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Saturday, July 31, 2010:- Sai News & Photo Updates: This evening, emerging at 1725 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a complete round of darshan before coming onstage at 1740 hrs.

Continuing with the spirit of celebrations, in the run up to the 85th birthday celebrations, the state of Punjab & Haryana followed by Jammu & Kashmir were to stage cultural presentations in the Divine presence.

Soon Veda chanting came to a close as indicated by Bhagawan and organisers and participants from Punjab and Haryana came upto Bhagawan seeking blessing for the programme. Introducing the programme, as commanded by Bhagawan, Mr. Maninder Singh, the state representative, made a mention of the Baisakhi celebrations of this year in Delhi in the immediate Divine presence. Expressing gratitude to Bhagawan for His Northi India visit in April, Mr. Maninder Singh made a mention about the good harvest during the season, crediting the same to Bhagawan's Divine benevolence. Children from big cities get to perform in big auditoriums, but these children from rural background, not well educated and coming from a distant land travelling across five states covering over 2500 kms, are lucky to perform in the highest stage, in Sai Kulwant Hall in the immediate Divine presence of Bhagawan, said Mr. Maninder Singh profusely thanking Bhagawan for His continued grace and guidance.

The first programme for the evening was a dance sequence by students from Sathya Jyothi Pioneer High School, Patiala. They danced to the tune of a famous sufi devotional number. What followed next was Punjab's trademark dance, Bhangra by the youth of Punjab.

Wearing bright coloured patkas on the head, a lacha or lungi of the same color, long tunic and a colourful waistcoat, ghunghroos on the ankles, these youngsters sung to the beats of the dhol, singing couplets in Punjabi. Moving in circles, often lifting their sticks up, raisign themselves to reach a high crescendo these youngsters successfully created a Punjabi feeling celebrating the "Harvest of Love", as appropriately titled, in the immediate Divine presence. The presentation ended with a scene depicting religious harmony, hailing Mother India to be the best in the world, singing "Saare Jahaan Se Achcha Hindustan Hamara..."

The session continued with J & K taking its turn. Ms. Kailash Mehra, famous gazal singer and Head of Dept., Music, MAM college, Jammu, singing some bhajans. Invoking Bhagawan, Lord Ganesha Ms. Mehra started off with a prayer to Goddess Sharada invoking Her to dwell upon her throat, singing, "Aaye Dwar Tumhare Sai..."After three songs Bhagawan asked the students to sing 'aalaap' bhajan; "Sri Raghavam..." was sung followed by another one, "Allaho Akbar..." literally turning the twilight into a God-lit one!

It was time for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose for group photograph. Clothe distribution followed, safari pieces for boys and men and and sarees for girls and women. Upon retuning onstage, Bhagawan accepted one more Arathi before moving off the dais at 1915 hrs. retiring to Yajur Mandiram, not before blessing the concourse with "abhayahastha".

Representing the United Kingdom, over 1300 devotees have arrived at Prasanthi on a pilgrimage that would last for ten days.

Gliding through, Bhagawan was greeted by a set of tiny tots from the North Eastern State of Sikkim, arrayed at the centre pathway. These children were scheduled to stage a cultural programme in the Divine presence.

Completing a round of 'detailed' darshan, wherein Primary children, making a 'special appearance' owing to the evening cultural programme, got His special attention, Bhagawan came onstage at 1750 hrs., blessing many en route, from the right of Ganesha.

Soon Vedic chants stopped as the programme representatives including the 'little hearts', in traditional costumes, went upto Him invoking initial blessings.
 

'Bhakti Samarpan', was a dance representation from the state expressing the collective yearning of His children from the land of Sikkim praying for Divine benevolence, to bless the land with His Divine visit.

Dance that followed represented the land's geographical attributes as well as diverse cultural traditions. Clad in colourful costumes, thematic per item, these children, after a half-an-hour presentation, gathered at the centre to sing, swaying joyfully, a final song, hailing Sai as Mother of the entire world, claiming themselves to be Her children.

Forty minute presentation was followed by 'presentation ceremony' wherein sarees and vibhuti prasadam were given away to the participants. The choreographer who 'orchestrated' the entire programme won special attention as Bhagawan called him unto the dais to materialise and bless him with a ring.
 

Children were awaiting a closer presence and Bhagawan, as if reading them, moved down the dais to pose for a group photo session. Time ticked away and the waning twilight was spreading her blue tinge all over. Bhagawan spent sometime in the middle enticing the little hearts with His closer presence. As Bhagawan came back onto the dais, prasadam arrived for blessing followed by an instant photo of the materialisation. As prasadam was being distributed, Bhagawan called the choreographer to pass on the blessed photo, received by the children with a round of applause.

It was 1900 hrs. and Bhagawan turned to the priest indicating for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais, gliding into the ladies' side, retiring for the day, not before blessing the concourse with His inimitable abhayahastha.

These children prayed for His presence in their land and the compassionate Bhagawan spent an exclusive session watching and blessing them, receiving their prayers.  Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu

Evening:

A slight drizzle as if 'she' was determined to take the privilege of welcoming The Lord, and there emerged The Lord at 1650 hrs., in His car, to the chants of Vedam, unfolding the story of this evening's Darshan Saga...

After a 'quick' round of darshan, alighting on the portico, Bhagawan had a brief interaction with Mr. Ajit Poppat of London before moving onstage just before 1700 hrs., round of Ganesha.

Something special was ensuing for the session. Music College troupe was already occupying the front slot and as soon as He came onstage, Bhagawan had a brief conversation with one of the faculties...Yes, yet another musical evening was blooming. Bhagawan had blessed the the troupe last evening itself giving His nod of permission.

When it is said Music is Divine", both cannot be apart. What ensued was a short but classical session that lasted for exactly half an hour, comprising of two carnatic numbers and a Hindustani one. At the end, Bhagawan had a word of appreciation to the lead singer, and, in the meantime, podium was being set for something different. A 'Puppet Show', as Sri Ajit Poppat of London often refers to, was in the offing.

Beginning in his inimitable style, the erudite speaker proposed to speak on 'Guru Vandana', continuing with the spirit of Guru Purnima celebrations. Referring to Bhagawan's own acronym, PHD, meaning 'Pure Hearted Devotee', the speaker, with the help of Bhagawan's own teachings, with anecdotes from the inspired lives of past masters, exhorted the audience to understand the greater importance of being in the very 'presence' of The Avatar of the Age to become a worthy Phd. (PHD).
 

It was past 1800 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. In the meantime, blessing the speaker, Bhagawan materialised a ring for Sri Ajit Poppat and blessed him with a 'Snap with The Divine!' As Mangala Arathi was being offered, Bhagawan moved off the dais heading into the interview room. In five minutes, Bhagawan came out to move into the bhajan hall for a brief 'two minutes' before exiting to glide into the ladies' end, at 1815 hrs, retiring to Yajur Mandiram. II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu II

On an evening when rain God showered his bounty from the heavens, the Overlord on earth decided to emerge in His car showering His bounty of blessings, Divine Darshan!

This evening, emerging at 1720 hrs., Bhagawan went for a complete round in His car before alighting at the portico. Upon alighting Bhagawan spent awhile with a senior devotee from the US before getting onstage at 1730 hrs., round of Ganesha. Vedic chants continued for an extra ten minutes, until 1740 hrs. when Bhagawan nodded for bhajans to begin.

Beginning with the Ganesha bhajan, "Ganesha Sharanam Parama Pavanam...", just into the second bhajan, Bhagawan moved off the dais, coming round of Ganesha to the lower portico. Blessing two of the Latin American representatives, spending awhile seeing their project report and album, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall through the rear entrance to spend next ten minutes in. Emerging at 1800 hrs. through the main entrance, Bhagawan glided through the lower portico, blessing some of the representatives from International Organisation and a group of students before coming onstage at 1810 hrs., from the right of Ganesha.

Bhajans continued for ten more minutes before Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi at 1820 hrs. After accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais to get into His car, retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 1825 hrs. Blessed Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.

Emerging at 1745 hrs., Bhagawan took a detour through the ladies' side to get into the interview room. Coming out shortly, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall. Gliding through He exited through the rear entrance, to glide past the lower portico coming onstage at 1800 hrs. , through the doctors' block.
 

As Bhagawan sat on, it appeared that His attention was 'riveted' on a special group of men and women in 'green scarves'. This fortunate lot was from Orissa, belonging to the 'Orissa Flood Rehabilitation Housing Project' sponsored by Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.

In another five minutes, Bhagawan moved down the dais, moving towards the group at the ladies' side. Blessing the group with His closer presence, moving through the rows, Bhagawan gave away sarees to the group with His own hand and as He glided through, the group was permitted to take Padanamaskar.

These 'Anathas turned Sanathas' were a blissful lot in His presence and one could see many a teary-eyed face with great love and feeling writ on them...a great feeling of Gratitude!. The entire contingent was blessed with Vibhuti prasadam also. After spending ten minutes at the ladies' side, action was shifted into the gents' side where a ditto blessing act was repeated.
 

Returning onto the dais, Bhagawan sat on adorning the centre-stage...Bhajans went into a high gear with added vigour and enthusiasm...It was 1950 hrs. and the twilight was slowly creeping in stealing her share of joy at the auspicious sight of The Lord!

...And Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Leaving the dais, Bhagawan glided into the ladies' side retiring for the day, at 1900 hrs., leaving His stamp of "Love and Compassion" in many a heart and mind.

Bhagawan came onstage shortly after 0900 hrs. to the holy chants of Vedam. The stage was set for the music concert and the artistes were already onstage as per His Divine instructions.

It appeared that Bhagawan wanted to continue from where He had stopped in the previous evening, when He profusely blessed the carnatic duo at the end of their Guru Purnima concert. What ensued was a Divine felicitation. The duo was felicitated and draped with Shawls by Bhagawan Himself. Giving away dhothis, sarees and other presentations, Bhagawan turned to the accompanying artistes to bless them with gifts.

Blessed by Bhagawan, the duo took over, singing carnatic vocals for the next 75 minutes, enchanting the Divine with Music Divine. As the concert went on, with Bhagawan sitting onstage immersed in the music that flowed, there was a constant inflow of devotees, both ladies and gents, specially allowed through the front entrance as per the Divine directive.
 

It was 1025 hrs. and the duo was singing Mangalam to various God forms, supposedly the final song. Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Blessing the artistes with Vibhuti Prasadam, Bhagawan moved off the dais to interview room. Coming out in ten minutes, Bhagawan had a series of short interactions cum blessings before gliding into the ladies' side at 1040 hrs. retiring for the session.

Evening: After a fabulous musical morning session, in the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1650 hrs. to come for a slow, detailed round that took fifteen minutes. Moving into the bhajan hall after the round of darshan, Bhagawan spent next five minutes in before emerging through the main door to come onstage, not before spending sometime interacting and blessing some seniors.

