Day 10
The atmosphere in the Yagashaala seemed to insulate, all those present within it, from the vagaries of the world for they lost themselves in ecstasy during the 9 days celeberations that they were immersed in. Turning their heads to whichever way Swami moved like the Sunflowers that followed the Sun His devotees lovingly looked forward to witness the wonderful Divine moments that awaited the day with all the zeal.
The morning session included the offering of Poornaahuti by Swami at the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yagnam and also the concluding proceedings of Homam in respect of the 10th day of Sharannavaratrulu that had prayers offered to the Universal Mother as Sri Raja Rajeswari.
It was time to recall some of the greatest times that few of the devotees and the Ritwicks were fortunate to experience in the past at Poorna Chandra Auditorium at Puttaparti. While someone relished sharing the mystical Divine Moments of
years gone by Remembering Vedic scholars like cherukumalli kaamavadhani, kuppa Bairagi Sastry and Ghandikota Subramanyam, those present listened to these descriptions with great interest. As eagerly awaited, Swami did the prokshaalana With the Vedic brush and sanctified the lives of all by sprinkling the Holy Teertham and even drenching the heads of some profusely.
While the Vedic rituals were in process for the installation of Dhwaja Stambha and for the Lakshmi Narasimha Swami varla Kalyanam the installation of the idol of Mother Annapoornamma vaaru, the bestowed of food for all, was completed with devotional fervour when The Lord Himself prescribed that Deeparaadhana be ensured by lighting the lamp everyday in the Mandir, before the kitchen commenced its operations, specially constructed for Her.
Dwajastambha staapana then followed and the erection of the tall sacred pillar, with the blessings of the Lord and in His Divine Presence happened in a trice like moments leaving everyone with awestruck wonder. The Kalasha Stapana and the installation of other idols of Jaya Vijaya and Garuda Vahana also followed immediately thereafter.
It was then the fortunate turn of all those that gathered at Prahlada Varada Lakshmi Narasimha Swami temple precincts to witness the Kalyanam of Sri Lakshmi and Lord Narasimha that was performed by the Ritwiks in the Sastrokta Vaidika system followed in the Vaishnavite tradition. In His own words the Lord described the occasion be understood as a boon by the Lord to shower His Grace in the interest of the entire Humanity. Describing Vijaya Dasami as a mark of Good winning over evil Swami recalled everyone’s memory to His earlier words and reiterated all to register the Lord Narasimha in their minds as Kshetra Palakudu for He was already protecting the Kshetra (Abode).
Swami urged upon everyone to defeat the evil tendencies latent in them by practising Sadhana Chatushtayam in true spirit in their every day life. He also commanded that the Divya Avatara Yatra, of covering the surrounding areas by Pada Yatra (by walk) after the first rain is showered by the Rain God (their boon of Grace in response to the offerings made in the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajnam) be commenced for spreading and exchanging Divine Love with those inhabitants in line with Sanatana Dharma.
The Celebrations came to a close when Aarati was offered to the Lord after which Prasadam was served to one and all at the Abode.
Day 8: Dasara Mahotsavamulu
The 8th day of Sharannavaratrulu dedicated to the worship of Durga Maatha that coincided with the 5th day of Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajnam also saw the addition of Jalaadhivaaaa Suddhi prakriya that involved the immersion of the idols in the sacred waters of a number of rivers and sanctifying the Dhwaja stambha too with these waters as per Sastraas. In the evening the said Suddhi prakriya was done with Milk called ksheerabdhivasam. These Vedic rituals were followed by Vastu Pooja and Bali homam.
The Morning session included all the rituals followed on other days. However, after the Laghu Poornaahuti was offered
Swami, then, distributed 36 sewing machines to the woman dependent needy families.
The Guest speakers Swami Chaitanyaananda spoke about the fast spreading Grace of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in the region that was receiving the Selfless Love through various services rendered. A retired Vice Chancellor spoke of the Grace of Saraswati Devi that enabled the thousands of children to receive the Support and assistance of the Trust in the form of Note Books distribution and meeting the fee for education.
