Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – May 2010

Sathya Sai Baba

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – May 2010

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• Buddha Purnima Celebrations…May 27 & 28, 2010
• Lava Kusha Ramayana – a Dance Drama by Bhagawan’s Students…May 25, 2010
• Sai Geetanjali – Music Programme by Balvikas Gurus, Karnataka…May 23, 2010
• Divine Discourse May 18, 2010
• Ugadi Divine Discourse….May 16, 2010
• Remembering Sai Gita – A Poetic Expression….May 22, 2010
• The Month that was……Apr 19 – May 19, 2010
• Sai Bhakta Samrajyam – Musical Dance Presentation …May 17, 2010
• Easwaramma Day Celebrations 2010…May 08, 2010
• Easwaramma – The Mother of God…a Poem… May 06, 2010

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Buddha Poornima celebrations by overseas devotees at Prasanthi Nilayam got underway this evening with Bhagavan entering Sai Kulwant Hall in a procession led by traditional dancers from Sri Lanka just after 5.30 pm. Before that, Swami had gone to the hall next to Yajur Mandir and blessed the teachers of the Sai University who had gathered there for the preliminary session of a two-day orientation course for new teachers. Moving among the faculty members, Bhagavan interacted with some of them informally for around 10 minutes before He left for Sai Kulwant hall.

The programme got underway shortly after Swami came onstage. Various items were presented to Him, including Sai Literature from Nepal and Sri Lanka. The Zonal chairman Dr. Ravindran introduced the two speakers for the evening, Dr. Art-Ong Jumsai, the Sai educator from Thailand and Mr. Sudhamek of Garuda Food Indonesia. After their brief talks, a drama entitled ‘Yashodhara’ got underway at half-past six. After the 35 minute drama, Swami sent clothes for the participants and accepted Arati. He went down for group photographs and blessed prasadam for distribution before returning to His residence at 7.30 pm.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010
This evening, Bhagavan emerged from His residence a few minutes after the bhajans commenced at half-past five. He sat onstage after His darshan round and accepted Arati at 6.10 pm. After Arati, He called up a couple of Professors from the University and asked Prof. Veerabhadraiah who teaches Telugu at the Prasanthi Nilayam campus to speak. In his fifteen minute Telugu talk, the speaker conveyed what Swami has spoken about Lord Buddha and His teachings. Bhagavan blessed him with a chain after his speech before accepting Arati once again and returning to His residence.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Students of Swami who had stayed back during their vacations presented compilation of dance and music this evening, ‘Lava Kusa Ramakatha’. Bhagavan came for darshan at a quarter past five and sat onstage for ten minutes after His darshan round listening to the Vedic chants. He then moved to the bhajan hall where the students were ready in costumes and spent ten minutes with them. Returning to the stage, He began the programme just after six o’clock. The 45 minute presentation of dances and songs on Lord Rama was narrated by ‘Sage Valmiki’. Bhagavan went down from the stage for group photographs and sent clothes for the performers. He also blessed ‘Mother Sita’ and ‘one of her sons’ with a chain and a ring respectively. It was a quarter past seven when Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

Sunday, May 23, 2010 Full Story With Images »
This evening, Balvikas gurus from North Kanara of Karnataka presented a music programme. Bhagavan arrived for darshan at ten to six and came onstage after His round of the hall. The group had prepared an album of 85 value songs and were ready with a selection to sing in the Divine presence. After listening to them for half an hour, Swami asked the students to sing bhajans. Ten minutes later, He accepted Arati. After a brief interaction with some of the students, He returned to Yajur Mandir.

Thursday, May 20, 2010
The weather at Prasanthi Nilayam has cooled down a bit, with overcast skies and brief showers bringing the temperatures down. The lists of provisionally selected students for the new academic year have been announced on the University website. Bhagavan came for darshan this evening as the Vedam went on and came onstage after His round of Sai Kulwant hall just as the 5.30 pm bhajans began. He blessed some of the students and teachers sitting in the front with vibhuti packets before He accepted arati at 6.15 pm and returned to His residence.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 Full Story With Images »
Swami came for evening darshan today after the bhajans began. After His darshan round, He sat onstage for a couple of bhajans before asking for His microphones to be brought. From 6.10 pm, Bhagavan addressed the gathering, narrating the stories of Savitri and Harishchandra. He stressed the importance of chastity, harmony and fidelity in the family and that these are as important for men as for women. The students sang a bhajan before Swami accepted Arati at a quarter past seven and returned to His residence after blessing the congregation with both hands.

Monday, May 17, 2010 Full Story With Images »
This evening, the students of the Sri Sathya Sai University presented a programme of songs and dances. Bhagavan came for darshan at half-past five. After His round of Sai Kulwant hall, He came into the bhajan hall and interacted with the students in costumes there for ten minutes. Moving to the stage, He began the programme at ten to six. The fifty-minute programme had semi-classical devotional songs and dances and was narrated by ‘Sage Narada’. Bhagavan went down from the stage and blessed the participants with group photographs before accepting Arati and returning to His residence at seven o’clock.

Sunday, May 16, 2010
Last evening Bhagavan had come for darshan at six. Research scholars of Prasanthi Nilayam campus of the Sai University were seated in the bhajan hall. After His darshan round, Swami spent ten minutes interacting with the PhD students, moving among them and speaking to many of them. He then moved to the stage as the bhajans went on and accepted Arati after twenty minutes. He came for darshan this morning at 10.10, returning to His residence an hour later. In the evening, He accepted Arati as prasadam was distributed at hal-past six. He then blessed the staff member who came up to Him with a chain and later with vibhuti. Then it was the turn of a student who came up to receive a ring. Then He blessed the ‘Birthday boys’ one by one. It was nearly seven when Bhagavan returned to His residence.

Thursday, May 13, 2010
Swami has been coming for evening darshan over the last few days. Last evening as well as this evening, He went into the interview room after Arati. After remaining there for a few minutes, He had made another extended round of the verandah and even moved briefly onstage before returning to His residence at ten to seven. This evening also He moved around the verandah for a second time before returning to Yajur Mandir.

Sunday, May 9, 2010 Full Story With Images »
Mother’s day is celebrated today, the second Sunday of May, in many parts of the world. Bhagavan asked Sri Ajit Popat of the UK and Sri B. N. Narasimhamurthy, Warden of the Brindavan Hostel, to speak this evening about Mother Eswaramma. After He arrived for darshan at a quarter to five, Swami sat for a few minutes onstage before calling up Sri Popat. After the two talks, Bhagavan accepted Arati at a quarter past six and prasadam was distributed to all.

Thursday, May 6, 2010 Full Story With Images »
On this Eswaramma Day morning, Bhagawan emerged in His car at just before ten o’clock to proceed to the Samadhi of His parents. There, a private function was held inside the inner sanctum with a song being sung on Mother Eswaramma. Half an hour later, Swami returned to Sai Kulwant hall. There, He sat for a while onstage before moving through the bhajan hall for a second round of the gents’ side in front of the students. Prasadam of Tamarind Rice and Sweet Rice was distributed to all in leaf plates. Swami accepted Arati at 11.15 am and an announcement was made about the evening programme. It was half-past eleven when Bhagavan returned to His residence.

In the evening, Swami came for darshan at ten to five. After His round of Sai Kulwant Hall, He came into the bhajan hall and interacted with a group of educators seated there who are to begin a new project based on Sathya Sai Education along with the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation. Spending half an hour with this group, Bhagawan came onstage to begin the balvikas presentation after 5.30 pm. The story of Bhadrachala Ramdas was presented through many songs and dances in the fifty minute English drama by Balvikas children from Bangalore. Swami sent clothes and vibhuti prasadam for the children and they came onstage batch by batch for group photos with Him. The students sang bhajans for fifteen minutes before Bhagavan accepted Arati at seven o’clock. He then interacted some more with the Karnataka state Sai Organisation President onstage before returning to His residence.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010
On the eve of Eswaramma Day, this evening, Bhagawan came for darshan 4.45 pm in His car. He moved to the Samadhi through the central gate of Sai Kulwant hall. Statues of Mother Eswaramma and Sri Pedda Venkama Raju garu were readied there. Swami formally unveiled these statues and asked for coconuts to be broken. Spending almost fifteen minutes there, Bhagavan accepted Arathi before returning to the Mandir just after five o’clock. Alighting near the interview room, Bhagawan spent sometime outside the interview room before proceeding to the bhajan hall. He then came onstage as the Vedam went on and sat onstage for the next half-hour. When Swami moved to the interview room, Bhajans began at a quarter to six. When Swami returned to the stage after half an hour, He accepted Arati. An announcement was then made about the Eswaramma day celebrations tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Bhagavan came for evening darshan at ten to five. After a full round of Sai Kulwant hall, He went on a second round of the ladies’ side before coming onstage. He sat listening to the Vedic chants there till nearly 5.30 pm, when He moved to the interview room. Emerging half an hour later, Swami moved to the Bhajan hall briefly before returning to the stage to accept Arati a few minutes later.

Monday, May 3, 2010
This evening also Bhagavan came for evening darshan in the car. Moving through the centre gate of Sai Kulwant Hall, He left for a drive through the village before returning after nearly half an hour at 5.40 pm. He then sat onstage till Arati just after six o’clock. He then had some interactions in the interview room and later in the the Bhajan hall, returning to His residence after half-past six.

Sunday, May 2, 2010 Full Story With Images »
This evening, preparations were made at the Samadhi of Swami’s parents for His arrival. Bhagavan arrived for darshan in the car just before half-past four and directly came to the stage. He sat there as the Vedam went on for half an hour. Spending the next fifteen minutes in the interview room, He went to the Samadhi and saw the arrangements made there for the Eswaramma day celebrations on May 6th. Returning to the Mandir as the bhajans went on at 5.40 pm, He sat onstage till Arati at 6 pm.

Saturday, May 01, 2010 Full Story With Images »
Bhagavan came for darshan by five o’clock last evening. He sat onstage listening to the Vedic chants till He accepted Arati at six. Before Arati, He called up one of the students in the bhajan group and blessed him with a chain. This evening, He came for darshan just before half-past five. Half an hour later as Arati concluded and one of the students came up to Him with a rose, Swami blessed him with a chain. He then sat onstage interacting with the students for ten more minutes before moving to the interview room. At 6.30 pm, He emerged to return to His residence after a short visit to the bhajan hall.

