***Greetings on the Occasion of Krishna Janmastami***
Birthday of Lord Krishna
 
Photo source: sssbpt.org - web graphic layout - saibabaofindia.com "SBOI" Monday, Aug 22, 2011 Serene touch of Bhagawan Sri Krishna engulfed the Sai Kulwant Hall this morning as Prasanthi celebrated the auspicious Sri Krishna Janmashtami in this Highest Abode of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, today. Today is Krishna Janmashtami, the day denotes the birth of Bhagawan Sri Krishna. Enchanting Little Krishna has been one of the most endearing Divine forms for millions and billions of hearts over past many millennia, cutting across borders and barriers set by religion, caste and nationality…And His song celestial Bhagavad Gita has been the right recipe for the human minds to reach their final destination. His legacy continuous even after five thousand years of His Divine Advent. Little Krisnna, fondled and nurtured by Mother Yasoda - epitome of Motherly love and compassion - continues to be the stealer of hearts, as is often sung in Prasanthi Nilayam, Chitha Chora Yasoda Ke Bal... Navaneeta Chora Gopal… Going by the legends and historical records, it was last midnight, on the auspicious Ashtami, the eighth day of the dark half of Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada of the Hindu Calendar that Bhagawan Sri Krishna made His Divine Advent over 5000 years ago. For Prasanthi, the day used to be very special with Bhagawan Himself used to take the lead, celebrating the festivity reminiscing His days as Bhagawan Sri Krishna. This morning, Sai Kulwant was resplendent with rich colourful decorations befitting the occasion. The programme commenced at 0830 hrs. , after half-an-hour Vedam chanting, with boys offering a medley devotional songs at Bhagawan's Divine Lotus Feet! Singing Pandurangashtakam first, next to come was a Hindi song reflecting Radharani's passionate plea to Lord Krishna, calling Him to come out of hiding, "Pattu Paduma Krishna…" a favourite piece of Bhagawan, a fervent loving prayer to Krishna to sing a song. A carnatic piece, "Sri Venkatesham …" glorifying the significance of Namasmarana in Kali Age followed and as the song was on the Gokulam procession of cows and quadrupeds arrived at the Mandir. Two boys in the guise of Sri Krishna and Balrama joined the scene along with senior officials feeding the cows and quadrupeds. The procession was led by the Nadaswaram Band from the Institute, Vedam and Bhajan troupes. Songs continued and a group of dancers soon took the centre-stage gracefully dancing, depicting the Krishna Story in essence. Madhurashtakam was the next that was followed by another three songs, the final one being the popular bhajan that Bhagawan would often sing, "Muraligana Lola…" a prayer to Beloved Krishna to sing eternally through His devotees. A couple of bhajans continued before Mangala Arathi was offered at 0930 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage. Tiny tots from the Primary School, who often got close proximity with Bhagawan during the occasion presenting their handiwork to Bhagawan greeting Him, made a beeline to the Sanctum Sanctorum at the end of the presentation, presenting their cards to Bhagawan, a touching scene for those who year after year witnessed the Bond of Love between Bhagawan and His students. Srikakulam, the pioneers of Parthi Yatra have arrived on their yearly pilgrimage to Prasanthi NIlayam. They were the group who started the concept of district wise holy trips to Parthi way back in 2001. The programme started with Vedic invocation by students at 1630 hrs. At 1700 hrs, the State Sevadal Coordinator, Sri R. Lakshman Rao with his poetic speech took a trip of nostalgia recounting the numerous blessings, the Srikakulam district has received from Bhagawan with special emphasis on the discourse given by Bhagawan in 2005, where He taught them the advaitic lesson of I am I. Sri Rao also gave a status report of the various projects undertaken in the district under Bhagawan's guidance.  At 1715 hrs, Sri Bharati Ramesh & co. started their music concert. He was accompanied by G. Sai Eswari as the female lead, Srinivas and Ashok on keyboard, Venkat Rao on percussion pads, Sandeep Varanasi on Gitar, Surya Naryana on Dolak, Kalyana Chakravarti on Tabla and Taraka and Teja providing the chorus. Starting with a thundering rendition of the Ganesh sloka "Vakra Thunda"..., Sri Bharathi Ramesh cofessed his inability to enumerate the Lord's praises in the song "Yemmani Pugadethaiya", followed by the recounting of the Lord's Promise, "Parithranaya Sadhunam...". Ms. Sai Eswari sang an endearing number appealing to the Lord to come and speak once, "Ottesi Cheppava oka saari Swami". Sri Ramesh continued the performance with the songs "SaiRam, SaiRam, Sathya Sai Ram", "Sathyam Sivam Sundaram, Sathya Sai Mahamanthiram", "Anu Swarropama" and finally with an appeal to all to walk together singing the Glory of the Lord and listening to His teachings, "Sai Naama Vinura, Sathya Sai Bodha Vinura". The programme was followed by Bhajans. Prasadam was distributed to the assembly and Arati offered at 1815 hrs. |
