DARSHAN TODAY - 19, March 2010 - Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam - Day 3

Text & photo source:  Radiosai.org Prasanthi Diary, sssbpt.org -  - Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org- saibabaofindia.com & SBOI group. << February 2010  | Current Sai Baba News| March 2010 >> Sai News Archive 2010:  Jan.10 - Feb. 2010 Sai News Archive : 2009:  Dec. 09 - Nov. 09  -  Oct.09 - Sep.09 -  August 09 - July 09 - June 09 - May 09 - April 09 - March 09 - Feb.09  - Jan. 09 Friday, 19, March 2010 - Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam - Day 3 With the Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajna continues in Prasanthi, every morning begins with a fresh note, with the Maharaj, the commentator, infusing and kindling greater awareness on the beauty, glory and grandeur of being in the Abode, listening to His stories, enjoying the Divine Sports of the Lord, in His immediate Divine Presence. The narrator quite often bursts into melodious tunes singing on the glories of the Lord and one that heard quite often is "Sriman Narayan...Narayan...Narayan..." PHOTO GALLEY This morning's proceedings began at the scheduled hour at 8:30, after half-an-hour Vedam, with usual invocation. Exponation on the epic continued till 10:30 upon which bhajans by students continued for half-an-hour before Arathi was offered at 11, as Bhagawan did not come out. In the evening, Bhagawan emerged just after 5 while the Bhagavatha Saptaaha Pravachan was on. Taking a detour from ladies' side, Bhagawan came directly onstage through the doctors' block. Bhagavatha Pravachan continued till 5:40 and evening's theme was centred around Ajamila's Story, as to how he earned liberation, despite having attachment with his child, just by calling out his son at his dying moment, who was a namesake of the Supreme Lord Narayana... CLICK TO SEE PHOTO GALLEY Upon the conclusion, Music Troupe from Sai Sannidhi, a forum of grateful alumni working with various institutions run by Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, and the organisers of the Saptaaha Yajna, presented a musical offering bringing out the similarities between the two Avatars, Sri Krishna and Sai Krishna, culling out songs and poems from Bhagawan's Divine Discourses and from the drama "Radha Bhakthi" written by Bhagawan in 1960's. The forty minute programme had been interlaced with apt commentary on the significance of the composition and rendition and was laced with some of the original pieces in Bhagawan's own voice. At Bhagawan's instance three more songs followed, namely, "Deva...Namo Deva......", "Madhura Mohana Ghana Shyama Sundara Sai...Ananda Pradayi" followed by "Namo Sathya Sai Baba...". Arathi was offered at 6:40. Bhagawan chose to converse with the singers for the next ten minutes before retiring for Yajur Mandiram at 6:50. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.   Thursday, 18, March 2010 - Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam - Day 2     This morning, on the second day of the Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajna, proceedings began at the scheduled hour, at 8:30, after half-an-hour Vedam chanting. After invocatory offering, commenting on the glory of the Avatar of the Age, the Maharaj went on expounding on the greater efficacy of Namasmarana, bursting out with a melodious rendering "Sriman Narayana Narayana Narayana...", a keertan he quite often repeats in between the commentary. Starting from where he had stopped last evening, he further went on elucidating the story of Raja Parikshit, as to how invited the evil deeds of Kali, which finally led him to earn a curse to die in seven days owing to serpant bite, and the king's greater urge to attain liberation in seven days. As the narration continued, Bhagawan arrived at 10:10 for a complete round. After an elaborate, slow round granting Darshan, Bhagawan came on stage at 10:23 and sat through the entire session