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Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Samadhi
Governor Narasimhan, Chief Minister Reddy, Advani, Chandra Babu Naidu and other leaders went to the samadhi had a word with Ratnakar and sprinkled sacred ash at the spot.
Earlier, a little before 9 a.m. the glass casket in which Sai Baba’s body was lying in state from Sunday night was removed and the body was wrapped in national tri colour for a brief while.
Men of the Andhra Pradesh Armed Police sounded the last post and fired 21 shots in the air as a mark of respect.
With Sai Baba’s body draped in his favourite saffron robe, the last rites were performed by Mr. Ratnakar, who wept inconsolably, while priests recited vedic chants. Mr. Ratnakar Swami’s Nephew & also a member of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.
Water from sacred rivers from all over the country were sprinkled on Sai Baba’s body along with …honey, ghee and silk were given as gifts to priests. After the ceremony was over, Sai devotees gathered at the hall rushed to have a look at the samadhi, which was open for public viewing after 11.45 a.m.”
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Daily updates: Sathya Sai Baba Latest Darshan News & Photos  Sunday, Dec 06, 2009 – Punjab Youth – Balvikas Parthi Yatra  “…Bal Vikas children from Punjab who had assembled at Prasanthi Nilayam had the opportunity to have the Darshan of Bhagawan and listen to talks by eminent speakers in the lecture hall of Ashram. On this evening, Bhagawan came for Darshan at 5.05 p.m. ...” Read more |
 PRASANTHI THIS WEEK“December arrived and came along with the wintry season. While passing off, the first week of the last month left vivid pictures of a vibrant Prasanthi that had enough of actions in its kitty. Topping the list comes the visit of India’s Industrial tycoon Ratan Tata. Yes, the week that passed by had a hectic twenty-four hour schedule for India’s topmost industrialist, Ratan Tata, in Prasanthi Nilayam…” Read More |
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Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Birthday celebrations – 84TH bIRTHDAY – 2009
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| Sri Sathya Sai Baba Birthday celebrations Updates and photos + Archived news of previous birthdays & Free birthday downloads – Mp3 – Videos – Wallpapers & Greeting cards – 23rd November 2009 |
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Om Sairam dearest Sai family, The Birthday of our beloved Lord was celebrated grandly at the Abode of our beloved Lord Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Puttaparthi, the holy abode which witnessed the birth of the Lord of this Kali age was blessed again to celebrate the 84th Birthday. Thousands thronged to this holy land and words are not enough to express the happiness among those people who were blessed to be born in the surroundings of this holy land..
It is a matter of pride happiness and contentment for all of us here and thousands come to Puttaparthi to wish the Lord of the Lords, the Lord who has neither a beginning nor an end..that Swami who is eternal and immortal it is only His immense grace and love for us that He allows us to celebrate 23November every year as His Birthday..
Puttaparthi and its surrounding were jam packed. .All the streets were full and there was hardly any place even to stand.. The gents line touched Hanuman temple and people were standing in the lines since 2am in the morning. Inside it was the same scene. Stringent security arrangements were made for the big day and the mandir was beautifully decorated.
Inside the Sai Kulwanth hall it was just beautiful. There was a big arch like thing on which 84th birthday celebrations was written.. It was announced yesterday that the birthday programme would start at 9:30am. Every one were eagerly waiting for our beloved Lord on His (body’s) birthday. It was 9am and the Prasanthi Campus boys, primary school children with their bag pipers and Anantapur campus sisters with their full fledged band and vedam chanting boys were eagerly waiting for the Lord by His residence..
Around 10am the long wait was worth while when our beloved Lord gave His most divine darshan which also commemorates 84 years of the Advent. The Band from all the campuses came in first, later the vedam boys and then Swami clad in a beautiful white robe seated on a golden colour car chair blessed those lucky souls who could make it to the Sai Kulwanth Hall.. As soon as Swami entered the hall, two little girls, bit shy, offered rose to our Swami and Swami moved forward to bless all the ladies’ seated there. Then it was turn of sisters from Anantapur, who were watching Swami with tears in eyes, Swami very sweetly smiled back at them and then the journey continued and now it was the turn of little sisters from the Primary school. They had some beautiful handworks made specially for Swami and Swami very keenly looked at them and gave the most beautiful smile in appreciation..
Swami now was right in the middle of the hall, He could take a right turn and go directly to the dais, but our most compassionate Lord preferred to take a full round as He knew there were thousands who were waiting to see Him for hours.. Swami very slowly moved among His devotees blessing few, smiling at some and speaking to few more blessed ones..
Every one were in tears, tears of joy, seeing the most beautiful form of this world, seeing their beloved Lord from so close and that too on His birthday, that Lord whom they always look upto in difficulties, that Lord whom they always thank when He takes care of their problems, that Lord who very generously pardons all our mistakes and takes us in His arms…. Swami was looking so fresh and full of joy and bliss and thats what He asks us to be like..
Swami now moved to the verandah and then He preferred to take one more round and now moved on the exit path blessing more and more devotees on the ladies’ side. Swami then came on the dais and blessed the chief minister of Maharashtra Mr.Ashok Chavan who is here for the past 3 days and other dignitories.. The three bands then played some bhajans in sequence and Swami listened to them and after some time Swami signalled all of them to be seated..
Sri. Chakravarthi briefed Swami about today’s programme and it was the most memorable day for Malladi brothers to sing in the divine presence for the second time on His birthday..
The programme started with the song Parama Shivudu puttina panduga .. and there were few more karnatic songs and one song that touched Swami’s heart was when they described and praised Swami for being born in Puttaparthi.. The song first started telling about Valmiki and how that great soul was born from an ant hill, Lord Venkateswara who was drinking milk from the ant hill and Lord Subramanya is worshipped with milk by pouring the same in the ant hill and Lord Shiva’s ornament Snake also lives in the ant hill (which is called Putta in telugu).. the next lines of the song Puttu leni Swami ki (that Swami who doesn’t have birth) Putta meeda Prema poledu (still loves Putta (ant hill), anduna Sathya Sai Ayi PUTTA parthilo puttinadu..(that is why has born as Sathya Sai in PUTTA Parthi)..