Music was to continue...this time music with a difference. 'Whistle Wizard' of fame, Shivaprasad from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh was to perform. As soon as Bhagawan came onstage, the artiste along with his accompanists sought Divine blessings to commence the show.

Whistling can be musical; it is art of careful controlling of a stream of air flowing through a small opening between the lips, air control made possible mainly with the help of lips and tongue.

What followed next was a most entertaining session of musical extravaganza with the talented artiste producing amazing tonal variations, striking awe and wonderment. What a vocalist would do with his gifted voice, same was achieved by this blessed artiste of rare talent with the use of his lip and and tongue movement, with élan. The concert which lasted for ninety minutes was packed with handful of Thyagaraja compositions and some of the popular bhajans.
 

 Starting off with an offering to Lord Ganesha 'whistling' Mahaganapthim..., He went on 'singing' Entharo Mahanu Bhavulu..., Ramanannu Brovara..., Raghuvamsha Sudha..., Nagumo..., Pibare Rama Rasam..., Govinda Krishna Jai..., Sai Bhajana Bina..., Prema Muditha Manase Kaho... etc. An hour into the concert, Bhagawan called the artiste to bless him with a golden chain followed by blessings to all the accompanists giving away gifts. This was followed by the final session singing the last two songs...namely, Nagumo, Pibare Rama Rasam.
 

It was the gift of rare talent, of His own creation, that the versatile artiste 'played back' unto Him, the bestower of talent. Time clock ticked to 1845 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. After Arathi, all the artistes including Malladi Brothers, who were also present listening to the concert, huddled around Bhagawan receiving bounty of blessings that included a photograph session.
 

It was 1900 hrs. and Bhagawan moved off the dais. Enroute He had a series of interactions with many seniors before gliding into the ladies' end, at 1910 hrs., retiring to Yajur Mandiram.

Ace Chess Wizard of India and reigning World Champion Vishwanathan Anand was in Prasanthi for evening darshan receiving Divine blessings. 
 

Guru Poornima - Sunday, July 25, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : When year 85 of His Divine Advent projects itself to be the 'one off' occasion so far witnessed, Guru Purnima of this 85th year cannot be anything different. Yes, on this auspicious Guru Purnima Day, in the evening, The Mighty Lord was ushered into receive a stupendous welcome, as Divinity richly deserves! Emerging at 1625 hrs. donning dazzling crimson robe, Bhagawan came into the hall to the melodious tunes of Gurupaduka Strotram sung by students accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Nadaswaram and Panchavadyam.

Gliding through the surge of devotees, conferring auspicious benedictions, Bhagawan went for a complete round, in between blessing many a student who were having special cards and mementos for the occasion, before moving further into the ladies' side for a full length. Taking a 'u-turn', Bhagawan came onto the portico where the Guru Purnima Special Cake done by Italian devotees was awaiting the Lord along with couple of other ones. Blessing these cakes, Bhagawan moved further to come onstage at 1650 hrs. to melodious tunes of qawwali sung by students.

In another five minutes, famous Carnatic duo, Malladi Brothers took over, singing onstage, facing the Lord upfront. The next ninety minutes saw Indian classical music's finer variety, Carnatic, that is so dear to the Lord, dominating the proceedings, exhibiting her distinct variety. As they went on singing, Bhagawan sat through, keenly attentive, gazing at them, often reflecting emotive expressions, enjoying the melody often lifting His tender fingers beating to the tune, a sign of His 'involvement' in the musical melody. The duo went on singing some special compositions on Bhagawan, His Love and His Mission.

Updated! Guru Poornima News & Photos Page Updated with & New Pictures & slides - click here

The duo was accompanied by their composer father and a group of men on various instruments, namely, violin, Veena, tabla, mridangam etc. The violinist deserves a special mention for he often reproduced, solely, repeating the vocal aalaap with equal dexterity. Towards the end the musicians engaged in a mini jugalbandhi giving needed fillip to the prevailing devotional ecstasy. The concert that began at 1700 hrs. continued for the next ninety minutes till the duo sought His blessings after their round of performance.

It was time as Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. The next almost ten minutes Bhagawan spent onstage as family members of the duo came unto Him seeking Divine blessings. Accompanists were also blessed by Bhagawan. In the meantime, Italian chocolates and Laddu Prasadam were blessed by Bhagawan that were subsequently distributed to the assembly.

Prasanthi experienced unprecedented rush of devotees and every available space in the spacious Sai Kulwant was filled by the rush of devotees. Huge screens were erected on both ladies' and gents' side to felicitate better view of Bhagawan from every possible angle. An extra set of devotees were accommodated in the Poornachandra Auditorium.

Retiring at 1845 hrs. Bhagawan moved through the ladies' side, blessing the concourse, heading towards the Poornachandra Auditorium. Bhagawan spent two to three minutes onstage conferring blessings upon the assembly, blessing prasadam, before retiring after granting abhayahastha to the delight of thousands assembled in the hall.

Saturday, July 24, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : Guru Purnima along with Maha Shivarathri and Bhagawan's Birthday comes on top of the list in terms of festive fervour, congregation of devotees and oftentimes, for important announcements with reference to Trust, Organisational and Institutional activities! With a day to go for the grand festivity, Prasanthi is already bustling with steady inflow of devotees, especially from Andhra Pradesh. As is 'her' won't during such mammoth festive occasions, 'Prasanthi', after filling to capacity, started accommodating this surge of devotees in the verandahs of Ashram residential blocks.

...And on this Guru Purnima eve, emerging at 1708 hrs. to the holy chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a complete round blessing the capacity audience that filled every available slot in the spacious Sai Kulwant Hall. As He was gliding past the centre block, Bhagawan had a detailed look at the Balvikas children and Youth from Tamil Nadu arrayed in drama costumes, for the scheduled dance drama presentation later in the evening. With Bhagawan slowly completing the round, Veda chanting reached a crescendo, enhanced by the vibrant primary school children. Completing a full round, Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side, blessing and interacting with many, before taking a "u-turn" to come into the bhajan hall. Gliding through, Bhagawan emerged through the rear entrance to come onstage at 1725 hrs., round of Ganesha. Veda chanting ceased soon as drama participants made a beeline unto Him, along with senior officials, seeking initial blessings before the commencement of the programme.

An announcement by former State President, Mr. TG Krishnamurthy followed, who briefly introduced the theme of the presentation entitled Sai Yugam Sathya Yugam to be presented by the Balvikas and Youth of Tamil Nadu.

The presentation had episodes from the past and present, essaying the colossal, magnificence of the present day Mission set in motion by Bhagawan. Lord Brahma, after creating four progenitors, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanātana, and Sanat Kumāra, gives them a tour comprising of comparative study of their present, explaining in detail corresponding mission that would happen in the times of the Avataric mission in Kali Yuga. The colourful, innovative presentation ends with Bhagawan Krishna's declaration that He would come back in Kali Age as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The fifty minute presentation emphasised the title Sai Yugam Prema Yugam, singing a theme group song echoing the same.

Upon the end of the programme, Bhagawan moved down the dais, blessing the contingent with group photo session. Spending sometime around, Bhagawan materialised an emerald ring for one of the youth before moving through the rows, casting His benedictions upon many. Coming onstage Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, at 1850 hrs., Bhagawan moved off the dais, enroute interacting with many including Carnatic vocal duo Malladi Brothers, before gliding into the ladies' end retiring for the day.

Earlier, before coming into the Sai Kulwant Hall, emerging at at 1550 hrs., Bhagawan went for a drive towards the hospital end to return to ashram after an hour, at 1700 hrs.

View more pictures from 24 July 2010 Sai Yugam Prema Yugam  - Click here

The programme for the evening was entitled VAMOS CON SAI, a Latin American Choir with twelve participating countries, that included Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, El Salvador, Columbia, Equador, Haiti, Uruguay etc. Starting with three Omkars followed by Ganesh Prarthana, the Choristers soon switched over to Latin American tongue singing an array of songs in various 'regional' languages. Songs sounded 'Greek and Latin' for the general devotees, still, it was their pure devotion poured forth in a united voice, lighting the twilight with infectious tunes, that brought great joy unto the Friday evening's congregation that relished every moment of the programme gazing at Him in physical.

The fifty minute programme ended at 1920 hrs. upon which Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi. Asking for an encore of " Samastha Lokaaha..." Bhagawan sat for some more time watching the prasadam distribution before moving off the dais to retire for the day at 1930 hrs.

Earlier, while gliding past the students' block, Bhagawan blessed a group of boys from Sri Sathya Sai Junior Hostel, who sought His blessings with a replica of the hostel building, being the 15th anniversary of the New Hostel Building that was inaugurated on the same day in 1996. Brindavan students have already arrived Prasanthi Nilayam and students from the Anantapur Campus were expected to join Prasanthi this evening.  

Being the final day of the Ashadi celebrations, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Mandir, Dharmakshetra, Mumbai was scheduled to stage a dance drama presentation entitled "Samarth Ramdas" on the illustrious life of one of the spiritual giants from the state, Bhakta Ramdas. Presented with the original Marathi flavour, the drama depicted the spiritual odyssey of little Narayana born in a Maharashtra village, Jamb, who went on becoming one of the greatest ever devotees of Lord Rama.

Episodes related to his marriage wherein the scene depicting his aversion to marriage as well as final fleeing to escape the clutches of married life, Maharaja Shivaji's prayer to accept him as his disciple, service activities with the motto, Dil me Ram hath me kaam, his meeting with his aged blind mother after long separation etc. were depicted essaying the greater message of constant contemplation of God's Name with unflinching love and devotion towards God.

Upon the end of the fifty minutes programme, Bhagawan had a lengthy interaction with the officials commenting about the programme. As He was interacting with them, He asked the organisers to give away safari pieces to all the participating boys. The 'trainer' was called onstage and was blessed with a materialised ring.

At 1855 hrs. Bhagawan asked for bhajans to begin. After 2,3 bhajans, He indicated for Mangala Arathi and as the Arathi song was over He raised His palms blessing the concourse with a double abhayahastha. After Arathi, moving down the stage, Bhagawan posed for a photo session with the participating children. Coming onstage, He paused for a while looking at the backdrop on the stage, before moving off the dais retiring to Yajur Mandiram in His car at 1910 hrs.

As Guru Purnima is in the offing, ensuing evenings are expected to have cultural programmes. Latin American group, which has been camping and practising for sometime is likely to show up tomorrow, while Tamil Nadu Youth will be getting their turn on Saturday, the penultimate evening leading to Guru Purnima. Students from Brindavan and Anantapur campuses will be reaching the Ashram tomorrow to take part in the Guru Purnima celebrations. 