that ended at 11:30, when Arathi was offered. Subsequently, Bhagawan called an Iranian boy, studying in Primary School, onstage, asking him to chant Durga Suktam followed by Rudram. His little brother, another primary school child, was also called and Bhagawan interacted with the boys for some time. Moving off the dais, Bhagawan blessed sweets for Primary School, and as He was going back, He stopped for a while to watch the distribution, ensuring sweets for every student.. He came back to the Bhajan Hall to spent next fifteen minutes inside before emerging at 12:10 to retire to Yajur Mandiram. In the evening, the proceedings began at 4:15 with presentation of the summary of the storyline for last two sessions, previous evening followed by that of this morning. The Maharaj began his exposition at 4:30, starting from where he had left in the morning, divulging the story of Dhruva, he went on narrating Dhruva's unflinching devotion to Lord Narayana, his desire to sit on the lap of Lord Vishnu and finally how The Lord satiated the little prince's desire that later led him to attain salvation. while the narration had been going on, Bhagawan emerged at 5:17 to take a detour from the ladies' side to land on the dais at 5:20 through the doctors' block. Bhagawan continued to sit through the session till 5:45, when the exposition for the day came to an end. Music Troupe was ready with their presentation of songs and as soon as the Bhagavatha session got over, Bhagawan nodded the boys to commence their programme. What followed was an hour of enchanting music. Starting with the meera bhajan, Payoji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo..., what followed next was Darshan Deejo... to be continued with Purandharadas's carnatic piece, Jagadodhdharana AadisidaLeyshodha. A telugu piece followed before coming up with enna thavam seydaney Yesoda.... Three more songs followed, two on Lord Rama followed by the last piece, Thyagaraja's composition Siva siva ena radha... Arathi was offered at 6:40 before Bhagawan moved towards Yajur Mandiram at 6:45. Prasadam, "egg shaped chocolates", were distributed to the entire assemblage.     Wednesday, 17, March 2010 - Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam - Day 1 This morning, Bhagawan was ushered into the hall at 9:27 to the chants of Vedam. Being the inaugural day of the week-long Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam, Vedam continued even after the scheduled hour at 9. Completing a full round of darshan, Bhagawan, upon ascending the verandah spent sometime outside the interview room before moving through the upper portico to come onstage at 9:35 through the right of Ganesha. The dais was aesthetically decorated, with illustrious Bhagavatham scenes prominently displayed around. Upon coming onstage, Bhagawan lighted the ceremonial lamp officially inaugurating the Saptaaha Yajnam. Pandit, Sri Ritu Raj Ji Maharaj and his escorts sought blessings from Bhagawan before the commencement of the Yajnam. Programme commenced at 9:40 with invocatory prayer "Sayeeshwaraya Vidhmahe..." addressed to Bhagawan. This was followed by a bout of invocatory prayers addressed to various "Gods and Goddesses". Beginning his commentary, an intro on Bhagavatham, the Pandit attributed the epic to Bhagawan hailing Him to be the Soul fo the Epic. As the Pandit went on narrating the epical story, an introduction, with a mix of commentary on the greater importance of the ongoing Divine Mission set in motion by Bhagawan, Bhagawan moved indoors at 10 again to return at 10:25. Upon completing the Intro at 11:05, Arathi was offered to Bhagawan before He moved towards the Yajur Mandiram. The Pandit had emotional words of gratitude for Bhagawan. He said, somewhere at some point of time I would have prayed to grant an opportunity to come and have Thy Divine Darshan and Bhagawan has given me this great grand boon, that redeems many a life.... This evening, Bhagawan emerged