Swami was so touched by these words and the way the brothers sang the song made everyone of us cry and it was very emotional and heatening to see Swami’s feelings when those lines were sung.. The next song was about Mother and the brothers started with the Jijiya bai Shivaji’s(a great emperor of Maharashtra ) mother who was instrumental in molding her son into a able emperor, Putli Bai who moulded her son Mahatma Gandhi who later became father of the nation, Mother Kausalya, who taught Rama how to lead an ideal life and at the end the lines were on chosen mother Eswaramma.. The lines said (a rough translation as telugu is such a sweet language that it is hard to translate AS IT IS in English and that is why we many a times see Prof.Anil Kumar being corrected by Swami while translating), Mother Eswaramma if she hadn’t taken her little Sathya in her arms and not taught the right conduct, would we witness our Lord Sathya Sai today as the Avatar of this Age.. When ever the topic on mother comes, Swami is deeply touched.
The love He has for HIs mother and His beloved Students is matchless and Swami again gave a very emotional look at the Malladi brothers when those lines were sung. The Malladi brothers repeated those same sentimental lines which added more emotions in Sai Kulwanth hall and every one closely watching Swami just broke down.. after all Mother is Mother even to the Avatar.. That is why in yesterday’s discourse Swami asked every one of us not to forget our mother, you can shed a tear for your mother but she should never shed a tear under any circumstances..
It was close to 12pm by then and Swami called upon the brothers and asked to stop now and continue the session later in the afternoon as it was getting delayed.. Swami blessed them with padanamaskar and also gave prasad to every one in the group personally..
Swami later called upon Prof. Anil Kumar to announce that there would be a musical presentation by Malladi brothers again in the evening at 5pm and another musical presentation by Sister Dana Gillispie who is very well known for her melodious voice and I remember her singing on Swami’s 80th birthday and recently a few months ago..
Arathi was given to Swami at 12pm and Meenakshamma wife of late Sri.Janakiramayya, physical brother of Swami gave mangala arathi to Swami on behalf of Ratnakara Family, and next it was Muni madam from the primary school to take NAJAR to Swami as Students chanted Vedas..
Swami before retiring to His abode posed for photo graphs with the 200 odd band students.
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| Posted at 20:02:00:12:12 Hrs. IST on 23 Nov 2009 Source: sssbpt.org – web-layout & design saibabaofindia.com  The “Divine Almanac” had a red-letter day that is perpetually tallying with a dotted day in the English almanac. 23rd Nov earned the rare distinction, winning a “date” with Divinity, when God Himself decided to come down to earth in human frame on this very auspicious day of the eleventh month of English almanac, November. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Birthday celebrations is always a Special Occasion in Prasanthi Nilayam. It is also elaborately celebrated in other parts of India and all over the world with religious fervour. At Prasanthi Nilayam, the entire week is dotted with celebrations with one grander than the other, and to top it all comes the D-Day, Bhagawan’s Birthday on 23rd November. We will begin our reporting with the happenings outside the portals of Prasanthi Nilayam. The local administration has ensured the cleanliness of Puttaparthi and its environs. The police force has taken good care of the security aspect with continuous rounds on jeeps and on foot through the lanes and by lanes of Puttaparthi. On this morning, one could see long serpentine queues leading to the Ashram security gates. The Ashram officials did their best to accommodate the ever-surging concourse of devotees both inside and outside the hall. Cameramen and lensmen of news channels and newspapers were busy going about their work trying to catch the pulse of this grand event. Now, coming to the setting inside the Sai Kulwant Hall. The hall was filled to its seams both on the gents and ladies side. Elaborate, but simple and elegant decorations were made inside the hall with Chinese lanterns, cloth hangings and festoons while fresh flowers of various hues adorned the stage. Welcome arches made beautifully with flowers with the wordings “84th Birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba” were put up in front of the gates leading to the hall, i.e., the gate leading to Bhagawan’s residence and on the Dasavataram gate. A separate makeshift elevated gallery for the pressmen was arranged in the hall at a vantage point. Video cameramen of the Prashanti Digital Studio and still digital cameras of the publications division covered the proceedings of the function. Television sets were placed at different points in the hall and 2 large screens were installed to beam live the proceedings of the function. A Nadaswaram troupe played Carnatic music tunes while the Veda chanting group of students and teachers chanted the Vedas from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Birthday photos morning Photos slides.
