SATHYA SAI MUMBAI PHOTOS DAY 5 -Nov 1st Jamboori Maidan Worli, Mumbai
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Mumbai 1st November, 2009 - Jamboori Maidan Worli, Mumbai | Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is in Dharmakshetra, Mumbai.
He will be in Mumbai from 31st Oct to 2nd Nov 0ct. 2009 | | Home | | Our humble thanks - Source: dharmakshetra.org.in - web layout design saibabaofindia.com |  |
1st November, 2009: Bhagawan at Jamboori Maidan, Worli
Visits Chief Minister's Official Residence, "Varsha"
On the second day of Bhagawan's visit to the city, it was "Varsha", the official residence of the Chief Minister-designate, Ashok Chavan that evoked greater interest as the news spread about Bhagawan's visit to the Chief Minister.
Earlier in the morning, at Dharmakshetra, Bhagawan met a group of Bankers and Industrialists of Mumbai, some of whom have attended the "Ethics and World of Finance Conference" held in Prasanthi Nilayam in August.
The morning programme was held in the Jamboori Maidan situated in South Mumbai where in Bhagawan blessed a vast concourse of devotees thronged to have a glimpse of The Lord! Bhagawan's caravan sped past through the historic Bandra - Worli sealink, a 4.7 km architectural marvel that took 10 long years to commission early this year.
| The official Dharmakshetra Website writes that the venue was packed with a capacity crowd of over 25000 gathered at the Jamboori Maidan for Bhagawan's darshan. Bhagawan entered the stage around 11.10 a.m. and remained there for about 30-35 minutes when bhajans were held while the capacity crowd was feasting their eyes with Bhagawan's Darshan. Bhagawan left the venue after receiving Mangala Arathi at 11:45 a.m.
From the Jamboori Maidan Bhagawn proceeded to "Varsha", the official residence of Chief Minister Ashok Chavan at Malabar Hill, Mumbai followed by that of Jayant Patil, the State Home Minister. |  | | | | | | | The Chavan's devotion to Sri Sathya Sai Baba dates back to his father, Late S.B. Chavan, legendary congress leader and former union minister who held various portfolios in the Congress led governments. The Maharashtra Chief Minister paid a visit to Prasanthi Nilayam recently officially inviting Bhagawan to Mumbai.
Quaid Najmi, reporting for IANS writes about the visit in their official column, excerpts of which are given below.
In an unprecedented development, Maharashtra's chief minister-designate Ashok Chavan hosted his spiritual guru, Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi, here Sunday afternoon.
Chavan had specially invited Sathya Sai Baba to visit Varsha, the official residence of the state chief minister at Malabar Hill in south Mumbai, according to a government official.
Chavan, along with his wife Ameeta and daughters Srijaya and Sujaya, received the Bhagawan on the white steps of Varsha which had been specially decorated with saffron-coloured flowers, flags and buntings for the occasion. | | | | |  | | | | | | | "The occasion is strictly a private, family affair... nobody from the government or his staff or the party is invited," reports IANS.
Later, the Chief Minister hosted a lunch in honour of Sathya Sai Baba in the private dining hall of Varsha, which is usually reserved for VVIPs who visit the place.
The chief minister has never kept his devotion and admiration for Sathya Sai Baba under wraps. He seeks His blessings regularly in times of need and goes to express his gratitude when his wishes are fulfilled.
In fact, shortly after His party's victory in last month's assembly elections, Chavan had rushed to thank his spiritual guru.
Though this is Sathya Sai Baba's first visit to the State chief minister's residence, he is no stranger to politicians and leaders across the political spectrum.
Among his most prominent admirers and devotees was the former prime minister, the late P.V. Narasimha Rao.
Heavy security arrangements were made for the VVIP guru in the area. | | | | |  | | | | | | | The Malabar Hill, with the Arabian Sea on three sides, is home for VVIPs and celebrities including the chief justice of Bombay High Court and other judges, ministers, top government officials, legislators, foreign diplomats, scientists, leading industrialists and businessmen, head honchos of multinationals and even a few film stars.
He also attended a religious concert by Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam in Goregaon Saturday evening, and interacted with officials of his various charitable interests in Maharashtra and Mumbai.
Sathya Sai Baba arrived in Pune last Wednesday from Puttaparthi by a private chartered aircraft on a three-day visit and inaugurated a temple complex, Sri Sathya Sai Pandurang Kshetra at Hadshi. | | | | |  | | | | | | | | | | | PTI, Press Trust of India, India's Premier News Agency writes:
Maharashtra Chief Minister designate Ashok Chavan today hosted 'Satya Saibaba' at his official residence.