at 5:35 while Bhagavatha Saptaaham was on. Negotiating a complete round of Darshan, Bhagawan came onstage at 5:47 through the right of Ganesha. Pandit ji continued with his elucidation of the story of Bhagavatham, narrating Raja Parikshit's episode. The commentary ended at 6:04 upon which bhajans started with an aalaap bhajan, "Sri Raghavam..." at His special instance. As Bhajans continued, at 6:40, Bhagawan asked for one more aalaap bhajan, this time "Allaho Akbar..." rendered the air bringing in the greater message of religious harmony. Two more bhajans continued before Bhagawan calling for Arathi at 6:50. After Arathi Bhagawan sat onstage for the next ten minutes, 'chatting up" with some bhajans boys before moving towards Yajur Mandiram at 7:05. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage. Earlier, Vedam started at the usual hour, at 4 and continued till 4:45. At 4:45, summary of the morning proceedigs was read out upon which, at 5, the Bhagavatha Saptaaham commenced.   Srimad Bhagavata Saptaaham - Prasanthi Nilayam Day 1 - 17th March Day 2  - 18th March Day 3  - 19th March           Text & photo source:  Radiosai.org Prasanthi Diary, sssbpt.org -  - Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org- saibabaofindia.com & SBOI group. << February 2010  | Current Sai Baba News| March 2010 >> Sai News Archive 2010:  Jan.10 - Feb. 2010 Sai News Archive : 2009:  Dec. 09 - Nov. 09  -  Oct.09 - Sep.09 -  August 09 - July 09 - June 09 - May 09 - April 09 - March 09 - Feb.09  - Jan. 09

PHOTOS UPDATE: Srimad Bhagavata Saptaaham - Inaugural Session - Morning, 17 March - Day 1

Day 1               Source: sssbpt.org -  web-layout & design saibabaofindia.com  Srimad Bhagavata Saptaaham - Inaugural Session - Morning, 17 March - Day 1 Srimad Bhagavatham is one of the most sacred and important of the Puranas present. It is considered as the Mahapurana amongst the 18 Puranaas. The very word Bhagavatham means Song about the Lord, who is filled with Bhaga or aishwaryaas or auspicious qualities (astha aishwaryaas). Bhagavatham is not a mere epic that speaks just about the Lord and His leelas or plays, but it is an epic in which one can find the ultimate reality embedded in the form of stories. Each of the chapter in Bhagavatham, each story in the Bhagavatham has some deep import to be told with respect to the ultimate reality of Brahman or Consciousness or Self – one without a second. This makes Bhagavatham a very important work for ardent seekers of the reality. Srimad Bhagavatham has a total of 18000 slokas split across 12 Skandaas. Each skanda is further split into various chapters. These chapters have slokas which explain the ultimate reality through various stories, descriptions of the Lord, His sportive plays among other things. Srimad Bhagavatham is in the form of a dialogue between Suta and Saunaka Sages. Suta was the disciple of Vyaasa to whom Vyaasa taught the Puranaas and Vedas along with his own son Suka. Suta tells that Bhagavatham was taught by Suka to King Parikshit in 7 days learning which Parikshit attained the immortal state of Self or Consciousness here in this world itself (before being bit by the snake Takshakan).   Inaugural Session - Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam The Bhagavatha Saptaaham is famous and performed in various places (as Suka explained it to Parikshit in 7 days). These seven days the slokas of Bhagavatham is chanted followed by stories and commentaries. Bhagavatham itself says about its purpose in the 12th Skanda: Sarva Vedaantha saaram yad brahma aatmaikya lakshanam Vasthu Adviteeyam tannishtam kaivalyam ekam prayojanam In Prasanthi, it is His Story that is retold in His immediate presence…When Bhagavatha Saptaaha happens in Prasanthi, the audience is not alone the devotees, but includes the silent listener of all conversations, The One, who has embodied yet again in human form, Bhagawan Himself! …And here the stories are narrated in a