Courtsey :
Text & Photo Source:
sssbpt.org -
Also submitted darshan account and photos by devotees to
SBOI-Group
-Webpage layout: saibabaofindia.com
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 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
Monday 04, May 2009Bhagawan Returns from Kodaikanal...
Swami always says that joy and sorrow follow each other so
closely. Devotees at Sai Shruti
Kodaikanal, bid a rather tearful farewell to Swami as He boarded his
chartered helicopter at 9.05 AM this morning. Back home at
Prasanthi Nilayam, there was a buzz of activity to welcome Swami in about 2
hours time. Ten days of pure joy of darshan, sparshan and sambhashan for the
Kodai devotees will now be followed for deep yearning to see His smiling
countenance once more.
Bhagawan Returns from Kodaikanal...
COOL SHOWERS OF GRACE AT PRASANTHI
PHOTO
COLLAGE
SAI BABA CAR DARSHAN FROM AIRPORT ARRIVAL TO PRASANTHI NILAYAM
At 11.15, the special aircraft touched down at
Puttaparthi Airport. Agninakshatram is scorching the rocky terrain but no
one seems to care. Devotees are thronging either side of the road as the
motorcade passes along, drenching everyone with happiness.
At the gates the boys chanting the Vedas received Bhagwan. Quickly followed up
by the Bhajan Group who sang, “Swagata Shubha Vandanam,
Easwaramba Priya Nanadanam…”and Bhagawan seemed to be happy to be back
Home!
Prasanthi Nilayam has come alive. And is fast gearing up to celebrate
Easwaramma Day with Bhagwan. A day celebrated in remembrance of Bhagwan’s
Divine Mother
who gifted us this bundle of joy.
Sunday 03,
May 2009 According to
Kodaikanal buzz Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba may
leave for Puttaparthi on 4th may after early Morning darshan.
Kindly note these are unconfirmed reports, no official information is
available regarding this subject. Only Swami Himself knows His exact travel plans.
PUTTAPARTHI - ASHRAM - Info
Bhajans began at 9.45 a.m. and Mangala Aarathi was offered as Bhagawan
preferred to stay indoors.
In the evening bhajan started round 5.25 p.m. and Bhagawan came in for few
minutes before moving out to grand darshan to the thousands assembled in the
darshan grounds. Prof. G. was asked to address and the dais was shifted to the
verandah as the entire assembly could see Bhagawan and hear the speeches.
After the formal introduction by Mr. V.Srinivasan, Prof.Venkatraman started
his speech saying that it was Bhagawan’s love & compassion for the thousands &
thousands of devotees that made Him to arrange for the speech to be delivered
out in the open so that all of them could have His darshan. Just now the
bhajan “PREMA EASWAR HAI” was sung which means God is Love. Swami added “LIVE
IN LOVE”. The love that Swami talks about is not the romanticized worldly
love. The love exhibited by the Lord is an out of the world. It is pure love
that knows compassion & sacrifice. Selfless sacrifice issues from the Atman
and manifests as pure love. It is not individual, not global but cosmic
limitless sacrifice and selfless love is what we see in Bhagawan and then we
all say only God can be like that. But Bhagawan says it is possible for us too
, since, God is in all of us.
click to enlarge
Bhagawan left school at the age of 14. Then world war 2 was raging and a small
boy in a small hamlet declared that He was going to save the world . Even at
that time people were drawn to Him, but, not in such large members. In a
letter written to His elder brother He made a mission statement. To fill every
one with Ananda, To make every one good not only through example but through
exhortation too, To alleviate the suffering of the poor and needy.
He exhibited the phenomenon of the power of love. In 1990, on His 65th
birthday He declared in the hill view stadium that one year from then a super
specialty hospital would be built and function with cardiac and nephrology
departments performing free surgeries. Few people believed it then, since, we
don’t believe in the power of the atman. Next year, Bhagawan went to
Kodaikanal in April and stayed on for 41 days. Even in June, only the
perimeter wall was erected but wonder of wonder, an amazing structure arose on
22nd November. The prime Minister of India was received at the hospital and
Swami inaugurated it by lighting a lamp. Four open heart surgeries were
performed on that day. Even the architect to the Queen of England questioned
as to how it would be possible to construct such a structure in so short a
time. Swami sent students to AIIMS for training and Doctors there scoffed at
the idea of free surgeries. Now, in 2009, it is still working and in these 18
years, tens of thousands of free surgeries have been performed. People say, it
is possible only for Sai Baba.