– Official Sri Sathya Sai Baba Website

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – December 2009

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – December 2009

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• Alumni Drama – An Eternal Bond of Love – 31 Dec 2009
• Welcoming The New – 31 Dec 2009
• Christmas Divine Discourse – 25 Dec 2009 (updated on 30 Dec)
• Bouquet of Devotional Songs – Cultural Programme by Indonesia – 30 Dec 2009
• Bouquet of Love – Cultural Programme by Delhi Balvikas – 29 Dec 2009
• Joy of Serving – Music Programme by Southern Europe 28 Dec 2009
• The Revolution of Love – Sunday Special – 27 Dec 2009
• International Children’s Choir and Christmas Drama 26 Dec 2009
• Christmas Morning in Prasanthi Nilayam – 25 Dec 2009
• Christmas Eve in Prasanthi Nilayam – 24 Dec 2009
• A Child’s Christmas Musings – Subash Subramanya
• Sathya Vaani Nrithya Baani – Dance Programme by Prasanthi Dance Group 23 Dec 2009
• Divine Message to Doctors during Doctors’ Parthi Yatra – 20 Dec 2009
• Sri Sathya Sai University Management System Commissioned – 22 Dec 2009
• Recharging Spiritual Batteries – Bhagawan Blesses Medicos from Bangalore
• Prasanthi This Fortnight – 20 Dec 2009
• Sunday Special – The Bond of Love: CBS Mani
• Sunday Special – Singing unto Infinity: K.S.Chitra 13 Dec, 2009
• The Divine Bond – Christmas 2008 Reflections
• Singapore SSE Programme Dec10, 2009
• Eternally Grateful – Christmas 2008 Reflections
• Decorating Divinity – Christmas 2008 Reflections
• Sai Kiranaalu – Dance Ballet 9 Dec 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – 6 Dec 2009
• Punjab Youth – Balvikas Parthi Yatra – 6 Dec 2009
• Sunday Special – With Love Man is God – Sharon Sandweiss Speech, 6 Dec 2009
• West Bengal Parthi Yatra – Dance Drama – 5 Dec 2009
• Ratan Tata visits Prasanthi Nilayam – 3-4 Dec 2009

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Thursday, Dec 31, 2009
The alumni of Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan campuses of the Sai educational institutions, the Sai Students, are here in large numbers for their annual meet. This evening, they presented a drama. Bhagavan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall ten minutes after five and moved to the Bhajan hall after His darshan round. There, He interacted with the participants in the drama who were ready in their costumes. Fifteen minutes later, He came onstage and began their drama at a quarter to six. The innovative 50 minute presentation used a video screen as a backdrop and had mythological characters narrating the story of students and Swami. Bhagavan went down among them for group photographs and accepted arati at a quarter to six as prasadam was distributed. He then interacted with the alumni for a few more minutes before returning to His residence at seven o’clock. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra was also in the congregation this evening.

Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009
This evening, devotees from Indonesia presented a musical programme. Swami arrived for darshan at five o’clock and began their programme twenty minutes later. After their programme of songs, Bhagavan asked them to sing bhajans. He blessed one of them with a chain and went down among them for group photographs. After Arati, Sathya Sai Baba moved to the interview room briefly before returning to His residence at seven o’clock.

Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009
Balvikas children from Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) presented a programme of music and dance this evening. Sathya Sai Baba arrived for darshan at ten to five and He asked for their programme to commence after His darshan round. The children presented colourful dances for half an hour. Swami then asked them to sing bhajans while prasadam was distributed. The children sang for twenty minutes before Swami blessed one of them with a chain and accepted Arati.

Monday, Dec 28, 2009
A large contingent of devotees from Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina presented a musical programme this evening. Bhagavan arrived for darshan by 4.20 pm and after His darshan round, went among the group, blessing many with vibhuti. He then started moving among all of them when they seated themselves in rows, distributing vibhuti in packets to them. This interaction went on for more than an hour, and it was 5.40 when Swami sat onstage for their programme to begin. The devotees began with five minutes of Vedic chants, mindful of correct intonation and pronunciation. They then sang songs from their respective countries for half an hour. Swami sent clothes for them and asked them to sing bhajans, so they sang with the ladies and gents alternating in leading the bhajans with group singing. It was nearly seven when Bhagavan accepted Arati. He then asked Prof Anil Kumar to announce that He was very pleased with the group’s performance and that He blesses all of them. Blessing the congregation with both hands, Sathya Sai Baba then returned to His residence.

Saturday, Dec 26, 2009
This evening, the children from overseas were to present their choir and Christmas play. The children from Latin America were presenting the play this year. Swami arrived for darshan just before half-past four. The programme commenced at ten to five with Ganesh gayatri and went on for half an hour of lilting Christmas melodies and Sai songs. The half-hour Christmas play then commenced, presenting the stories of Jesus and Sai as told by a mother to her son and interspersed with many songs. Satya SaiBaba blessed the participants with photographs and clothes before Arati just before half-past six.

Friday, Dec 25, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Christmas was celebrated in Prashanti Nilayam with festivity and joy. Sri Sathya Sai Baba arrived in silken white robe in the morning shortly after 9:00am. Cutting the Christmas cakes that had been arranged in the portico, Swami arrived on the stage and there were two programmes. The first was by the University Brass band. This was followed by carol singing by the students. After two Santas added to the festivity of the occasion, Swami received Aarthi and left.The evening programme consisted of two speeches by Ms. Yuliana Pulgar and Mr.Douglas Saunders respectively. This was followed by the Divine discourse at the end of which Swami blessed a few Russian devotees with the joy of His interaction.

Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The Christmas celebrations at Prashanthi Nilayam got off to a wonderful start with carol singing by the overseas devotees on Christmas Eve. Sri Sai Baba arrived in the evening and took a full round. Coming on the stage, He asked for the programme to begin. the singing went on for almost an hour and throughout Swami was engrossed in the lyrics of each song sung. At the end of the singing, He asked Mr.John Behner to announce the programme for the next two days. He also called a student who expressed heartfelt thanks to the overseas choir on behalf of all the University students. Blessing all the members, Swami retired to Yajur Mandir at 6:30pm.

Wednesday, Dec 23, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The dance group at the Prashanti Nilayam campus of the University completed five years of existence yesterday. Sathya Sai Baba blessed them to put up a performance commemorating this occasion and thus it was that there was a 40 minute long dance performance beginning at 5:15pm. Swami moved down the stage and granted group photographs for all the students involved before receiving Aarthi and retiring shortly after 6:00pm.

Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The Sri Sathya Sai University had a special agenda with the Chancellor today. The University’s newly developed ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system was blessed and commissioned by Sathya Sai Baba in a small function held in the bhajan hall in the evening at 4:30 Hrs.

The University Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Controller of Examinations and the Principal of the Prasanthi Nilayam campus were joined by a group of faculty members who had been working on the same seeking Divine Blessings on the memorable occasion. This University Management System would facilitate the easy administration, management and communication, both internal and external, of the University. After inaugurating it, Swami moved outside for the bhajans before receiving Aarthi.

Monday, Dec 21, 2009 Full Story With Images »
An exclusive batch of doctors along with families from the twin hospitals in Bangalore, SSSIHMS and Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital in Whitefield, came in with a strength of over 200 to bask in Sathya Sai Baba’s all-conquering Divine Love. As was the case with the previous group, this exclusive group of medicos and families was also blessed by Swami in a most thrilling session held in the bhajan hall that lasted for an hour. Swami spoke to them in Kannada and blessing them with photos moved outside for the bhajans. After bhajans, He received Aarthi and moved to yajur Mandir.

Thursday, Dec 17, 2009
There were no special programmes at Prasanthi Nilayam over the last week. The political disturbances in the rest of the state have not significantly impacted the Ashram and its immediate vicinity, though the travel plans of many were affected by the cancellation of bus services in Andhra Pradesh. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai baba has been coming before the evening bhajans commence on many days, and went for a drive a couple of days ago in the forenoon. Last evening, He had come for darshan before half-past four, and had blessed the ladies’ side with a second darshan round before five o’clock. Functionaries from the defence services of Sri Lanka and India had visited Prasanthi Nilayam over the last few days, and today the Chief of the Army Staff of Nepal had an audience with Bhagavan. Swami blessed many of the members of his group with vibhuti and also asked for distribution of a booklet and prasadam before He accepted Arati. After Arati, He blessed some of the birthday boys from among the students and returned to His residence at a quarter-past six.

Tuesday, Dec 10, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Devotees from Singapore presented a drama this evening. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba arrived for darshan at a quarter past four and after His darshan round, began their performance. The forty minute drama presented the concept of the Spiritual Bank which was based on a Discourse given by Bhagavan in 1966. At the end of the performance, Bhagavan blessed the group with photographs and gave a chain to one of the children. He then allowed the devotees to sing bhajans, which continued till ten past six when He accepted Arati and retired for the day.

Wednesday, Dec 09, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar of Visakhapatnam celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The children and teachers of the school were gathered at Prasanthi Nilayam and presented a drama this evening. Bhagavan Satya Sai Baba came for darshan a few minutes before five and after His darshan round sat for a couple of minutes onstage before moving to the interview room. It was 5.20 pm when He came onstage and began their performance. The hour long drama showed the positive impact of Sai students on society. There were several dances punctuating their performance which ended with a group song. At the end of the performance, Bhagavan blessed the children with group photographs. This was followed by bhajans for twenty minutes following which Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at seven o’clock.

Sunday, Dec 06, 2009
As announced yesterday, this evening the Punjab youth were ready with their drama and a backdrop was set up in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagavan arrived for darshan just after five o’clock and came onstage after His darshan round to begin the programme. A half-hour drama ‘Vande Sai Mataram’ was the first presentation, followed by a short music programme. Swami blessed the participants with group photographs and gave a chain to one of them. It was half-past six when He returned to His residence after accepting Arati and blessing the singers.

Saturday, Dec 05, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening, youth from Bengal presented their programme. Swami arrived at half-past four and after His darshan round, came onstage to begin the presentation. A forty-minute drama ‘Transformation from Individual to Global’ then began. Swami sent clothes for all the actors and moved down from the stage to interact with them, asking for bhajans to begin after He returned onstage. Accepting Arati after fifteen minutes of bhajans, Bhagavan returned to His residence at six o’clock after an announcement about the cultural programme to be presented tomorrow by the Punjab youth.

Thursday, Dec 03, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Mr. Ratan Tata, Chairman of India’s largest business group, visited Prasanthi Nilayam today, along with his colleague Mr. Krishna Kumar, Vice-Chairman of Indian Hotels Company. Before evening darshan, all the college students and the visitors from the Tata group were seated in the College auditorium. Bhagavan came for darshan at half-past four to Sai Kulwant Hall in the car and directly moved to the College auditorium for a drama presentation by the students there. After the drama, Swami interacted with the participants onstage for more than half an hour before returning to the Mandir where the bhajans were going on. He accepted Arati from inside the Bhajan Hall after getting down from the car at a quarter to seven and then interacted with Mr. Tata and Mr. Krishna Kumar for fifteen minutes there before returning to His residence in the car.

Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009
Swami was coming before the evening bhajans began for the last few days, and returning to His residence in the chair itself. Yesterday, He came for darshan at 4.45 pm and moved to the interview room. After the five o’clock bhajans began, He went in the car to the college auditorium and saw a drama rehearsal by the students there. Returning after an hour, He accepted Arati at 6.20 before returning to His residence. Today, darshan was at 5.15 pm, after which Bhagavan gave interviews till past seven when He came onstage to accept Arati. He then asked the students to chant ‘Samasta Loka Sukhino Bhavantu’ three more times before He blessed the congregation and returned to His residence.