The Baba was on a five-day visit to the state and in Mumbai since yesterday where he had a discourse at the Jambori maidan at Worli in central Mumbai.
Chavan said the Baba had been his spiritual guru since the time of his birth.
Chavan's father, late S B Chavan who also served as Chief Minister twice, was an ardent devotee of the Baba.
Several Congress-NCP politicians, who are devotees of the Baba, also attended the prayer ceremony held at Chavan's house Varsha.
The evening programme is scheduled to be held at Brabourne Stadium (CCI), Churchgate, where Sitar exponent Rahul Sharma, son of legendary Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma would perform in His Divine Presence.
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Reflections from Pune by Ms Julie Chaudhuri
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True to the saying "God's Delays are Not God's Denials", fulfilling the long cherished desire of the Jadhav's and the Puneites, Divinity encased in human frame, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba blessed the Peshwa City with abundance, with abundance of His Love, all by His rich presence for three full days! Thousands upon thousands thronged to have a glimpse of The Lord…None would understand and decipher the subtle moves and vibrations of His Divinity, inner significance of which would go far beyond human perceptions for the emancipation of mankind. …And concluding His Holy Visit, He departed to an eagerly awaiting Mumbai City.
And His Divine Caravan sped on through the Pune – Mumbai Highway…subtly blessing thousands on His way…He knows them all…but, not all of them know Him and His Divinity…as He sped on, for some He was God, for some He was a well known social reformer, for some He was a great persona, and for another lot He was another "Baba"…He alone grants the awareness…and that is the greatest blessing upon the humanity…Knowing Him while He is in the midst…
While His Maharashtra sojourn entered its second and final phase, it would be interesting to reflect upon His blessed presence in Pune. Read on a summary of reflections from Ms. Julie Chaudhuri, Editor, Sathya Sai Newsletter, Pune
If the hills around Hadshi make a priceless necklace, then Sri Sathya Sai Pandurang Kshetra is the most exquisite pendant. Such a wondrous sight to hold and behold. A veritable feast for the eyes. It was the most surreal environment decorated gaily for the Lord, His entourage and the ardent devotees gathering there. But let us start at the very beginning.
Activities were on in full swing, in a highly synchronized manner ever since our Lord accepted Mr Shivajirao Jadhav's invitation to visit Sri Sathya Sai Pandurang Kshetra. The winding road leading up to the Kshetra and then on to the mandir and the divine residence was quickly repaired and tarred. For easy flow of traffic, a one-way system was made for travelling up and for the return journey down towards the city. The mandirs were decorated for the Praan Pratishthan. A huge stage was designed with a wonderful backdrop of Shirdi Sai, Parthi Sai and Lord Panduranga in the centre. On one side of the backdrop was Swami's saying – I am in you, You are in Me, You and I are one. On the other side, it had words that perhaps every devotee would like to say to Him – Tum shwaas ho, Tum paas ho, Tum vishwas ho...
Barricades and seating arrangements for devotees who would be coming to have darshan of their Lord was made in this most scenic of all places. The hosts left no stone unturned to do their best for our Beloved Lord's arrival.
There was free food being served in the prasadalay for visitors and workers during these preparations, which went on ever so smoothly. Aesthetically designed fragrant flower arrangements enveloped all the mandirs and of course Bhagawan's Divine residence.
Day 1, Oct 28, 2009
At last, Wednesday, the 28th of Oct, dawned. It was a timeless moment and Pune's moment in time, when the Lord's flying chariot touched down at Pune's airport a little after 9.30 am. The Maharashtra CM's flight landed a little prior to Bhagwan's. He was there not only to receive Bhagwan, but also to seek special blessings as it happened to be his birthday too. Mr Shivraj Patil and Mr Jayantrao Patil were also present along with the AAI director Capt Mahajan and Deputy GM, Airport, Mr Prasad. An ambu high lift had specially been brought in from Ahmedabad airport for the Lord's deplanement. The lift was decorated with red and yellow carnations and a red carpet covered the floor. Another red carpet was put on the tarmac right up to Bhagawan's car. A convoy of four cars had been lined up on the tarmac to whisk Bhagawan away through the city, to Mr Jadhav's residence and then on to SSSPK.
Outside the airport, 11 motorbikes stood ready to lead the convoy, to which five other cars were also added. Balvikas children, traditionally attired, greeted members of the Divine entourage who were served refreshments in the arrival hall.