In His Divine discourse Swami described the Mother Durga as one who is immanent as Bhranti rupini and should be worshipped as so. Swami urged upon everyone to make efforts to understand the element of delusion and overcome the same through Sadhana by adhering to the path of Japa Thapa dhyana or through surrender with Sraddha and Saburi. He also Urged everyone to cultivate the habit of chanting Gayatri Manta japam to achieve the desired results whether in worldly pursuits or for attaining realisation. Swami, then enlightened, the privileged, that Rama returned to Ayodhya in those corresponding 3 days between 10-12 Oct at that time. Reiterating Rama as an embodiment of Dharma Swami described Himself as an embodiment of Prema. At the end Swami announced the commencement of Divya Avatar Yatra to the surrounding villages immediately after the first rainfall after Vijaya Dasami.
Evening after its Laghu poornahuti, Sri Indrakanti Kaliprasad garu took the audience into bliss by playing flute instrumental music
Day 7: Dasara Mahotsavamulu
Saraswati Puja: Wednesday the 9th October 2024, the 7th day in the Sharannavaratrulu marks the worship of the Universal Mother in the form of Mahaa Saraswati – the Goddess of Knowledge and learning; for Vidya-for worldly living as well as for transcending beyond.
Gou puja was performed after which the Lord was received by the children with a Poornakumbha Kalasam at the Yaga Shaala. Kumkumaarchana was performed while the Vedic rituals of Rudrahomam and Saraswati Puja were performed.
On this day, a special one for the children, large numbers from 1 year to 15 years old gathered to receive the blessings of the Lord. Many children accompanied by their parents received the Grace of their Lord for initiating them into Aksharaabhyasam. The Lord was gracious enough to gift them with Slates and Slate pencils while showering the Akshatalu (sacred rice grains) on them.
Bangaru Naidu; a sr retired Head Master in his ardent devotion to Swami elucidated the initiatives undertaken by Sri Sathya Sai Trust for Universal Welfare in the service of children by distributing Note books: meeting the education fees commitments of some needy and above all inculcating discipline in the children of surrounding villages so as to ensure their upbringing in the right direction that would mould them into citizens of virtuous character. He commended the fortune of children who were initiated into Aksharaabhyaasam in the Divine Presence.
A special invitee from VijiniGiri Ashram Sri Narasimham garu in his talk, highlighted the need to develop Chitta Suddhi by participating in Nishkaama Seva which in turn would help one in the spiritual evolution of oneself as well as of others. Highlighting Babas’ guiding principle of
“Help ever-Hurt never” widely accepted by the people across the continents he said following such a path would confer on those present with
Sameepyam Sarupyam Saalokyam and ultimately Saayujyam of the Lord.
In His Divine discourse Swami highlighted that Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajnam is meant to bless the seekers with liberation. Swami also urged upon everyone to invest their time in Divine contemplation recalling that even Narada and Prahlaada had to go through many a birth and rebirth before they attained Self realisation.
In the Evening after Laghu Poornahuti
Was offered at the Yaaga Shaala Swami proceeded towards the Prahlada Varada Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Aalaya praanganam where Vedic rituals of Ankurarpanam was initiated for Nitya Homam for the installation of Jaya Vijaya idols Garuda Vaahana; dwajastambha Sthaapana; Kalasa Staapana and the installation of Mother Annapoorna Devi idol at the Divya Prasada Seva Kitchen on the Vijaya Dasami day.
The ritwicks following the Vaishnav order of worship enlightened the assembled that Jaladhivasam; (placing the idols etc in water on the first night)Ksheeradhivasam (placing them in milk for one night)and dhaanya-vaasam (placing them in paddy for one night) would be performed over the next three days to comply with the Vedic prescription required to be complied with before Prathistaapana I.e., before their installation.
The Cultural program for the day was performance over musical instruments by Sri Mandapaka Ravi a Mridangam player, an AIR artiste accompanied by a team of other instrumental artistes also from the AIR. Layananda Lahari played on Hamsadhwani raga and various other raagaas were performed on the instruments as Offerings to their Master that enthralled the audience.
Arati was offered to Swami at the end of the day before serving Divya Prasadam to one and all blessed to be present.
Day 6: Dasara Mahotsavamulu
The 6th day of Sharannavaratrulu and third day of the Veda Purusha Saptaaha Jnana Yajna at Sri Sathya Sai DIVYAAMRITAM continued the devotional fervour with increasing participation by more and more devotees from the surrounding villages particularly of women along with their children of all ages and youth. The third day of Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yajna also continued with the Ritwiks adhering to their discipline of performing the Yajna with all devotion and dedication to the Supreme. Their commitment to the Yajna was not out of any professional compulsion but one born out of surrender to the Ultimate with full awareness that it was a unique opportunity to be blessed by Swami.
