Prasanthi Prasadam

Dear Devotees,

This column brings you the latest happenings ( A week) at Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttabarthi as published in http://sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam

Updated Friday, September 9, 2011 - 1952 Hrs. IST 

Prasanthi Friday celebrated Onam,  Kerala’s  most important and colourful festival, with traditional gaiety and fervour commemorating a mythical past of plenty, peace and equality.

The evening programme commenced with Veda chanting by Balvikas children from the state at 1700 hrs. after the regular stint of Vedam. Prof. Mukundan, President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisatons, Kerala introduced the evening briefing about the scaled up activities in the state. He introduced the distinguished speaker for the evening, Sri K. Jayakumar, IAS, who is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala.

In an illuminating and inspiring speech, Jayakumar, an accomplished poet by himself, burst into a spell of poetic imagination, ruminating over the current phase of physical absence of Bhagawan. Talking about the futility of grieving, the speaker conceded that emotional frame of our heart does miss the Beloved form. He compared his mind of the day with that of a clouded sun, while thinking of Bhagawan physical passing over.

Defining Bhagawan as Eternal Truth personified, running into infinity, Sri Jayakumar said, Bhagawan showed what could be possible with a human birth by following His own dictum, My Life is My Message. By looking into His actions we should be able to understand what and how we can reciprocate for all that Bhagawan has bestowed upon us, most selflessly; we need to focus on two things, that Bhagawan has left on us to complete and these are: Purification of Heart and Love All Serve All. The speaker spoke with confidence calling Prasanthi Nilayam to become a Worldwide Revolution of Love. He exhorted the gathering on the importance of being united while pursuing most selflessly rendering greater service to humanity to bring the meaning of "Samastha Lokaaha..." in action.

Annual winners of Essay Writing Competition held at college and school level were felicitated next with Sri Sathya Sai Gold Medal. All India President of SSSSO, Sri V Srinivasan gave away the medals to Ms. Manju Krishna and Thara Elizebath (was not present).

Sweet immortal stories of enchanting Lord Krishna took precedence at the final phase of Onam 2011 celebrations as students from Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Aluva along with Balvikas children from the state presented a colourful dance drama entitled 'Krishna Kripa Sagaram'.

The drama entwined with colourful episodes of Little Krishna stories had interludes of melodious songs adding flavour to the programme. Some of the episodes were, Krishna's inimitable style of teaching Sandeepani His true form, how the fruit vendor lady at Brindavan was blessed by Lil Krishna abundantly, when a handful of rice grains turned into glittering diamonds, the water pot story, where Krishna initially refuses to 'put the burden' on to the woman who requested the Little One to help her, but later volunteered Himself to carry the burden, Radharani's travail to enter into Brindavan as Krishna forbidden any woman to enter into, Krishna's gurudakshina to Sandeepani etc.

The drama ended with a group song of prayer to Bhagawan. All the children participants were felicitated with clothes and prasadam was distributed to the entire gathering. Bhajans continued for sometime and Mangala Arathi was offered at 1900 hrs.

Report on the Thiruvonam morning:

Onam, the Kerala festival that has been greatly privileged to be present in the immediate Divine Presence of the Mighty Avatar of the age, year after year over the past more than three decades, returned to Prasanthi once again with a miniscule of Kerala present here this morning welcoming the advent of the auspicious day. Today is Thiruvonam, the day when the whole of Kerala await, as per the legend, the arrival of erstwhile emperor Mahabali who is supposedly making his annual goodwill visit. More than the emperor, it is sure, on this beautiful friday morning, every single Kerala soul present in this township, has been on the look out for The Presence, of the Beloved of all beloveds, Bhagawan Himself, for Onam has always been the rarest and most beautiful happening for both Prasanthi and Kerala in His direct physical presence ever since its inclusion in the Prasanthi festive calendar.

The auspicious morning dawned wearing a Kerala garb, with many from the state, coming out in the early hours participating in the early morning schedules of the Ashram. Men and women came out in typical Kerala costume and with them, many others, belonging to other states also took a cue from the state, joined wearing the traditional Kerala costume and what one could hear was 'Happy Onam' Greetings.

Mandir had aesthetic decorations in place, with plantain leaves, coconut leaves along with colourful parasols adoring the hall bringing in an added flavour.

In the morning, bhajan troup from the state rendered soul-filling bhajans, presenting some new compositions as well. In the evening a cultural programme is scheduled where the children from Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Aluva along with Bal Vikas chilren from the state will stage a dance drama, Krishna Kripa Sagaram.