Responding to the holy morning assembly's prayer, Bhagawan emerged at 0935 hrs. to sonorous notes of Gayathri chanting, thematic of the scheduled cultural presentation. Coming for a complete round Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side, this time for a half round, taking a detour from the ladies' end to come onto the portico. Gliding through, Bhagawan came onstage at 0950 hrs. setting the stage for the morning presentation to begin.
 

The seat of the Lord bore the background of the great Marata tradition with images of Lord Vittala and other saints of Maharashtra getting prominence. Upon coming onstage, Bhagawan had a detailed look at the backdrop before lighting the lamp sanctifying the occasion.

The programme commenced with the presentation of the "Palkhi" carrying Lord Vithala along with His sandals, symbolically carried by the 'varkaris' from Dharmavaram to Prasanthi Nilayam during their three day 'yatra'.

The main presentation for the morning was a dance ballet entitled, Veda Mata Gayathri, by Balvikas children from Mumbai, propounding the glory of the Great Mantra that carries the essence of entire Veda.

The presentation was weaved in the form of a conversation between Bhagawan Sri Krishna and a youngster, who took refuge to get rid off six vices, gets into details of the great Mantra, illustrating every aspect related to the Mantra, either through a song or by enacting a dialogue. Depicting the role of Sage Vishwamitra, his altercation with Brahma Rishi Vasishta, and the episodes related to celestial damsels Menaka and Rambha etc., the storyline finally touched the climactic scene, the birth of great Gayathri Mantra. The fifty minute presentation was colourfully intertwined with meaningful dance sequences by tiny tots in colourful costumes..
 

Shortly after the programme Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi and upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan sat through a session interacting to organise the presentation to be given to the participants. Soon, safari pieces, shirt pieces and sarees were brought and distributed to the participants by the organisers. Simultaneously special Maharashtra prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.

Shortly, Bhagawan moved down the dais posing for a photo session with the participants. Moving off directly into the ladies' side, Bhagawan went for another round of bonus darshan, taking a detour from the ladies' end, to come onstage to accept one more Arathi, at 1130 hrs., before retiring to Yajur Mandiram.

It drizzled overnight and during the day when Bhagawan was retiring, it was still drizzling as if heaven opened up its gates to receive His bounty on this most auspicious day.

Arrangements have been made to serve free Maharashtrians lunch in the North Indian canteen celebrating the special occasion. II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu II

Evening

On a damp evening that experienced intermittent showers, Bhagawan, upon emerging in His car at 1755 hrs. went for a complete round before ascending the dais at 1800 hrs. setting the stage for the evening programme to begin. What else could have been a better presentation to the original Dance Master in physical form than what ensued later during the session, a scintillating dance drama entitled 'Natya Veda', a treatise on cosmic creation!

Veda chanting continued for next 7 to 8 minutes until Bhagawan signalled for the programme to commence. "Natya Veda" is undoubtedly a 'one off' presentation Prasanthi has ever witnessed, choreographed by popular Bharata Natyam exponent Deepak Mazumdar who 'materminded' the programme with the assistance of his disciple, Pavitra Bhatt.

Sri Deepak Mazumdar was an alumnus of Balvikas who had the rare privilege of performing in His Divine presence as a little boy. He was the direct recipient of Bhagawan's guidance and inspiration that made him what he is today. ...To such a 'Master Mind' who anchored his career, Deepak and Co. presented a dazzling display of dance and music that lasted for fifty minutes, depicting the 'Trinity Affair' of the Cosmic Concert of Creation! The presentation was an offering by the Balvikas students of Thane District of Maharashtra.

Upon the end of the programme, Bhagawan moved down the dais to pose for a group photograph. Coming onstage Bhagawan sat through, interacting with the officials from Maharashtra while glancing at the twilight's assembly sending subtle blessings. As He continued with his interaction, prasadam was being distributed to the entire assemblage.
 

Time clock ticked to 1920 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, blessing the student beneficiaries, blessing the concourse with double abhayahastha, twice, Bhagawan moved off the dais. Interacting with Team Vidya Vahini for sometime, Bhagawan got into His car driving back to Yajur Mandiram, bringing curtains down for a glorious evening that witnessed one of the best presentation ever! II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu II

The 'Russian' representation had a photo album titled, "Beloved Swami in Ukraine" containing 62 images illustrating all-round service activiities by the Sai Organisation helping the poor and the needy in the country. Bhagawan flipped through each and every leaf of the album, scanning through all the photographs, in between seeking some clarifications. This is an extension of the 'Divine Romance' that was on show a week ago, wherein devotees from the Russian speaking countries made merry of His immediate presence singing their hearts out unto Him. Eversince, Bhagawan has been quite pleasingly entertaining the Russian representative who would invariably be sitting with bunches of letters from devotees or vibhuti packets (for distribution among devotees) for blessings.
 

Coming onstage, with Veda chanting on, Bhagawan sat through as hundreds of varkaris, who have arrived from Dharmavaram after a symbolic walk representing the Pandharpur tradition, were seated in the front block, wearing typical Marata headgear. Adding to the festive flavour on thie penultimate Ashadi evening, soon heaven opened up sprinkling light shower over Prasanthi.

Veda chanting stopped at 1800 hrs. as indicated by Bhagawan, and, as bhajans began, Bhagawan moved off the dais, soon to return in five minutes. As the session progressed more and more varkaris arrived and Bhagawan, who was watching over, sent word to make them comfortbaly seated in the Sai Kulwant Hall. Half-an-hour into the bhajans, Bhagawan moved Himself to the left block of the dais, more towards the gents' side, and He sat through till 1840 hrs. when He called for Mangala Arathi.

An announcement about the Ashadi Ekadashi celebrations for tomorrow morning followed. Tomorrow morning, Balvikas children from the state of Maharashtra would be staging a programme entitled "Veda Matha Gayathri" followed by an evening programme entitled "Natya Veda". Yet another programme, a dance drama on the life of Samartha Ramdas would be staged by the students from Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Dharmakshetra on the day after, 22 July.

After a pause, watching over prasadam distribution , Bhagawan moved off the dais to get into His car, retiring for the day.  Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu

Monday, July 19, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates - LOVE IN ACTION IN MAHARASHTRA :  Sense of doer ship is the only obstacle that could stop a devotee from reaching out God and we, from Maharashtra, do not want to claim any such thing, said Sri Nimish Pandya echoing collective voice of Maharashtra profusely thanking Bhagawan for His Divine Grace that flows boundlessly into the interiors of the state in the form of Sri Sathya Sai Mobile Medicare Project.
 

On July 19, as part of the Ashadi Ekadashi celebrations 2010, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations from the state has arranged a programme in the Poornachandra Auditorium seeking Bhagawan’s continued blessings on the unique project. A fleet of Twenty-nine Medicare Ambulances, of which twenty were already pressed into service and had been functional for the past almost an year, were arranged in the auditorium in a semi circle spanning the breadth of the gigantic

hall, seeking His attention and blessing.

Bhagawan arrived at 1700 hrs. to a traditional welcome with Vedam chanting by Maharashtra Youth. Inaugurating the occasion by lighting the lamp, Bhagawan moved around the fleet of vans and later had a closer look into an open van viewing the facilities inside. Twenty of these vans, each one allotted to various districts, namely, Mumbai, Thane, Nasik, Pune, Solapur, Nanded, Kolhapur, Parbhani, Yavatmal, Amravati, Vashi, Nagpur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, Buldana, Jalgaon, Aurangabad and Dhule, to name a few, have already been into service for almost an year serving almost six lakhs of poor in the interiors of Maharashtra. A video show on the same has also been arranged to apprise Bhagawan of the service activities. Hundreds of men and women volunteers who are actively involved in the Medicare activities were also present during the occasion along with seniors from the state, Sri Indulal Shah, Mrs. Sarla Shah, Dr. Keki Mistry, Sri Ramesh Sawant, the State President of the SSSSO etc.

The video presentation was a compilation of small clips of expressions of gratitude to Bhagawan, spoken in Marathi, but dubbed into Telugu. As the presentation went on with many poor villagers pouring their hearts out, Bhagawan sat through, quite involved, gesticulating in between, as if He was receiving their gratitude in person. To an elderly woman who offered her grateful thanks, Bhagawan smiled in reciprocation while raising His abhayahastha! Indeed mysterious are the ways of The Divine!

Expressing gratitude to Bhagawan Mr. Nimish Pandya said that, by doing these Medicare services in the interiors of Maharashtra they have learned the lesson that Swami alone could do such services and no man can ever claim any credit to it. Talking further, narrating an incident wherein a group of volunteers from Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations found a group of children, devoid of food, eating battery cells, Mr. Pandya drew the attention on the plight of the hapless in the big city of affluence, Mumbai stressing on the greater significance of the mission set in motion by Bhagawan.

Blessing the keys of the Medicare vans, as Bhagawan moved off, the scene shifted from Poornachandra to Sai Kulwant Hall, where a set of Anathas turned Sanathas were awaiting their Saviour with hearts full of gratitude. They were the beneficiaries of the Jaipur Foot Camp, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Maharashtra had organised as part of the Medical Seva, that had been on from July 14 to July 18 in Prasanthi Nilayam.

Proceedings began with an introduction cum gratitude speech by Mr. Nimish Pandya. Calling the occasion 'extra special', wherein Bhagawan showers His Divine benediction, Mr. Pandya sounded that in His Divine presence it is 'everyday festivity'. These are the occasions that come as 'extra special', said Mr. Pandya while expressing gratitude to Bhagawan for the love and guidance unto the hundreds who were specially seated, recipients of His touch of grace! Two hundred and twenty nine lives, both men and women from neighbouring districts, have benefitted from this camp, organised as part of 85th year of His Advent!
 

Of the 229 beneficiaries, 125 were blessed with calipers, 52 with specialized limbs, 27 with wheel chairs, and 25 with walkers.

As Bhagawan sat onstage, these beneficiaries were brought unto the dais to receive blessings. Two lucky souls, who were given artificial limbs demonstrated 'walking' without any help, as normal as they would otherways be, to a round of applause from the assemblage of devotees. They were lucky to demonstrate the same in presence of the Mighty One, the "Master Mind" of the "Fairy Tale" of their lives! ...and Bhagawan sat smiling at their good fortune!

It was 1810 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for bhajans to begin. Half-an-hour into the session, at 1840 hrs, Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi, upon which, Bhagawan moved off the dais to retire to Yajur Mandiram, at 1845 hrs.

In the evening, in Sai Kulwant Hall, the main sitting block was almost completely occupied by the participating couples, who were seated in their specially allotted block, well in advance of the scheduled hour at 1600 hrs.

The function began at 1600 hrs. with Vidwan Nidumamidi Srikanta Rao, master of ceremonies, explaining step by step instructions, in Telugu and English, for the couples to follow. First part of the function lasted for 55 minutes upon which Sai Gayathri chanting went on, invoking Bhagawan.