Bhagawan upon coming out of His Divine Abode, made it straight into the Poornachandra Auditorium grating His first darshan of the birthday morning to the concourse over there. Thereafter, Bhagawan arrived in the hall at 10.10 a.m. in an immaculate white dress. Long contingents of Band playing students from the Anantapur Campus, Primary School girls’ and boys’ section, the university brass band, Veda chanting groups of students from the primary school boys’ section and the university and Higher Secondary School preceded Bhagawan to the hall. As Bhagawan neared the primary school boys’ side, the tiny-tots showed the beautiful things that they had made as an expression of their love for Bhagawan. Upon completing His full round Bhagawan yet again went towards the ladies’ side and came back the same way quenching the thirst of the devotees on that side. It looked as if Bhagawan was gliding slowly amongst the devotees. Such is the inexpressible love of Bhagawan for devotees. In the portico, Bhagawan lovingly cut the Birthday Cake specially prepared by the group from Italy. As Bhagawan sat on the dais, the university brass band followed by the Anantapur campus band played Happy Birthday tunes melodiously while the Primary School band played the song, “We have a great big wonderful Lord.” The Primary School girls’ band also played their part as the Veda chanting continued. The university brass band then played the song pregnant with meaning, “Love is Your form, Truth is Your breath, bliss is Your food while Anantapur campus band took the cue from the university brass band. After the Primary School boys section played the songs, “We shall overcome one day” and “Tu Pyar Ka Sagar Hai” (You are the ocean of love), Bhagawan asked for the evergreen Carnatic melody duo Malladi Brothers to take the stage. The singing duo started with the famous song, “Bhagawanudu Puttina Panduga, Paramasivudu Puttina Panduga, Jagadeeswari Sathya Sayeeyai, Jagadeeswari Mettina Panduga (this is the celebration of the birthday of Bhagawan, the celebration of birthday of Lord Siva …) There was an emotional intro for this song which described the love of Bhagawan for the land of Puttaparthi. Then followed the songs, “Jagadanandakaraka”, “Rama Nannu Brovara.” One song followed the other like a cascade. They concluded their musical presentation with the song, “Sai Nama Smaranam, Sai Nama Dhyanam.” Bhagawan then blessed the specially prepared chocolates brought by overseas devotees for distribution. As the brass band of the university and Anantapur campus band entertained the audience with their lilting tunes, Prasadam was distributed to everyone. An announcement was made for the evening programme that the Malladi brothers would perform again and would be concluded by a performance by Ms. Dana Gillespie of international fame. Arati was offered to Bhagawan at 11.40 a.m. The special guest for this morning function was Sri Ashok Chavan, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who was blessed by Bhagawan after Arati. Bhagawan then went to the Bhajan Hall of the Mandir and lovingly cut cakes brought by the staff and students of different educational and Ashram institutions. This marked the morning session of the 84th Birthday Celebrations. |
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Ratotsavam in Prasanthi Nilayam
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| Posted at 15:50:00 Hrs. IST on 18 Nov 2009
Ratotsavam in Prasanthi Nilayam comes as a forerunner to the grand Birthday Celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. ..And ever since its inception many years ago, this festivity has been a fixed schedule for the
18th November. For so many years, this day had been tagged with another big event, Narayana Seva, en mass for the villagers in and around Puttaparthi, where in Bhagawan would present Himself through and through, along with hundreds of University students and sevadal volunteers, held at the Vidyagiri Sports Stadium….continue reading… with latest photos |
The 24-hour Global Akhanda bhajan – Prasanthi Nilayam – When Heaven came down to Mumbai – 8th Nov 2009
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Sunday, Nov 08, 2009 – The 24-hour Global Akhanda bhajan The Akhanda bhajan continued throughout the night and the loudspeakers were switched on at eight o’clock this morning. Swami came to the bhajan hall at a quarter to ten. He moved down the aisle, sat for some time outside on the Sai Kulwant Hall stage area, and returned to the Bhajan hall, remaining there till half-past twelve! He went to Yajur Mandir and returned at half-past five. Once again He moved down the aisle and sat for a while outside, then returned to the bhajan hall before six o’clock.
Even after six o’clock, He kept indicating for bhajans to be sung, till He finally asked for the Arati ten minutes later. Prasadam of tamarind rice and sweet rice was then distributed to all on leaf plates even as Swami watched. He then interacted with some of the lady teachers who lead bhajans, gave them sarees, then gave sarees to some of the married men from the bhajan group for their wives. The interaction continued for more than half an hour, and it was 7.10 pm when Bhagavan returned to Yajur Mandir, blessing the devotees on the way. |
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| Saturday, Nov 07, 2009
Last evening, the Karnataka Education Minister was here for Swami’s darshan. The 24-hour Global Akhanda bhajan began this evening at six o’clock. Today was also Bhagavan’s birthday by the Telugu calendar. While He came for darshan at 4.20 pm, Swami called up several ladies and sent them to the bhajan hall. He moved twice around the ladies’ side doing this selection before completing His darshan round. Coming to the Bhajan Hall, Swami distributed sarees to all the ladies, more than fifty of them. He then moved to the verandah and later to the stage area as the Vedic chanting went on.
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| When Heaven came down to Mumbai – 8th Nov 2009 |
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| When Heaven came down to Mumbai – 8th Nov 2009
Posted at 01:55:00 Hrs. IST on 8 Nov 2009 – source:sssbpt.org
What do you do when the most beloved person in your life returns home after a long wait? Shed tears of joy? Sing and dance in ecstasy? Plead Time to stand still? The people of Mumbai did it all, and much more, to express some of their inexpressible joy when their most beloved Bhagawan came visiting them for three days on October 31 — after a long wait of nine years. A city made up of seven islands, Mumbai is located in the west coast of India and is the second-most populous city in the world — with about 14 million residents. The city is the commercial and entertainment capital of India, and contributes to about 70 percent of the capital transactions in the country. However, despite the apparent accomplishments, it was only the Lord’s visit that completed it. It was an unusual face of Mumbai — a city generally known for its fast-paced life, financial hubs, Bollywood, glamour, mechanised lifestyle, and unfortunately, even terror attacks — as people shed tears of joy and gratitude, and laid out a carpet of devotion to welcome the Lord of the Universe. Bhagawan’s coming became a great leveller, as people across all ages, social classes and from all corners of the city — from the posh south Mumbai to the slums of Dharavi — gathered under one roof for three days, with the only urge to have a glimpse of the Almighty. October 31 The Lord arrives…
At around 2 pm, as people at the fully-packed Dharmakshetra, located in the northern suburb of Mumbai, were craning their necks toward the gates, a booming sound emerged.
Over a 100 bike riders wearing Seva Dal scarfs zoomed through the Dharmakshtra gates, followed by Bhagawan’s car. Soon, students from the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Mandir, Dharmakshetra, began chanting Vedas, a group of traditionally-dressed boys and girls showered flowers on the car, a brass band of youngsters started with its tunes, while singers rented soulful bhajans. The car went onto Bhagawan’s residence Sathya Deep, where He retired after a hectic three-hour long drive.
Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and his family, and the wife and son of Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray visited Bhagawan to welcome Him to the city. Four hours later, Bhagawan was at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Goregaon East to bless a crowd of at least 50,000 people. Renowned Santoor player Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, playback singers Hariharan and Kunal Ganjawala, percussionist Shivmani, actor Salman Khan’s sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri and BJP leader Shaina NC were among others who came to have Bhagawan’s darshan here.
