Saturday, April 26 2008 : Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba left Prashanti Nilayam (Puttaparthy) this afternoon. Sri Sathya Sai Baba is on his way to His Brindavan ashram in Kadugodi, Whitefield (Bangalore). This afternoon Swami came to Sai kulwant hall at 3.20 p.m. amid the sounds of vedam chants. After accepting the Aarthi Bhagawan left the packed Sai Kulwant hall in His car driven by Mr Balaram. Swami was accompanied by Sathyajeet and Mr. G Venkataramana. Crowds of devotees waiting outside on the main road greeted farewell with tears, prayers and flowers. Standing on the both side of the road, some threw flowers in front of the Swami's car & many shed a tear of painful 'separation'. Brindavan is all set to recive Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Here are few of the pics from Brindavan submitted to SBOI by a devotee, more to follow. | 
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Click to enlarge satellite picture Sai Baba ashram - Whitefield
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| Also read SBOI-Group news from today (below) | |
SBOI-Group news: Om sairam dearest sai family just to let know all the devotees, that our beloved lord has left for Whitefield ashram at 3:30pm (26th April 2008)from Puttaparthi in His Mercedes Benz. There were so many rumours about Swami's arrival at whitefield. The rumours started as early as end of March. Some section of devotees who like to do that, were shown a thums down every time they gave a new date and at a stage when there was no rumour running around, Swami decided to go... WE CAN NEVER IMPOSE OUR WILL UP ON ANY BODY AND DEFINITELY NOT ON OUR BELOVED LORD.. I had an opportunity to pass by whitefield ashram in the month of december and I was shocked to see the premises. There were huge sky scrapers around the ashram and the fly over right infront of the ashram , a perfect example of rapid urbanisation in India, made that place messy. One of the pillars of the fly over was constructed right infront of the ashram gate and looking at the place I thought Swami would never make it here again, as He would be thinking more about His devotees' comforts. But in the recent past the ashram authorities in whitefield have done excellent job to make that place more comfortable for Swami and more importantly to His devotees. The walls have been made dust proof and sound proof and after everything was sorted out, Swami decided to go ahead.. Reports were coming in that Swami would leave for whitefield early morning. Many devotees were waiting in the Kulwanth hall and also on either side of the road. As the bhajan Deena Dhukhiyon Se Prem Karo was sung, our compassionate Swami surprised every one, by coming in His car chair at 10 am making our hearts jump in joy.. After 5 bhajans Swami asked for arathi and returned to HIs Abode...
At 3:30pm today Swami blessed us with His divine darshan and after Arathi He left for Whitefield... Past 20 days or so, Swami left no stone unturned to make all of us happy. I heard Kodai darshans are very close, so also were Parthi darshans. Swami blessed all of us with His car chair darshans almost every day and even on the last day.. Its over to Bangalore... Have a GR8 time brothers and sisters - submitted to -SBOI-Group by Satish Naik
Thursday, April 24 2008 : As the mid April festivities concluded, the speculation of Swami's departure to Kodai got renewed energy and vigour. Soon, it was replaced with "confirmed rumours" as they are called in this part of the world that He would be soon leaving for Brindavan. Swami's Brindavan is undergoing changes for the better and the delayed bridge building activity has only catalysed the intense pining and longing of Brindavan for its Sai Krishna. And after all the Nostradamuses and soothsayers laid down their probable dates for Swami's departure to various places, the only thing that can be said with certainty is that on the 24th morning, Swami is in Puttaparthi!
The taxi owners are having a field time as many people have already made to and fro trips from Bangalore. The shops and stores are using all their non-MBA knowledge and experience to 'guess'timate the probable date for closure and plausible stocks needed to be ordered. The days are such that if someone is seriously following Swami's advice, "Love my uncertainty", they have a lot to love! Inside the Kulwant hall, the population is fast dwindling. People from "past" experience and trends are making arrangements and some others, based on "future" predictions have also made preparations. "Present"ly, only a few are still staying on at Puttaparthi.
Swami, inspite of the searing heat, appears so beautiful and bright when He comes for darshan. There is a freshness about Him and a cherubic smile dancing on His lips. Though risky, if we make a bold statistical statement, 90% of the times, Swami comes on the chair and the car is a rarity! And this is the most thrilling and exciting feature of darshan sessions for all. Till about mid April, there would be only one or two lines of students bordering the blocks to get close darshan. Now the numbers are so low, that the same boys rush behind forming the "darshan lines" and then rush back to the front forming the line there too. Bonus darshans and paadanamaskars are the order of the day. The devotees too enjoy the rare privilege of moving right upto Swami to hand over their letters. The car however has not been totally discarded. Quite often, Swami takes it out for drives in the late mornings or early afternoons. The roads are usually deserted, but Swami's presence is a cooling and comforting influence to all who find it very difficult even to traverse to the mandir in the scorching heat. Swami too in all Love and compassion moves so slowly in the car that everyone sees Him to their hearts' content.
Those beautiful days have again begun when He comes early into the bhajan hall and engages in "small" talk with the students. These are the moments that every student cherishes- when his dear Lord becomes his best friend. The subject of the talk ranges from Self-confidence to the probable date when the student is leaving for his vacation. Some of the students are adamant - they say that their vacation is best sanctified with Swami. Swami too plays the game and He tells them, "No..no. Go Home. Parents want you there." "Swami if I go home, parents will throw me out. They too want me to be here with you." Swami seems defeated and He also seems to be enjoying the defeat. For when His defeat brings victory to His beloved ones in terms of their growth, He is the first to rejoice. "Ay, when are you going to finish your PhD?" He asks another research scholar. "Swami try chestanu" (I'll try). "Ay, try chestanu kaadu, chestanu cheppu" (Don't say, I'll try; say I'll do!) He then pumps in enthusiasm and confidence into the startled student. It is such a joy to watch the interactions going on. He asks a few others as to when they are leaving. Some places and dates pop up. And then there are some very poignant moments for some people. A gentle tap on his head and a smile acknowledging his gratitude at His omnipresence and Swami turns to another person.
From the primary school side too, only a few representatives remain. They can be seen running and frolicking during the darshans. They make cards and special items to grab His attention and He too seems all set and eager to grant them their due! Everyday, a small stop is a compulsory activity at the Primary children's block it seems. There are occasional interviews and well those do not come under the heading of "updates"!
Well, all these just go to show that Swami is the only factor for peace and joy. The place, temperature or any other factor has absolutely no influence once Swami decides to give Himself. It is famously said, "Puttaparthi is Swami's office, Brindavan-his home while kodaikanal is His playground." And Swami has just shown that no rules exist for God. He can be homely and play at Parthi too and at the same time, all better be prepared to Love His next move of uncertainty! Swami and Swami alone matters. Everything else revolves around Him and falls into place around Him. So blissful are the times when one is centred on Swami and Swami alone!!
http://www.saibabaofindia.com/sai_baba_darshan_news_april.htm