As the ceremony went on, at Yajur Mandiram, Bhagawan was received with Poornakumbhamm, at around 1748 hrs. by the group of officiating priests and organisers.

Emerging at 1750 hrs. to the escort of a procession by priests, Bhagawan went for two rounds of Sai Kulwant Hall blessing the participants, before coming onto the portico in fifteen minutes. Gliding through the lower portico, Bhagawan made a round through the bhajan hall, through the upper portico to come onstage, round of Ganesha, at 1815 hrs.

Gayathri chanting stopped and penultimate steps of rituals of the function followed that lasted for three minutes. Customary practice of sacred reading of Sathya Narayana Story followed, wherein, the first four chapters of Bhagawan's Life Story was narrated in English, lasting for almost half-an-hour.

A five minutes pause ensued after which final proceedings were completed. Mangala Arathi was offered at 1650 hrs., upon which Bhagawan sat through the next twenty minutes watching over the prasadam distribution. Sumptuous prasadam, Tamarind Rice, Sweet Pongal, Kesari Baath and Bobbattu were distributed to the entire assemblage including all the participants.

Moving off the dais at 1915 hrs., Bhagawan went into the interview room to spent next 25 mintues in. Emerging at 1940 hrs. Bhagawan glided into the ladies' end retiring to Yajur Mandiram.

Earlier in the morning, after the regular one hour Veda chanting was followed by a forty minute bhajan session, after which Pushpayagam (Pushpabhishekam) to Lord Ranganathar, the main Idol on the dais, was performed to the holy chants of Vedam. Over twenty two varieties of flowers were used for this abhishekham, done by priests, that lasted for more than half-an-hour.

...And for this final day, Sai Kulwant's main stage, the dais, wore a thematic costume, symbolising and illustrating the special ritual for the day, Pushpabhishekam. It was a riot of flowers and colours everywhere...and in the evening, every heart and mind joined in unison, relishing every moment of the occasion, in the immediate Divine presence. Yes, it was Pupshpabhishekam in the hearts and minds in His immediate Divine presence!

Nicely decked up, showing up with a riot of floral decor, quite pleasing to eyes offering a visual treat, the special seat of worship had the touch of grandeur and could be seen by everyone present in the hall without any exertion. The elevated platform also had two ramps on both sides, facing ladies and gents side, to felicitate Bhagawan to get onto the venue.

The morning proceedings commenced at 0700 hrs. with initial rituals for Maha Sudarshana Homam, worshipping the eighteen Kalashas, that lasted for more than an hour. By 0830 hrs. the activities were shifted to the sacred pit where the second and final part of the proceedings of the Sudarshana Homan began.

His entry is always timed by Him alone! As the Sudashana Homam went on with the holy chants of Vedam reverberating the air, Bhagawan emerged at 0955 hrs. to come for a complete round.

Coming onstage at 1006 hrs., Bhagawan spent sometime over the stage before moving off the dais to the bhajan hall. Spending sometime inside and later, around the interview room interacting with the organisers, Bhagawan came onstage at 1022 hrs., soon to return to the interview room. Coming onstage yet again at 1040 hrs., Bhagawan moved down the dais on His way to the Yajna Vedhi.

The Chantings that had been on from 0700 hrs., reached its highest point with Bhagawan climbing the aisle from the ladies' end to come onstage to officiate the Maha Poornahuthi. As He sat facing the sacred pit, priests got the sacred offering blessed by the Divine Hands, and as the chanting went on, these sacred offerings were made into the sacred pit officially marking Maha Poornahuthi. Bhagawan just spent five minutes onstage before moving down the aisle through the gents side to come upfront where another elaborate ritual was scheduled.
 

Sudarshana Moola Mantram chanting for 10000 times had been going for the past two days, chanted by fifteen participating priests, and the next ritual was an offering to the idol of Sudarshan Alwar. The double faced statue had both Sudarshan Alwar and Narasimha Swami, two in one, facing opposite to each other. As Bhagawan took His seat, facing upfront, down the stage, the rituals continued with sacred bath offered to the Lord, using the eighteen kalashas, that were being worshipped during the previous day and this morning. One after one priests took these Kalashas to get them blessed by Bhagawan before offering the same, giving the Lord a sacred bath, in the immediate presence of Lord of all Gods! These eighteen Kalashas, named after eighteen selected names of Lord Vishnu, namely, Kesava, Madhava etc. contained waters from selected holy rivers across India.

After the rituals "Vastram" was offered to the Lord, before He showed up on the specially erected dais facing the Seat of The Divine! It was 10 past 1100 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Maha Mangala Arathi was offered to Bhagawan and upon Arathi Bhagawan moved onstage, moving off to Yajur Mandiram, not before blessing special prasadam for the session.
 

Tamarind Rice, Sweet Pongal and Curd Rise were offered to one and all as Prasadam marking the auspiciousness of the occasion.

 

In the evening, Bhagawan emerged at 1710 hrs. to come for a full round of Sai Kulwant Hall. As He was completing the round, Bhagawan spent sometime pausing at the Easwaramma English Medium children blessing birthday children as well others, who had some 'handiwork' for their Swami.
 

Coming onto the portico, Bhagawan glided past, listening to many, blessing some of the seniors before coming onstage at 1725 hrs., round of Ganesha. Veda chanting continued till 1740 hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for an aalaap bhajan resulting in "Sri Raghavam....", popular Rama bhajans.

At 1745 Bhagawan indicated for the scheduled programme to begin. Vidwan Nidumamidi Srikanta Rao, the speaker for the evening with a pleasant task of rounding off the "vidwan maha sabha" (assembly of the learned speakers) that has been on for the past three days, speaking on the lives of Alwars. This evening's exposition was centred around the lives of Sri Thirumangal Alwar, Sri Nammalwar and Sri Madhurakavi Alwar.

After an hour's speech, profusely thanking Bhagawan, offering his salutations to the audience, the learned speaker made a mention of the next day's schedule. It is to be mentioned that Srikanta Rao was one of the 'brains' behind the 'Alwar Festival' that has become a reality by His Divine Grace!

After the speech there was a pause of five minutes when Bhagawan sat onstage watching over the prasadam distribution.Time clock was ticking to 1900 hrs. and Bhagawan asked for an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha..." ...and He moved off drifting towards Yajur Mandiram. II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu II

Scheduled programme for tomorrow, the last day of the five day festivity, includes Pushpayagam (Pushpabhishekham) in the morning followed by the grand Sri Sathya Sai Sathya Narayana Vratham by 1008 selected couples in the immediate Divine presence.

A full round of Darshan ensued before Bhagawan came onstage in fifteen minutes, at 1735 hrs. The priests were awaiting Bhagawan to come onto the dais, as the final rituals for the evening Nithya Pooja was to be done in His Divine presence. After the rituals, Mangala Arathi was soon offered to the Idol and Bhagawan in physical. Bhagawan continued to sit onstage and Veda chanting went on with added vigour till one minute past 1800 hrs., till Bhagawan indicated for the evening proceedings to commence.

Soon, Vidwan Nidumamidi Srikanta Rao took the podium after receiving blessings from Bhagawan. He had the pleasant task of introducing a speaker of repute, Sahithya Shiromani Samudrala Dr. Lakshmanaiah of Tirupathi. The renowned speaker dwelled on the lives of three Alwars, namely, Sri Andal, Thondaradippodi Alwar followed by Sri Thiruppani Alwar. His fifty minute speech ended at 1900 hrs. and as Bhagawan had by then moved in, a fifteen minutes silence prevailed till He emerged to come onstage at 1915 hrs. to accept Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off, retiring to Yajur Mandiram at 1920 hrs.

Earlier in the morning, as part of the rituals, consecration of 18 Kalashas was done followed by chanting of Sri Sudarshana Moola Mantram. Nithya Pooja followed in the evening upon which after Bhagawan's arrival Mangala Arathi was offered to the deity and Bhagawan. Fourth day's schedule includes Maha Sudarshana Homam followed by Mahapoornahuthi in His Divine presence. II Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavantu II

As Bhagawan sat facing the decked up Lord Ranganathar Idol, Vedam chanting went into a higher pitch with the priests awaiting the Lord to complete their nithyapuja (ritualistic offerings) before offering Arathi to The Lord.

Soon Veda chanting stopped as further proceedings for the the second evening of the "Alwar Mahotsavam" was to begin. Intoducing the speaker for the session, Sahasravadhani Sri Medasanimohan, Vidwan Nidumamidi Srikanta Rao presented a brief sketch of the speaker's high credentials to the august assembly.

Covering next three of the twelve Alwars, namely, Thirumalasai Alwar, Kulasekhara Alwar and Periyalwar after yesterday's elucidation on the first three Alwars, the learned orator speaking on the Alwars and their unparallelled devotion gave an intellectual rhetoric presentation bringing beautiful insights from the epics and the Bhagavad Gita, that lasted for an hour. Upon the end of the speech the speaker was blessed with a golden chain while receiving blessings from the Divine. It was 1845 hrs. and Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi.

Upon accepting Mangala Arathi, still onstage, Bhagawan asked the students for an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha...". Moving off the dais, Bhagawan spent awhile interacting with some devotees, including the visiting Minister for States, Railways, Mr. KH Muniyappa. Time was 2 minutes to 1900 hrs. and Bhagawan glided into the ladies' end retiring for the day.

Coming onstage through the front aisle, Bhagawan continued to have the 'in detail' look at the various arrangements onstage before lighting the ceremonial lamp!

Entire Mandir including the dais was nicely decorated with big hoardings, flower buntings, billboards displaying details on various Alwars etc. The dais, the main venue, had a big statue of Lord Ranganathar or Sri Rangam (Lord Vishnu) along with that of Lord Ganesha and the 12 Alwars, with flowers and other ritualistic items spread all over.

Moving off into the interview room Bhagawan spent sometime inside before emerging at 1747 hrs. to come onstage, round of Ganesha, marked by a crescendo in chanting, joined by the Easwaramma English Medium children.
 

Sitting onstage, diagonally facing the gents' side, Bhagawan sat through as the chanting continued to 'beat the air', rendering subtle vibrations bringing in great sanctifying touch. The chanting ended at 1805 when the further proceedings with reference to the programme commenced with a scholarly elucidation by Vidwan Nidumamidi Srikanta Rao or Bengaluru who spoke on three alwars, Poigal Alwar, Bhoodattalwar and Periyalwar. His 45 minutes exposition in Telugu was full of profundity educating the audience on this select class of great devotees of The Lord. The speaker chose to dwell in detail on some of the interesting episodes happened in the life of Lord Rama, involving King Bali and Lord Hanuman, to the great delight of the august assembly.

One particular episode narrating the story of Kulasekhara Alwar from Kerala, who was the ruler of the land. The Aklwar would be so immersed in the story of Ramayana that when the story depicting Lord Rama stood facing the demonic hordes the Allwar would invariably stop, quite instinctively, the narrative. He would then command the general to have the armies ready for battle on Rama’s side!
 