– Official Sri Sathya Sai Baba Website

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – November 2009

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – November 2009

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• Prasanthi This Fortnight – 29 Nov 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – ending 15th November 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – ending 8th November 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – ending 1st Nov 2009
• The Privilege of Being His Student – Reflections on Pune – Mumbai Trip
• The Inner Circle – Bhagawan Blesses Whitefield Hospital Staff – 13/14 Nov 2009
• 84th Birthday Celebrations – Evening 23 Nov 2009
• 84th Birthday Celebrations – Morning 23 Nov 2009
• Light of the Cool Night …23 Nov 2009
• When L’ll Champs Regaled…22 Nov 2009
• Emergence of another Pandharpur – Reminiscence of Bhagawan’s Hadshi Trip
• Convocation Address by Dr. Samuel Sandweiss 22 Nov 2009
• Vice Chancellor’s Address – 28th Annual Convocation 22 Nov 2009
• 28th Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai University – 22 Nov 2009
• Vidya Amritam – Convocation Drama – 21st Nov 2009
• Ramayana – Dance Drama by Primary School Children – 20th Nov 2009
• Ladies’ Day 2009 in the Divine Presence – Evening Programme – 19th Nov 2009
• Ladies’ Day 2009 in the Divine Presence – Morning Programme – 19th Nov 2009
• Blessed Blissful Twilight – 18th November 2009
• Ratotsavam in Prasanthi Nilayam – 18th November 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – ending 15th November 2009
• Tamil Nadu Youth Pilgrimage – 13th to 15th November 2009
• Becoming a Flute in His Hands…15th November 2009
• Akhanda Bhajan in Prasanthi Nilayam
• Prasanthi This Week – ending 8th November 2009
• When Heaven came down to Mumbai – 31st to 2nd Nov 2009
• Hadshi Prayed and The Lord Responded – 28th to 31st Nov 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – ending 1st Nov 2009
• The Return of The Lord – 3rd Nov 2009
• Sathya Sai Students take Brabourne to Heavenly Rapture – 1st Nov
• Power Inc takes a breather, gets down to spiritual biz – ET Report (abridged) – 1st Nov
• Bhagawan at Jamboori Maidan, Worli – 1st Nov 2009

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Monday, Nov 23, 2009
Prasanthi Nilayam was brimming with devotees and people from the nearby villages on Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 84th Birthday. Tea and tiffin was being served at many counters all over the Ashram as a service by Maharashtra devotees. Arrangements were made to seat devotees in the Poornachandra auditorium also, with a large screen set up there. CCTVs and projectors were arranged in Sai Kulwant Hall for devotees to have a closer darshan. Swami emerged from His residence clad in a white robe seated on the white chair just after ten o’clock. He first moved to the Poornachandra to grant darshan to those seated there. The procession then began five minutes later, moving to the Sai Kulwant Hall from Yajur Mandir. The Anantapur brass band, the Primary school girls bagpipes, the Primary School boys recorders and drums, the University brass band and vedam chanting students led Bhagavan to the Mandir. After blessing the large cake kept on the verandah, Swami came onstage and sat there for fifteen minutes as the Vedam chanting went on and the bands played one after another. He then asked for the Malladi brothers to sing. Their vocal concert was for 45 minutes. Swami then asked for the evening programme to be announced, and blessed prasadam for distribution as the bands played again. Arati was offered at 11.45 am. Bhagavan then moved to the bhajan hall where cakes by the various institutions were arranged. He blessed all the cakes and returned to His residence at noon.

In the evening, Sathya Sai Baba arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall at half-past five in a golden robe and came onstage after His darshan round to begin the programme by English singer Ms. Dana Gillespie at 5.45 pm. After her 45-minute performance, the Malladi brothers again sang for an hour. Swami blessed them with shawls and gave clothes to all the artistes, and they sang one more song before Swami accepted Arati at 7.30 pm before returning to His residence.

Sunday, Nov 22, 2009
The 28th annual Convocation of the Sri Sathya Sai University was held today. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba came to Sai Kulwant hall in His car to oversee the arrangements at 8 o’clock and the congregation was allowed into the hall half an hour later as announced yesterday. The Convocation procession got underway from Yajur Mandir just before 10.00 am. Bhagavan, wearing a maroon robe and seated on the special white chair, was led into the hall by the University brass band and students bearing the ceremonial mace and insignia. The Vice-Chancellor’s address was followed by the presentation of gold medals and PhDs. The Convocation address was by Dr. Samuel Sandwiess from the United States. At 11.15, Bhagavan began His hour-long Benedictory Address as the Chancellor of the University. He exhorted the students to never forget Divine Love wherever they may be. Before concluding, He once again asked them to uphold the ideals of the institution and to love and respect their parents. After His Discourse, Swami asked the students to sing a group song before the proceedings concluded with the National Anthem.

In the evening, Swami came for darshan at 5.10 pm and after His round of the hall, He blessed a cake presented by the Hospital staff on the 18th anniversary of the Super Speciality Hospital here. He moved to the bhajan hall where the “Little Champs”, the singers for the evening were seated and then to the interview room. He emerged from there to take a round of the verandah and sit onstage, talking to the Maharashtra Chief Minister there and calling up singer Smt. Bombay Jayashree to give a performance at 6.20 pm. After her half-hour performance, Swami blessed her and the accompanists with clothes and called up the five children who were to sing next. These children had sung before Satya Sai Baba at Hadshi on His Maharashtra trip last month. After they sang for 50 minutes one by one, He asked for some songs with Swaras, and the two boys obliged. He then blessed them with shawls and the girls with sarees, interacting with them and listening to two more song by all of them together. After blessing the artistes with clothes and apple prasadam, it was half-past eight when Swami returned to His residence.

Saturday, Nov 21, 2009
This evening, the students of the Sri Sathya Sai University presented their Convocation drama. Bhagavan arrived for darshan at ten minutes to five and came to the bhajan hall where the students were seated in costumes. Interacting with them for a few minutes, He moved down the aisle and up the verandah to go to the interview room. From there, He emerged to come onstage and begin the presentation at a quarter to six. The hour-long drama ‘Vidyaamrutam’ brought out Swami’s ideal of providing education free of cost, against all odds. Swami blesssed the participants with group photos and clothes at the conclusion, He had blessed the protagonist of the play with a chain during the drama itself. He asked for some songs to be sung, so the students sang a bhajan and a group song before Swami accepted Arati. He interacted with the students for some time even after Arati and it was past 7.30 pm when He returned to His residence. An announcement was made about the 28th Convocation of the University which is to be held tomorrow morning.

Friday, Nov 20, 2009
This morning, Bhagavan Sri Sathya SaiBaba came for darshan an hour after the nine o’clock bhajans began. He moved to the bhajan hall after three rounds of the ladies’ side of Sai Kulwant hall selecting ladies for saree distribution, sending them to the bhajan hall. In the Bhajan hall, He gave sarees to the ladies gathered there. The students of the music college got a cake blessed since it was the anniversary of the inauguration of their institution. It was half-past eleven when He accepted Arati onstage after the distribution.

In the evening, the students of Sri Sathya Sai Primary School presented a drama on the story of Mother Sita. Swami was welcomed into Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.10 pm with the bagpipes band of the Primary School along with students dancing and chanting Vedam. Once Bhagavan reached the stage after His darshan round, a brief round of distribution of mementos was done on behalf of Eswaramma Womens’ Welfare Trust. The fast-paced forty-minute Primary School drama commenced at 5.40 pm. After the drama, Swami called up the participants onstage to have group photographs with them and sent them prasadam. The bagpipes band then performed a couple of pieces before Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at a quarter to seven.

Thursday, Nov 19, 2009
November 19th has been celebrated as Ladies’ Day by Bhagavan and all activities are done by ladies on this day. Smt. P. Susheela began the day by chanting the Suprabhatam at half-past five and the Vedam chanting before the Nagarasankirtan was also by Swami’s girl students as on earlier years. The programme in Sai Kulwant hall began ten minutes after nine with Swami being welcomed by a procession consisting of the Anantapur brass band and Vedam chanting students. After His darshan round Swami lit a lamp onstage just before 9.30.

There were two speakers, with an introductory speech by Mrs. Chetana Raju. Mrs. Sharon Sandwiess of the USA and Mrs. Harriet Tay-Agbozo of Ghana spoke of their experiences with Bhagavan. The speeches were followed by five-minute dances by children from the Sai schools of India, Indonesia, Mexico, Fiji, Thailand and South Africa. After their presentation, Swami went among the participants and gifted them with photo frames. It was 11.15 when He came back onstage and asked for bhajans by the ladies to begin. Ten minutes later, He accepted Arati and left for His residence after blessing the giant cake placed onstage.

In the evening, Sathya Sai Baba came for darshan at 4.45 pm, led by Vedam chanting students and the Primary school bagpipes band, flanked by small girls bearing welcoming plates with lamps. The programme commenced at five o’clock with choirs by devotees from Greece and other European countries. The music was followed by a 70 minute Telugu drama ‘Draupadi Charitra’ by devotees from Hyderabad. After the drama, Swami blessed “Draupadi” with a chain and went down for group photographs. He then called them up one by one to the stage to receive photo frames. It was past seven o’clock when Swami left for His residence after Arati. Sri Ashok Singhal of the VHP and Malayalam film star Sri Mohanlal were also among the congregation.

Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009
This morning was the traditional Rathotsavam from Prasanthi Mandir to the Pedda Venkama Raju Kalyana Mantapam (Old Mandir), celebrated over the years on November 18th. Bhagavan arrived for darshan just after nine o’clock as the Vedam chanting went on, and came to the bhajan hall after His darshan round in the chair. The idols of Gopalaswami, Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman were kept there decked with jewels and flowers, ready on palanquins for the procession. Sathya Sai Baba blessed the procession of Vedam and bhajan chanting students, and they began at a quarter-past nine. Once the procession reached the Gopuram gate where the decorated chariot (Ratham) was waiting, Swami went there and started the procession. When He came back onstage, the students chanted Vedam for a while, and later sang bhajans. The procession returned from the Kalyana Mantapam at 10.20, and Swami accepted Arati.

In the evening, Swami emerged from His residence at half-past five as the bhajans went on and went to the Poornachandra auditorium to see the dress rehearsal of the Convocation drama by the University students. After spending more than an hour there, He came to Sai Kulwant Hall and moved to the interview room after His darshan round. Moving down the verandah, Swami sat for a few minutes onstage before accepting Arati after seven o’clock. An announcement regarding tomorrow’s Ladies’ Day celebrations was made before Bhagavan returned to His residence in the car.