On Jan 19th 2002, it was the 1st anniversary of the super speciality hospital
at Bangalore and a medical conference was on. Swami in the middle of His
discourse announced that He was going to give Krishna water to the drought hit
Chennai. For 5 years in a row, Chennai had been reeling under drought
conditions. The project was launched and a formal function to mark the release
of water into the Poondi reservoir took place. 12 TMC water was supposed to
reach the reservoir but only ½ TMC reached Poondi. So, He undertook to repair
and relay the cannal on the Tamilnadu side too, so that , seepage could be
avoided. On His 79th birthday, Chennai received water in abundance and to date
the 80 lakhs who live there do not face any water shortage. In Jan 2007, the
people of Chennai organized a function to thank Bhagawan and four Chief
Ministers assembled – Maharastra, from where Krishna Originates, Karnataka and
Andhra through which it flows and Tamil Nadu which is the recipient of Swami’s
Grace. All of them assembled to ‘honour’ Bhagawan.
In Ramayana, a mere monkey crosses the ocean empowered by Bhakthi for Sri
Rama. Sai Rama Bhakthi can achieve much. Love of God and fear of sin is the
mantra. Swami does everything for us and nothing for Himself. When the
devastating floods inundated Orissa, Sri V.Srinivasan brought pictures of Sai
Seva there. Though there are many industrialists in Orissa, it was Swami who
sent funds to build houses for the homeless. He had made a promise way back in
1947 to alleviate the suffering of the poor and needy. He always keeps up His
promises. The keys for the 1st batch of houses were handed over to the
recipients by Swami on Rama Navami .
Bhagawan might not have travelled to all countries of the world but from all
over the world, we find devotees flocking to see Bhagawan. In 1940, there was
no road to parthi, no electricity or phone connection. Yet, He has achieved
what governments have not been able to do. That is the power of Atman and He
assures us that we too can do the same. Follow Daiva preethi, Papa Bheethi and
Sangha Neethi would follow. Self Confidence which means Atma Viswasam should
be there. One should feel pain of others and give up attachment to the things
of this transient world. Do actions keeping an eye on the truth and one must
be rooted in Sathya , Dharma and Prema. If you let yourself be an instrument
in the hands of God everything is possible. If we do His bidding, the world
and we would be redeemed, said Prof. Venkataraman bringing his speech to an
end. Mangala Aarthi was offered to Bhagawan and blessed Prasad distributed to
the devotees.
The first of May witnessed Narayana Seva and Vastradhaan (giving away clothes).
Bhajans began at 10.15 am and Bhagawan went into the bhajan hall and blessed the
Prasad and gave instruction that it be distributed to the assembled devotees.
BHagawan further proceeded to the darshan grounds where Narayana Seva alongwith
Vastradhaan was arranged. Watching the distribution spending sometime Bhagawan
blessed the participants. 1000 Sarees, 500 dhoties, 500 towels, 250 blankets and 250
thick bed spreads were distributed to the deserving poor. Altogether over 15000 were
fed during the Narayana Seva. At around 11:15 a.m. Mangala Aarathi was offered
before He retired to His Divine Abode.
click to enlarge
1st May 2009 Evening
The first of May witnessed Narayana Seva and Vastradhaan (giving away clothes).
Bhajans began at 10.15 am and Bhagawan went into the bhajan hall and blessed the
Prasad and gave instruction that it be distributed to the assembled devotees.
BHagawan further proceeded to the darshan grounds where Narayana Seva alongwith
Vastradhaan was arranged. Watching the distribution spending sometime Bhagawan
blessed the participants. 1000 Sarees, 500 dhoties, 500 towels, 250 blankets and 250
thick bed spreads were distributed to the deserving poor. Altogether over 15000 were
fed during the Narayana Seva. At around 11:15 a.m. Mangala Aarathi was offered
before He retired to His Divine Abode.
In the evening Bhajans started at 5.15 p.m. Bhagawan went down to the darshan
grounds granting drashan to the assembled devotees and proceeded to the place where
a statue of Holy Mother was installed in His presence. After coming into the bhajan
hall & blessing the assembly with darshan, then it was the turn of Mr. Ajit Poppat
to address the gathering.
He commented on the auspiciousness of the day and proceeded to elaborate on the
significance of the English Alphabets that can sum up Bhagawan’s teachings.
ABC-Always be Careful; Always be cautious; Always be Compassionate….D - Devotion,
Determination, Dedication, E - Enterprise, Energy; F - Follow the Master , Face the
Devil and Finish the game; G – Be greatful; Be Godly; H – Happy, Healthy, Holy etc.
He emphasized to practice Bhagawan’s teachings; To bring transformation, watch
Bhagawan’s action, gesture & word and make the most of the fortune of having
darshan, receiving Prasad all of which bring intangible benefits , said the speaker.
Remember that consistency, persistence and intensity in our practice would pay rich
dividends in our Sadhana. Remember Him as every second of our lives as Karunamurthy,
Premamurthy, kshamamurthy. He had said that His life is His message. If we but
follow delightfully the path shown by Him our lives too would shine His message,
said Mr. Poppat.