Beginning with ‘Sai Baba Bolo’, Nigam went on to present a number of soulful songs into the evening — not before asking Bhagawan’s permission to continue before every song. After the performance, a smiling Bhagawan blessed the singer with a diamond ring. For a singer, perhaps this was the culmination, as an elated Sonu Nigam later tried summing up his feelings. “It was a very different feeling… I cannot express it”; but that said it all. At around 7.30 pm, Bhagawan left for His ardent devotee Indulal Shah’s Khar residence and returned to Dharmakshetra two hours later. November 1 Sunday was a packed day for the Lord. Mumbaiites did not want lose a moment in the precious three days and wanted Him to visit every corner of the city, and the Compassionate Mother relented. While in the morning Bhagawan presided over a business convention titled ‘Ethics and the World of Finance’, which was attended by many top industrialists and businessmen in the city. Former Chairman of ICICI Bank K V Kamath, Chairman and Managing Director of the Union Bank of India MV Nair, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Kotak Bank Uday Kotak, Head of Deutsche Bank India PMS Prasad, Lok Sabha candidate and banker Meera Sanyal, Executive Director of SEBI Usha Narayanan, Executive Director of Reserve Bank of India VS Das were few of the prominent attendees. Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who was also present, took the opportunity to seek Bhagawan’s blessings for his second term in running the state. In the presence of the Lord, all differences melt. Chavan and his political rival Bharatiya Janata Party leader Gopinath Munde shared the same stage, and the same views too. Following the convention, the spotlight was on Jamboorie Maidan in Worli — located in central Mumbai and around 18 km away from Andheri — where over 15,000 devotees gathered for public darshan. As requested by the city administration, Bhagawan’s car was driven through the city’s engineering marvel, the Bandra-Worli Sealink built over the Arabian Sea waters, before it reached the darshan grounds. Bhagawan reached the Maidan at around 11.10 am and sat enjoying the bhajans sung by the local singers. After blessing the devotees and receiving Aarti, Bhagawan left the venue about 30 minutes later.
South Mumbai Next on schedule was the lunch at ‘Varsha’, the official residence of the chief minister of Maharashtra in Malabar Hill, south Mumbai. This was the first time that Bhagawan had visited the official residence of a serving chief minister, and Ashok Chavan was chosen to be the blessed one.
Eyewitnesses said Chavan had requested Bhagawan to go around every room in the house so that his official house would be sanctified. The evening darshan at Brabourne Stadium in Churchgate turned into an ethereal experience for an estimated 15,000 devotees present.
Under a moonlit open sky, the Lord sat on an exquisitely decorated stage listening to the divine melodies of students of the Sri Sathya Sai University, Prasanti Nilayam. The breeze in the stadium too seemed to be intoxicated in the atmosphere, as it gently swayed the Lord’s hair. The students offered a string of soul-stirring melodies to Bhagawan that left everyone wishing that the night would never end. But there was another devotee waiting for Bhagawan’s arrival. After about two hours, Bhagawan asked for Aarti and left the stadium for the Peddar Road residence of former state home minister Jayant Patil. Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar with family and Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee were also present alongwith the minister’s family members seeking Bhagawan’s blessings. Following dinner at Patil’s residence, Swami’s motorcade, which had been tagged with ‘Z’ security, zipped through the traffic-cleared roads back to Dharmakshetra at about 10 pm.
Ratan Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group, stood waiting at the gates of Anand Kutir to have Bhagawan’s darshan and was blessed with an hour-long interview. November 2 After a whirlwind schedule on the previous two days, Monday had a relatively relaxed schedule for Bhagawan and his devotees. After a brief session with old students at Satya Deep, Bhagawan came down to the bhajan hall Shanti Deep at about 12 noon where He blessed the organisers, teachers of the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Mandir, Mumbai, and other volunteers.
At about 2.45 pm, Bhagawan left for Puttaparthi with his group of students and guests, escorted by the state Chief Minister till the Mumbai airport. Devotees lined along the pathway of Dharmakshetra were blessed to see a smiling Bhagawan as the car glided out of the premises. Unlike other farewells, here there was no parting; it was only a reunion at another level.
He came, He saw, He conquered Three days flew by, and nobody had realised it. However, as evidence, He had left His footprints everywhere, in every heart. There were miracles everywhere, life had changed for everybody — for those who were fortunate to speak to Him to those sitting in the last row at darshan grounds; for those who had been devotees for years and for those who had come to see Him merely out of curiosity.
“I am very happy I came here. I feel as if I have seen God today. I got to touch His feet on the stage before the performance, and He even blessed me by touching me on the head. I am thrilled,” said an overwhelmed Gore. For Sonu Nigam, Bhagawan’s arrival itself was a miracle. “I never got the opportunity to visit Puttaparthi, but I am very fortunate that Swami Himself came down to our city — that too in the brief period when I am in Mumbai between two shows.”
Thirteen-year-old Gauri Tatkare, a Class VII student of the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Mandir, Dharmakshetra, was “very excited” for she had seen Bhagawan for the first time, while her schoolmate Aarti Maitre, also 13, said she was “very happy” to see Bhagawan again, and that too on her school premises itself. Bhagawan’s arrival had given a welcome break from hectic life for 60-year-old real estate agent Jayantilal Solanki. A resident of central Mumbai’s Lower Parel, Solanki said he had come to Dharmakshetra every time Bhagawan had come to the city since the 1970s. For Tina Roopani, 22, a US resident who came to Mumbai to have Bhagawan’s darshan, the geographical distance was nothing compared to the “peace and contentment” she had got after seeing her Lord. But perhaps the most subtle and evident miracle of Bhagawan reflected in the eyes of every devotee present — the eyes reflected peace, they twinkled with bliss and fulfillment, as if they had reached home. As 72-year-old Raksha Dalal, a Balvikas guru since 1975, said it best. “He has gone back, but I know He is always with me.” Yes, He has gone back, but not before leaving “HIMSELF” in every heart that relished His darshan, enabling reunion at a different level… (Author is an alumnus of Sri Sathya Sai University, Anantapur Campus, currently working with Rediff, Mumbai as Asst. Editor) |
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Video Sri Sathya Sai Baba gives darshan in Mumbai –
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| The Return of The Lord | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Posted at 17:00 Hrs. IST on 3rd Nov 2009 Photo source: sssbpt.org – layout design saibabaofindia.comWelcoming the Lord back to Prasanthi is never an ordinary occasion, rather is a momentous occasion to reconnet, for Prasanthi or Puttaparthi can never bear the pangs of separation from ‘her’ Beloved. This is the history of her very existence and the existence is the Divine Being Himself, but for whose presence the spiritual township goes barren.