At SSSPK, 1200 villagers from Hadshi welcomed Bhagwan with a Tukaram Dindi. Through the day, thousands of devotees thronged the Kshetra for a glimpse of Bhagawan. The evening programme began at 5.15 pm with bhajans. Swami arrived at 6 pm. There was an instant stir in the air and all hands were folded in reverence and there was a prayer on every lip.
25 villagers performed Tukaram Abhangs, after which singers Kavita Krishnamurty (Kavita Subramaniam), Nitin Mukesh and Sapna Mukherjee took centrestage. After taking His blessings, they sang beautiful bhajans that left everyone in ecstasy.
Sapna Mukherjee and Nitin Mukesh's new album – Sai Krishna – was released at the hands of Bhagawan. Mukherjee said, "I've been singing His bhajans since I was a child, and I am simply too thrilled that this CD was release by Baba…" Mukesh added, "Today's evening was most Divine. He smiled at me and praised me. I'm too overwhelmed. First, God came to me in the form of my mother, then my daughter and now Sathya Sai…"
Kavita Krishnamurthy too said emotionally, "I am what I am because of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. He is God, and it must be my past karma that has led me to perform in front of Him…"
Day 2, Oct 29, 2009
The deities at the Lord Siddhivinayak Mandir, Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir and Shirdi Sai Mandir came alive by the Lord's touch and SSSPK will now be considered a most sacred pilgrimage centre after as the Pran Pratishthan was performed by the Lord himself. Through the ceremony, there was a paraglider who showered rose petals on the Aum-shaped Kshetra.
In the evening, Bhagawan was welcomed for darshan by a traditional Tukaram Dindi. Bhagawan gave darshan from the Vitthal Rukmini Mandir. Mr Shivajirao Jadhav spoke about Swami's message and showed his gratitude to Swami for accepting the invitation. Then, the All-India President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Mr V Srinivasan, gave a short interesting speech which was followed by Nishikant Barodikar's Marathi narration of his own experiences with Swami.
And then, the moment that all were eagerly waiting for – Bhagawan's Divine Discourse , which was translated into English and Marathi. Bhagawan spoke about a life of love – not to criticise anyone and to correct one's own faults rather than pointing fingers at others. He spoke about the oneness of all beings and also stressed that our life has to be his message.
He then lovingly blessed the gathering and sweetly expressed His happiness.
Day 3, Oct 30, 2009
In the morning, there was a havan that took place near the Vithhal-Rukmini mandir, following which Swami came on to the stage for Divine darshan. Village children sat in front of the stage and sang Prashanthi Bhajans for our Beloved Lord, who smilingly acknowledged their devotion.
In the evening, after bhajans, the Little Champs of Marathi Sa Re Ga Ma gave a scintillating performance in the Divine presence. They began with abhangs immortalised by Tukaram and then went on to sing devotional songs which touched the heart of one and all, including Beloved Bhagwan.
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It seemed as though the musical notes had incarnated as these children to serenade the Lord! To Swami's amusement, each child who performed kept taking Padanamaskar!
Bhagawan blessed them, their parents and siblings.
He was so enchanted by their performance that He asked them for one last song together even though they had finished singing the songs they had rehearsed for!
Though the evening was melodiously blissful, the imminent departure of Bhagawan for Mumbai next morning left a sad feeling deep within.
Creator and His creation; Srishti-Karta and His Srishti; Mountains, lakes, evergreen trees, fragrant flowers, mango orchards, green, green grass, butterflies and dragonflies, the white-blue expanse of the sky, a sunset most wondrous, twinkling stars and soft silky moonlight, and the loving, loving presence of Beloved Bhagwan – could anyone ask for more?
Each and every darshan is ever so valued, but to sit in front of the Lord in the lap of Mother Nature is ever so fulfilling. Dreams do come true…
Day 4, Oct 31, 2009
The next morning, Bhagawan left SSSPK at around 10.45 am. Villagers lined up in a disciplined manner along the entrance and road leading towards Lonavla. One could see the winding procession – motorbikes, two cars with security guards, Swami's car, and a string of 20 cars following. Swami blessed the villagers with double Abhayahasta and then the convoy sped on, towards waiting Mumbai…
Reflections from Pune by Ms Julie Chaudhuri
| | | | | | | | Our humble thanks - Source: dharmakshetra.org.in -srisathyasai.in -sssbpt.org - weblayout design saibabaofindia.com | |
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