Sri V.Srinivasan, the All India president of SRI SATHYA SAI ORGANISATION announced
that on this very auspicious day a statue of Mother Easwarama made of PANCHALOHA had
been installed in the immediate presence of Bhagawan and that it faces the lake in
the Easterly direction enabling the Sun God to have a darshan before starting on his
movement. It is an occasion for rejoicing and celebration. He then proceeded to
introduce two Sai Student who where to speak .Bhagawan has been giving a holistic
education that moulds the students and develops there innate talents like music,
acting, speaking among others. They are great achievers in academics too that every
student have holds 2 or 3 degrees.
R. Siddrath hails from Chennai and has a degree in English and is an MBA. He is an
actor and bhajan singer par excellence . He was followed by Sai Shyam Sharma who is
an M.sc /M.Tech, having studied from the primary level, he has spent 19 years with
Bhagawan. He is the University Brass Band Leader.
Siddarth said that his heart was overflowing with love and gratitude & went on to
sing the song Jagathodhdhahara, which ends in describing the Lord as present in the
microcosm and macrocosm. Even the Vedas failed to describe God. He proceeded to list
some of the lessons he had learnt at the feet of Sai.
He repeated the story of Krishna asking Narada as to who was the biggest and how
everything He mentioned finally led to the Lord Himself. A devotee has to maintain
equanimity at all times. As Shakespeare said “All the world’s a stage and we are
mere players…”. God has written the script and we act accordingly but the mystery of
this drama is that we do not know what comes next. Bhagawan who is ever giving and
does not take anything in return once asked a devotee, namely, Mr.Sinclair only one
thing in return and that was “BE HAPPY”, He asks for nothing else other than our
happiness. Remembering that everything is done by Swami and we are mere puppets
should make us smile all the time and offer our happiness to him. He proceeded to
quote a tamil poem that says only by space we come to know Him and finally surrender
to Him.
Sai Shyam Sharma began his speech by expressing his amazement at the number of
devotees who come from all the countries in the far corners of the world but swami
has not physically gone there. It is His Divine love and Supreme powers that has
drawn & continues to draw them. Bhagawan is unique. He is friend, father,
Brother…..Shyam Sharma recalled how in 1992-93 ,he was studying in the 2nd standard
and his shaky milk tooth was pulled out by a classmate. At darshan time swami
noticed the gap in the front teeth & teased that Maruthi car can fit into it.
Immediately one would imagine a Maruti car but lord Sai Rama explained that Maruthi
is another name for Hanuman. Swami is a teacher always. Very few people could bind
themselves to Rama or Krishna but Sai devotees, though far far away are bound to
Swami. The whole world is His family.
He proceeded to recall another incident when he received punishment for not doing
his home work. He sulked and skipped lunch & shifting at darshan thought nobody
cares whether he ate or not. Bhagawan came out after interview & walked up to him to
ask what he had for lounch. He kept quiet not knowing what to say and the boys next
to him said dal & swami father gestured “what Dal “? He realized that Swami was his
friend , and that he was there for him always. In 1994 his parents came to swami
&his mother who was suffering with intestinal cancer told him that their children
belong to Him, since she did not know how long she would live. Swami promised to
take charge of them and has been helping ever since. Sister’s marriage was performed
by His grace. For his brother studying for the exam in chadigarh , swami directed
him in a dream to study certain pages and 80% of the questions came from those
pages!!. Swami never leaves us. He sang the song Humko Thumse…and all joined in
singing “WE LOVE YOU” and ended with the declaration that there is only one bandham
which is prema bandham. He recited a poem to say how he felt when Swami patted his
cheek even before he knew Him as God.
SRI.V.Srinivasan commented that we all have learnt lesson of love from our brother.
He pointed out how so many of them had 2-3 degress but do not want to leave Swami.
They want only to continue to stay with him. There is a boy who plays on the tabla
who hails from Spain. Bhagawan is the most powerful magnet .Swami then directed them
to sing a Meera Katha . The students sang a song on Mother Easwaramma describing her
as “RATNAKARA VAMSA RAJAMATHA”. The boys ended with a QAWWALI that says life without
you is empty ,you are our heart beat, you are jeevan WE LOVE YOU.
The dawn of 30th April witnessed devotees pouring in thousands
filling the darshan ground spilling over to the grounds outside Sai Shruthi. Bhajans
began at 9.30 a.m. and Bhagawan arrived soon afterwards, to move around the darshan
grounds and both the slopes and even reach out to those outside the compound. After
an hour long bhajan Swami received flowers & blessed the prasad. He was offered
Aarathi at 10.30 a.m.
click to enlarge
The evening bhajans started around 5.20 p.m. Bhagawan went down
the aisle and received letters and gave close darshan to all assembled. He received
flowers and Aarathi at 5.40 p.m. He blessed everyone repeatedly by raising His
benedictory Abhayahasthas.