Behind the panoramic blue skies with golden sun dotting prominently as if awaiting to receive The Lord, while waning to dusk, the scene was perfect for the Majestic Lord’s Air Chariot to touch down. And dotting in the sky,
precisely couple of minutes after the clock ticked five, the tiny birdlike air-chariot, Jet Airliner Boeing 737-700 grew larger in proportion, finally touching down the tarmac of the Sri Sathya Sai Airport at 5:04 p.m. after a more than an hour air sojourn from Mumbai to Puttaparthi.
outside for a glimpse of the Lord. …And the special guest showed up at the Airport to receive the Master was the little Sathya Geeta, Bhagawan’s pet elephant who was at her best exuberance playing pranks. Arathi was offered to Bhagawan before He proceeded to Ashram. The entire aircrew was blessed by Bhagawan before leaving the airport precincts.
Enroute to Prasanthi, covering the three kilometer road stretch, it was celebration all over, with hundreds lined up at vantage points to have a glimpse of The Lord on His return journey. There were many a folded hand, there were flower showers with colourful petals strewn at the “Divine Chariot”, there were arathi offerings, there were coconut breakings and there were another hundreds silently glancing at Him,
all in merriment of His return. . The journey took almost half an hour with Bhagawan reaching the precincts of Prasanthi Nilayam just after 5:30 for a traditional welcome led by Veda chanting and flag bearing university and school students. Heaps of flowers strewn on the windshield was reminiscent of the merriment
of the occasion and behind the beauty of these flowers was hiding the beautiful charming Lord of Puttaparthi. Bhajans were going on and welcoming the Lord they sang…Swagatam, Swagatam… Sri Sathya Sai Swagatham!
Earlier, back in Mumbai, after an extremely long and busy Sunday, the proceedings on the 2nd of November morning was restricted to the Dharmakshetra premises. The old students of Bhagawan from Mumbai had made a short video documentary depicting the evolution of Dharmakshetra. Bhagawan watched the film in Sathya Deep and blessed all the old students and posed for photographs. These grateful students had a prayer to Bhagawan to visit Mumbai frequently.
This was followed by a visit to Shanti Deep, the Bhajan Hall, where Bhagawan blessed many an active workers who were involved in the backstage preparation connected to Bhagawan’s visit. This was followed by a short Bhajan session at Jalan Mandap after which Bhagawan accepted Aarathi and retired to Sathya Deep. …And the the schedule hour arrived Dharmakshetra was preparing herself for the pangs of separation that she had endured many a time over the past. Recollecting the parting moments, we have a narration by an active volunteer, Aazmeen Kasad, an Advocate at Mumbai High Court and a Professor of Law, who had been reporting the events from Mumbai during the visit.
As the luggage of His guests and students was seen being loaded in the tempos that were there at Dharmakshetra, the message seemed to sink in, that after a glorious 48 hours of bliss and incessant activity, Dharmakshetra would be shortly bidding her Master farewell. As the guests and the students’ cars started slowly leaving the gates of Dharmakshetra, onwards to the Mumbai airport, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra arrived to personally escort Bhagawan to the airport.
Soon at about 2.45pm, Bhagawan’s car left the gates of Satyadeep, down the long, slope of Dharmakshetra, followed by His convoy of over 15 cars heading to Chatrapathi Shivaji International Airport . His smiling face as He gave His last darshan in Mumbai was the sole consolation to many a weeping heart and eye gathered there. Mumbai’s devotees felt a vacuum and Dharmakshetra bore a desolate look. A huge silence hung in the air and the only prayer on all lips was for Swami to come back soon again!”
of making up for all that lost time…we practically made Him live the life of a Mumbaikar. We work sixteen hours on an average but Bhagawan works incessantly. Yes, He works incessantly…and He loves us abundantly…It was His overpowering love for Mumbai that was seen in action for the last three days and Mumbai literally basked in His glory and so was the Sai Fraternity!!!
