| Fri, Dec 17, 2010: Today is Vaikunta Ekadashi or more precisely as Prasanthi recalls, Amrita Ekadashi. This auspicious festivity had its heyday in Prasanthi during early sixties when Bhagawan, in His youthful days, celebrated the same on the sandy riverbed of Chitravathi. Legend on the festivity talks about opening of the heavenly door, leading one to the Abode of Lord Vishnu, to Vaikunta! While awaiting His darshan on this day, one wonders, Is there any better world one need to think about than being in Prasanthi sighting the beauty of His Divine physical frame? Those who have witnessed, heard or read on the greater significance of the occasion would undoubtedly acknowledge the importance of Divine Darshan on this very day. …And this evening Prasanthi's darshan house was full. Adding to the floating 'crowd' of devotees was a huge group of over 3400 from the north-eastern Andhra district of Srikakulam. The group was ready with a cultural presentation and the centre block had the 'stage' ready with a backdrop.  Bhagawan arrived at 1830 hrs. Devotional frenzy that has been with the gents' side over the days seemed to have shifted over to the opposite end this evening. As Bhagawan moved past, there was a bit of jostling around at the ladies' side and sevadal volunteers were trying to calm the 'excitement' down. As Bhagawan approached the Primary School, little children got enthused resulting in a crescendo in tiny little voices singing bhajans.  Bhagawan came on stage at 1850 hrs. and soon He nodded for the programme to commence. District President of SSSSO with his poetic exploitation, hailed Bhagawan, thanking Him profusely for the opportunity. The President also elaborated on the major initiatives happening in the district under the auspices of SSSSO.  The programme for the evening was "Murali Madhavam", a dance drama by the Youth and Balvikas of SSSSO, Srikakulam District. The drama depicted the story of a flute maker who, with all out devotion and dedication made a special flute for Bhagawan Sri Krishna. At the crucial time when Bhagawan refused to accept the flute, excusing Himself with the words that He has forgotten the art of playing, the flute maker was grief-stricken. Rewarding His devotee for his unflinching devotion and dedication Bhagawan appeared to the flute maker telling him that, he (the flute maker) is his real flute whom he had been preparing for many births. Bhagawan blessed Sulu, the flute maker, with Vishwaroopa Darshanam.  Interspersed with series of dances, the one hour presentation turned out to be a visual treat, rich with melodious music and colourful costumes. After the one-hour presentation safari pieces were distributed to the drama crew. Blessed prasadam, sweets, also went for distribution. At 2015 hrs. Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi.  The crew was devotedly waiting at the front block anticipating Him amidst. ...And the Lord could not resist. After a brief pause post Arathi, Bhagawan moved down, posing with the crew. Bhagawan chose to interact with some and also lit the Akhanda Jyothi which would travel back to the district. From the past five years the district has been blessed with this good fortune of carrying the Akhanda Jyothi from Prasanthi. These Akhanda Jyothis would be placed in different centres/temples for the benefit of devotees. At 2030 hrs. Bhagawan left for Yajur Mandiram in His car. "Prema Bandham", the bond of love, that began with the 1996 batch of SSSIHL students in August this year, is going to have its second 'get-together' during this week-end. The 1997 batch of SSSIHL along with immediate families are filing in to Prasanthi and one could expect yet another close session between Bhagawan and 'His Properties'. | 
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