Bhagawan came to the scenic Sai Shruti Darshan grounds at 10.00 a.m. In all
His compassion, Bhagawan went round the grounds and even down the slopes to bless
the devotees. At the end, Bhagawan was offered flower and Aarati and the devotees
received Prasadam blessed by Swami.
In the evening, Bhajans began at 6.00 p.m in the Bhajan hall. Swami came soon
afterwards and went down the aisle receiving letters and blessing devotees. At 6.25,
Sri Ajit Popat was asked by Bhagawan to give a talk. His focus was on a Sai formula
for day-to-day spiritualised living.
click to enlarge
with reverence, gratitude
and love!
For His Vision! For His
Mission!
The Elixir Divine!
Humbly Yours!
Sunny...Blissful...Divine!
Kodai Darshan!
Divine Safari!
Proud Father! Bhagawan with
students!
The Divine Discourse
Divine Felicitation!
Burra Katha artistes being
felicitated by Bhagawan!
The Bangaroos!
Mother Sai - Proud of Her
children!
...and Yet another Ode with Love for the Divine!
Posing with the Divine! a rare privilege!
Burra Katha artistes offering Aarathi to Bhagawan!
He began his talk by saying that we have to pay
rent for the body given to us by expressing love to the creator. We should be
physically healthy and mentally alert and spiritually evolved. Paropakaram (serving
others) is important and one should always be busy and immersed in bliss in constant
awareness of the Lord. Switch off being “busy” otherwise and connect to Sai by
regular prayers. We should go back to the source with the right resources. Keep the
body healthy, neat and tidy. The mind has to be filled with pure thoughts and should
be always happy. Sri Popat ended his short talk at 6.35.p.m.
After Sri Popat’s talk, Bhagawan blessed the devotees with His Divine Discourse at
6.35.p.m.
Everything emerges from Truth and merges back into Truth. There is no place where
you cannot feel the power of Truth. Popat said that everyone is an embodiment of
God. There is only one, and no second entity. It is not truth, but illusion, if you
see duality, multiplicity. Whether it be a mosquito, an ant, an elephant or
mountain, everything is God. Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha Vadanti (truth is one, but the
wise refer to it by various names)
Divine Discourse at Kodaikanal, 29th April 2009
REALISE THE PRINCIPLE OF UNITY
Creation emerges from truth and merges into truth.
Is there a place in the cosmos where truth does not exist?
Visualise this pure and unsullied truth. (Telugu Poem)
WHEN YOU LOSE FAITH, YOU LOSE GOD
Everyone desires peace and happiness. Nobody wants sorrows and difficulties. In his
speech, Popat has said that all are the embodiments of God. God is one. There is no
second entity. When you think there is a second entity, then it is untruth.
Therefore, there is nothing like a second entity.
All are One
Right from small ants, mosquitoes, and birds to mighty elephants, every being is the
manifestation of God. Even the trees, hills, and mountains are manifestations of
God. Such being the case, how can there be a second entity? A second entity is just
your imagination and illusion. It is of your own making. Just think where your body
has come from. You say that it has come from your parents. No, no. You have not come
from your parents. You have come from yourself. There is only one entity. Where is
the existence of the second?
But people today put their faith in diversity and not in unity. What does unity
mean? It is not the combination of many; it is the realisation of oneness. When you
have mirrors all around you, you see your many forms. These are all your different
forms. But this is not the truth. The one who asks the question and the one who
gives the reply, both are one and the same. All are one. Daivam manusha rupena (God
is in the form of a human being). The same person appears in many forms. To consider
these forms as different from each other is a mistake.
When I am speaking in the microphone, you are listening to My voice. The speaker is
only one but the same voice is heard by many ears. Ekoham sarva bhutanam (I am the
only Reality in all beings), Ekam sath viprah bahudha vadanti (truth is one, but the
wise refer to it by various names). There is only one sun in the sky. But we see its
reflection in many rivers, tanks, and vessels. Sun is only one. But wherever there
is water, you see its reflection. Pour water in a plate, and you can see
the reflection of the sun even in that water. Does it mean that the sun is there in
this water? No, no. It is only the reflection of the sun. In the same way, Atma is
only one. The mind, the intellect, the subconscious mind, and the ego sense are like
different vessels. Therefore, divinity is one.
God can be seen in pure heart
Everything is God. If you think otherwise, it is only your delusion, i.e. maya. When
the sun is shining above, you can see its reflections in all tanks. Even where the
water is dirty, you can see its reflection. But when the water is totally dirty,
then, of course, you cannot see its reflection. In the same way, when your heart is
pure and clear, you can see the direct manifestation of God in it. But your heart is
impure. When you thoroughly clean your heart, you can very well see God.