Another narrative, this time that involves Lord Hanuman! It was an interesting story set during the construction of the great bridge across Lanka. All the boulders on which the name of Rama was written floated miraculously to set the bridge. When Lord Rama threw a rock, it went straight down! Lord Rama was 'perplexed' and asked Hanuman about his explanation on the the same. Hanuman replied, “Lord! The power of your name works to make the boulder float. When You don't hold on to something and drop it, what else can happen other than sinking!"

One more episode was lucidly narrated that illustrated Bhakti, devotion as the highest and biggest thing in this world.
 

Earlier, in the morning, the Mahotsavam proceedings began at 0600 hrs. with Shuddha Pravachanam followed by consecration of Ranganatha Swami and Alwars. Chanting of Sri Sathya Sai Ashtothara Satha Namavali followed before continuing the session in the evening with Nithyapuja.

Mangala Arathi was offered at 1855 hrs. and upon accepting Arathi off He moved into the interview room. Emerging shortly, He spent sometime outside the interview room interacting with some seniors before gliding down to the ladies's end at 1920 hrs. retiring for the day. Laddu prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.

Ahead of the ensuing Ashadi celebrations, scheduled for the next week, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Maharashtra & Goa are organising a Jaipur Foot Camp as a part of their Medical Seva activities, in Prasanthi Nilayam. The main objective of the camp is to help rehabilitating physically challenged to live a life of dignity. Over 200 selected men and women from three districts of Andhra Pradesh will be benefited out of this service. They will be aided with artificial limbs, calipers, modified footwear, special shoes etc. This camp will be continued till the 18th of this month. Being the first day of the camp, Mr. V. Srinivasan, President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations gave away the related items to the first batch of selected beneficiaries. ll Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ll

Today, in the evening, emerging at 1724 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a complete round before coming onstage at 1740 hrs., round of Ganesha, after spending quite sometime in the lower verandah interacting with some devotees.

Being the second day of the Russian Cultural Programme, 'centre-stage' was set with a colourful, scenic backdrop, thematic of the ensuing presentation.
 

The presentation for the evening, entitled Hallowed be Thy Name, talks about the Love of Bhagawan that reaches ever nook on planet Earth, opening up people's hearts, flowing through songs, glorifying God in all languages. The presentation narrates the story of a youngster from Russia, who sets out on a journey covering many countries, collecting songs on God's glory. In the process the youngster learns about the present day Avatar, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba!
 

The twenty minute presentation was interlaced with many songs, all featuring the Name of Sai. This programme was followed by a musical session having songs in different languages, lasted for ten minutes. At the end, Bhagawan blessed one of the participants with a golden ring. As many of the participants made a beeline unto Him, a somber sounding solo, sung by a lady in praise of Allah, followed. As they continued to sing in group, Bhagawan was busy giving away gifts to individuals. One particular number followed, typical of Russian, having many beats, started at a slow pace, raised a bit to fall down further, then to climb to peak finally to end up emitting a loud cry with a tail, calling His Name, that faded off merging in silence.
 

Bhajans by Russians continued and the clock was ticking to 1900 hrs. Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan sat through, personally giving away clothes to all the participants who made a beeline, coming unto Him in disciplined order. At the end Bhagawan asked the group to sing bhajans and after one bhajan another Arathi followed. Moving off the dais at 1915 hrs. Bhagawan interacted with one of the students followed by a senior before gliding into the ladies' end retiring to Yajur Mandiram.

Alwarula Bhakti Samrajyam, a five day programme highlighting the devotion of Alwars (great devotees of The Lord) will be commencing tomorrow to culminate with a grand Sathya Narayana Vratham on the 18th July, in the immediate Divine presence  - Find More photos and details from today below

July 13, 2010 – Soulful Drama and Heartfelt Singing by Devotees from Russian Speaking Countries

Superlatives are used in a language when something too wonderful for words takes place. This gives a fair estimate to the readers. But what does one do when a superlative filled narrative is immediately succeeded by something that is simply of the same level if not better? It is a better idea to sound clichéd than try to be different in one’s narrative.
 

There was a hint in the previous update that the coordinator for the Russian speaking countries prayed to Swami for another programme. It had indeed been the case and Swami had permitted these God-crazed Russians (please note that the term ‘Russians’ here refers to all the devotees from Russian speaking countries and not only the inhabitants of current Russia) another opportunity to present a programme in the Divine Presence.

The stage had been set in Sai Kulwant Hall for a little skit and some singing. A slight drizzle began and it developed into a steady rain. It was at 5:15 p.m. that Swami arrived for darshan and since it was raining, a yellow umbrella was held over Swami’s chair. The minute Swami noticed this He made a sweet frown and told that He needed no umbrella. If people make a hue for such small sprinklings, what would happen when they would witness what He had planned to shower that day? Swami soon entered the hall and moved through the ladies’ side.

At the centre, He collected letters from the participants who were seated in front of the backdrop which carried a sample of scenic Russia. Completing the darshan rounds as He came near the students, there were many who got the Shirdi Sai Satcharitra Parayanam books blessed by Him. The week long reading of the Shirdi Sai story is done as a sadhana by many in the hostel during the appropriate period and Swami seemed to be appreciative of it as He blessed all of them along with the card they had made.

He traversed through the veranda and then came out onto the stage. He sat for quite a while reading letters as the Veda chanting went on. Wherever familiar, the Russians too joined whole heartedly in the chanting. It was at 6:05 p.m. that Swami asked for the chanting to stop and the programme to begin.

As far as the Divine smiles are concerned, Swami seemed to take over from where He had left off the previous evening. Broad smiles greeted the men and women who went up to Him and made floral offerings. Swami asked them which country they had come from. Then, as the announcement was on, two kids - a boy and a girl - moved towards Swami with what looked like some special bread and other eats from these countries.

As they walked slowly in a disciplined manner to Him, He seemed so eager to bless them. Twice He beckoned them to come unto Him and as they neared Him, He blessed them and granted padanamaskar. Then the programme began.

The drama had a simple yet moving theme. It traced the journey of a young Russian man who travels to different countries in the quest for songs of God. He comes across different people of varied cultures among these Russian speaking countries. He hears songs from Kazakhstan to Ukraine and is surprised to find mention of Sathya Sai or Sai Baba in all of the songs.

The people tell him that the Lord almighty has descended in all Love and Compassion at Puttaparthi. The man is excited and thrilled. He arrives to Puttaparthi and is joyous on having Swami’s darshan. His joy knows no bounds when all the people he had met in the different countries are all assembled in Prashanti Nilayam.

There seemed to be almost no acting at all in the drama for every word spoken and every expression made seemed like an honest outpouring from the heart. It looked so spontaneous and beautiful and if someone had said that these people made this drama only about 20 minutes ago, we would have all believed it.

It was more like the people from different countries were coming forward to bring out the innermost recesses of their hearts in the Divine Presence. Swami’s beautiful smiles during the programme were enchanting and enamouring. 

As the drama concluded in about 15 minutes, the children came forward and got ready to sing. Another wonderful session of singing followed and though they were kids, their singing was very matured and beautiful. It was really sublime and each of the children sang songs in different tongues, but all embodying Love for God.

In fifteen minutes, they were done with the singing when Swami called one of the boys and asked him what his name was. Vladmir was the answer and Swami asked him what he liked. There was no answer and the boy sat gazing deeply into those mesmerising eyes. Swami waved His hand and materialized a golden ring for the lad and flashing a broad smile slipped it into his ring finger.

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Swami now told the student beside Him to get something. Out came a beautiful photo frame with lights. Swami called the boy and gifted him that frame. Then He told him to call all the other children too. He gifted all of them with similar photo frames. Even as He gifted them, He enquired from many of them where they had come from and whether they played any instruments.

He permitted a few ladies to begin singing and then seemed to be engrossed in making plans on what He wanted to bestow. Swami got white safari pieces for the adult members of the group on the gents’ side. He gifted the ladies with sarees and there was a sense of fulfillment and joy on every face.

Once the ladies’ singing concluded Swami asked the men to sing bhajans. At the end of two bhajans, He called those singers and presented them with safari pieces saying, “Get shirt and pant stitched from these!”

The ladies took over the bhajan singing and it was so wonderful to see these people sing. Yes, ‘see them sing’ because it was with all enthusiasm and great joy. It seemed like each and everyone was aware that they were singing in The Presence. That wisdom was expressed as great love and devotion.

Even as Swami was distributing aarthi was done. But even after the aarthi, Swami continued with the distribution and looking at the ladies told them to sing bhajans. Ah! Their joy knew no bounds. The singing began and Swami was simply so beautiful. All those who witnessed that day will rewind and play those memories over and over again for it was a festival of devotion and Grace.

A second aarthi was performed. Swami called the coordinator of the Russian group and gifted him a safari piece. Meanwhile the photo of Swami placing the ring for Vladimir was given to Swami; He had a look at the picture and then calling Vladmir gifted it to Him. There was applause.
 

Swami also turned to the coordinator and asked, “What was that boy’s name once again?” “Vladimir, Swami” was the answer and Swami smiled. Time had flown and at the end of another blissful session, Swami turned towards the Residence at 7:15 p.m. It will be no exaggeration to say that we must all be grateful to these ‘Russians’ for they gave so much joy to our dear Lord.

Monday, July 12, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : A fresh week is born and with the fresh week, His Unique Graciousness! Divine Darshan!

On this beautiful, pleasant, Monday morning, when Sun-God remained aloof, Bhagawan emerged at 0941 hrs. to come for a full round of Sai Kulwant Hall.

Ascending the portico, Bhagawan spent awhile 'interacting' with some of the officials from Sathya Sai Organisations before getting into the bhajan hall through the rear entrance. Sanctifying a Ganesha statue followed by an array of Alwar statues, pertaining to the ensuing Alwar Festival, Bhagawan came out of the bhajan hall through the front door to come onstage at 1000 hrs., through the doctors' block.

...And, after the United States, now it is the turn of the erstwhile Soviet Union with Russian as the common language. A group of twelve Russian speaking countries have come together gearing up to present a united show in the immediate Divine presence, and the Prasanthi. Mandir bore a festive look with colourful decorations, typical of the Russian culture, adorning the centre-hall, the dais and the portico, with flowers of various hues, creepers, flying squads of 'birds' etc. showing up greeting one and all into the "Russian Festivity".