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Updated Monday, Aug 01, 2011 1950 Hrs. IST

The North American premabandham which evolved into a Global premabandham was planned as an occasion for all alumni to come together and re-evaluate their way forward as a community. The meet took place on 30th and 31st of July. As per tradition, the alumni meet started with a service camp in Puttaparthi. The Registrar addressed the Alumni at the institute auditorium.

Soul of Education is Education of the Soul!

He spoke about the presence of Bhagawan felt more than ever before in every aspect of the institute's functioning. The utmost duty of the alumni, he emphasised was being Shining Examples for the society to emulate. The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is a unique university which never needs to compare itself with any other varsity. He concluded his talk with the way forward on how the Alumni can contribute to the University.

After the Mandir Session on the 30th, Prof. G. Venkataraman addressed the Alumni and their family with an attempt to understand the concept of Premabandham, what it actually means and what the responsibilities associated with it are.

The next morning contained interactive sessions with Sri. S.V. Giri, Trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Prof. Anantharaman, Media Coordinator and Faculty of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. The role of 25000 Alumni of the University spread across the world was discussed. Their talks was followed by a presentation and interaction on the Sri Sathya Sai Vidhya Vahini Project by Sri Satyajit and other members of the team. Enemy of innovation is to work in isolation and hence the Alumni was urged to work together on this noble task.

  At 1700hrs in the evening, the Alumni put up a programme of thanksgiving to their Lord, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The programme started with speeches from Sri. SBSS Madhav and Sri. G V Ravi Shankar. This was followed by a music programme which suffused the ambience with nostalgia. Arati was offered at 1800hrs.

Updated Friday, Jul 15, 2011 1230 Hrs. IST

Morning Programme:

The grand festival of Guru Purnima, the day the mind presided over by the moon which is shining in its full glory is humbly offered at The Lotus Feet of The Guru, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who was also our friend, our companion and our Lord. This was also a red letter day in Prasanthi Nilayam for another very important reason. This was the day when the Maha Samadhi of the matchless physical body which the eternal one in all His compassion chose to adorn was to be unveiled.

The programme began at 0730 hrs with Vedic Recitations. The Sai Kulwant Hall which was packed to capacity was vibrant with the devotion of the thousands seated there. Those could not be seated in the hall were ushered into the nearby Poornachandra auditorium where a live feed enabled them to see on screen the happenings in the Sai Kulwant Hall.

> At the dot of 0800 hrs., the red curtains which were adorning the centre stage parted to bring into view the magnificent structure which housed the physical casing of the Avatar of the Age. The main portion of the Mahasamadhi is a rectangular pure white marble clad edifice 9 ft long, 6 ft wide and 2 ft 2 ins high, located exactly over the final resting place. This in turn is situated in the centre of a 6 inches high white marble platform, 21 ft long and 12 ft wide. Two large pillars supporting the porch roof have also been clad with white marble and tastefully decorated. The remaining floor area of the porch has also been redone in white marble. The two flanks of the porch have been remade with deep green marble with a white marble border.

Students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning inspired by the sight started singing Stothrams in the praise of the Divine Guru. Interspersed with experiences, the students went on to sing a variety of songs in various genres in praise of the One. At the conclusion of this programme, Sri Anil Kumar Kamaraju introduced the two speakers of the day, Sri Leonardo Gutter, a psychologist and a member of the Prasanthi Council from Argentina and Sri Nimish Pandya, the district President from Mumbai.

Sri Leonardo Gutter spoke about the four great blessings of the devotees. To be born as a human being, to be a contemporary of the Avatar, to be aware of His divinity and to be His chosen instrument. He also spoke about devotees who came to criticise and went back overwhelmed with love of the lord.

Sri Nimish Pandya after expressing his gratitude to Bhagawan for the manifold blessings he has conferred on him, spoke with clarity about the activities of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and then said how this is only a segment of what the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation world wide has influenced lives. He declared emphatically that no one has ever inspired millions of people across the globe to serve the fellow human beings as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has done and that along with his various projects is the legacy He has left for us.

Prof. Anil Kumar, who was the master of ceremonies, thanked both the speakers and congratulated students for their thematic presentation. A couple of bhajans continued as Prasadam was distributed to the gathering. Arathi was offered at 1030hrs. An announcement was made regarding the new Telugu stream of Radio Sai. Details can be found here.

At the end of the announcement, devotees were allowed to come in lines and have the Darshan of the Maha Samadhi from close quarters. Music programmes by students and other artistes continued in the hall enhancing the ambience of the hall.

Music concerts by Smt Aruna Sairam and Sri Hansraj hans and party are scheduled for the evening which begins with vedic recitation at 1630 hrs.