God is immanent in everyone. Right from a newborn baby to a grown-up and old person,
He is present in everyone. A small baby grows up and ultimately becomes old. The
baby, the woman, and the old lady are the same person. Because of their thinking,
people see many different forms....click here to read the full text
of Divine Discourse at Kodaikanal, 29th April 2009
Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations then
introduced the Burra Katha (folk art form with dialogues and music) artistes -
students of Sri Sathya Sai University. Bhagawan honoured them with shawls.
These students had taken everyone to sublime heights by presenting vividly the lives
of Bhagawan, Shirdi Sai Baba and Mother Easwaramma. Bhagawan showered His motherly
affection on the three of them calling them His children and went amidst them to be
photographed. Sri Srinivasan opined that Sai students excel in every field and
exhibit multiple skills. The three of them then sang a song on Bhagawan which
described Bhagawan as the mother, father, preceptor, friend, philosopher and guide,
all rolled into one. While Bhagawan was being offered Aarati, He asked the three of
them also to offer Aarati to Him. There ended the evening of 29th April 2009
immersing everyone in the ocean of Ananda (bliss).
In the morning, bhajans commenced at 10:15 a.m. and there was a huge congregation
of devotees assembled to have His Divine darshan. Bhagawan came down the aisle
went round the darshan grounds blessing the devotees. Arathi was offered at 10:45
a.m. before Bhagawan retired to His Abode.
click to
enlarge
Tuesday , April,
28, 2009 Morning Darshan photos
for them who braved the scorching
summer
darshan, sparshan and sambhashan
The Divine Compassionate!
Motherly Love with Fatherly Concern!
Reaching out to all
If you look at Me, I will look at you
...and He moves on...
Why Fear when I am Here!
same Love...same attention...He moves
on....
Sunny Morning's rare boon!
Rare boon not to miss...Reaching out
the Lord in human!
...and a supplication straight from the
heart!
Blissful Kodai Darshan!
...and the Divine Retreat!
all focussed...
click to enlarge
Prasadam being blessed
The Lord of all Lords!
Tuesday , April,
28, 2009 Evening Darshan photos
The Divine and His entourage
listening, accepting and moving...
Litting the twilight with His Divine
Aura!
The Eternal Helping Hand!
The touch of the Divine!
compassionate, yet dispassionate!
Straight-Forward!
Up for grabs! He moves on responding...
a glance, a gesture, The Healing
Divine!
click to enlarge
For HIM and From HIM!
In the evening, bhajans began at 6 p.m. and Bhagawan went down the aisle moving
around and collecting letters from the congregation of devotees. After returning
to the Bhajan Hall, Bhagawan stayed for two bhajans before receiving arathi at
6:35 p.m.
In the morning Bhajans started at 9:45 a.m. and as Bhagawan stayed indoors Arathi
was offered at 10:15 a.m. Evening programme started at 5:30 p.m. and Bhagawan came
into the hall at 5.45 after granting darshan to all huge congregation of devotees
seated in the darshan grounds.
Prof. G. Venkataraman gave an introduction to the third successive Burra Katha
session; the story was based on Mother Easwaramma. He pointed out that in all the
ages only four times a woman has the rare fortune of being Mother to the Avatar,
namely, Kausalya, Devaki, Devangiamma & Easwaramma. The lacuna in the knowledge
about the very pious mother Easwaramma would be filled by the narration by Sai
Prabhakar and commented upon by Sai Raghuram and Aravind Sai. They would be ably
supported on the Harmonian by Harikrishna, Shankar Vinayak on Mridangam and Preethi
Ranjan on keyboard.
The Burra Katha session began at 6 p.m. with a Vinayaka Strotram and a song pleading
Swami to forgive the faults in the performance. The story evolved after the victory
song “Jayamee Jayamee Easwaramma”. In 1890, a daughter was born to Subbaraju and she
was married at a very early age to Venkama Raju to become daughter-in-law to a pious
couple Kondama Raju and Lakshmamma.
Easwaramma, the chosen Mother, had a rare vision that depicts the Immaculate
Conception resulting the birth of the Avatar. A ball of light came from nowhere to
enter into her, as she was drawing water from the well. This was the Pravesam that
resulted in the birth of Bhagawan on the auspicious day of Karthika Somavaram on
23.11.1926.
Karnam Subbamma suggested that the baby be named Sathyanarayana Raju and behold! The
cloth bundle that cradled the baby was rocked by a serpent under it which was
verily, Adisesha come to be near Lord Narayana who had taken birth. Even as a child
Sathya taught bhajan songs and moral stories to the village children and was honored
as their Guru, He was widely known as a miracle boy as He would often give away
pencils, chocolates etc. bringing them out of nothing.