Back in Mandir, as the session progressed, with bhajans on, Bhagawan sat through, conferring highest benedictions, until 1035 hrs. when He indicated for Mangala Arathi. As the Universal Prayer was emanating from a thousand throat, Bhagawan raised His blessing palm unto the gents first followed by the ladies. Leaving the dais, Bhagawan had an interaction with the Russian group in-charg,e who was appraising Bhagawan of the programme scheduled for the evening, before leaving the dais retiring for the session. ll Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ll

The evening of Russian Rejoicing! Russian Choir in Prasanthi -12 July 2010

This evening was the evening of Russian Rejoicing! ...And on this evening, emerging at 1520 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a complete round acknowledging the presence of the "Russians" before blessing a couple of them, from the ladies' contingent, with Vibhuti Prasadam, spending awhile at the block. Coming onto the portico after a slow and detailed round, Bhagawan went into the interview room, soon to emerge to come onstage at 1540 hrs., through the doctors' block.

Veda chanting stopped soon as indicated by Bhagawan and the Russian in charge went up to Bhagawan seeking initial blessings.

An announcement was made about the evening's programme expressing gratitude for the grand opportunity. What followed was a colourful parade of flag-bearers, representing all the twelve Russian speaking countries, who came marching towards the dais, up front, 'saluting' the Lord before dispersing on either side, men and women respectively.

After this a few ladies came unto the Lord seeking invocatory blessings for the ensuing programme.

A thrilling session was in the offing. With the graceful conductor waved her baton in the air, soulful music weaved magic in Sai Kulwant, as hundreds of men and women in white, women wearing colourful flowery headband, went 'on air' tickling their vocal cords producing mellifluous music. Synchronizing the music to help able to render in a voice of unity, suffused with feeling, this Russian batch excelled in their attempt to appease the Lord, tuning their effort to perfection. It was an ample testimony to their yearning for Bhagawan.

After twenty-five minutes of singing, the troupe switched over to bhajans, making a successful attempt to win His heart through Indianised devotional rendering. After a couple of bhajans, they again switched over to singing original Russian numbers, sung in rapturous rhapsody.

It appeared as if a group of Russians arrived in Prasanthi finally winning His heart with simple exhibition of purest devotion. As Bhagawan sat through, enjoying every bit of the session, completely involved in receiving the Russian Love, one could hear murmurings from the "front bench", who were trying to respond to Bhagawan as He went on insisting for more...and more...and more...
 

Soon came a materialisation as the graceful conductor was called unto Him to receive His Special Benediction, a golden chain, to the amusement of the twilight's assembly, and much more to the loud cheering of an excited bunch of Russians.

Bhajans commenced yet again as Bhagawan sat through, 'demanding' more and more from the Russians. After every bhajan Bhagawan went on demanding more and enjoying His Love, the Russians often burst into laughter, making merry of His greater magnanimity and love.

 Soon came an 'instant photo', of the conductor receiving special blessings, and as the conductor was called unto Him to receive the same there was a loud cheers and applauses from the assembly.

It was 1850 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. As the Russians led the Arathi song along with the students, Bhagawan went on blessing the beneficiaries for the session. In the meantime Chocolate Prasadam, specially from Russia was being distributed to the assemblage.
 

A lengthy pause ensued, as Bhagawan sat through glancing over, interacting with the Russian in-charge, before moving off just before seven, retiring for the day.

It was indeed a Russian exhibition of Pure Love!  More photos and details from 12-07-2010 below

ll Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ll 

July 12, 2010 – Lovely and Lively Singing by Devotees from
 Russian Speaking Countries

The people from Russia have always occupied a special niche in Swami’s heart. Whenever they have come to Puttaparthi, they have done so in sizeable numbers and have sung in His presence with all their hearts and throats. And every time without fail, they have captured the heart of their Lord along with those of all the devotees who have gathered in the hall.

It is no surprise that during His Shivarathri discourse on 16th of February 2007, Swami declared, “Several devotees are coming here from Africa and Russia. The devotion of the Russians is indescribable. There are several Russian devotees sitting in this hall. They enjoy My discourse a lot.” (Pointing toward the Russian devotees) "’Look! Those devotees with raised hands are all Russians.’ They are all very devoted.” (Pointing towards the Russian devotees again) "You are not Russians. You belong to our country only! I love you all."

And so, when it was known that the devotees from Russian speaking countries would present their programme, everyone felt that it would be a special evening.

The hall was filled with the Russian men and women in their lovely blue and white flowing dresses with the women decking their heads with white floral wreaths. It was 5:25 p.m. when Swami arrived for darshan. He crossed the ladies’ side and as He came to the centre, a glow came over His face. This was the kind of glow that appears on a devotees’ face when he/she sees the Lord. Being pure reflection, it showed on His face too! There was such an exchange of Love and Joy that one could literally feel them in the air.

Swami asked one of the ladies as to where she came from. Soon He was surrounded by women pining to touch His redeeming feet. In emotional joy, one of the women even tried to kiss His hand, but Swami drew His hand back. Bhagavan prefers Love to be treasured in the innermost recesses of one’s heart and has never encouraged such emotional outbursts. The smile quickly returned to His face and moving ahead, He interacted with the men too. The Mandir had been colourfully and beautifully decked and Swami glanced at the decorations.

When Swami came to the front too He could not seem to resist speaking to the Russian devotees. He arrived on the stage and calling one of the students said, “They are Russians! They have come in hundreds!” He was so happy and moved with that fact itself.  The Russian coordinator moved to Swami and told Him about the programme. Swami nodded and smiling beautifully at him, asked for the programme to be started.

The lady who was to conduct the music programme came out to the front and then the singing began. Right at the start, there was a small march past of sorts as men and women holding the flags of the various Russian speaking nations walked past the stage. Swami smiled and blessed them. Now the ‘singing proper’, if we may call it so, began. And it was simply awesome and oozing with love and devotion to say the least. It started with a lady making the initial offerings to Swami.

The songs were all in the Russian tongue but it was clearly sung in the language of the heart. Swami’s face simply blossomed as the singing progressed and looking at each and every Russian face around it was clear that the blossoming was mutual. Swami kept telling the coordinator seated by His side that every song was beautiful and full of feelings.

Swami was speaking softly in English and the coordinator was visibly struggling to hear what He said. But he seemed to be doing a pretty good job of understanding what He wanted! That’s the language of the heart. And so, when Swami asked for another song or a bhajan, he conveyed the instruction accordingly.

Swami kept looking at all the members involved in singing and playing the various instruments. He would almost fix His gaze on one of the instrumentalists and when he/she looked up at Him, He would reward them with a most sweet smile. Ah! How beautiful was this divine romance!

The choir was typically traditional Russian music. The lilting melodies tugged at the heartstrings and powerful feelings were evoked in ones being as they sang. Some were fast and joyous numbers and though they were in Russian, they had the whole hall clapping enthusiastically with them, participating in every moment of the rejoicing.

The songs were all so wonderfully tuned that even as they got over, one wondered, “Is it over already?”

As that apparent disappointment seemed to be sinking in, another song would begin and carry away those blues. Usually after 8-9 songs, Swami asks the performers as to how many more songs they have. That day the case was different.

The group concluded their singing and Swami simply looked at them and said, “Continue singing.” The coordinator asked Swami whether they could sing bhajans and Swami gladly consented. And so, one of the ladies began “Salaam Alaikum, Salaam Alaikum”.

Everyone joined in the singing. The next bhajan was by the gents and that also had a loud chorus. Swami was so moved at these simple people who had made special efforts to learn the Sanskrit bhajans. As these completed, Swami again prodded them to sing some more songs!

The conductor now came to her position and then started a most memorable song. It had different beats in it and beginning with a slow tempo, it would speed and build up to a crescendo after which it would fall back to the original slow! The effect was mesmerising and people suddenly found that their feet and hands were moving automatically in rhythm of the song.
 

Swami was all smiles. At the end of that song, He called the conductor and materialized a gold chain with His pendant for her. As He put the chain around her neck, He said, “Keep it always with you!” The woman seemed to be struck dumb with joy as she returned to her place.

Swami now told the Russians to continue with their bhajans. And they began to look at each other’s faces! This was not a prepared part of the programme. It was in devotional bravery that some members ventured and began to sing into the mike. Thus, “Vitthala Hari Vitthala” filled the air. And the singing was so beautiful.

More bhajans flowed out and Swami said, “They do not clap hard like our boys; the bhajans are so beautiful.” He called one of the students and told him something which he simply could not hear and grasp. He told Swami, “Swami, these people derive so much joy simply in seeing You!” Swami nodded and seemed to become emotional.

He then called the keyboard player and asked her to sing a bhajan. She began a slow and beautiful bhajan, “Shirdi Sai”. This was new but the feelings it embodied were as ancient as the concept of love and pining for the Lord. In the meanwhile, the photographer gave Swami the picture of the conductor being divinely “chained”!

Swami looked at the picture for a while and as He gave it to the conductor, she seemed to jump in joy, oblivious of where she was. She almost danced her way back to her seat showing the photo to all on the way and Swami seemed amused.

The coordinator now showed Swami another card for probably another programme. Swami had a look at it and then asked for aarthi. It was 7:00 p.m. when Swami blessed both the aarthi chance and rose chance students before moving back towards Yajur Mandir.

 In Parthi, it rained overnight, almost continuously, dawning a fresh beautiful morning with greater anticipation of yet another "Act of Highest Benediction" - Divine Darshan!

On this weekend morning, emerging just after 10 past 10 to the soothing, soul-stirring Rama bhajan, "Sri Rama Sri Raghurama...", Bhagawan went for a complete round blessing the sunday morning's assembly. Towards the end of the round, moving through the front block, Bhagawan accepted many a letter from students before spending "extra-time" at the Primary block, watching over the tiny tots. At the end of the round, Bhagawan moved bit further into the ladies' end before returning with a "u-turn" to come onstage at 1028 hrs., round of Ganesha.

As the session progressed, with Bhagawan sitting onstage (often seen) going through letters from devotees, fifty minutes into the session, Bhagawan indicated for a special aalaap bhajan, resulting in "Allaho Akbar.." for the bhajan Rama Hare Hari Naam Bolo....

It was 1128 hrs., an hour after He came onstage, and Bhagawan turned to the priest indicating Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan called the "aalaap" singer unto Him blessing him with interaction and Paadanamaskar. Moving off the dais, Bhagawan spent sometime interacting with some of the seniors before gliding past towards the ladies' end at 1140 hrs., retiring for the session.

In the evening, the US contingent is expected to stage their second and last cultural programme in the immediate Divine presence of Bhagawan.

l Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ll

This evening, on the second day of the US cultural programme, emerging at 1725 hrs. to the chants of Vedam, Bhagawan went for a full round of 10 mts. before attending to the Primary School children, pausing for a while, watching them chanting Vedam in all earnestness and confidence. After a pause of seven minutes at the Primary block, Bhagawan later came onto the portico, to glide through the lower portico, coming onstage at 1745 hrs., round of Ganesha, well received with a high-pitch Vedam chanting.

