally think that giving up of family life, house, land and
other forms of wealth as Thyaga (sacrifice). But, that is not a sacrifice
at all! This can be done easily. What is required is, sacrificing the
resultant desires. That is the real sacrifice. One has to realise the
purpose of human life. We are not born merely to eat, drink and make
merry. The human birth is given to us to help our fellow human beings.
Help Ever, Hurt Never. We should not cause harm to anybody. We should not
speak harsh words. In fact, such noble qualities are inherent in us. The
human body is Panchabhouthika (made up of the five elements, namely,
earth, water, fire, air and space). It consists of Panchendriyas (five
senses) which crave for fulfilling desires. However, there are also
certain values like Sathya (truth), Dharma (righteousness), Santhi
(peace), Prema (love) and Ahimsa (non-violence) hidden in the core of our
personality. These have to be brought out and manifested in our daily
life. This process is called ‘Educare’. Today, the knowledge that is
acquired from the study of books is termed as ‘Education’. This is not the
real education that we have to acquire. Real education is ‘Educare’, by
which the noble qualities that are inherent in us are manifested in our
daily life. This can be done by self-effort without someone spoon-feeding
us with some externals. Thereby one can lead a sacred life. It can be
attained only by God’s grace and by no other means. In keeping with the
saying Sarvada sarva kaleshu sarvathara Hari chinthanam, one has to
constantly contemplate on God. That is the real devotion. Ornaments are
many; gold is one; cows are of many colours, milk is one.
Divinity is one, by whatever name we call (Rama, Krishna, Yesu or Allah).
These are all the different names ascribed to God. It is said Ekam sath
viprah bahudha vadanthi (truth is one, but the wise refer to it by various
names). Hence we should never make any distinction in respect of God. If
one desires to know the secret (essence) of God, one should develop an
‘open heart’. You may contemplate on God by any name of your liking. There
is nothing wrong in it. But, it is wrong to worship one name and form,
while reviling other names and forms ascribed to God. Some people like the
name ‘Narayana’. They don’t like ‘Shiva’. This is wrong. ‘Easwara’ and
‘Narayana’ are different names by which the same God is worshipped. The
one God is worshipped with many names and forms. He who realises this
oneness will have peace of mind. To love one form of God and hate another
form is not good. You will not be able to fulfil your desire, by doing so.
Not only the youth, everyone (young and old) have to realise and follow
this principle. In fact, it is Divinity only that is protecting the world
now. The name of God is more powerful than the nuclear bombs. God’s name
protects the good and punishes the evil. Hence, if you continue to worship
God, surely the world will be protected.
This Yajna is being conducted for the welfare of the world. There is a
very important aspect of this Yajna. The Athi Rudra Maha Yajna protects
and fosters the divine nature in the human beings, while rejecting and
diminishing the demonic qualities. Thus, it works for the welfare of
humanity. This Yajna can be undertaken by anyone interested in the welfare
of humanity.
The material and other resources for conducting this Yajna have been
arranged by the efforts of Vinay Kumar alone. He undertook the job
lovingly and performed it almost single-handed. Several people had come
forward to donate rice, fruits, vegetables and other materials, but, he
did not agree to their requests. The expenditure for conducting this Yajna
involves a large amount of money. He went round all alone and arranged for
the materials for conducting this Yajna. I wish that every state should
have such dedicated sevadal leaders. He is doing a lot of service. I am
very happy about his service. He spurned all offers of help for conducting
this Yajna saying “Sai is with me; He alone will help me.” He was married
ten years ago. Both he and his wife are in the service of Swami. When the
proposal to conduct this Yajna was placed before Me, I asked them “Dear
ones! You propose to conduct this Athi Rudra Yajna in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Do you wish to have a son?” They replied in one voice that that was not
their desire and motive for their prayer. Then I enquired what else they
wished to have. Their reply was “Swami! We want you only!” I have not
heard such a reply so far from any couple. True to his name, Vinay Kumar
is doing a lot of good work, with love and humility. His father was an
Income Tax Commissioner. He was a colleague of Laxminarayana. Even now,
Vinay is associated with Laxminarayana. Vinay Kumar treats him as his own
father. There should be many more such souls which should be increasing.
When the leaders are good and competent, the whole world will run
smoothly. Unfortunately, today, the world has come to this sad state due
to lack of proper leadership. There should be good leaders in all fields -
Education, Politics, Religion, Spirituality, etc. But, nowadays you rarely
find good leaders in any field. Wherever you see, every human endeavour is
polluted with the craze for money. Everything is business. However, Sri
Sathya Sai Organisations have no such problems. Everything is free in our
organisations. Education from 1st standard to the Ph.D. level is totally
free. Same is the case with our Hospitals. Our General Hospitals and Super
Speciality Hospitals are providing medical services totally free of cost.
The hospitals outside charge three to four lakhs of rupees for performing
a heart operation. How can the poor people mobilise such a huge amount? It
is beyond their means. The medical services including the specialist
services are totally free in our hospitals. The poor people come to our
Hospitals for treatment, having not even a rupee in their pockets and
return to their places completely cured of their diseases. We should
render all services free of cost. I wish that all our Sevadal and college
students should render free service. Then only they will be able to attain
Swami’s grace. A word of caution - you may forget anything, but you should
never forget chanting the divine name.
Embodiments of Love!
The Athi Rudra Maha Yajna is great, most sacred and highly efficacious.
The lives of the people who perform this Yajna, will be sanctified. There
will be eleven Ritwiks performing the rituals at each Homakunda. There are
eleven such Homakundas. Thus, there will be 121 Ritwiks in all performing
the various rituals in this Yajna. For each Homakunda, there will be one
person-in charge, who will look after everything concerning the rituals.
Thus, all people connected with the Yajna work in unison to make the Yajna
a success. It is only by unity, anything can be achieved. From unity comes
purity and Divinity manifests from purity. Hence, all should conduct
themselves as brothers and sisters. If, for any reason you get angry on a
particular occasion, consider anger as your enemy and get rid of it. The
Kama (desire), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (delusion), Mada
(pride) and Matsarya (jealously) are the six enemies that trouble the
human being.
Embodiments of Divine Self!
You are not ordinary human beings, you are Embodiments of Divine Self,
verily. Each individual is given a particular name for the purpose of
identification. But, you are all Embodiments of Divine Self, not mere
human beings. I wish that all of you should lead a happy, peaceful,
contented and blissful life. You will not be able to lead such a life, if
you are not really devoted. Hence, develop devotion Bangaru! (golden
ones!) you must be immersed in devotion, not deep ocean. It is only such
devotion that takes you to the Divine.