There comes the
Lord into the masses...
Kodai Darshan...
All for devotees
out of pure love...
All eyes on One
God!
Yet another Burra
Katha session
Students out for a
safari in the Kodai Lake...
Panoramic Kodai Hills...
Embarrassed at the bizarre happenings with his little son, as crowd started
gathering around worshipping him, his father, having lost his patience asked him to
reveal his identity. And there came the reply that He was Sai Baba, the Avatar
prayed for, by Venkavathootha. He was Sai Baba of Shirdi come back again! He also
later revealed that He was the incarnation of Shiva-Shakthi.
The Divine Mother was amazed at the happenings and was always immersed in bliss,
but, very protective of her extra-ordinary Divine child. Subbamma was the Yashoda to
Sai Krishna feeding Him and fostering Him from a very young age and later fed the
hundreds of devotees that gathered around the little divine wonder. She was verily
Annapurna. She was most fortunate to receive Thulasi Theetham from the Lord’s hand
at her parting moments to merge in Him.
The compassionate Mother never sought anything for herself. “Ambara, Sambara
Nakothee”, The three boons she asked from Swami revealed that He is really Brahma,
Vishnu and Maheswara. Brahma’s consort Saraswathi and hence schools, colleges and a
university sprang up, Vishnu’s consort Lakshmi who is also called Batha Harini and
hence hospitals, super speciality hospitals etc. and Shiva wears the Ganga on His
head and thus water projects that quench the thirst of thousands and thousands of
people.
Her golden heart filled with compassion made her ask for these boons to bring succor
to the entire community. She was the one who spoke little, mild natured and ever
caring for the welfare of the devotees. She would often say “Antha Swami Daya”. She
shed tears of joy on seeing hundreds of poor being fed as Narayana Seva saying “Na
Entha Bagyam” (How very fortunate she was!) Just as Kausalya parted with her son
sent on exile for 14 years, Devaki had to part with Krishna and Devagiriamma her
newborn Shirdi Sai, Easwaramma gave her son to the whole world! She was the Devudo
Amma. She had told Petha Bottu Amma how she had seen her son as God incarnate.
During a summer course in Brindavan, on the morning of 6th May she called out
“Swami, Swami” and Swami responded that He was coming, and that was her parting
moments.
She was an ideal mother to all. The Burra Katha artists ended with a song requesting
the mlother to come down once to see her son in Yajur Mandir. Prasanthi Nilayam is
shining as Kasi, Rameswaram, Mathura, Ayodhya, Thirupathi, Shirdi, as all holy
places rolled into one. The artists were blessed by Bhagawan after they declared
that they wanted nothing except the lord’s love and blessings. After a short bhajan
session, Aarathi was offered at 7 p.m.. All devotees received Prasadam blessed by
Bhagawan.
Sunday, 26, April,2009 Bhajans began at
9.45a.m. and soon afterwards Bhagawan came out to grant darshan. Bhagawan out of His
infinite mercy, went for a long slow round of the devotees whose numbers had swollen
to more than five thousand. Bhagawan graciously accepted a flower of love offered by
the state medical co-ordinator. Prasadam was blessed and distributed to the devotees
as Aarathi was offered by a District President.
Evening session commenced with bhajans at 5.45 p.m and upon Bhagawan’s arrival, at
His special instructions, Prof. G.Venkataraman presented intricate details of the
Burra Katha, a typical andhra folk art. The main singer with the tambura is called
Gayapdu & the supporting artists Rajakeeyam.
Photos 26, April,2009
click to enlarge
After the introduction the presentation started at 6.05 p.m. Shirdi Sai Baba’s birth
and childhood stories were not known to anyone until the same were revealed by
Bhagawan. And the evening session witnessed yet another wonderful Burrah Katha
presentation, this time on the birth and life of Shirdi Sai Baba.
In Pathri village, the part of nizam kingdom, there lived a very pious Brahmin
couple called Ganga Bawa and Devagairiamma. They were childless and one late evening
a very old man came to the house asking for food and lodging. Devagairiamma attended
to his needs respectfully but when he asked for pada seva, she sought help from the
neighbours. None was forthcoming and then all of a sudden a lady came and agreed for
padaseva. The twosome then revealed that they were Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi
come to bless the pious lady with the boon of Shiva being born to her as the third
child.
Upon his return Devagiriamma’s husband was amazed to listen to the story. When she
was pregnant for a third time, he decided to leave home and to do penance. Pregnant
as she was, she too followed him leaving her two children with a neighbour. The baby
that was born was left wrapped in a cloth and was picked up by a childless muslim
couple. This happened in 1853. The child brought up in the muslim tradition was
later sent to Venkusa Ashram.