Updated Monday, Jul 11, 2011 1218 Hrs. IST

Prasanthi woke up this morning to a festive ambiance and who better to add colour to an occasion than Maharastra. The Varkaris continued their grand tradition of Palkhi Seva. Every year they carry a Paduka for Bhagawan in a pada yatra ( through walk) from Dharamavaram to Puttaparthi. Sri Nimish Pandya (District President of Mumbai), who played the master of ceremony today, recollected how Bhagawan used to always enquire about the welfare of these simple devotees from him again and again over the years.
The programme for the day started at 8:00 AM with the chanting of the Holy Rudram. At 8:20, Sri S.V. Giri, after taking Bhagawan's blessings, lit the lamp to start the proceedings. It started with the sacred sound of the conch. The sound of victory, the sound of truth, the sound of clarity, lit joy in the hearts of all as it declared the festivities open.
Sri Pavithra Bhat who has performed on numerous occasions in front of Bhagawan led the procession with a rhythmic dance. The flag bearers followed behind and then came the solemn bearers of the Palkhi. The Palkhi was brought near Bhagawan's throne and the bearers, removed the Padukas from it and placed it at the lotus feet before lovingly adorning it with a garland made from Tulasi. At the conclusion of the dance, Sri Pandya announced the music programme by the Mategaonkar family.
Sri Parag Mategaonkar led the family in taking Bhagawan's blessings. He played the keyboard. His wife Smt Suvarna Mategaonkar and daughter Ketaki Mategaonkar were the singers of the morning and Sri Amit accompanied them on the tabla. Smt Suvarna started the proceedings with a dedication to Lord Vittala, "Sundare ke...". She was followed by her daughter Ketaki who sang the Bhajan, "Ram ke gun gaan..." (Sing... Sing the glory of Lord Rama). There was an emotional piece by Kum Ketaki, "Sai Ke Sang..." which spoke about the travails in the path of devotion and how a true devotee sticks to the Lotus Feet even when everything is taken from him. They concluded traditionally with a Vittala Bhajan. The participants were honoured with clothes.
Bhajans began at 9:30 AM and Arati was offered at 9:45 completing the morning's programme. A dance ballet by Balvikas children from Maharashtra is scheduled for the evening.

Updated Monday, May 15, 2011 1500 Hrs. IST

Keeping alive the tradition of Parthi Yatra, 185 devotees from Chennai Metro North have embarked on a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam, the abode of peace to pay homage to their Beloved Lord from 13th to 15th May 2011. Meanwhile all festivals continue to be celebrated in Prasanthi Nilayam. 

Buddha Purnima which falls on the full moon night in the month of Vaisakha, commemorates the birth anniversary and Maha Samadhi of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism will be celebrated on the 17th and 18th May 2011. Elaborate arrangements have been made for about 700 devotees from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are who are expected to visit this holy abode. 

Bhagawan’s Samadhi is beautifully decked with flowers of various hues every day. It is a sight to watch devotees in large numbers filing past paying their obeisance to their dear Lord both in the morning and evening. Photographs of Bhagawan are placed on either side of the Samadhi and at various vantage points in Sai Kulwant Hall. The smiling visage of Bhagawan in those magnificent photographs brings alive in the minds of devotees His pleasing physical form. Yes, He is always with us guiding and guarding us at every step. All that we need to do is to connect with Him in our every thought, word and deed. 

 

Updated Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 1820 Hrs. IST

Today, on this auspicious Thursday, steady stream of devotees flowed in to Prasanthi Nilayam, as the gates were opened at 0800 hrs. in the morning, to have "Maha Samadhi" darshan of Beloved Bhagawan. Vedam and Bhajans have been rescheduled to original timings, i.e., Vedam from 0800 hrs. till 0900 hrs. and Bhajans till 0940 hrs. and in the evening, Vedam from 1630 hrs. for an hour and Bhajans from 1730 hrs. till 1815 hrs.

Updated Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 2246 Hrs. IST

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who has been admitted in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram for the last 28 days breathed His last this morning,  at 0740 hrs., as per the Medical Bulletin released by the Director, SSSIHMS, this morning. After His admission into the hospital on the 28th March with cardiac related problems, Bhagawan has been on ventilator support for many days.

The official bulletin reads as follows:
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left His earthly body on 24th April, 2011, at 0740 hrs. due to cardio-respiratory failure.

Bhagawan Baba's Body will lie in state at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days (Monday and Tuesday). Arrangements will be made for Darshan after 1800 hrs. today, at Sai Kulwant Hall.

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