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SATHYA SAI BABA PHOTOS AND NEWS – 1-5th October 2009
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Sunday, Oct 4, 2009 – Hospital blessed The Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital at Prasanthi Nilayam celebrated its anniversary today. Bhagavan came for morning darshan after 10.15 while the bhajans went on. After accepting Arati onstage after half an hour, Swami went to
the Hospital and spent more than an hour interacting with the staff there. In the evening, He came for darshan at 5.50 and went to the interview room after a few minutes onstage. He emerged at seven o’clock and blessed prasadam for distribution before again moving to the interview room. At 7.15, He came onstage to accept Arati and return to His residence. “Finally came the big Sunday…and the Sunday was a special day for Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital. Saturday being the 53rd Anniversary of the hospital, Bhagawan blessed the hospital on the weekend holiday to make it a Holy Day in the annals of the illustrious institution. Bhagawan reached the hospital at around 11:00 a.m. for a traditional Poornakumbha Swagatam (welcome) and Veda Chanting. Bhagawan spent over 90 minutes moving around the hospital and conversing with the medicos and paramedical staff blessing them profusely. Delivering the welcome address, the Superintendent of the Hospital, Air Vice-Marshal Dr. Vinod Kumar Verma thanked Bhagawan profusely for the wonderful gesture of Divine Benediction. He later introduced the youngest doctor from the hospital, Dr. Sameer Nandan who made a brief speech in Telugu. This was followed by a Divine Chatter, blessing the medicos and paramedical staff profusely, talking individually, asking, listening followed by Divine Assurances….” |
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| Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 – Kerala youth pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam
The youth from Kerala who are on a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam in large numbers presented a drama this evening. Bhagavan came for darshan just before five and went to the interview room after His round of the Hall. Emerging at 5.40, Swami asked for the hour-long drama on Saint Tulsidas to begin. After the drama, Swami sent
clothes for the participants and called up some of them for photos onstage before going down for a group photo with all of them. Prasadam was distributed and Swami interacted some more with the youth, asking them to chant Vedam. After a bhajan by the students, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence at seven o’clock. Read more details below Posted at 1030 Hrs. on 5th Oct 2009 Just within a month from the Onam celebrations in Prasanthi Nilayam, a batch of around 2000 Youth from Kerala arrived in Prasanthi Nilayam on a Parthi Yatra to celebrate the proximity of the Lord in physical. Sublime themes in most simplistic style has become the hallmark of Kerala presentations over the years and keeping up this ‘tradition’ the Youth from the state had a musical dance drama entitled “Sant Tulsidas”, on the illustrious life of the philosopher saint Goswami Tulsidas lived over 450 years ago. Tulsidas, the poet, the philosopher, the saint and more importantly a celebrated devotee of Lord Sri Rama is considered to be one of the best poets ever to have graced the land of Bharat. He was considered to be the reincarnation of Sage Valmiki born with the mission to spread the nectarous story of Lord Rama in the language of the common man. One word spoken by his wife brought him a realization of his true goal and he persisted with his ‘killer-instinct’ to achieve his goal, to have the darshan of Lord Sri Rama. The dance drama began in the backdrop of this illustrious incident. Infatuated with his wife Mamathadevi, suffering from pangs of separation even for a day, Tulsi followed her to her father’s house despite his mother’s consoling and pleading that she would come the next day and he should not venture in the dead, thunderous, rainy night. At her father’s house Mamathadevi was equally uneasy, at being away from her husband. She was lovingly teased by her friends for her part of suffering of separation. During the conversation, her friends advised her difference between love and lust, mentioning names of celebrated women of Bharat reminding her that a real wife is a Sahadharmini. Grasping the rightful advice of friends Mamathadevi prayed to God to free her husband from infatuation and his craziness for worldly pleasures. In the meantime Tulsi, wading through the dreadful night reached out to Mamathadevi. Having heard Tulsi’s narration of the trials he had undergone to reach out in the dreadful night Mamathadevi advised him the greatness of Brahmacharya and the precious nature of human life. She went on commenting that instead of attachment to her filthy body, if Tulsi had a fraction of that love for God, he would have attained liberation. These words hit Tulsi like an arrow and he was a changed man ever since. He made a bold declaration that then onwards he would see his wife as his Guru and Mother, which was received with shocks by Mamathadevi. Grieve stricken, she pleaded at his feet, but Tulsi was adamant, this time he was smitten by his heartfelt love for Lord Rama. He became totally detached to be an ascetic. And he was relentlessly after Rama for his darshan. One day, with the touch of Tulsi’s holy feet, a genie that was in the form of stone under a curse, got liberated. And the genie was ready to grant any boon. Tulsi, whose goal was fixed had only one boon to seek and that was to show him the
path to Lord Rama. The genie revealed to him that Hanuman would be coming at a particular place in Kashi everyday to listen to the nectarous story of His Master, Lord Rama and Hanuman could help him to find a solution to his puzzle. At the ashram Tulsi recognized Anjaneya in the guise of a frail old man; the old man laughed and ridiculed at him for having identified him with Hanuman! Persistence with heartfelt devotion finally yielded result and Anjaneya revealed himself to Tulsi and promised him to help having Lord Rama’s darshan. Hanuman, having promised Tulsidas, proceeded to Vaikunta and requested Lord Vishnu to grant Tulsi the darshan of Lord Rama. Explaining to Hanuman that He had granted darshan to Tulsi in various other forms and it would take its own time for Him to grant Tulsi the darshan of Rama, Lord Vishnu appeared not appeasing. Relentless pursuance by Hanuman met with continuous test from Lord Vishnu who was relishing in testing his faith and confidence. Finally after several attempts at Maha Vishnu, Hanuman declared that it would a disgrace to His Master Lord Sri Rama, if he failed in accomplishing the task of granting Lord Rama’s darshan to Tulsidas as promised. To keep up his word and thus to avoid disgrace upon Lord Rama, Hanuman sought permission to lift up Vaikunta and transport the same to Kashi. Pleased by Hanuman’s staunch devotion, faith and self-confidence, Lord Vishnu decided to put an end to His leelas granting Tulsidas his long cherished dream of Darshan of Lord Rama. Upon attaining darshan of Lord Rama, Tulsi desired to leave his mortal coil, but the Lord advised him to perform his assigned task teaching Bhakti Marga (the path of devotion), spreading His story, upon which he would be granted liberation. Immensely pleased with the presentation, the cast had a wonderful time with Bhagawan on stage. He called out various characters in groups to have separate photo sessions, onstage, upon which He moved down the stage to have a group photo with the entire cast. Bhagawan spent quite some time chatting up with the Youth promising, assuring and giving away Himself to their dedication and devotion. Entire cast was presented with safari pieces. Arathi was offered and prasadam was distributed before Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram. |
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|Sai Baba Discourses| |Sai Baba Photos| |Thought for the day| |Sai Baba Calendar 2009| |Sai Baba Quotes| |Home| <<- September 2009 Prasanthi this week – Posted at 1030 Hrs. on 5th Oct 2009 The week began with the grand finale of the Veda Purush Saptaaha Jnaana Yajna followed by the ten day long Karma Yajna, Sri Sathya Sai Grama Seva. In a glittering ceremony marked with religious fervour, the seven day long Dasara Jnana Saptaha Yajnam concluded on 28th morning with Bhagawan receiving Poornahuthi as Yajna Purusha, witnessed by thousands in a jam-packed Poornachandra Auditorium. Bhagawan who presided over the Yajna blessed the occasion while the final offerings were being made into the pit amidst the holy Vedic Chantings. This was followed by the final lap of Grama Seva 2009, wherein women students from the Anantapur Campus of Sri Sathya Sai University along with staff members from the University and Primary School distributed Prasadam to all inmates at their door step inside the ashram, marking the end of ten days of Karma Yajna, started on the 19th of September. 2nd October is celebrated all over India as Gandhi Jayanthi. Falling on friday and a national holiday, the weekend became a holiday pacakage for many with a Saturday followed by national weekly holiday Sunday following. …And Prasanthi felt the onrush with surge of devotees capitalizing the three day package joined by a huge chunk of over 2000 youth from Kerala joining in a Parthi Yatra adding up to the regular devotee inflow. |
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Bringing back the past glory of ancient civilizations seemed to be a task Bhagawan has set as a mission and one could see clear indicators or progress in this area with various groups presenting thematic cultural presentations representing the great cultural heritage and glory of Bharat. This week witnessed two such presentations, on the illustrious life and realization of two of the greatest sons of Bharat, Philosopher Saints, Adi Shankaracharya and Saint Tulsidas.