Photos 26, April,2009
click to enlarge
Though he appeared as a lad of twelve under a neem tree at Shirdi, the lad left the
place for some time and later arrived at Shirdi once again with a marriage party. He
stayed on performing many miracles. He Stressed on Hindu - Muslim unity which he
exemplified in his life alternately occupying a temple and a mosque. Dhuni, burning
continuously at Shridi produces ash and Parthi Sai creates vibhuthi. Shridi Sai
lived upto the riped old age of 83 and promised to come back after 8 years. Thus,
the two Sais are a continuum which will culminate in the coming of Prema Sai. Both
Sais have insisted on Namasmarana as the only way to liberation. This colorful and
melodious presentation was offered at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan by three students
from Sri Sathya Sai University, Sai Prabhakar, Aravind Sai and Sai Raghuram. After
some bhajans Bhagawan received aarathi before retiring to His Abode.
Saturday, April 25, 2009The Sun
God seemed to have prayed to the Lord to grant him permission to bathe His human
form with His rays. 24th & 25th of April saw him make the most of the opportunity
the Lord granted him at Sai Shruti. Before and after giving Darshan to the thousands
of devotees and blessing and receiving their letters,
Bhagawan stationed Himself in the sun, for quite a long while. Later He moved to the
portico continuing to give Darshan as bhajans were being sung from 10.20 a.m. He was
then offered flower and Aarathi by State Seva Co-ordinator and a member of the State
Sri Sathya Sai Trust respectively. Devotees received Prasad blessed by Swami.
Photos: April 25, 2009
For Divine
Approval
click
to enlarge
Golden Darshan on
a sunny morning
Bhagawan arrives
in the Bhajan Hall
Burra Katha Team
seeking Divine Benediction
Burra Katha
Mangala Arathi to
Bhagawan…
The afternoon session which started around 5.30 p.m. saw a enthralling performance
of Burrakatha by His students on the Avataric descent and mission. The three
students who presented it were dressed in the colourful, traditional costumes of
Burrakatha artists and rendered with verve and vigour, melody and grace combining
song and dance interlocution and humourous replies. The Avatar of Lord Krishna, Lord
Rama and Shirdi Sai were linked to the present Sai who is verily Shiva and Parvathi
come to adorn the Ratnakara clan. The glory of the parents, particularly, Mother
Eswaramma who sought and received three boons in the form of schools, colleges and a
university and worldwide Balvikas and Educare, Super Specialty Hospitals, Mobile
Hospitals and Global Medicare along with the Sai Ganga that flows
and flows ever replenished by the melting Kailash snows, to quench the thirst of
millions in Andhra and Tamil Nadu and many such signs of grace from the Lord were
depicted. Bhagawan’s exemplary life of doing what He preaches as seen in the seva to
the needy and suffering was highlighted. A single example of the Lord’s beneficent
munificence which would suffice is His sacrifice of the hilltop bungalow and estate
in Kodaikanal to fund the houses, He gifted mercifully to the flood ravaged poor of
Orissa. The splendour and majesty of Bhagawan’s life was expatiated leaving the
listeners gasping in awe, thrilled and filled with Ananda. The inspired artists
sought permission from Swami to present another Burrakatha on Shirdi Sai the next
day. Bhagawan agreed and blessed them profusely. After two more bhajans Bhagawan
received Aarathi.
Friday, April 24, 2009Bhagawan
came to the portico around 10 as His students were singing bhajans. A large number
of devotees had been yearning for His darshan and Bhagawan responded by going down
the aisle moving among them blessing the devotees granting His coveted darshan.
After moving up the aisle He stationed Himself near the portico and stayed there
for quite some time with the sunny rays warming the Lord and His devotees alike
and devotees had the best of their chances to gaze at the Lord to their heart’s
content. After receiving flowers and arathi offered by two members of the Sri
Sathya Sai Trust, He blessed Prasadam that was distributed to everyone.
Arrival of the Lord – Bhagawan arrives for granting darshan
Photos: April 24, 2009 click to enlarge
Gracious Benediction
Onstage – Darshan from the dais
In the evening, the bhajans started at 5.40 p.m and Bhagawan arrived soon
afterwards. Moving down the aisle Bhagawan collected letters from the devotees,
spending considerably long time reading the letters. After half an hour of
bhajans, Bhagawan asked the students to start Meera Bhajans followed by a song on
Lord Rama. The audience was enthralled with music of high quality. Bhagawan
showered His special grace asking students about their mother tongue allowing them
to sing in their vernacular, a rarity.
It was an occasion showcasing the talent and devotion of these students whose
multifaceted personalities were moulded and chiseled by none other The Master
Himself. Bhagwan in His mercy had an extended session of almost one and half an
hour protecting the gathering from the rain outside. The wonderful session came to
a close with Mangala Aarathi.