Tuesday, Nov 17, 2009
Last evening, Bhagavan had blessed the intra-mural captains of all the campuses of the Sai educational institutions at His residence after the bhajans. He had also asked for a Burrakatha presentation this evening. Accordingly, the Burrakatha students were ready in their costumes in the bhajan hall when Swami came for darshan at 5.30 pm today as the bhajans went on. Once He reached the stage after His darshan round, He asked for the Burrakatha to begin, and the Burrakatha group went onstage to commence their hour-long presentation on Mother Eswaramma and Karnam Subbamma at ten minutes to six. Swami also sat onstage watching them, and accepted Arati immediately after the programme.

Sunday, Nov 15, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening, the youth from Tamil Nadu presented their drama. Bhagavan Shree Sathya Sai Baba came for darshan at 5.50 pm and after His darshan round, began their 45-minute drama entitled ‘Sathya Kathalu’. After the drama, some small girls who took part in it came up to Him with a card, and He blessed one of them with a chain. Clothes were sent for all the participants and Swami went down from the stage for group photographs. Even after He returned to the stage, He continued to interact with them till 7.15, when He asked for two bhajans to be sung with alap and then accepted Arati at half-past seven. He then visited the interview room for a short while before returning to His residence in the chair itself.

Saturday, Nov 14, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The staff and their families from the Bangalore Super Speciality Hospital plan to come every month in batches for Bhagavan’s darshan. This weekend, the first batch of 120 members had come and were seated inside the bhajan hall for evening darshan. Swami came for darshan at ten minutes to five and after His darshan round, came into the bhajan hall as the bhajans went on in the Sai Kulwant Hall. He spent more than half an hour with the group, moving among them down the hall several times and later sitting in front of the hall to interact informally.

After a short visit to the interview room from where He sent prasadam for the group, He moved to the stage area. The Tamil Nadu Youth who are on a Parthi pilgrimage then presented a half-hour music programme. Concluding the session with several bhajans, Swami interacted with several members of the youth group even after the Arati, returning to His residence at a quarter to seven.

Thursday, Nov 12, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning, some cows to be donated to the Mantralayam temple were brought to Sai Kulwant Hall. When Bhagavan came for darshan during the bhajans, He blessed some of the cows. Later, after He came out of the interview room, the cows again came forward and Swami went down to bless them in the centre of the hall. This evening, He came for darshan in the car at a quarter to five and moved out to go to the college auditorium for watching the rehearsal of the Convocation drama by the students. Returning at 6.15, He moved to the interview room and bhajan hall, coming to the stage area after 6.30 to accept Arati.

Sunday, Nov 08, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The Akhanda bhajan continued throughout the night and the loudspeakers were switched on at eight o’clock this morning. Sathya Sai Baba came to the bhajan hall at a quarter to ten. He moved down the aisle, sat for some time outside on the Sai Kulwant Hall stage area, and returned to the Bhajan hall, remaining there till half-past twelve! He went to Yajur Mandir and returned at half-past five. Once again He moved down the aisle and sat for a while outside, then returned to the bhajan hall before six o’clock. Even after six o’clock, He kept indicating for bhajans to be sung, till He finally asked for the Arati ten minutes later. Prasadam of tamarind rice and sweet rice was then distributed to all on leaf plates even as Swami watched. He then interacted with some of the lady teachers who lead bhajans, gave them sarees, then gave sarees to some of the married men from the bhajan group for their wives. The interaction continued for more than half an hour, and it was 7.10 pm when Bhagavan returned to Yajur Mandir, blessing the devotees on the way.

Saturday, Nov 07, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Last evening, the Karnataka Education Minister was here for Swami’s darshan. The 24-hour Global Akhanda bhajan began this evening at six o’clock. Today was also Bhagavan’s birthday by the Telugu calendar. While He came for darshan at 4.20 pm, Swami called up several ladies and sent them to the bhajan hall. He moved twice around the ladies’ side doing this selection before completing His darshan round. Coming to the Bhajan Hall, Swami distributed sarees to all the ladies, more than fifty of them. He then moved to the verandah and later to the stage area as the Vedic chanting went on.

At half-past five, He came into the packed bhajan hall readied for the Akhanda bhajan. Interacting with some of the teachers and students there, He moved down the aisle and sat there till nearly six o’clock when He asked for the bhajan to begin and lit the 24-hour lamp. At half-past six, He returned to His residence, only to return to the bhajan hall at a quarter to eight. Once again He blessed the singers in the bhajan hall with His presence, moving down the aisle and taking a round of the Sai Kulwant Hall also. Finally, it was a quarter to nine when He returned to Yajur Mandir. From nine o’clock, the bhajan continued without microphones.

Wednesday, Nov 04, 2009
After returning from His Maharashtra visit, Bhagavan has been coming for darshan after half-past five as the evening bhajans go on. This evening, after Arati, prasadam was distributed to all. As Swami got into His car to return to His residence, He blessed the group of people who co-ordinated the Maharashtra visit and gave them vibhuti prasadam.

Monday, Nov 02, 2009
Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba arrived back at Prasanthi Nilayam this evening after His five-day Maharashtra visit. The Books and Publications website has updates on the visit. Bhagavan’s chartered plane landed at the Sri Sathya Sai airport here just after five and He arrived in Sai Kulwant hall half an hour later to a colourful procession with Vedic chants and a couple of welcome songs by the students. Swami moved to the interview room and the evening bhajans went on till He came onstage five minutes later to accept Arati and return to His residence at ten minutes to six.

– Official Sri Sathya Sai Baba Website

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – October 2009

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – October 2009

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• Comments from the Press on Bhagawan’s Divine Visit…31st Oct 2009
• Bhagawan in Pune – 30th Evening Report
• Bhagawan in Pune – 30th Morning Report with Images
• An Enlighening Evening at Panduranga Kshetra – 29th Oct Evening Report
• Panduranga Kshetra – Inauguration – 29th Oct Morning – Images with Report
• Glittering Musical Twlight – 28th Oct Evening – Images with Report
• Bhagawan in Pune – 28th Oct Morning – Images with Report
• Bhagawan begins His Maharashtra Sojourn – 28th Oct 2009
• Prasanthi This Fortnight – 25th Oct 2009
• Gujarathi New Year in Prasanthi Nilayam – 19th Oct 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – 11th Oct 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – 4th Oct 2009
• Sant Tulsidas – Dance Drama by Kerala Youth 3rd Oct 2009
• Adi Shankara – Dance Drama by Japanese 2nd Oct 2009

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Wednesday, Oct 28, 2009
Last Friday, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri K. Rosaiah came here for an audience with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. For the last couple of days, Swami has been returning to His residence in the chair itself, with the car having been sent to Pune in preparation for His visit there. This morning, Swami left for Pune by air on a short Maharashtra visit. Accepting Arati from the car itself, He left the Mandir for the airport just before 8 o’clock. There, He unveiled a small Hanuman statue before boarding the chartered flight which took off at half-past eight. From Pune, Bhagavan will move to Hadshi, around 40 kilometres away and stay there for a couple of days.

Monday, Oct 19, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The devotees from Gujarat celebrated their New Year today. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was welcomed into Sai Kulwant Hall just before half-past five this evening as the bhajans went on with a small girl in traditional dress holding auspicious items. After Swami completed His darshan round, He came onstage and sat there till ten minutes to six, when He permitted the musical performance by the Gujarat devotees. Santoor and Jal-tarang recitals for twenty minutes were followed by a half-hour drama by the balvikas children based on Adi Shankara’s Bhaja Govindam based on Bhagavan’s Chinna Kathas. Swami sent clothes for the participants and accepted Arati at 7.10 pm as prasadam was distributed after He went down from the stage and blessed the group with photographs.

Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Yesterday, the Union Civil Aviation Minister Sri Praful Patel and cricketer Sri Sunil Gavaskar were here for darshan. Deepavali was celebrated today in some parts of the country, and will be celebrated tomorrow in some parts. When Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba came for darshan at a quarter to five this evening, He asked for silver lamps to be distributed to more than a thousand ladies. After the evening bhajan when He returned to His residence at a quarter to six, fireworks and lamps were readied outside Yajur Mandir. He sat outside His residence watching the fireworks being lit for half an hour before retiring for the day.

Wednesday, Oct 14, 2009
The last few days have been quiet at Prasanthi Nilayam. The students have their end-semester or end of term exams and there have been no programmes in Sai Kulwant Hall for the last two weeks. Bhagavan Sri Satya SaiBaba has been coming for evening darshan, and occasionally for morning darshan too. This evening, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra was among the congregation for evening darshan. The Maharashtra devotees are hoping for a Divine visit in the last week of this month. Preparations are being made to welcome Swami to a village near Pune called Hadshi and the Dharmakshetra website has pictures of the Sri Sathya Sai Pandurang Kshetra there.

Thursday, Oct 8, 2009
This morning, Swami came at 9.30 as the bhajans went on and granted an audience to the former Chief election commissioner Sri T. N. Seshan and the Governor of Rajasthan Sri Shilendra Kumar Singh who have been here for the last couple of days. In the evening, He came for darshan at half-past five and accepted Arati at six o’clock after prasadam was distributed.

Sunday, Oct 4, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital at Prasanthi Nilayam celebrated its anniversary today. Sathya Sai Baba came for morning darshan after 10.15 while the bhajans went on. After accepting Arati onstage after half an hour, Swami went to the Hospital and spent more than an hour interacting with the staff there. In the evening, He came for darshan at 5.50 and went to the interview room after a few minutes onstage. He emerged at seven o’clock and blessed prasadam for distribution before again moving to the interview room. At 7.15, He came onstage to accept Arati and return to His residence.

Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The youth from Kerala who are on a pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam in large numbers presented a drama this evening. Bhagavan came for darshan just before five and went to the interview room after His round of the Hall. Emerging at 5.40, Sathya Sai Baba asked for the hour-long drama on Saint Tulsidas to begin. After the drama, Swami sent clothes for the participants and called up some of them for photos onstage before going down for a group photo with all of them. Prasadam was distributed and Swami interacted some more with the youth, asking them to chant Vedam. After a bhajan by the students, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence at seven o’clock.

Friday, Oct 2, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Last evening, Prof. Anil Kumar announced that today the Japanese devotees would be presenting a drama. Accordingly, this evening they were seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall with some space left for their drama. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba came for darshan just before five o’clock and started their programme after His round of the hall. They began with five minutes of music on traditional Japanese instruments followed by some Vedam chanting and twenty minutes of bhajans, mostly in Japanese. Then their half-hour English drama on Adi Shankaracharya got underway. Swami blessed “Shankara” with a chain as the drama concluded with a recording of Swami singing “Bhaja Govindam”. He then went down from the stage for group photographs. Prasadam was distributed as the devotees sang some more bhajans before Swami accepted Arati at at 6.15 pm.