Swamii the bestower of wealth in all forms of the worldly life that can be conceived of and of the Knowledge of the Self in all His majesty made His entry into the Yagashaala blessing every atom of Nature in all forms and witnessing the Gou Puja performed by the blessed couples.
After the Pooja and other rituals were performed as in the previous five days the Pradhana archaka, the chief priest, talked about Swami the Divine Mother residing in everyone’s hands as Lakshmi, Saraswati and Gowri. He also urged everyone to experience everything that happens as God’s Will and so He doesn’t find fault with anyone.
The Guest speaker for the day Tyagamayi guided the assembled women while they performed Kumkumaarchana; elucidated them on the significance of the Lakshmi Puja and about being immersed in Her form and Name to enable one transcend the Nature and to become aware of the Consciousness beyond the Jagat.
In His Divine discourse Swami urged upon everyone to look upon Durga Lakshmi Saraswati not as someone foreign but to perceive as the Power residing in oneself as Jnana. The Love showered by the Universal Mother is beyond a Thousand mother Prema of the worldly life. Such a mother is eternal He said and said one should attain sanctity of getting the opportunity to be born as human by becoming worthy of His Compassionate Love! He spoke about the speaker Thyagamayi and urged everyone to cultivate Sraddha in faith and Love towards the God and His teachings while cultivating Saburi – Patience in every aspect whether in world or in one’s Sadhana. Swami reiterated her calling the Kshetra as ‘Second Parthi’ mentioning that these words would be recalled after some years in their reminiscences after some years.
Divya Prasadam was served after Aarati was offered to Swami!
In the Evening session that had Rudra Namakam, Lingaarchana and Laghu Poornahuti performed one of the Ritwicks spoke about the importance of Gurukul and the need to develop Love for God. Emphasising the need for unflinching faith in the Omnipresent Omnisxient and Omnipotent God he quoted the faith evinced by Ekalavya a silent disciple of his chosen master Dronacharya while Dronacharya himself sought the disciple’s finger as Guru Dakshina.
Swami urged upon everyone to continuously put their efforts towards Bhagavadaanveshana, discovering the formless God as one’s Self by cultivating unflinching faith in the God as shown by Ekalavya towards his Guru though he has never seen him before developing such a faith in him.
Dr Srinivas and Dr Srinivas, the two Doctors then offered their Love to their dear Master In the cultural programme that followed the proceedings for the day. Welcoming Swami into their lives admiring the fortune of those chosen to be in His fold they sang several kirtans that depicted Swami as their mother, Father and as the basis for the whole creation.
Aarati was performed and then Divya Prasadam was offered at the end of the day’s proceedings.
Day5: Dasara Mahotsavamulu
The 5th day of the Sharannavaratrulu dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother of the Cosmos in the form of Maha Kali began with Bhagawan ushered into the Yaga Shaala with a Poorna Kumbha after He witnessed the Gou Puja that He personally ensured the chosen couple performed with Vedic chants.
The Rudra Homam, Sahasranama Lingaarchana were performed while the Ramayana Bhagavata grandha pathanam and other rituals continued as in the first four days. Darbar Seva Chaturveda Swasti were also performed covering all the four Vedas.
The main priest elucidated about offering the Prayers to the Supreme during the Pradosha Kalam by way of chanting like Lalitha Sahasranama or Rudra Namakam saying such prayers are answered and fulfilled by Iswara. The Chief Priest also recalled how he was drawn to the second Puttaparti by Swami. Comparing the worldly living to a Puppet show He described Swami as the unseen puppeteer who pulls the strings of all the beings and enables the drama of the world to go on.
One Distinguished guest, a devotee of Baba and a disciple of Master EK spoke about gratitude to be shown and the obeisance one has to pay to one’s Guru. Thanking Swami for the darshan and the Yaga phala jala samprokshana he emphasised that Divine Love beats mothers Love and that very
Love of Viswa Janani is promoting the construction of Sri Sathya Sai DIVYAAMRITAM. He also urged upon that One should visit the Abode to experience the principle of Vasudhaika Kutumbakam and that everyone Lives here and serves with a mind dedicated to Para hitham (in the interest of the entire humanity) Education, he highlighted, should be for Transformation and the Environment is very congenial for such an evolution. He complimented those serving selflessly here are blessed with a great opportunity towards Sadaavakaasam (eternal opportunity) to serve and be with the Lord.