In a couple of minutes, the Vedam chanting stopped as the US representatives moved onstage seeking Divine blessings before the commencement of the scheduled programme.

"All Our Relations", the programme for the evening, by the SSE children from the US, was based on the sacred teachings of the Native American Medicine Wheel, used by the original inhabitants of the United States, the Native Americans. The Native American teachings urges to see God in the entire creation promoting universal harmony.

At the end of the colourful 45 minutes programme, the children made a fervent appeal to Bhagawan expressing hope that Bhagawan would visit their country to see 'in person' the rare culture of the United States of America.

Soon Bhagawan moved down the stage for an elaborate photo session, wherein He spent quite sometime interacting and amusing the children.

Ascending the dais Bhagawan asked the students to start bhajans as the US children started sitting in orderly fashion as directed by Bhagawan. One could see the enchanting Divine sitting onstage grabbing eyeballs, especially of the children from the US, who were lucky to be seated at a close quarter in the immediate physical presence of The Lord.
 

After three bhajans Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi and upon accepting Arathi, Bhgawan moved off the dais, not before blessing the concourse with abhayahastha. As He was moving off, Bhagawan accepted a "Rose of Love and Reverence" from one of the eldest member of the Native American community, 83 year old George Walking Bear Gillette, who has been a devotee of Bhagawan for the past 35 years. He is a man of repute having miraculous experiences related to Bhagawan and quite interestingly, is travelling out of his native country for the first time!...to see God in person! 

The programme for the evening was a Choir cum Orchestra entitled Sathya Sai National Choir & Orchestra, USA, attended by over sixty musicians from various centres of the United States.

The programme had nine devotional numbers, including "Hallelujah" chorus from Handel's Messiah. The forty-five minutes programme, that showcased the United States' longing for Bhagawan, ended at 1605 hrs. with a special prayer song, Let the Rain of Your Presence Fall on Me. This was followed by a forty minute bhajan session by the US devotees. Half-an-hour into the bhajans Bhagawan called a lady from the US group, blessing her with a materialised golden chain. Bhajans continued for ten more minutes before Bhagawan called for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, off He moved from the dais, retiring for the day, not before engaging Himself in an 'in-detail' conversation with some, including the visiting Russian group incharge.
 

Indeed "His Presence' was raining benedictions all over as prayed by the 'US Choir' singing its concluding song.

Over four hundred devotees from Russia and another strong two hundred plus from Latin America are also camping in Prasanthi, ready to show up with their offering in His Divine presence. For More details and photos from today scroll down

ll Samastha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu ll

July 10, 2010 – Presentation of a Choir by the US group

It was an early start for the evening as by 4:30 p.m., Swami arrived for darshan on July 10. It was a day when He had permitted the group from US to present their choir. Swami completed the darshan rounds and asked for the programme to begin at about 5:20 p.m. The card and floral offerings were made and Swami blessed them to begin.

Beginning with “Simple Gifts”, a song that tells one to live life as a gift, they moved on singing “The Potter’s Hand”, a prayer to mold one’s life, followed by “Deep River” a supplication to Lord as Deep River to help crossing over unto His campground. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was the next number, a song of Tribute to America that was followed by “There will be Joy in the Morning”, a song of hope for joy and peace.

“How Beautiful”, a song of praise for the Lord emanating from the deep heart was next which was followed by “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name”, with little children praising the Lord. The penultimate number was “Hallelujah” song from Handel’s Messiah.

Swami had His bundle of letters in His hand which He was reading during the programme. The songs were all of a type and variety that is rarely heard in Prashanti Nialayam. Swami smiled as He seemed to ask the students, “Can you understand what they are singing?”

One of the students who was looking at the script given and trying to sing along elicited another smile from Him. It was obvious that the student was making that effort only to make an ‘impression’ on Him and He clearly knew it! It was so hilarious seeing this reaction.

The different thing in that day’s choir was the presence of a lady who was assisting the choirmaster. She signalled with her hands so that the aurally- challenged people from the group too could participate in the singing.

After the music programme, Swami permitted the members to sing bhajans. While this was on, out of the blue Swami called one of the lead singers from the ladies side and materialized a golden chain for her. He put it around her neck and told her to go and sing another bhajan. With great joy, she did as commanded. Soon after that, Swami received aarthi and retired for the day.

Today, on a cool, rainy Friday evening, breaking a twenty minutes pause of silence that ensued the one-hour regular Vedam chanting, another bout of Vedam chanting started at 1750 hrs., heralding His entry, while invoking Bhagawan to the assembly in Sai Kulwant Hall!

Coming for a complete round, pausing in between attending to some groups including the one from the US, Bhagawan completed the round ascending the portico. Moving through the lower portico at a slow pace, pausing, listening and blessing many on His way, Bhagawan came onstage at 1802 hrs., round of Ganesha, marked by a crescendo in chanting.

The state of Rajasthan was to stage another cultural programme after yesterday's programme on the ruler of Mewar, Rana Pratap Singh. Veda chanting continued for another fifteen minutes before Bhagawan signalled for the programme to commence. The programme entitled "Khwaja Garib Nawaz" was a narrative drama, in Hindi, on the life of illustrious sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisty, lived in 12th century, of Ajmer. The programme lasted for 45 minutes and after a pause of 7 to 8 minutes Bhagawan asked the Organisational office bearers to distribute clothes to the participants. Soon Bhagawan moved down the aisle to pose for a group photo session with the participants. At 1920 hrs. Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi, upon which, before leaving the dais, Bhagawan blessed the concourse with abhayahastha.

Moving into interview room for a short while followed by bhajan hall, Bhagawan emerged in five minutes, retiring for the day to Yajur Mandiram.

The visiting US group is expected to show up in the coming days with a couple of cultural programmes.

Advancing to complete the round, when Bhagawan showed up moving towards the Vedam block, there was a crescendo in Vedam chanting with tiny tots joining the lead, en masse. Bhagawan chose to spend awhile at the block 'entertaining' the little hearts, many of whom were craning their necks to have a glimpse of the Lord!
 

Coming onto the portico, Bhagawan glided past the lower portico to come onstage at 0845 hrs., well received with louder chanting. As the Vedam session continued Bhagawan sat onstage till 0903 hrs. when He moved off heading into the bhajan hall for a brief pause before getting into the interview room.

As bhajans, that began three minutes behind the schedule, continued, Bhagawan came out of the Interview Room to come onstage at 0922 hrs. Mangala Arathi was offered at 0930 hrs. and after a pause of a couple of minutes, in between blessing one of the bhajan singers with Divine Whispers in his ears, Bhagawan moved off the dais retiring to Yajur Mandiram, not before blessing the auspicious morning's assembly with His abhayahastha benediction.

In the evening Bhagawan emerged at 1652 hrs. to the chants of Vedam. Coming for a slow and detailed round, blessing the cast of an ensuing cultural programme for which a backdrop was already set in the centre, Bhagawan paused for a while at the Primary block watching the children chanting Vedam in presence of their "Swami".

Coming onstage at 1710 hrs. Bhagawan blessed the organisers from the state of Rajasthan to commence programme. As commanded by Bhagawan, the State President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Rajasthan, made an introductory announcement on the programme. The forty minute programme by the Balvikas and Youth of Rajasthan was a depiction of the lofty ideals of the great king of Mewar, lived in the 16th century, who stood for the honour and dignity of his Motherland. Upon the end of the programme Bhagawan moved down the aisle posing for a photo session with the participants.

It was 1805 hrs. and Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. After a pause, Bhagawan moved off the dais, round of Ganesha, gliding through the lower portico at a slow pace, interacting with and blessing many, beaming His characteristic, loving smile that beamed from His enchanting face. Soon He got into the bhajan hall, soon to exit getting into the interview room spending next half an hour in. Upon emerging at 1852 hrs. Bhagawan glided into the ladies' side retiring for the daey.||Samstha Lokaaha Sukhino Bhavanthu||

Bhajans that began at the scheduled hour went on till 0930 hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan left the dais retiring to Yajur Mandiram.

This evening, damp again due to overcast conditions, Bhagawan emerged at 1650 hrs. to the holy chants of Vedam. Going for a detailed round granting darshan, Bhagawan spent a minute at the US Ladies' contingent conversing with some before gliding into the gents' side. Moving further, Bhagawan spent awhile at the old students' block, conversing with a couple of them before materializing a golden chain for one of them.

Coming onstage at 1715 hrs., Bhagawan sat through the next 45 mts. presiding over the session. Bhajans began at 1745 hrs., half an hour behind the appointed hour, and continued till 1800 hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, blessing the beneficiaries, Bhagawan moved off the dais, not before asking for an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha...". The day-long intermittent drizzle had by now strengthened into a downpour lashing out at Prasanthi and Bhagawan 'called it a day' retiring to Yajur Mandiram, driving back in His car, at 1810 hrs.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates: This morning Bhagawan was ushered into the hall at 0812 hrs. to the holy chants of Rudram. Going for a full round of the hall, Bhagawan, upon coming onto the portico moved further to come onstage at 0825 hrs., round of Ganesha.

Moving off in the very next minute, Bhagawan spent sometime in the middle interacting with some students at length, before getting into the interview room.

After a long pause of 75 mts. Bhagawan came out of the interview room to come onstage at 0955 hrs. Mangala Arathi was offered at the stroke of 1000 hrs. and upon accepting Arathi, soon Bhagawan retired for the session, not before conferring His abhayahastha benediction to all who were present in the hall.

The session continued for next forty minutes, with "Bolo Narayana Jai Jai Viththala..." being the concluding bhajan. Mangala Arathi was offered at 0941 hrs. and upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved off the dais to glide into the ladies' end, retiring for the session at 0950 hrs.

This evening that was made cooler after a spell of afternoon rains, upon making an early entry at 1637 hrs., Bhagawan went for a complete round before coming onstage at 1649 hrs., round of Ganesha. Veda chanting continued till 1700 hrs. when Bhagawan indicated for bhajans to commence. Half an hour into the bhajan, Bhagawan asked for "aalaap" bhajan resulting in a high pitch aalaap "Allaho Akbar..." singing the bhajan, "Rama Hare Hari Naam Bolo..."

The session prolonged till 1855 hrs. when Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi. Asking for an encore of "Samastha Lokaaha...", repeatedly for the second continuous session., Bhagawan continued to sit for some more time watching over the assembly as prasadam was being distributed. At 1905 hrs. Bhagawan moved off the dais heading into the interview room. After 40 mts., Bhagawan emerged at 1845 hrs. to glide into the ladies' end, retiring for the day.

Exiting in half-an-hour, just after half-past-eight, through the rear entrance, Bhagawan spent sometime on the lower portico, accepting letters and casting His benediction upon many, before moving onstage at 0837 hrs. to loud chants of Vedam.