– Official Sathya Sai Baba Website

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – September 2009

Bala Sathya Sai Baba

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – September 2009

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• Prasanthi This Week – 27th Sept 2009 (28th Sept)
• Ayudha Pooja, Poornahuthi – Dasara Jnana Saptaha Yajnam – 23rd – 28th Sept 2009
• Dasara Jnana Saptaha Yajnam – 22nd Sept 2009
• Id-Ul Fitr in Prasanthi Nilayam – 21st Sept 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – 20th Sept 2009
• Warangal Parthi Yatra – 20th September
• An Encore of Ramayana Burrakatha…16th Sept 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – 13th Sept 2009
• Andal Kalyanam & Thiruppavai Mahotsavam – 3rd day -11th Sept 2009
• Andal Kalyanam & Thiruppavai Mahotsavam – 2nd day -10th Sept 2009
• Andal Kalyanam & Thiruppavai Mahotsavam – 1st day – 9th Sept 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – 6th Sept 2009
• Onam Divine Discourse – 2nd Sept 2009
• Onam – Divine Discourse and Bhakta Nandanar – Dance Drama -2nd Sept 2009
• Bhakta Thukkaram, Dance Drama and Music by KS Chitra – Onam 2nd Day 1st Sept 2009

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Monday, Sept 28, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning, the seven-day Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yagna was coming to a close. The priests concluded their rituals by nine o’clock and went for their ceremonial ablutions. Bhagavan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at around half-past nine and after half an hour, all gathered at the Poornachandra for the conclusion of the Yagna. Sathya Sai Baba sent for the large silver ladle through which the final offerings were to be made, and at a quarter past ten, the final offerings were made with Bhagavan sitting next to the sacrificial fire. Swami then moved to the Western end of the stage and accepted the Arati there. The Grama Seva also concluded today, with the students of the Anantapur campus serving food and clothes to the Ashram residents. In the evening, Bhagavan arrived just before the five o’clock bhajans began and sat onstage for a while after His darshan round. He then moved to the bhajan hall where the priests who officiated at the Yagnam were seated. He blessed them profusely with clothes and other gifts, interacting with them for more than fifteen minutes. It was a quarter past six when He accepted Arati, and He left for His residence after a brief visit to the interview room.

Sunday, Sept 27, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning, Sathya Sai Baba arrived in Sai Kulwant hall around half-past nine and later moved to the Poornachandra to accept Arati there after ten o’clock. From Sai Kulwant hall, He had blessed two Primary School boys with chains. In the evening, Swami came just before five o’clock and began the speeches after He sat onstage. Prof. Anil Kumar introduced Prof. G. Venkataraman as today’s speaker. Following his speech, Swami started His Discourse at 5.40 pm. Bhagavan began His Discourse with the mysteries of Nature, and it began to rain heavily. After asking those who were getting drenched in the rain to move inside the hall, Swami moved on to speaking about His childhood days at Kamalapuram, Puttaparthi and Uravakonda. Prasadam was distributed following the Discourse, and Swami gave the prasadam Himself to some of the students nearby before Arati at a quarter-past seven.

Saturday, Sept 26, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba arrived in Sai Kulwant hall just after 9 o’clock this morning. He moved to the Eastern side of the hall where His vehicles including the Golden chariot were parked. The Ayudha pooja was done for all of them and Swami moved to the stage to sit there for a short while with the Vedic chants before accepting Arati at half-past nine. He then moved to the Poornachandra where He sat onstage before accepting Arati there after ten o’clock.

In the evening, Bhagavan arrived for darshan just after half-past four and began the programme of speeches just before five. Prof. Anil Kumar spoke in Telugu, followed by Prof. Anantharaman of the MBA faculty and Sri K. Chakravarthy, Secretary of the Central Trust. Prasadam was distributed when the speeches concluded at 6.10. Swami went to the interview room briefly before returning to accept Arati and retire for the day.

Friday, Sept 25, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning, Sathya SaiBaba did not emerge from His residence but sent word for the students to move to the Yagna venue in the Poornachandra hall at 10 o’clock and for the Arati to be offered there at 11.30. In the evening, He came before five o’clock and began the programme of speeches at 5.20 like on the last few days. Prof. Anil Kumar’s introductory Telugu speech was followed by the All India Sai Organisations President Sri V. Srinivasan, an M.Phil. student Bhabani Shankar in Hindi and the University’s Controller of Examinations Sri Srinivas Srirangarajan. The speeches concluded at 6.30 and Arati was offered as prasadam was distributed.

Thursday, Sept 24, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Today’s proceedings were similar to yesterday’s in the morning, with darshan at 9 o’clock and Arati at 9.30. In the evening, Sathya Sai arrived by 4.35 pm and began the programme of speeches just before five o’clock. Prof Anil Kumar gave a short Telugu speech and then introduced the speakers for the evening. A research scholar Sri Shashank Shah was followed by MBA student Sri Akshay Kamath and lecturer Dr. Subhash Subramaniam. All India Sai Organisations President Sri V. Srinivasan was the last speaker, with the session concluding with Arati at 6.30 pm.

Wednesday, Sept 23, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning, the students proceeded for Grama seva at 8 o’clock and Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba came for darshan half an hour later to Sai Kulwant Hall. Sending the students to the Yagnam venue at the Poornachandra hall, Swami also moved there, coming onstage in a few minutes. Spending nearly half an hour observing the Yagnam in progress, Swami accepted the ceremonial Arati in the Western corner of the stage at 9.30 am before returning to His residence.

In the evening, Bhagavan arrived at 4.45 and after His darshan round, began the speeches for the day just after five o’clock. Two student speakers Aman Jhaveri and Robin Sharma were followed by Sri Narasimhamurthy, Warden of the Brindavan hostel. As the speeches concluded at 6.20, the students sang a bhajan following which Arati was offered.

Tuesday, Sept 22, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The seven day Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yagna commenced this morning. Sathya Sai Baba came to the Sai Kulwant Hall and after blessing the priests in the bhajan hall, asked the procession to leave for the Poornachandra auditorium at 9.20 am. After the students and priests reached the Poornachandra hall, Swami also arrived onstage and watched as the priests started the sacrificial fire in the ceremonial manner. Watching the proceedings onstage for a few minutes, Bhagavan returned to His residence at 10.10 am.

In the evening, Swami arrived for darshan by four o’clock and sat onstage after His darshan round as the Vedic chants went on before moving to the interview room. At half-past four, He came onstage and began the evening’s programme. Prof. Anil Kumar introduced the three speakers for the day: Prof. Vishwanath Pandit, the Vice-Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai University, former VC Sri. S. V. Giri and Dr. T. Ravi Kumar, faculty in the Chemistry department at Brindavan. As the third speaker concluded, Swami asked for Arati at six o’clock and returned to His residence. The Yagnam evening puja privately in the Poornachandra before concluding at 8 pm.

Monday, Sept 21, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Today, the Grama seva and morning darshan proceeded like yesterday. In the evening, the students and some of the Muslim devotees were ready with a musical programme celebrating Id, the last day of the holy month of Ramzan. Sathya SaiBaba arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.30 pm as the bhajans went on. After His darshan round, He took a round of the verandah and came into the bhajan hall where the priests for the Veda Purusha Saptaha Jnana Yagna were seated. Swami blessed the priests and gave them some instructions for the Yagna which is to begin tomorrow. He then came onstage and asked Mr. Ajit Popat of the UK to speak. After Mr. Popat’s speech, it was the turn of young Sathya from Iran, studying in the Primary School here, to say a few words. The students then sang a couple of songs following which Swami accepted Arati at half-past six.

Sunday, Sept 20, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning, the students left for Grama seva at 8 o’clock after going around the Mandir. Satya Sai Babaji came for darshan after ten as the bhajans went on, and sat onstage for more than half an hour before Arati after eleven. In the evening, He came at 5.30 as the bhajans went on. Devotees from Warangal district prayed that Swami permit them to present a drama, and He acquiesced. The centre of the Hall was cleared and the devotees arranged the sets. The bhajans were stopped at 6.15 and the 45 minute Telugu dance-drama began after a short introduction with devotees getting many items blessed. The importance of the Mother was stressed in the drama which included a vignette from Pothana’s life. Swami blessed them with group photographs and sent clothes for the participants, interacting with some of them for several minutes. He then asked the students to sing a couple of bhajans following which He accepted Arati at 7.30 before returning to His residence.

Saturday, Sept 19, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning marked the beginning of the 10 day Dasara celebrations with the students embarking on the Grama Seva programme. The village service will continue for these ten days, covering more than 150 villages in the neighbouring mandals, distributing food and clothes to every household at their doorstep for a population of more than 250,000. Swami came for darshan at 10.15 am as the morning bhajans went on. When He completed His darshan round and sat onstage, the students began their circumambulation of the Mandir before proceeding out through the main gate to board the vehicles parked there for today’s Grama seva. Bhagavan accepted arati at 10.40 and then moved to the bhajan hall where the Kalasa puja for the Navarathri was to begin. Blessing the puja, He returned to His residence in the car at 11 o’clock. In the evening, Swami came to Sai Kulwant Hall just after half-past five and sat onstage as the bhajans went on till 6.15. He then moved to the Bhajan Hall where He blessed the Kalasa puja again before returning onstage to accept Arati after prasadam distribution.

Friday, Sept 18, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening, Bhagavan came for darshan at ten minutes to five and came into the bhajan hall after His darshan round. T-shirts and caps for the men students and sarees for the women students were kept there, for use during the village service programme starting tomorrow. Inspecting the clothes, Swami gave instructions for the distribution. In the next hour, as the bhajans went on, all the materials were distributed to the students and teachers by the Registrar and former Vice-chancellor Sri S. V. Giri before Swami accepted Arati at six o’clock.

Wednesday, Sept 16, 2009 Full Story With Images »
After the evening bhajans yesterday, Swami had asked Prof Anil Kumar to announce that this evening, there would be a Burrakatha by the students. Accordingly, the costumed performers were not ready in the bhajan when Bhagavan came for darshan just before five o’clock. He came to the bhajan hall, and after a couple of minutes of interaction with the group, came onstage to begin their performance. The hour-long Burrakatha concluded with Swami interacting with all the artistes and accompanists, blessing them with clothes, with Prof Anil Kumar announcing that they represented a “Bharat darshan” with students from all parts of India. Swami then asked for a bhajan with alap following which He accepted Arati at half-past six. He moved to the interview room, and after ten minutes returned to His residence in the car.

Friday, Sept 11, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning, the preliminary worship for the Kalyanotsavam was held. As on the last two days, the worship included the chanting of the thousand names, and today it was the Lalita Sahasranamam. When the worship of the deities onstage reached the point of closing the curtain at 9.20 am, the lady singers of the Brindavan bhajan group started leading bhajans. Just after 10 o’clock, the curtains were opened again and more Vedic hymns were chanted before Maha mangala Arati at 10.20 am.