customized style, without going by the slokas as given in Srimad Bhagavatham, instead going by selected stories from the epic with a mix of the story and mission of the life of the present Avatar. On the scheduled morning, Bhagawan emerged at 9:27 to the chants of Vedam. Being the inaugural day of the week-long Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam, Vedam continued even after the scheduled hour at 9. The proceedings for the morning began with lighting of the lamp by the Divine Hands, after which, the Pandit, Sri Ritu Raj ji Maharaj, and his escorts sought Divine Blessings to commence the commentary. As a prelude to the Commentary, invocatory prayer was offered to Bhagawan followed by various other Mantras invoking various "Gods and Goddesses". Beginning his commentary with an intro on Bhagavatham, the Pandit attributed the epic to Bhagawan hailing Him to be the Soul of the Epic. Maharaj began the story with a dialogue between Bhagawan Sri Krishna and His devotee Udhdhava. When Udhadhava asked as to how he could offer worship to the Divine form of Krishna after He departs from physical form, Bhagawan replies that by worshipping and studying the Bhagavatham one would get the fruits of worshipping His Divine form. Further elucidating on the greater efficacy of the epic and the greater importance of the event happening in the Divine Presence of Bhagawan Himself, Maharaj in his inimitable style went on narrating the birth of Sage Suka and the story as to how he was endowed with wisdom before his birth.   Scene shifted to Sage Narada narrating the story of a woman and her two sons to the sages, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanat Kumara and Sanat Sujata etc., bringing in the symbolic significance, summarizing that Sage Narada was instructed by a celestial voice that he should take up narrating the sacred Bhagavatham, for that alone would help in reviving and restoring Bhakti, Jnana, Vairagya to their pristine glory. Next to come was an incident that happened in the banks of Tungabhadra involving Atmadeva, narrating the birth of Dunduli and Gokarna, Dunduli's evil deeds and atrocities on Atmadeva etc. Upon informing Gokarna about his travails, Gokarna brings greater wisdom by advising his father about the unfortunate family bonding, explaining in detail of the futility of material life, requesting his father to renounce the world and go to forest to and read the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam every day. The Maharaj used a rare mix of Bhagavatha tales with the present day stories of Bhagawan and His ongoing Divine Mission set in motion for the greater benefit of the world. The morning session came to an end at 11:05 when Bhagawan called for Arathi before retiring to Yajur Mandiram. Source: sssbpt.org -  web-layout & design saibabaofindia.com  Photos - Ugadi Celebrations...15th and 16th Mar 2010   Shirdi Sai Baba updates - Shirdi festival news, event Photos, wallpapers,  radio, live darshan... Thought for the day   2010 event calendar  Bhajan Texts  Sai Baba Quotes & sayings - Pictures  Miracles Of Sai Baba    Shirdi Sai Baba updates    Sai Baba's address Audio-Video Sathya Sai Baba Wallpapers Sai Baba - Jyoti Meditation  Sai Baba Updates & Archived-News Sai Baba Screen Savers  Watch Sai videos online SBOI-Group Sai Baba Ashrams & India travel Info. Sai Baba Greeting-cards  Video Clips of Sai Baba Thought for the day archive  Inspire Me Spiritual Collection   Greeting-cards             Shirdi Sai wallpapers Sai Baba Photos- recent events & Rare Photos - Pic archive Sacred past Home Sai Baba Discourses  Radio Sai Global Harmony - Listen to Radio Sai  Submit your  prayers to prayer Group Shirdi Sai Baba - Info & Rare Photos The Sai Avatar on Himself links   Sathya Sai Baba online Resource, Info, Books, Sai centres, mantras, Miracles, Bhajans, Letters from Sai Baba, Sai Meditation, Sai Baba Prop

free download - A new book by Sri Indulal Shah - The Seed is Sown-Divine Mission in Mumbai Begins