Devotees from Region 5 came in a group and they had the illustrious life story of Adi Shankara to present as an offering at His Feet. Unknotting series of events from the celebrated life of the Saint Philosopher, the Japanese sent home the message propagated by Adi Shankara, the doctrine of Advaita as often supported and preached by Bhagawan in many of His Divine Discourses. The group had a mix of devotees numbering over 400 from countries namely, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei and Taiwan. It took them long schedules of hectic, dedicated preparation to get ready for the presentation that included tongue-twisting Sanskrit Slokas as part of Veda chanting.
The real drama started after the presentation wherein Bhagawan spent considerable time with the cast chatting up with them blessing them profusely, granting coveted photo sessions separately calling out various characters onstage. Finally came the big Sunday…and the Sunday was a special day for Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital. Saturday being the 53rd Anniversary of the hospital, Bhagawan blessed the hospital on the weekend holiday to make it a Holy Day in the annals of the illustrious institution. Bhagawan reached the hospital at around 11:00 a.m. for a traditional Poornakumbha Swagatam (welcome) and Veda Chanting. Bhagawan spent over 90 minutes moving around the hospital and conversing with the medicos and paramedical staff blessing them profusely. Delivering the welcome address, the Superintendent of the Hospital, Air Vice-Marshal Dr. Vinod Kumar Verma thanked Bhagawan profusely for the wonderful gesture of Divine Benediction. He later introduced the youngest doctor from the hospital, Dr. Sameer Nandan who made a brief speech in Telugu. This was followed by a Divine Chatter, blessing the medicos and paramedical staff profusely, talking individually, asking, listening followed by Divine Assurances. The Week’s Rose Beneficiaries were Mr. Avinash Agarwal, SSSST, Publications Division, Mr. C.S.Krishna Swamy, Mr. Adi Sesha Reddy, Dr. Lakshmikantha Reddy, Dr. Krishna Murthy, Mr. Narayana Reddy and Mr. Narasimhan, all from SSSST-Sahayak Division. Apart from the Kerala Youth contingent and the Region 5 group from Japan, there were small group visits during the week which included 110 members from South Central Railway, 108 devotees from Karur Samithi, Tamil Nadu and 54 member group of Samithi Conveners from Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Andhra Pradesh. After the Dasara and Grama Seva students from Brindavan and Ananatapur Campuses have returned Whitefield and Anantapur respectively. The weekend was marked with a lengthy Bhajan session lasted for more than two hours. Bhagawan spent most of the time inside interview room granting interviews. The week moved passing the baton to the fresh one… |Sai Baba Discourses| |Sai Baba Photos| |Thought for the day| |Sai Baba Calendar 2009| |Sai Baba Quotes| |Home| <<- September 2009 Prasanthi this week – Source: sssbpt.org – radiosai.org – web-layout & design saibabaofindia.com
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SRI SATHYA SAI BABA PHOTOS AND UPDATES – SHIRDI SAI BABA PHOTOS WALLPAPERS UPDATES
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Sai Baba Darshan News & latest event photos
Sunday, March 8, 2009“….This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan
in His chair at 4.45 pm and came onstage entering the verandah from the
Eastern side. Listening to the Vedam chanting for a while.…” read more + see photos 
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Divine Discourse 23 Feb 2009
“…As we go on talking for hours together, we tend to forget
what we really intend to communicate. So many deviations and
distortions creep into our speech. Today, the
entire world is filled with negative feelings…. Read More
Maha Shivaratri photos -Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Maha Shivarathri Celebrations 2009 Sri Sathya Sai Baba – Prasanthi Nilayam – Puttaparthi At 7:30am, seated majestically on the golden raised chair, Swami arrived and completed His darshan rounds. More than 1000 youth had assembled in the hall to chant the Rudram. Swami took a complete round and then moved to the stage. Along the way, He blessed and cut a huge cake that had been adorned with statues – the one of Rama worshipping the linga being the most prominent. After lighting the candle on the cake, Swami moved out on to the stage. He sat listening to the Rudram chants that were looped over and over again. After a while, Swami got into His “orchestrator” mode. He told the people chanting in the mikes to stop doing so. He wanted to listen to the strength of the 1000 vocal chords- and they did not disappoint. As the Vedic rumble shook the hall, Swami continued to guide as He said that only those in the back rows must chant. It is not unusual among youth to become back benchers to get away with a lackadaisical attitude. But here that was not the case! Those in the back rows were there simply because all cannot sit in the front rows! (Akin to the philosophy where even a good team loses a game because there can be only one winner!) Building up the crescendo, Swami once again opened the floodgates for the vocal chords as He asked for all to chant in unison. The Primary school students also arrived and joined in. The chorus now seemed complete with the bass, midtones and trebles rocketing high to chant the glory of Rudra on Shivarathri. Wall calendars and prasadam was distributed to all after being blessed by Swami. Swami accepted Arati just after 9 am. Before retiring, Swami told all the youth and students, “Go and eat well. Then sleep and come fresh back here at 3:00”. He told the same twice or thrice to different people and it was such aa sweet sight to see Swami enact those instructions as all were beyond the hearing range! For the evening, anticipating a surge of devotees, arrangements had been made to put up huge screens to show the programmes live to those who could not have a good view from their spot. Such screens were put on both sides, ladies’ and gents’ in the Sai Kulwant Hall and a massicve screen was put up in the Poornachandra Auditorium too. The youth from Karanataka had brough a huge ice-lingam, 5 feet in height, at Swami’s residence. It was after 4:15 pm that Swami arrived and He had a complete look at the ice lingam. The University brass band stood in complete attention to escort Swami. But Swami had other plans. He asked the band boys to make way and He proceeded