In the evening, Bhagavan arrived by 4.10 pm. He was preceded into the Sai Kulwant Hall by the priests waving Chamaras bringing the idols in a procession for the marriage ceremony onstage. The hour-long ceremony began soon after. Swami moved around the verandah and bhajan hall and from the stage, moved down to sit facing the stage while the rituals went on. After the Aandal Kalyanam concluded, Swami asked the students to sing bhajans at 5.40 pm. A couple of bhajans later, He permitted the group of devotees to sing some songs relating to the Aandal Kalyanotsavam. After half an hour of songs, Swami accepted Arati. Prasadam was then distributed to everyone in the hall – tamarind rice, sweet rice, laddoo and obbattu.

Thursday, Sept 10, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Today, the morning rituals proceeded like yesterday, with the Sathya Sai Sahasranamam being chanted for the worship. Bhagavan came for darshan at 5.10 pm and sat onstage listening to the Vedic chants after His darshan round. At 5.50 pm, the speeches for the evening commenced. Sri Mylavaram Srinivasa Rao spoke on today’s verses of the Thiruppavai in Telugu for 50 minutes. Swami then accepted Arati as prasadam was distributed.

Wednesday, Sept 09, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The three day Thiruppavai celebrations got underway at Prasanthi Nilayam this morning. The idols of Ranganatha, Bhoodevi (Andal) and Garuda were installed onstage and the worship began in Sai Kulwant hall just after seven o’clock. Yesterday, Swami had blessed the people conducting the rituals with ceremonial clothes which they wore today. On completing the rituals, a short introduction to the three day programme was made in Telugu. Collective worship with sacred rice grains on the plates supplied to all the devotees chanting the Vishnu sahasranamam completed the morning rituals. The proceedings concluded after morning bhajans with Arati at 9.35 as Bhagavan did not emerge from His residence. Later, He went for a drive at half-past eleven.

In the evening also, Swami came from Yajur Mandir in the car at 4.15 and went for a drive to the Indoor Stadium before returning to Sai Kulwant hall after an hour. From the interview room Swami came onstage 10 minutes later to begin the proceedings. Sri. N. Srikanta Rao delivered a half-hour address in Telugu about Aandal (Godhaa devi) and her devotion. Bhajans then commenced at 6 o’clock and prasadam was distributed before Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at half-past six.

Monday, Sept 07, 2009
This evening, the idols for the Thiruppavai Mahotsavam and Aandal Kalyanotsavam to be held at Prasanthi Nilayam from 9 to 11 September were arranged in the Bhajan hall. Swami came for darshan ten minutes after the bhajans commenced at five o’clock and completing His darshan round, sat onstage. At six o’clock, He accepted Arati and then came into the Bhajan hall. He saw the idols and later interacted with some of the teachers there before returning to His residence in the car.

Sunday, Sept 06, 2009
This evening, Swami’s students who are working in His institutions were gathered in the Bhajan Hall, praying to Him to bless them with an interaction. This ‘Sai Sannidhi’ group is now 175 strong and has been meeting on the Sunday near September 2, which is the anniversary of the establishment of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. Swami came for darshan just after five o’clock and after His darshan round, came to the Bhajan hall where the gathering welcomed Him with group songs. As the songs went on, Bhagavan went around the hall, interacting with many of them. After a couple of songs, Swami spent 45 minutes speaking informally to many of His former students, who are now teachers and administrators. Sending clothes for all of them, Swami moved to the stage as the bhajans began after the session just after six o’clock. After half an hour of bhajans with prasadam being distributed, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence, blessing all with both hands.

Wednesday, Sept 02, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Thiru Onam dawned at Prasanthi Nilayam with Sai Kulwant hall and Yajur Mandir decked in festoons and floral decorations. Swami was welcomed into the hall with resounding Panchavadyam by the students and devotees and the girls’ brass band of the Srisailam school as the bhajans went on at 9.30 am. Small girls with traditional lamp plates lined Bhagavan’s route. Once He sat onstage after His darshan round, He listened to the bhajans for half an hour more before asking Prof. Anil Kumar to announce that He would address everyone in the evening. Accepting Arati, Swami went to the interview room for a few minutes before returning to His residence at half-past ten.

In the evening, Bhagavan arrived for darshan at 4.20 pm and after His darshan round went into the interview room. A few minutes later, He came onstage and began the programme. The Kerala state President introduced the speaker for the evening, Sri Jayakumar IAS, in-charge of arrangements at the Sabarimala shrine. After his short speech, Swami commenced His Divine Discourse at 4.45 pm. Reminding all of the story of Mahabali, He exhorted the people of Kerala to follow Emperor Bali’s example in upholding values. The 45-minute Discourse was followed by a drama on Bhaktha Nandanar by the children of Sri Sai Vidya Vihar, Aluva. As the drama came to a close at half-past six, Swami blessed one of the participants with a chain. Prasadam was distributed after Bhagavan blessed the children with a group photograph. He then asked them to sing a bhajan, following which He accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.45 pm.

Tuesday, Sept 01, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning, Bhagavan came for darshan at ten minutes to nine, and in the evening at ten minutes to five. He came directly to the stage and asked for the drama of the evening to begin. The children from Sri Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth of Srisailam, Kerala, presented a half-hour play on the saint Tukaram. After their play, the famous playback singer Padmashree K. S. Chithra presented a 45 minute programme of songs. After her programme, she brought up her child also for Bhagavan’s blessings. Swami created a chain for the child and put it on her neck. Swami had a group photo with the singer and accompanists and Arati was then offered while prasadam was distributed. Bhagavan then asked the students to sing a couple of songs with Alap after which He left for His residence just before seven o’clock.

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – July 2009

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – July 2009

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• Varalakshmi Vratam in Prasanthi Nilayam- 31st July 2009
• Ranga Reddy Parthi Yatra – Distribution and Musical Offering – 27th July 2009
• Radha Krishna – Dance Drama – 26th July 2009
• Divine Discourse – 20th July 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – 26th July 2009
• An Evening for Mother Divine – 26th July 2009
• Thou Art That – A Divine Reminder 20th July 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – 19th July 2009
• Devudu Unnaru – Musical Dance Drama by Medak BV & Youth 18th July 2009
• Medak Parthi Yathra – Distribution and Music Programme 17th July 2009
• Guru Purnima Divine Discourse – 7th July 2009
• Bhagawan’s visit to SSSIHMS – 10th July 2009
• Prasanthi This Week – 13th July 2009
• Divine Discourse – Evening- 6th July 2009
• Sai African Adults Choir 2009 – 9th July 2009
• Music Programme by Brazil and Indonesia – 8th July 2009
• Guru Purnima 2009 – Felicitation and Divine Discourse – 7th July 2009
• Divine Discourse and Music Drama by TN Youth and Balvikas – 6th July 2009
• Prasanthi this week – 5th July 2009
• Ashadi Ekadashi: "Sant Gajanan Maharaj"- Musical Ballet – 4th July 2009
• Ashadi Ekadashi: "Maharashtra Bhakthi Gaata – Music and Dance Programme" – 3rd July 2009
• Ashadi Ekadashi: Music Concert – 2nd July 2009
• Ashadi Ekadashi: Veda Chanting and Hindustani Music- 1st July 2009
• Ashadi Ekadashi: Dindi Yatra and Medical Camp- 1st-3rd July 2009

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Friday, July 31, 2009
Today, the Varalakshmi vratam was celebrated at Prasanthi Nilayam. The Mandir was decorated with flowers and an icon of Mahalaksmi adorned the centre of the stage. Bhagavan emerged from His residence after the 8 to 9 Vedam chanting at 9.45 am, moving straight to the stage on His chair. The ladies doing the pooja, more than 1500 in number, were seated in the front of the entire extent of the hall. The worship by the priest onstage began at ten o’clock and continued for 45 minutes, concluding with the traditional recital of the story of the origin of this celebration. Swami then went around the hall in His chair for ten minutes before returning onstage. He accepted Arati at 11 o’clock and prasadam was distributed. As Swami left for His residence, Prof. Anil Kumar announced that food had been arranged for all the participants in the canteen and that there would be a music concert this evening.

Sathya Sai Baba came for evening darshan at 4.30 pm. Once He finished His darshan round, He asked the artistes for the music programme to be shifted to the stage. Once they were ready, He came onstage and began their performance at 4.45 pm. After 70 minutes of soul-stirring songs by Smt. Anuradha Sriram, Sathya Sai Bab called her up and blessed her with a chain. He gave clothes to all the members of the troupe and had a group photo with them. Bhajans by the students then began at 6 pm. After twenty minutes of bhajans including some with alaps, Swami accepted Arati and retired for the day.

Thursday, July 30, 2009
This morning, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba went for a drive a few minutes after nine o’clock and returned to the Mandir after around half an hour. In the evening, the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall had a backdrop with the United States portrayed – devotees from the USA were to present a programme. Swami completed His darshan round and came onstage at 5.10 pm. After ten minutes of getting items blessed, the play by the devotees began. They presented the varied spiritual traditions of the “United Sai America” as being discovered by Sage Narada sent by the Lord to the US. At the fag end of the play, Swami called up “Narada” and blessed him with a chain. After the drama, Arati was offered and prasadam was distributed. Then Swami acceded to the prayers of the devotees and allowed them to sing some bhajans. He went into the interview room and emerged with clothes for the performers. At 6.30 pm, He accepted Arati again and returned to His residence.

Monday, July 27, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening, the devotees from Ranga Reddy district had arranged items to be distributed to the needy in the centre of Sai Kulwant hall. After Swami’s darshan round, He came onstage and began their programme a few minutes past five o’clock. After getting blessings from Bhagavan, items like sewing machines, plumber kits and so on were distributed to deserving folk from their district. The ten-minute distribution was followed by a music programme with Telugu songs for nearly an hour. Swami sent clothes for the singers and also blessed two of the elders with rings after the programme. He went down among them for group photographs too. After Arati and prasadam distribution, Swami returned to His residence at 6.30 pm.

Sunday, July 26, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening, the devotees from Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh presented a drama. Bhagavan came for darshan at 5.10 pm, and after His darshan round, came onstage. Some of the organisers came up to Him for blessings and the drama got underway after half-past five. The Radha-Krishna drama which Swami had prepared to be acted by His students for His 60th birthday in 1985, writing the dialogs and the lyrics Himself, was recreated by the Balvikas children. After the 45 minute drama, Swami went into the interview room and emerged in a few minutes with clothes. He went down from the stage to give the clothes to the children, sitting amidst them for photographs and interacting with them for more than half an hour. After He came onstage at 7 o’clock, He blessed one of the elders of the group with a chain before accepting Arati and returning to His residence while prasadam was distributed.