A new book by Sri Indulal Shah - Download 'The Seed is Sown-Divine Mission in Mumbai Begins'

LATEST PHOTOS - UGADI WITH SRI SATHYA SAI BABA PRASANTHI NILAYAM

Photos - Ugadi Celebrations...15th and 16th Mar 2010

DARSHAN UPDATE TODAY- 17 MARCH 2010 - PRASANTHI NILAYAM

Text & photo source:  Radiosai.org Prasanthi Diary, sssbpt.org -  - Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org- saibabaofindia.com & SBOI group. Sai Baba Darshan News  Photo & Latest Sai Updates << February 2010  | Current Sai Baba News| March 2010 >> Sai News Archive 2010:  Jan.10 - Feb. 2010 Sai News Archive : 2009:  Dec. 09 - Nov. 09  -  Oct.09 - Sep.09 -  August 09 - July 09 - June 09 - May 09 - April 09 - March 09 - Feb.09  - Jan. 09 Wednesday, 17, March 2010 - Sai Darshan News This morning, Bhagawan was ushered into the hall at 9:27 to the chants of Vedam. Being the inaugural day of the week-long Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam, Vedam continued even after the scheduled hour at 9. Completing a full round of darshan, Bhagawan, upon ascending the verandah spent sometime outside the interview room before moving through the upper portico to come onstage at 9:35 through the right of Ganesha. The dais was aesthetically decorated, with illustrious Bhagavatham scenes prominently displayed around. Upon coming onstage, Bhagawan lighted the ceremonial lamp officially inaugurating the Saptaaha Yajnam. Pandit, Sri Ritu Raj Ji Maharaj and his escorts sought blessings from Bhagawan before the commencement of the Yajnam.   Prasanthi This Fortnight...ending 14 March. 2010 Programme commenced at 9:40 with invocatory prayer "Sayeeshwaraya Vidhmahe..." addressed to Bhagawan. This was followed by a bout of invocatory prayers addressed to various "Gods and Goddesses". Beginning his commentary, an intro on Bhagavatham, the Pandit attributed the epic to Bhagawan hailing Him to be the Soul fo the Epic. As the Pandit went on narrating the epical story, an introduction, with a mix of commentary on the greater importance of the ongoing Divine Mission set in motion by Bhagawan, Bhagawan moved indoors at 10 again to return at 10:25. Upon completing the Intro at 11:05, Arathi was offered to Bhagawan before He moved towards the Yajur Mandiram. The Pandit had emotional words of gratitude for Bhagawan. He said, somewhere at some point of time I would have prayed to grant an opportunity to come and have Thy Divine Darshan and Bhagawan has given me this great grand boon, that redeems many a life.... This evening, Bhagawan emerged at 5:35 while Bhagavatha Saptaaham was on. Negotiating a complete round of Darshan, Bhagawan came onstage at 5:47 through the right of Ganesha. Pandit ji continued with his elucidation of the story of Bhagavatham, narrating Raja Parikshit's episode. The commentary ended at 6:04 upon which bhajans started with an aalaap bhajan, "Sri Raghavam..." at His special instance. As Bhajans continued, at 6:40, Bhagawan asked for one more aalaap bhajan, this time "Allaho Akbar..." rendered the air bringing in the greater message of religious harmony. Two more bhajans continued before Bhagawan calling for Arathi at 6:50. After Arathi Bhagawan sat onstage for the next ten minutes, 'chatting up" with some bhajans boys before moving towards Yajur Mandiram at 7:05. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage. Earlier, Vedam started at the usual hour, at 4 and continued till 4:45. At 4:45, summary of the morning proceedigs was read out upon which, at 5, the Bhagavatha Saptaaham commenced. Text & photo source:  Radiosai.org Prasanthi Diary, sssbpt.org -  - Sri Sathya Sai Media Foundation - h2hsai.org- saibabaofindia.com & SBOI group. Sai Baba Darshan News  Photo & Latest Sai Updates << February 2010  | Current Sai Baba News| March 2010 >> Sai News Archive 2010:  Jan.10 - Feb. 2010 Sai News Archive : 2009:  Dec. 09 - Nov. 09  -  Oct.09 - Sep.09 -  August 09 - July 09 - June 09 - May 09 - April 09 - March 09 - Feb.09  - Jan. 09