Thursday, April, 23 ,2009
Om Sai Ram dearest Sai Family, this morning like in South Africa people of
Puttaparthi were also getting ready to cast their vote and our beloved Lord was
all set to fly to
Kodaikanal via Madurai a small 30 seater flight owned by Raymond
company (a well known suiting shirting company) landed in Puttaparthi last
evening and all arrangements were made for Swami at the airport. A small,
beautifully decorated elevator was placed near the flight. The big names of
Prasanthi Nilayam who were blessed to fly with Swami got in before Swami's
arrival. Exactly at 8am Swami's little Porte car drove into the Sai airport and
Swami got into the elevator and when the elevator came to the door Swami was moved
from His regular car chair into a specially designed chair and was wheeled slowly
into the plane. The pilots and Mr. Sharma, in charge of Swami's airport took
blessings from Swami and the DIVINE flight took off just after 8am.This
year Swami's students selected for Kodai will be going by bus. All the SAI LUCK to
those blessed souls to be with our beloved Lord at the naturally beautiful
Kodaikanal...... source:
SBOI-GroupEYEWITNESS ACCOUNT SUBMITTED
TO SBOI-Group
BY
SATISH NAIK
Mangala Arathi
to Bhagawan at Kodaikanal - Sai Shruthi
Thursday, April 23, 2009
It was summer time in Parthi
and in Bhagawan’s physical presence none felt the intensity of the
otherwise scorching summer in Puttaparthi. After staying on for
almost three weeks after the institutions closed down, Bhagawan left
Prasanthi Nilayam on the morning of 23.04.09 by a special aircraft
to Madurai. From Madurai He was airlifted the cool heights of
Kodaikanal by a helicopter to reach after 10 a.m.
ORDLY BLESSINGS - Bhagawan’s chopper arrives in
Kodaikanal
Photos: April 23,
2009
Sai Baba welcome
click to enlarge
Unto the blessed land – Bhagawan upon arrival
stepping out of the car
Privileged Folk – Bhagawan with students
Mangala Arathi – Arathi being offered to Bhagawan
Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan
As the Lord drove down to
Sai Shruthi, the Divine Abode, a large number of devotees thronged
to welcome Him on either side of the road, despite the state-wide
bandh. Mangaladhwani of Nadaswaram provided the Sonic backdrop as He
entered Sai Shruthi. Privileged students from Bhagawan’s University,
who arrived a day in advanced sang the song welcoming the Lord.
Bhagawan was received at the entrance by the Convener, Sri Sathya
Sai Trust, Tamil Nadu. Upon receiving Mangala Arathi, Bhagawan
retired to His residence.
In the evening Bhagawan came
to the bhajan hall and even went down the aisle graciously receiving
letters and blessing the devotees. He received Aarathi after an
hour-long bhajan sung with fervent devotion by one and all. Bhagawan
blessed the prasadam distributed to the devotees.
Bhagawan left for Kodaikanal this morning. Accepting Arati from the car at the
Mandir at 7.45 am, Swami drove to the airport where His flight - a small business
jet - took off at 8.20 am. The students and others who are to join Bhagawan at
Madurai for the Kodai trip had left yesterday. From Madurai, the entire party will
go to proceed up the Kodai hills once Bhagawan reaches Madurai this morning. Our
next update will probably be after Bhagawan returns to Prasanthi Nilayam.
more photos below...
Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan
It was summer time in Parthi and in Bhagawan’s physical presence
none felt the intensity of the otherwise scorching summer in Puttaparthi. After
staying on for almost three weeks after the institutions closed down, Bhagawan left
Prasanthi Nilayam on the morning of 23.04.09 by a special aircraft to Madurai. From
Madurai He was airlifted the cool heights of Kodaikanal by a helicopter to reach
after 10 a.m.
As the Lord drove down to Sai Shruthi, the Divine Abode, a
large number of devotees thronged to welcome Him on either side of the road, despite
the state-wide bandh. Mangaladhwani of Nadaswaram provided the Sonic backdrop as He
entered Sai Shruthi. Privileged students from Bhagawan’s University, who arrived a
day in advanced sang the song welcoming the Lord. Bhagawan was received at the
entrance by the Convener, Sri Sathya Sai Trust, Tamil Nadu. Upon receiving Mangala
Arathi, Bhagawan retired to His residence.
In the evening Bhagawan came to the bhajan hall and even went
down the aisle graciously receiving letters and blessing the devotees. He received
Aarathi after an hour-long bhajan sung with fervent devotion by one and all.
Bhagawan blessed the prasadam distributed to the devotees.
Courtsey :
Text & Photo Source:
sssbpt.org -
Also submitted darshan account and photos by devotees to
SBOI-Group
-Webpage layout: saibabaofindia.com
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 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
EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT SUBMITTED
TO