Saturday, July 25, 2009 Full Story With Images »
As indicated on July 20th, Vedam chanting has been going on in Sai Kulwant hall before the bhajan sessions. Thursday was the 14th anniversary of the Higher Seconday School boys’ hostel, and Swami blessed the toffees brought by some of the boys during evening darshan. Last evening, Swami spoke to one of the lead singers after Arati, and this morning onwards the post-Arati ‘Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu’ chant was reinstated. Devotees from the US were ready to present a skit and bhajans this evening. The daily Vedam chant went on from 4 to 5 pm, and Swami came for darshan at 5.20 pm. After His darshan round, He came onstage briefly and then moved to the interview room. After some interviews, He emerged at 7.35 pm to come onstage and begin the programme. The children presented a 10 minute skit on Abraham Lincoln, following which the devotees sang bhajans for half an hour before Swami accepted Arati. After Arati, Swami went down from the stage for photographs with the group before returning to His residence in the car at 8.30 pm.

Monday, July 20, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Yesterday, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba had a twenty minute darshan round, spending a few minutes with His students currently working at the Super Speciality Hospital at Bangalore, and later with some Primary School students. This evening, He came for darshan a few minutes before five o’clock in the special white chair. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra was also part of the congregation in Sai Kulwant hall. The evening bhajans began as Swami completed His darshan round and Swami sat onstage, making a brief round of the verandah. At 5.40, He asked for the microphones to be brought, and asked Prof Anil Kumar to speak. Following his twenty minute impromptu talk, the former Vice-Chancellor Sri. S. V. Giri was asked to speak. Then Bhagavan began His Divine Discourse at 6.20 pm. In His fifty-minute Discourse, Swami touched upon the Upanishadic truth of the Unity of all creation. Following the Discourse, the students sang a bhajan while prasadam was distributed, and Arati was offered. At the end, while ‘Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu’ was being chanted, Swami called up the lead singer and asked him to chant ‘Samasta Jeevah Sukhino Bhavantu’ – he chanted this thrice and the session concluded at 7.20 pm. with Bhagavan returning to His residence in the car. Later in the evening, Swami sent word that tomorrow onwards, Vedam should be chanted in the Sai Kulwant Hall from 8 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 5 pm before the bhajan sessions.

Saturday, July 18, 2009
Bhagavan went for a drive at 11.40 this morning, returning to His residence after noon. In the evening, the devotees from Medak district presented a drama ‘Devudu Unnadu’. After His darshan round when Swami came onstage, some of the devotees came up to Him for blessings and the drama got underway at 5.30 pm. The forty-five minute Telugu play showed the transformation of two youths to theists with many quotes and poems from Swami. After the drama, Swami went inside the interview room for five minutes and emerged with clothes for the participants. He went down from the stage and moved among the children while bhajans went on, and took group photographs with them. He blessed one of them with a chain, and gave them the clothes Himself. After nearly half an hour of interaction, once He came onstage, He accepted Arati at seven o’clock. He interacted some more with the devotees before returning to His residence ten minutes later.

Friday, July 17, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening, the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall was filled with items for distribution. Devotees from Medak district of Andhra Pradesh are here in strength in their Parthi Yatra. Bhagavan arrived at a quarter-past five and after His darshan round, came onstage. Children dressed to represent the various faiths came up to Swami for blessings. After some more devotees came up and got various items blessed, the distribution programme for the evening got underway. The recipients’ names were called out and they came up with flowers to offer to Bhagavan. Sewing machines, kits for various trades, bicycles, push-carts and so on were presented to more than eighty people. A music programme based on the nine paths of devotion followed the distribution ceremony. Swami called up one of the children at 6.30 pm and blessed him with a chain while a song on ‘God as friend’ was being sung. As the music programme concluded, Swami sent them clothes and prasadam. Arati was offered at 6.45, and some of the participants came up to the stage for a group photograph before Swami left for His residence in the car.

Thursday, July 16, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba sent word that the students of the Higher Secondary School and the University should come for morning darshan – usually they come for morning darshan only on Sundays and festival days. Clothes were to be distributed to them. Swami came at half-past nine while the bhajans were going on. After inspecting and sorting the cloth material in the Bhajan Hall, He came onstage and watched while the cloth pieces were distributed to the students and teachers. At a quarter past ten, He accepted Arati. USB memory sticks were also distributed to the senior students. In the evening, Swami came for darshan at 4.30 pm and moved to the Bhajan Hall, where He distributed sarees to the family members. Once the evening bhajans began in Sai Kulwant Hall, He came onstage and had a brief interaction with one of the Music college teachers, blessing him with a bracelet. Swami then moved to the interview room and returned after half an hour to sit onstage for a couple of bhajans and then accept Arati.

Saturday, July 11, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening, the doctors attending the Orthopaedic conference at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences were seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall on chairs. Bhagavan arrived for darshan at 4.25 pm, and after His darshan round moved to the interview room after a brief interaction on the verandah. After the five o’clock bhajans began, Swami came to the stage. He asked for a bhajan with alap. Bhagavan moved down among the doctors up and down the central path as the doctors crowded around Him. Once He returned onstage, prasadam was distributed. Arati was offered at 5.45 pm.

Friday, July 10, 2009
This evening, Satya SaiBaba went to the Super Speciality Hospital at Prasanthi gram at around 3.45 pm – the Hospital is hosting a two-day international conference in Orthopaedics. The Biosciences department of the Sri Sathya Sai University is also hosting an international conference in Diabetes research. Bhagavan returned to the Mandir while the bhajans were going on. He moved to the Bhajan hall and inspected some items kept there before coming onstage. Sri Sunil Gavaskar, the cricket legend, was here to celebrate his 60th birthday. Swami interacted with him for a few minutes before coming to the stage and accepting Arati at 5.30 pm.

Thursday, July 9, 2009 Full Story With Images »
The African choir was to perform this evening, and the members were seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall. Swami completed His darshan round and came onstage to begin the programme at 5.30 pm. After a brief introduction by Mr. Victor Krishna Kanu of Zambia, the choir began their performance which had songs in Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Hindi English and more. After 45 minutes, Swami sent clothes for the performers and came down from the stage. Seated beside them, He asked for some more songs, and they performed for ten minutes more. He then gifted them photo frames as mementos, and also had group photos with them. After interacting with them for a few minutes, He accepted Arati as prasadam was distributed, and left for His residence at seven o’clock.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening, the bhajans began at 5 pm, and Bhagavan came to Sai Kulwant Hall ten minutes later. While He was on His way, He granted permission for the group from Brazil to present their bhajans. The students made way for the Brazilian group to sit in the centre of the Hall, and at 5.15, they began their programme of Bhajans, many of which were in Portuguese. At six o’clock, they concluded, and made way for the Indonesian group. The devotees from Bandung presented a traditional Sundanese Angklung ensemble with the bamboo instruments playing a couple of bhajans and a traditional melody. After their presentation, Swami accepted Arati while prasadam was distributed and returned to His residence at 6.20 pm.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This Gurupoornima morning, Bhagavan came into Sai Kulwant Hall at ten o’clock clad in a yellow robe, seated on a special white chair, welcomed by the students’ Panchavadyam band. The stage was set for a felicitation programme. Once Swami reached the verandah, He blessed the cakes arrayed there and then came onstage to begin the proceedings at 10.15 am. Prof. Anil Kumar announced the programme and called up the distinguished persons with brief introductions to sit beside Bhagavan. There were three brothers: Sri Appa Rao – outgoing Finance Controller of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Sri Sathyanarayana Murthy – Engineer in charge of the Airconditioning of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Dr. A. V. Lakshmi Narasimham – outgoing Registrar of Sri Sathya Sai University. Along with them was Sri M. Nanjundaiah – outgoing Controller of Examinations of Sri Sathya Sai University. Mrs. Appa Rao and Mrs. Nanjundaiah were seated beside their husbands. After the distinguished persons were garlanded by their junior colleagues, there were a couple of speeches by Dr. A. N. Safaya – Director of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences and Prof. Vishwanath Pandit – Vice Chancellor of Sri Sathya Sai University. Arati was then offered at 11.30 am. While Arati went on, prasadam was distributed, and Swami blessed the persons onstage with mementos and clothes. The function was brought to a close with a collective ‘Samasta Loka Sukhino Bhavantu’ chant at 11.45 am following which Swami left for His residence.

In the evening, the bhajans began at 5 pm, and Bhagavan Sri Sathya SaiBaba came to Sai Kulwant Hall at 6 pm. Once He reached the stage after His darshan round, He asked for the chairs to be arranged on the stage like in the morning, and asked the personalities of the morning felicitation ceremony to once again come onstage. At 6.30 pm, the bhajans were stopped and Bhagavan began to speak, seated between Sri Appa Rao and Prof. Nanjundaiah. Swami commended their services and exhorted the youngsters to follow their example in selfless service. After His Discourse, Swami asked for a couple of Bhajans to be sung and prasadam was distributed. It was 7.45 when He accepted Arati. After Arati, He sat onstage and interacted some more with the gentlemen and ladies before slowly moving to His residence in the car at 8 o’clock.

Monday, July 6, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening, the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall was set up as a stage for a musical by the Tamil Nadu Balvikas and youth. But when Bhagavan came to Sai Kulwant Hall and came onstage after His darshan round, He indicated that the microphones be brought. At 5.25 pm, He commenced His Divine Discourse. The fifty-minute discourse had the triune fear of sin, love of God and morality in society as the theme. Swami stressed the need for individual transformation before attempting to change society. After His Discourse, Swami asked for the programme by the Tamil Nadu children to begin. The hour long drama had many songs and a couple of dances, and brought out the message of various saints and sages culminating in the golden age of Sai. Swami went down from the stage for group photos with the participants before returning to the stage and accepting Arati at 7.30 pm. He then moved to the interview room for a few minutes before returning to His residence at 7.45.

Sunday, July 5, 2009
This evening, Sathya Sai Baba came for darshan by 4.10 pm and after His darshan round, took another round through the verandah and in front of the stage area. After more than half an hour, He went into the interview room briefly. At five o’clock, He came to the Bhajan Hall and called in the group of devotees from the USA. In a half-hour interaction, He granted them padanamaskar and group photos, with vibhuti prasadam being distributed. Bhajans in the Sai Kulwant Hall began when Swami emerged from the Bhajan Hall at 5.30. As Swami sat onstage, prasadam was distributed to all before Arati was offered at six o’clock.

Saturday, July 4, 2009 Full Story With Images »
Devotees from the USA sang bhajans this morning. In the evening, the Balvikas children and youth from Mumbai presented a drama. Bhagavan arrived at five minutes to four and came onstage after His darshan round to begin the proceedings at 4.15 pm. The musical was based on the life of the saint Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon. After the hour-long performance, Swami went down from the stage for group photographs with them. When He returned onstage, prasadam was distributed and Arati was offered.