Prasanthi This Fortnight ending ...14 March 2010 - update & Photos

Sai Baba Audio mp3, Discourses, verses, Bhajans, prayers download Thought for the day Shirdi Sai Baba updates Sai Baba Discourses  Sai Baba Photos Ashrams Info. Sathya Sai Baba wallpapers Sai Baba E cards for all occasions Vibhuti pictures Prof. Anil Kumar's Sunday Satsang. Text /Audio&video downloads:   Prasanthi This Fortnight   Source: sssbpt.org -  web-layout & design saibabaofindia.com  SBOI-Group-  Sai Forum  - Facebook Page   |Current Sai Baba News| Sai News Archive 2010:  Jan.10 - Feb. 2010 Sai News Archive : 2009:  Dec. 09 - Nov. 09  -  Oct.09 - Sep.09 -  August 09 - July 09 - June 09 - May 09 - April 09 - March 09 - Feb.09  - Jan. 09 << Feb .2010 Prasanthi this Fortnight  - Home Sahtya Sai Baba Updates Latest Darshan News & Photos  Sai Baba Photos Audio Mp3, Bhajans, prayers mantra download Ashrams Info. 2010 event calendar Sai Baba links Sai Baba's address »   Face book Sai Centers & groups Watch Sai videos online Shirdi Sai Baba Updates Shirdi Sai Baba Photos wallpapers - rare photos - travel guide - Devotees experience and  Updates Latest Sai Updates : Darshan News & Photos  SBOI-Group Messages Discourses Thought for the day Latest Sai Baba Pictures Shirdi Sai Greeting & Prayer E-Cards:  Sai Baba E cards for all occasions Sai Baba Wallpapers: Sathya Sai Baba wallpapers Shirdi Sai wallpapers   Sai Baba Pictures  Latest Pictures collage  Photo serial Sai impressions  Dear Sai-Picture Gallery Over 50 Rare Pictures Sai Splendour pictures Sai Baba art & animations  Sai Baba in Africa Vibhuti pictures  Rare Delight-rare photos  Rare Shirdi Collection-Photos  9 rare pictures of Sai Baba  Divine Blessings close up Sai close up photos 2005  Inside the plane  Sai Classic - Pictorial  Sai-past  Rare pictures of Sai Baba: collection of 18 rare & beautiful pictures of Swami an 80th birthday tribute Audio - Video - Bhajans  »Audio:mp3, Discourses, verses, Bhajans, prayers download» »Veda Mantra mp3» »Video clips of festivals - events & discourses » »Short film clips »  »Bhajan Texts» Radio Sai Listen to Radio Sai Sai Baba Quotes-Prayers-Gayatri, Mantras Sai Baba Quotes with pictures »Sai Baba Quotes & sayings:»  »Miscellaneous 1 - Miscellaneous 2 - Silence - Women - Doubt - Bhajans - Study Circle -Meditation - Education - Love - Religions Grihastha - Householder - Intoxicants and meat eating - Service - Sai Baba Avatar on Himself - Sai Baba's 46 Maxims - Sai Baba's ABC - Thirty-six Gems for you... » Sai Prayers Food Prayers 1008 names of Sai Baba Gayatri: Explaintion » Q & A about Gayatri » The Three Sai Manthras  Prayers written By Baba » 1  2  3  4  5 »Prayer Resource» Who is Sai Baba - His Mission, Teachings,  Writings & Miracles »Blitz Interview» »Avatar on Himself» »Sai Saga» »Important declaration» »Shiva Shakthi » »Sai Baba Prophesies» »Books By Sai Baba» »Miracles of Sai Baba » »Prema Sai » »Letters from Sai Baba»  »The series of dialogues with Baba»  »Q & A about Sri Sathya SaiBaba» »Divine Service» »Sai Human Values» »Sarva dharma - Sai Baba Logo» »Interview with Baba» Divine Food: »Sathwic food» Meditation: » Sai Baba Light Jyoti Meditation  Meditation-explained Prof. Anil Kumar's Sunday Satsang. Text Audio video downloads Anil Kumar Sunday Satsang  Anil Kumar's Sunday Satsang Text 1999 -2010 Important talks Anil Kumar |1|   |2| |3| Talks by Anil Kumar in Singapore » Anil Kumar Talks : Health Management - Part: 1 2 3» Travel Info: »Puttaparthi » »Whitefield» »Kodaikanal » »Sai Baba's address» »India Info» »Hotels-taxi-banks etc.» »Flights to Puttaparthy» Int. Telephone code »» Miracles: »Supernatural Acts Of Sai» »Vibhuti Miracles» »Materialization» »Experiencing Miracles» »Sacred Divine Past» Sai Collection: »Spiritual Collection» Sai Door: »Enter the sai door » Books Guide - Online Books: »A guide to books on Sai Baba » »Man Of Miracles online book» »The Lights of