towards the back entrance of the Poornachandra Auditorium! The devotees had assembled there and though a huge screen would show them their Lord, all of us know that the thrill and joy of seeing Him in person is something very special. There was a huge applause and shouts of “Jai Bolo Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ji Ki Jai” rented the air. Everyone were thrilled by this act of Grace. Swami saw the devotees and blessed them with darshan for about 5 minutes. Then He moved into the Kulwant hall, led in procession by the brass band. Swami was resplendent in a yellow robe, seated on the golden raised chair, and just behind Him, the ice lingam in all its majesty, was wheeled into the Hall. Swami arrived on stage and asked for the ice lingam to be brought up front and placed in such a manner so that all could see it. Then the session began with an address by former Vice Chancellor Sri SV Giri who dwelt upon the greater significance of the sacred night, calling the festivity as a cultural representation of the country, Bharath. Sri. V. Srinivasan, All India President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations was categorical in expressing the greater benediction that befell on the capacity crowd assembled in Prasanthi Nilayam to celebrate the festivity in His Divine Presence. The third speaker, Mr. Ajith Popat gave an electrifying speech, an appetizer warming up for the lofty Divine Discourse that was in waiting. As Swami asked for His mikes to be brought, there was a loud cheer of joy and approval. What else can be better than listening to Shiva on Shivarathri? Hailing Mother India and her greater cultural heritage, Swami said that having been born in Bharath, people of the country have the responsibility to upkeep her cultural heritage. Referring to the auspicious Shivarathri night, He was candid in expressing that many nights that we pass could not be compared with the auspicious Shivarathri Night. The holy night should be utilized in chanting His Divine Name. Exhorting to listen to the glory of Lord Shiva, He said, when you spent the night in constant contemplation, it verily becomes Shivarathri. Shiva is beyond physical form. We assume Him a physical form out of our imagination. Hari and Hara are beyond the physical. Dwelling upon the story wherein Mother Parvathi, being prodded by Goddess Lakshmi, questions Lord Shiva of His odd credentials to be her husband, Bhagawan brought home the point quoting Lord’s reply to Mother Parvathi that Lord was beyond names, caste and lineage; He has no name and no form; He is changeless; He has neither birth nor death; neither beginning nor end; He is eternal and Atma Swarupa. Talking about the greater importance of meditation, He said one should advance through the three levels of concentration, contemplation, and thereafter Meditation. Meditation is resulting out of a steady unwavering mind. True identity with the Divine could be achieved only by sacrificing action leaving the feeling of doer ship. May you experience any amount of discomforts, never give up the consciousness. As a prerequisite to attain peace one needs to start with Sathya and Dharma by rooting out all negative tendencies/qualities. Referring to all the criticism being poured unto Him, He asserted that He is not affected by any of them and He remains to be the same. He only has Love to give back to all of them as he does not have any trace of hatred or anger. Bhagawan exhorted the assemblage of devotees to follow the path of Sathya and Dharma and to Love All and Serve All. When Sathya joins Dharma there comes Prema…While singing Prema Muditha Manase Kaho…think of Him, meditate upon His Name wholeheartedly with Love. He concluded the Divine Discourse calling upon the devotees to Be Happy. The discourse concluded and Swami asked for the bhajans to begin. Swami wanted the Aarthi to be performed! The priest went in to get the Aarthi apparatus. Meanwhile a member of the bhajan group requested Swami for the chance to sing bhajans all night. Swami then smiled and agreed. (It was with goosebumps that a realization comes over us. Many a times we take things for granted as “they are scheduled” – like the chance to sing bhajans throughout the night at Prashanti Nilayam. Every darshan or every bhajan session is a Divine gift being showered on us. Small acts like Swami asking for the Aarthi even before the bhajans can begin remind us and awaken us to the great good fortune we are all receiving! And so the bhajans began. Swami sat for a few bhajans and then retired into Yajur Mandir even as the bhajans went on in the Kulwant hall. The next morning, Swami arrived in magical maroon! The blessing of seeing Him in this attire first, once again went to the devotees waiting eagerly in the Poornachandra auditorium. Swami sweetly made His way towards them and granted darshan there before heading to the Kulwant hall. By 8:30am, Swami was amidst the students in the centre of the hall. There, He was ‘informed’ of the prasadam that had been kept ready at the northern gates of the hall. He moved down towards the main gate and blessed the prasadam. Taking a bunch of holy grass, Swami sprinkled water on all the bowls containing tamarind rice and laddoos. He spent about 5 minutes with the ‘prasadam’ and the people blessed to distribute it. Swami then moved to the stage area through the gents side. He sat listening for a few more bhajans after which the grand Mangala Aarthi was performed. Swami then personally supervised the distribution of prasadam to all. Many brioke their fast with Swami’s prasadam. Beautiful minutes ticked by as Swami sat silently watching all who were eating. The devotees were contented looking at their Lord and so was the Lord looking at His devotees. Swami told a few people to start eating. The photographers in front were busy capturing these beautiful moments. Swami told them also to eat. When they continued shooting, Swami sweetly asked, “Why? Is the prasadam not tasty or cooked well?” Immediately, the cameras were put down and the prasadam given importance! The food prayer was chanted twice, once by the University students and once by the Primary school students. Swami seemed to relish watching everyone eat. One could feel the message, “Aham Vaishvanarobhutva Praninaam Dehamaashritaha” – I am the One inside all who digests the food. After sitting onstage for nearly forty-five minutes during the prasadam distribution, Swami returned to His residence.
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