Another NRI who returned to India for good spoke on Sanaatana Dharma and the need for value based education, Health care and medical facilities. He appreciated the efforts being put forth to foster the awareness for providing the zero cost treatment facilities to the needy.
The evening program had in it the Sahasranama Lingaarchana as well as the Laghu Poornaahuti after which Sri Mavuduru Sathya Narayana enthralled the audience playing great raagaas on the Violin. Encouraged by a very quiet congregation of disciplined group of devotees he did not show any hesitation to sing a few kirtans himself to please the Lord.
Aarti was then offered to Swami
and the day’s proceedings concluded after the Divya Prasadam was served to one and all present.
Day-3 Dasara Celebrations 2024
Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Sharan Navratri. She is one of the nine forms of Maa Durga and governs the planet Shukra. The goddess mounts the tigress and is depicted with ten hands.
As scheduled for all the days of Sharannavaratrulu the day started with the volunteers, devotees, men and children got together to chant Suprabhatam symbolic of waking up their Divine Master and circumambulated the Sri Sathya Sai DIVYAAMRITAM area singing bhajans one after the other as Nagarasankeerthana to energise the surroundings with Ssicine vibrations early in the morning accompanied by auspicious instruments.
Ganapati pooja-all scheduled poojas and archanas, Suryanamaskaralu, Mangala Gowri Vratams were performed as in the first two days and Swami was welcome with poornakumbam. Swami then witnessed the Devatha Homam, Soura Homam and Sai Gayatri Homam and offered Laghu Poornahuti to the Goddess through the God of Fire
At the instance of Swami Sri Vinod, who organised 1000 blood donation camps and was instrumental in collection of more than 54 thousand units of blood addressed the audience on the significance of Blood Donation camps and importance of donating blood by donors. Later Sri Avadhani Uyyur Sastry spoke on Thandularchana and Mantra balam of grains to relieve the physical as well as mental pain and suffering.
Swami blessed the devotees present on this day that Mother Annapoorna Devi who was very much present to receive the offerings would not only bestow Jnana and Vairagya but will also provide
Raksha Kavacha (shield of protection) for Devotees to witness the most sacred Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yagnam.
The evening offerings included Chandi Homam, Durga Saptasati, Lalitha Kunkumarchana, Shanti Homam that concluded with Laghu Poornahuti for the day
The later part of the evening filled the Yaagashaala with the vibrations of Sai Gayatri Mass Chanting by all those present including the Guest representatives of SBI Foundation who came to receive the Divine blessings and guidance.
Mangala Aarati was then offered to Swami after which Divya Prasadam was served while everyone shared their eagerness to be part of the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yagnam the next morning!
Day-2 Dasara Celebrations 2024
On the 2nd day of the Sharannavaratrulu dedicated to the worship of Mother Shakti as Bala Tripura Sundari, the celebrations started with
Suprabhatam followed by Nagarasankeertan accompanied by the traditional local musical instruments in the early hours even before the sun made His appearance in the horizons.
All those who reached on the previous days settled well to join the Ganapati pooja and all other scheduled poojas in the Yaga Shaala where archanas, Suryanamaskaralu, Mangala Gowri Vratam were performed. Swami was then ushered in with great fervour with poornakumbham after HE was received with great affection at the Bommalakoluvu after which the Gou Puja was performed by a couple of His select devotees. Devatha Homam, Soura Homam and Sai Gayatri Homam were then performed in the Divine Presence.
As a part of the daily celebrations a Monk from ISKCON Sri Srinvasananda Dasa from Vizianagaram enthralled the audience with his discourse on the importance of Bhakti & Naamasmarana in one’s journey on the path to self realisation.
In His Divine Discourse Swami enlightened the assembled on Japam and its effect on purification of the individual in particular and the entire Humanity in general.