Home» »Articles » Miscellaneous:  »Sacred Divine Past» »Prayer Resource » »Sai Saga» »Easwaramma divine mother» »All about Buddha» »Story Of Hanuman» »Sai Baba Prophesies» »Sathya Sai Baba On Rama & Ramayana» ATI RUDRA MAHA YAJNAM Thought for the day archive   External links :   Sai Baba Of World - Darshan blog     »Sai Baba official sites» Sai Radio: To listen Sai radio online: click windows media player - click on file - Open URL - paste http://stream.radiosai.net:8000     Shirdi Sai Baba:  »Shirdi Sai Baba's life story & miracles» »Shirdi travel Info »  »100 Shirdi Sai sayings»  »Sathya Sai reveal facts about Shirdi Sai t» »Saiashtothram» »Shirdi Sai wallpapers »  »Shirdi Sai  E-Greeting Cards » »Rare Shirdi Collection-Photos » »Books on Shirdi Sai Baba» »The Saint of Shirdi: The charisma of Sri Sathya Sai Baba» »Shirdi Sai Baba updates» Posted at 23:25:32 IST on Mar 16, 2010 The fortnight that was passed by had been eventful in many ways. Beginning with the trails of Holi celebrations, the fortnight began with the touch of uncertainty, with the scheduled evening for Holi celebrations went 'blank' with Bhagawan opted to stay indoors leaving the Bihar contingent to pray for the next evening session. And, what followed on the next day was a "Divine Act" of demonstrating the "actuality of power of interaction"! On the evening of 2 March when there was a scheduled programme, a dance drama - Sita Kalyanam, by Balvikas children from Bihar, Bhagawan made the event most memorable by directing the climactic scene Himself, sending a barrage of instructions. It appeared as if The Lord was reliving the moments of the time of Lord Rama, as He guided the climactic scene to be re-enacted by sending instructions galore, airing a subtle message of greater importance adhered with the epochal event called "Sita Kalyanam". Sita Kalyanam could be reminiscent of a sacred event of the distant past, but, the event as such is not an ordinary and has to be credited with due respect and reverence and Bhagawan had aptly aired this message 'performing' the event, in His own style as deemed fit by Divinity. Finally when Bhagawan retired to His Abode, it was 8:50, a record by Parthi standards! There were over 1400 devotees from Bihar apart from due share from the rest of the country camping in Prasanthi for the holy Holi occasion. And reminding one of the previous year's Divine Drama, wherein the Bihar contingent was called back after they returned from Prasanthi, drawing naught in their attempt to stage Holi programme, the first day, supposedly the day of Holy went blank with Bhagawan staying indoors, not coming out for Darshan. Incidentally, the children who performed the eventful dance drama, Sita Kalyanam, were from Mithila, the birthplace of Mother Sita. With advancing March and exams coming closer, there was a flurry of Gratitude programmes with various student groups vying to pour out 'their' hearts in gratitude to Bhagawan for "making and remaking", "shaping and reshaping" , leading them unto the gateway to "Eternal Garden". First to come was by the Final UG – PG combine on 7 March, followed by the outgoing batch from Music College on 11 March. The fortnight was enjoying the results of the slight metamorphosis in Prasanthi schedule, with Bhagawan coming out on most of the days granting morning Darshans as well. Continuing with Darshan galore from the previous week, the fortnight had sumptuous Darshan sessions, 11 morning Darshans and 11 evening Darshans. A group of 600, including office bearers of the Sathya Sai Organisation, had come from Tamil Nadu, invoking and inviting Bhagawan to Chennai.  