Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - Sai News & Photo Updates : Holy Ashadi Ekadashi morning dawned in Prasanthi bringing along with reminiscence of the great Marata tradition of Varkari Sampradaya, wherein, lakhs and lakhs of devotees from all over India, especially from Maharashtra, reach Pandharpur, the seat of Lord Vittala, after a twenty-one day long 'spiritual journey'!
Responding to the holy morning assembly's prayer, Bhagawan emerged at 0935 hrs. to sonorous notes of Gayathri chanting, thematic of the scheduled cultural presentation. Coming for a complete round Bhagawan moved further into the ladies' side, this time for a half round, taking a detour from the ladies' end to come onto the portico. Gliding through, Bhagawan came onstage at 0950 hrs. setting the stage for the morning presentation to begin.
The seat of the Lord bore the background of the great Marata tradition with images of Lord Vittala and other saints of Maharashtra getting prominence. Upon coming onstage, Bhagawan had a detailed look at the backdrop before lighting the lamp sanctifying the occasion.
The programme commenced with the presentation of the "Palkhi" carrying Lord Vithala along with His sandals, symbolically carried by the 'varkaris' from Dharmavaram to Prasanthi Nilayam during their three day 'yatra'.
The main presentation for the morning was a dance ballet entitled, Veda Mata Gayathri, by Balvikas children from Mumbai, propounding the glory of the Great Mantra that carries the essence of entire Veda.
The presentation was weaved in the form of a conversation between Bhagawan Sri Krishna and a youngster, who took refuge to get rid off six vices, gets into details of the great Mantra, illustrating every aspect related to the Mantra, either through a song or by enacting a dialogue. Depicting the role of Sage Vishwamitra, his altercation with Brahma Rishi Vasishta, and the episodes related to celestial damsels Menaka and Rambha etc., the storyline finally touched the climactic scene, the birth of great Gayathri Mantra. The fifty minute presentation was colourfully intertwined with meaningful dance sequences by tiny tots in colourful costumes..
Shortly after the programme Bhagawan asked for Mangala Arathi and upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan sat through a session interacting to organise the presentation to be given to the participants. Soon, safari pieces, shirt pieces and sarees were brought and distributed to the participants by the organisers. Simultaneously special Maharashtra prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.
Shortly, Bhagawan moved down the dais posing for a photo session with the participants. Moving off directly into the ladies' side, Bhagawan went for another round of bonus darshan, taking a detour from the ladies' end, to come onstage to accept one more Arathi, at 1130 hrs., before retiring to Yajur Mandiram.
It drizzled overnight and during the day when Bhagawan was retiring, it was still drizzling as if heaven opened up its gates to receive His bounty on this most auspicious day.
Arrangements have been made to serve free Maharashtrians lunch in the North Indian canteen celebrating the special occasion.
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