The Evening programme covered in the Divine schedule Chandi Homam, Shanti Homam, Laghu Poornahuti which was then followed by Sai Gayatri Chanting. The chanting filled the entire Yaga Shaala with further Divine energies that made everyone enjoy the Veena recital Program by Smt. N.Gayatri garu, from Visakhapatnam, to their hearts’ content. Her performance included Bhajans and Kirtans that vividly pleased Swami. Swami appreciated the consistency in her performances that usually contributed to energising the atmosphere whenever and wherever she performed. Such a music, Swami enlightened, congenially contributes to healing the body as well as the mind of the listeners. While drawing His Discourse to a close Swami did not mince His words in saying such a Music has the capacity to pound and pulverise even the hardest of the hardest stones and rocks.
After receiving the ManagalArati offered by the Devotees Swami went on to bless the first batch of volunteers with His Prasadam. Dinner Prasadam was then served to everyone at the Abode.
Day 1 Dasara Celebrations-2024
The Dasara Divya Mahotsavamulu for the year 2024 made its beginning at the Sri Sathya Sai Divyaamritam, from the very first day of Sharannavaratrulu, on Thursday, the 3rd of October.
The precincts of SRI SATHYA SAI DIVYAAMRITAM wore a new look with the Devotees of Sai Baba gathering in large numbers to experience the Divine Moments from the very beginning. Colourful Arches and festoons installed on the roads making way upto the Abode greeted those who arrived from outside with the blessings of their Supreme Master while they served all the information of the intended daily proceedings during the 10 day festival. Truly, the devotees could not believe their own eyes having the panoramic view of this Holy place pregnant with natural beauty. They exclaimed yet another time -“It’s not the same place;it’s different”. One cannot remain without recalling Swami’s’ Words – “My Life is My Message-Expansion is My Life”. Everything changed to provide required infrastructure and additional facilities to house everything needed towards providing the increasing services.
The Celebrations commenced with the Prayers offered to Lord Ganesha in the Divine Presence of Baba. The Gou(Cow) puja, symbolic of worshipping the entire three crore celestial Devataas was then performed invoking their Blessings as well. One did not miss The Bommala Koluvu, a traditional exhibition of a number of idols and toys that not only caught one’s attention but also pleased those who were blessed to follow their Master on the way to making an entry into the Yaagashaala – the place where the offerings and Prayers would be made during the next ten days. Various rituals were performed at the entry time after which the Lord moved into the Yaagashaala, admired the Sri Chakra, did the Kalasa Stapana and lit the Akhanda Deepraadhana (the lighting of lamps that would continuously glow during the Prayers offered at the Place).
The Sri Chakra is a mystic drawing In a geometrical design consisting of triangles within triangles with a small central bottu(dot) in the Centre of the Chakra which represents the Supreme Mother, said to be installed with the Cosmos represented by the drawings in the periphery. Kalasaas are copper containers that contain a mix of sacred waters brought from various Celestial and Holy rivers across the country. The Parayana (reading) of Sri Mad Ramayana and of Devi Bhagavata also commenced simultaneously by the designated ones within the Yaagashaala. Offerings to the celestial deities were made into the Homam (sacred fire) by the Ritwicks and these rituals were followed in the form of Kumari Puja i.e., by worshipping 9 Girls of not more than 5-7years old in age by a designated couple in the traditional way symbolic of worshipping the Divine form – Shakti.
In the Satsang that followed the speakers talked about the Supreme Master and Swami’s’ Divine Will that brought Sri Sathya Sai DIVYAAMRITAM into existence and the ever expanding activities were cherished and relished. Who is Sai Baba? HE is none other than the Supreme Consciousness ONE that chose to become Many by Its WILL and then take birth time and again in Human form in different Avatars for the ascension of Man from Human to The Divine, to merge back into the ONE out of which one originated.
The Lord on His part emphasised that His Descent is purely with an objective of Veda Samrakshana-protecting the Chanting of Vedas and Vidwat Poshana – nourishing and fostering the Ones that enabled the Vedas to be chanted, protected and propagated .
Divya Prasadam was then served as Lunch to all.
The evening Vedic rituals continued with the designated schedule and the devotees sat with devotion to their Master awaiting the proceedings that led into the Musical programme recalling the Kolatam and other local cultural dances performed in the Divine Presence in the afternoon. The lighting, decorations and the pleasant environment pleased everyone present. Several Bhajans and songs were offered in the Divine Presence by the disciples of Gayatri Academy and the devotees. The day’s proceedings came to an end with Aarati offered to the Supreme. Divya Prasadam was thereafter served as Dinner to all those present!