And similar story from Delhi; prominent senior devotees from Delhi, including Former Air Chief Marshal, OP Mehra, Former Diplomat, SK Rasgotra, Former Education Secretary, MK Kaw, Former Military General, ML Chibber etc. were also camping here, apparently with a prayer invoking Bhagawan to Delhi. Apart from various other groups visited during the fortnight, one group that made its presence was a "Group of 85" Rudram Youth belonging to Karnataka Youth. The group had come after conducting 15,500 Rudram chanting in 85 houses, completed in a record 66 days, as part of the 85th year of Advent of Bhagawan. The group was blessed to be called in for a special session, held in the bhajan hall, wherein they had the rarest opportunity to chant in presence of Rudra Himself, at His specific Command and Will. Moving through the row of disciplined Youth, twice, Bhagawan blessed the entire group listening to their chanting, interacting with them in between. Interestingly, nothing goes unnoticed by the Divine and His calling the group at the odd hour, when such a thing was not the least expected, itself had a tale worth mentioning. Sivarathri repeats every month and the 13th evening, the Saturday, was supposedly the Masa Sivarathri, Shani Pradosha, the most auspicious day after the Sivarathri in February. Masa Sivaratri is an auspicious day to perform Siva Puja which is observed on every Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi day in a Hindu month. And once the auspicious time "Sani Pradosha", had started, Swami called the group in to allow them to chant Rudram in His presence. Bhagawan Himself had aired this message to the group leader. Ratan Tata was again back in Prasanthi Nilayam seeking Divine Darshan. After making his first visit to the ashram in December, Tata was seen yet again seeking His darshan on the 3rd evening and 4th morning. He was blessed with a private audience.     Interviews, picking devotees from public, used to be a regular affair of the bygone days. ...And when such a thing repeates, when Bhagawan picks up someone from the public for interview, it becomes a rare event, evoking greater interest. On the 8th Mar, during His morning round of darshan, Bhagawan picked up two spanish speaking youngsters from Dominican Republic for half an hour interview. It is to be noted that such an event happend once during the previous year and this is only the first time someone or group was picked up from the public for an interview, during this year. A new van for Mother and Child Care section of EWWP was blessed by Bhagawan which would be pressed into service for emergency care of the section. The fortnight witnessed Bhagawan moving out in His car on the 11th morning. Driving out through the Primary School Bhagawan went to the hospital side to take a detour from the petrol bunk to come back to Ashram through Culvert Gate at the rear west end of Prasanthi. Moving through the dormitory work-in-progress site Bhagawan returned to Yajur Mandiram, blessing hundreds lined up en route for a glance of the Divine. Summer that was set in immediately after Sivarathri in February is going high, scorching at its best over Parthi. Close on the heels of the Gratitude Programmes came another music fiesta, this time the University Brass Band celebrated its 25th Year in the Divine Presence with innovative musical touch bringing yet another smile on their Beloved Bhagawan. Maharashtra Batch of Sevadals have completed their tenure of duty during the fortnight passing the mantle to a mix of south indian states, namely, Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, a regular practice during summer months, that has been on from the days when Bhagawan would be away from Prasanthi Nilayam during the period. Everyone strives to bring a smile on Bhagawan's face by endeavouring to excel with the best of their ability. Sai Sannidhi, a forum of grateful alumni working with various institutions in Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan has been active during the fortnight with reference to a Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam to be conducted between Ugadi and Ram Navami festival. The "Sai Sannidhi" group has been graciously given the task of conducting the Bhagavatha Saptaaha Yajnam scheduled to start on the 17th Mar.