Sunday audience had the enterprising children from Primary School, apart from senior students, who joined the Vedam lead en masse, as indicated by Bhagawan, resulting in a crescendo, reverberating the hall and entire Prasanthi, emitting subtle vibrations all around.

Bhagawan sat through the next almost half-an-hour presiding over the Vedam session before indicating for Mangala Arathi at 0905 hrs.

Blessing the students, blessing the concourse with abhayahastha, off He moved from the dais, enroute interacting with some, before retiring for the session at ten past nine.

In the evening, it was yet another 'early entry' as Bhagawan emerged to come into the hall just after 1630 hrs. to the chants of Vedam. The hall appeared half empty with students were still to arrive while the Primary children were just making it to the hall.

Being the second day of the East Godavari Programme, the 'centre stage' was set for another cultural programme. A backdrop with Bhagawan in various postures, from His yester years, with a lounge in River Godavari, signifying the 'golden olden days' when Bhagawan had travelled from Rajahmundry to Bhadrachalam boating for three long days, was set in the centre. Bhagawan, while gliding past, showed keen interest in the same and was seen explained by one of the seniors about the same.

Scanning the devoted assembly, Bhagawan moved along, slowing down at the students' block, blessing some of them with closer interaction. Primary children got special attention as Bhagawan paused for a while watching them chanting the Veda, resulting a crescendo in volume, as the innocent ones made a full throated attempt, en masse. Spending sometime at the block, moving along, Bhagawan came onto the portico. Moving further through the lower portico, this time at a slower pace, patiently listening and blessing many, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall through the rear entrance.

Exiting through the main entrance Bhagawan came onstage at 1700 hrs. Soon Veda chanting stopped as Bhagawan indicated for the programme proceedings to begin.

Initial intro on the programme followed, with representatives coming onstage seeking blessings. Some of the selected old devotees, most of them octogenarians, who were the recipients of boundless Divine Grace in those olden days when Bhagawan visited their homes. Launch of SSSVIP website came next that was followed by a gratitude speech and an ensemble of cultural presentation tagged to many an activity taken up by the Organisation for the upliftment of the tribals in the region.

Sri Sathya Sai Navaratnamala was the first item that was chanted by the tribal children, who sang the customised composition to existing popular tunes, raining Gratitude to Master Beloved suffused with devotion in its purest essence. Colourful dance sessions bringing forth cultural essence of tribals from the district, explicitly showing up their gratitude and devotion to Bhagawan followed, that included chakka bhajan, peacock- snake dance to conclude with an innovative dance programme, an expression of joy at the rail facility to Prasanthi Nilayam.

Next half-an-hour witnessed the tribal children singing bhajans while Bhagawan moved off the dais into the interview room. As bhajans continued Bhagawan emerged yet again, at 1835 hrs., to come onstage in next five minutes, round of Ganesha. After the bhajan session got over, there was a pause of silence when Bhagawan sat through watching over, interacting with some of the seniors from the group, passing on some instructions. Clothes distribution to the children followed and in due course of time Bhagawan moved down the aisle to pose for a photo session with the children.

It was obvious that His compassion was filling and fulfilling. Bhagawan, upon coming onstage after the photo session, moved down yet again to pose with the girls, moving among them in between the disciplined rows followed by the boys to come back onstage at 1910 hrs. Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi in next couple of minutes and upon accepting Arathi, off He moved from the dais, retiring to Yajur Mandiram. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage before the Arathi offering.

Over 600 tribals and another thousand, approximately, devotees have joined the three day Parthi Yathra that concluded with this evening's cultural programme. In the meanwhile, the second batch of US devotees has arrived in Prasanthi Nilayam and is already busy engaged in rehearsal sessions expecting to show up in His Divine Presence. The group is scheduled to stay for next ten days starting from tomorrow.

Ten minutes into the bhajans, Bhagawan moved off the dais into the interview room. Emerging after a pause of twenty minutes, at 0935 hrs., Bhagawan chose to interact with some seniors outside the interview room and later with some of the students before coming onstage at 0950 hrs. Two more bhajans continued before Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi.

Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan called a few boys unto Him, in turns, interacting and blessing them while creating Vibhuti Prasadam for two of them. Moving off the dais at 1005 hrs., Bhagawan blessed some more enroute, before gliding past the aisle to the ladies' end retiring for the session.

With the arrival of a huge group of devotees from East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Prasanthi Mandir bore a mini-festive look with tasteful decorations adorning the 'centre stage'. While a colourful balloon arch welcomes The Lord at the centre facing the dais, colour parasols take place on both side of the 3rd block, heralding auspiciousness and festivity. Colourful buntings and flowers were decked onstage as well, reminiscent of a festive occasion. A huge arch with writing,"Giridhari Sannidhikki Girijanula Parthi Yathra" (meaning tribal's pilgrimage to the Abode of The Lord) has been erected at the east Prasanthi pathway leading from the Ganesha temple end, welcoming the devotees. The group is expected to show up with a cultural presentation later in the evening.

Evening: On a cloudy evening, that was slowly waning, that was made damp owing to early evening drizzle, Prasanthi had a special group of six hundred, of tribal origin, awaiting Bhagawan to grant them Darshan!

And, as if He was keen to grant them what they desired for, Bhagawan emerged five minute after an initial bustle at 1830 hrs., that indicated His imminent arrival. It was 1835 hrs. and tickling thousands of vocal cords resounded three omkars, invoking the Divine into the august assembly of the twilight.

Coming into the hall to take a detour from the centre pathway, Bhagawan came onstage in next two minutes, through the aisle at the front block leading unto the dais directly.

Veda chanting concluded in next three minutes as

the proceedings for the evening was to commence. Representatives from the visiting group made a beeline unto the dais with various offerings, starting with Poornakumbham, symbolically signifying a traditional 'Welcome to The Lord'. Among the various things presented included an album comprising of photographs of Bhagawan's various visits to East Godavari, 18 in all, starting from early 1960s.

The programme for the evening, entitled Navavidha Bhakta Kusumanjali, a musical dance ballet by Balvikas and Youth of tribal origin from the district, was a depiction of various forms of devotion as discoursed and taught by Bhagawan. The presentation was interwoven with various incidents and teachings of Bhagawan along with glimpses from the lives of illustrious devotees. This absorbing presentation had all the elements of the East Godavari culture, explicitly showing up their gratitude and devotion to Bhagawan. The programme was interspersed with colourful dance sequences and soulful rendering and the entire presentation was reminiscent of the golden olden days of Bhagawan.

At the end of the one hour programme, as the participants converged at the front block in disciplined order to the background score of mellifluous devotional piece hailing The Lord of Parthi, Bhagawan, blessing the lot with abhayahastha, indicated for Mangala Arathi, at 1945 hrs.

Greater benediction in the form of a photo session was in the offing. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan moved down the aisle to pose for a coveted photo session with the orderly disciplined tribal children and youth, granting them the picture of their lives! A photo with 'Devudu' Himself!

At 1955 hrs. Bhagawan moved off the dais not before blessing the entire concourse with abhayahastha. A small round of interaction ensued before Bhagawan moved down the aisle leading to the ladies' end retiring for the day. Laddu Prasadam was distributed ot the entire assembly before Bhagawan retiring for the day.

Evening
Every heart will sing its own distinct song, if given a chance to express, while awaiting The Lord's Grand Entry - Divine Darshan! When the clock ticked past 10 minutes to 1800 hrs., the slow tuned bhajan, "Mahadeva Maheshwara Sai Narayana...", that has a miraculous soothing effect rendered the air immersing Sai Kulwant assembly in ecstatic bliss. This bhajan stands apart, quite distinct from others, as it induces deeper concentration with an awesome power to touch the deep recesses of human heart, evoking most soothing magical healing touch.

Bhajans continued and The Lord was yet to emerge. Soon it was time ...and a sudden quiver ran through the assembly, Yes, there He was making His grand entry, majestic and just!

Emerging at 1812 hrs., Bhagawan went for a full round of Sai Kulwant feasting the assembly that yearned for His emergence. Coming onto the portico, Bhagawan glided past the lower portico to come onstage at 1820 hrs., round of Ganesha. Bhajans went into a higher gear, full throated, with many a fast bhajan help building the tempo.
 

With time passing through its transitional phase, from evening to twilight to nightfall, next one and a half hour, Sai Kulwant assembly went immersed in the joy of His immediate physical presence as The Timeless Divine powered through the session, dissipating His most subtle blessing.

At 1952 hrs. Bhagawan nodded for Mangala Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, accepting the Universal Prayer, blessing the concourse with abhayahastha, Bhagawan moved off the dais, not before asking for an encore of the Universal Prayer, Samastha Lokaaha... Moving off the dais, He had short interactions with a few before gliding into the ladies' end retiring for the day.
 

God He is, He was giving Himself away!... Giving Himself to the devoted, to take Him in their heart, imprinted, to become a fine picture for Him!

With the US contingent, that has been camping since 23rd July, is set to return tonight after spending 10 days in the ashram and the next batch from the US is due for arrival on the 5th July, filling the gap of three days a large group of devotees including tribals have arrived from East Godavari on a Parthi Yathra for three days. The group is expected to stage cultural programme in the coming days, pending Divine approval.

It's to be mentioned that the three new boys, Amit Chandra and Janakiram of 2nd MSc. and Manikant of 2nd BA have been practising the art for quite sometime gearing up for their maiden show. As had been blessed by Bhagawan, the trio were ready and the stage was set for a Burrakatha, entitled "Lava Kusha", on the sublime story of the 'Holy Twins' of Treta.
 

It was past 1800 hrs. and the fresh faces were ushered into the Divine presence to a round of applause from fellow students and special loud cheers from the tiny tots from Primary School, who seemed amused at the arrival of the new 'heroes'.
 

Full throated Vedam continued till 1805 hrs. when Bhagawan sent His green signal for the commencement of the programme. An intro on the folk art form explaining what it entails along with a prayer for Bhagawan's guidance and blessing was given before the commencement of the programme.

Weaving through the epic Ramayana, next 45 minutes witnessed the illustrious life of Lord Rama and Mother Sita and the holy twins under depiction, often bringing inserts with reference to the present day Avatar. The forty-five minute programme concluded at 1900 hrs., highlighting Bhagawan's message in essence, My Life is My Message, urging one and all to sing Sai's glory..

Next fifteen minutes saw Bhagawan, flanked by the artistes and accompanists, interacting and imparting blessings in abundance. Singer artiste in the Burrakatha troupe was blessed with a golden ring while the others were blessed with Vibhuti Prasadam followed by group photo sessions.
 

Mangala Arathi was offered at 1915 hrs. Upon accepting Arathi, blessing the assembly with abhayahastha, off He retired from the dais, enroute blessing prasadam for primary children before having a series of interactions with some seniors. It was 1925 hrs. and Bhagawan slowly glided past the western aisle leading to the ladies' side, retiring to Yajur Mandiram.