Friday, July 3, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening, the Maharashtra devotees continued the Ashadi Ekadasi programmes. Bhagavan arrived at Sai Kulwant Hall at 5.15 pm, and coming onstage after His darshan round, commenced the proceedings. Many devotees and some of the artistes involved in today’s programme came up to Him for blessings, and the presentation got underway at 5.40 pm with the traditional Dindi dance. The Balvikas children and youth presented “Maharashtra Bhakthi Gaatha”, an offering of song and dance, with the songs being performed on the raised stage erected in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall. At 6.45, Swami called up one of the protagonists and blessed him with a chain, just as a song concluded beseeching Swami to visit His devotees in Maharashtra. Arati was offered at 6.50 pm and Bhagavan retired for the day.

Thursday, July 2, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This evening’s programme was a concert by Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and troupe. Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba finished His darshan round and came onstage to begin the proceedings at 5.30 pm. After taking His blessings, the group proceeded to the high stage built at the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall with large speakers on either side. The hour-long performance had tablas and other percussion instruments like the pakhawaj accompanied by vocals, flute, sarangi, keyboards and so on. Swami sent clothes for the artistes and accepted Arati at 6.45 pm. After Arati, He blessed the troupe with group photographs before returning to His residence.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 Full Story With Images »
This morning, the devotees from Maharashtra commenced their three-day Ashadi Ekadasi celebrations, welcoming Bhagavan into Sai Kulwant Hall in a procession with Vedic chants. The Balvikas children, youth and devotees chanted Vedam for nearly an hour as Swami sat onstage, with Arati being offered at five minutes to ten.

In the evening, Sathya Sai Baba came for darshan at 4.30 pm and sat onstage for a few minutes after His darshan round before moving to the interview room. He emerged at five o’clock to begin the programme – a Hindustani vocal concert by Ms. Kalapini Komkali, the daughter of renowned musician Kumar Gandharva. After the hour-long concert, Swami blessed the artiste with a chain and a pendant and the accompanists with clothes. He then asked the students to sing some bhajans with alap, and at the end asked for a song on Vithala to be sung. It was 6.30 when Arati was offered. Swami moved to the interview room for a few minutes before returning to His residence in the car.

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – June 2009

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – June 2009

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• Godavari Girijan Parthi Yatra – 28th June 2009
• Prasanthi this week – 28th June 2009
• Godavari Girijan Parthi Yatra – 27th June 2009
• Prasanthi this week – 21st June 2009
• Andhra Youth – Distribution/Musical Presentation, 20th June 2009
• Cultural Programme by Youth from Andhra Pradesh, 19th June 2009
• Cultural Programme by Children from Gujarat, 18th June 2009
• Prasanthi this week – 14th June 2009
• Burra Katha by Students of Sri Sathya Sai University, 13th June 2009
• Prasanthi this week – 7th June 2009
• Love All Serve All Help Ever Hurt Neverhttp://www.sssbpt.org/Pages.5th June 2009
• Bhagawan visits Prasanthi Nilayam Campus, SSSU – 4th June 2009
• New Academic Year Begins in Prasanthi 1st June ’09

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Sunday, June 28, 2009
This evening, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba came at 4.35 pm for darshan, and moved to the interview room from the Eastern side of the Mandir. Ladies who were to be recipients of sewing machines were seated in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall as part of the second day of the Godavari districts programmes. At 5.15 Swami came onstage and began the proceedings. After the sewing machine distribution, many devotees came up with items for blessings, and their dance drama began at 5.30. The hill folk paid tribute to their Lord in the fifty minute Telugu play featuring many songs and dances. Swami moved to the interview room and songs by the devotees commenced. The rural folk sang group songs in Telugu till Swami returned with clothes for the participants. Bhagavan blessed them with group photographs, prasadam and clothes were distributed as the students commenced bhajans. With Arati concluding at 7 o’clock, Swami sat onstage for a few minutes more interacting with the group leaders before retiring for the day.

Saturday, June 27, 2009
The hill people from the Agency areas of the East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh are at Prasanthi Nilayam on their Parthi Yatra. This evening, the Mandir was decorated with festoons and banners, and they presented a programme. Bhagavan came out from His residence by 3.50 pm, and after His darshan round sat onstage while the Vedam went on. At 4.30, He asked for the programme to begin, and many devotees came up to Him, getting many items blessed. After a short speech in Telugu by the leader of the group, there was a short rally by the members of the villages which were being served by the Seva Organisation. A series of traditional dances by the tribal folk followed. After the 75 minute programme, Swami went down from the stage and had group photographs with the participants. When He returned to the stage, bhajans by the devotees commenced and Prasadam was distributed. The students continued the bhajans as clothes were distributed to the participants. Swami accepted Arati at 6.15 pm and returned to His residence.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009
This evening, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba came for darshan at 5.30 pm while the bhajans went on. After His round of the Sai Kulwant Hall, He came onstage and sat for a while. At six o’clock, He asked for some bhajans with alaps, and accepted Arati ten minutes later before returning to His residence. The School of Business Management is hosting a three day Management Workshop on ‘Predictive Analytics’ at the Prasanthi Nilayam campus of the University beginning tomorrow.

Saturday, June 20, 2009 (Full Story With Images)
The Governor of Rajasthan Sri Shilendra Kumar Singh is here for a couple of days. This evening, Sri Ashok Singhal of the VHP along with the Shankaracharya of Sri Ramachandrapura Math of Gokarna were here for Bhagavan’s darshan. The second day of programmes by the Andhra youth consisted of distribution of material to the needy and group songs. Swami came for darshan at 4.30 pm, and when He came to the verandah after His darshan round, He blessed the group of Sai alumni working at the Barclays Bank who had won a prestigious award. He then came onstage to begin the proceedings at five o’clock. After a short speech, the names of the more than 100 beneficiaries were called out, and the needy were presented with implements for livelihood like electrician kits, wet grinders, sewing machines, plumber kits, computer education and so on. The distribution was followed by group songs for more than 45 minutes. Swami sent clothes for the participants, and went down from the stage for group photographs. After this He accepted arati at 6.15 p.m. and left for His residence in the car.

Friday, June 19, 2009 (Full Story With Images)
This evening, the Sai Youth from Andhra Pradesh presented a drama. Bhagavan arrived at 5.10 pm for darshan, and after His darshan round, came onstage to begin the programme at 5.30 pm. The drama ‘Prema Vahini’ brought out the transformative qualities of the Village Service programme incorporating dances and songs. After the drama, Bhagavan blessed the participants by calling up the children for group photos, then going down from the stage for group photos with all the participants. He also sent watches for the participants while bhajans went on and prasadam was being distributed. It was 7.15 when Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

Thursday, June 18, 2009 (Full Story With Images)
Last evening, the Union Power Minister Sri. Sushil Kumar Shinde was at Prasanthi Nilayam for an audience with Bhagavan. This evening, Sai Schools from Gujarat presented their programmes in Sai Kulwant Hall. Swami came for darshan just before five o’clock and came onstage to begin the proceedings after a full round of the Hall and blessing the new students of Class I of the Primary School. Beginning with a dance in praise of Lord Ganesha, the children presented a half-hour drama “Samasta Loka Sukhino Bhavantu” on the theme of Love and Peace for universal well-being. Next was another half-hour musical skit “Yoga for Salvation”, demonstrating many Yogasanas and methods of Pranayama with tableaux depicting symbols of various religions. Bhagavan went down from the stage and blessed the performers with group photographs, interacting with them and giving them clothes for fifteen minutes. Prasadam was distributed as bhajans by the children went on. Two bhajans by them were followed by a bhajan by the students and arati at 6.45 pm.

Monday, June 15, 2009
In the last three darshan sessions, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has blessed three people with chains. On Sunday morning, He interacted for a while with the elders from the institutions at Muddenahalli and Alike, and blessed one of the gentlemen there with a chain. Later, that evening, just before accepting Arati, He called up a first-year student of the Brindavan campus who had earlier studied in the Music College here, and blessed him with a chain. And this evening, just before going to the interview room after sitting onstage for a while, Swami called up one of the students and after a short interaction, put a chain around his neck. It was 6 pm when Swami emerged from the interview room and came onstage to accept Arati.

Saturday, June 13, 2009 (Full Story With Images)
It was a beautiful and special Saturday at Prasanthi Nilayam. It was past 4:40 p.m. when Swami arrived for darshan on June 13, 2009. He took a complete round and then moved into the interview room for a short while. Soon, He went into the Bhajan Hall where the three students who were ready to perform a Bukkakatha, sat costumed and ready for His command to begin their performance. At about 5:15 p.m., Swami arrived on the stage and asked for the warden of the Brindavan campus to introduce the programme. The trio arrived and offering their salutations to Swami, took their positions. The theme for the day’s performance was the same as the one on Easwaramma Day, that is, on Mother Easwaramma. They performed for nearly an hour and delighted everyone with their soulful rendering. Swami was immensely pleased and at the end blessed them with white safari cloth pieces as prasadam. Bhagavan retired at about 6.40 p.m.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009
“Everyday is a festival in Prashanti Nilayam,” said someone during the peak of the ‘programme season’ when as many as 15 programmes were put up in a single month. That statement held good even during the first tens days of June, in spite of there being no single programme put up in the Mandir; the days were special in their own inimitable way. There weren’t any festoons, backdrops, costumes and the other paraphernalia, which are usually associated with festivals. But the festivities came in the guise of more than 5000 people, who had gathered with devotion and Love for God to sing His praises. It indeed was festival time as that’s what had been happening at the Prasanthi Nilayam everyday since the beginning of the new academic year. Here is the description of one typical day of the past one week.

On June 10, 2009, Swami arrived just as the first bhajan had begun. The ladies’ side and the gents’ side were both almost full. It is so interesting the way people think and arrive at Puttaparthi. During the major festivals and the pilgrimage visits by devotees from the many Indian states and countries, the hall becomes full because of the sheer number of devotees that arrive. And during the “non-peak” days, news quickly travels that the Mandir is sparsely crowded and immediately devotees pour in to increase their probability of getting a close darshan. The net result – Prashanthi Nilayam is filled with devotees always!

Swami moved through the ladies side accepting letters and talking to a few of them. Moving into the students’ section, He faced a multitude of letters. A gentle smile seemed to come over His face. (An onlooker might even wonder as to what the students write in their letters to Him daily! But He knows every heart, and responds accordingly too!) There have been occasions when Swami has come for darshan before all the students had arrived from their places of study. On such days, the few who had arrived, rush to the rear side of the portico with their letters. Once, Swami passes that way, they move back to the front and (again) have another letter to offer to Him! One day Swami also indicated to a student and, to the merry laughter of those around, said, “You were sitting yonder. Now you have come here. You will return after I pass! Correct?” The boy sheepishly nodded a yes.

Swami collected a few letters and asked the people walking behind His chair to collect some more on His behalf. The same continued into the gents’ side too. After the darshan round, Swami moved on to the stage and sat for the bhajans. As always, the bhajans gain in volume and enthusiasm with Him around. Swami looked at all the people who had assembled and granted His attention to different sections of the hall during different phases of the bhajans. Almost everyone had that cherished feeling, “He saw me and I am blessed.” Sometimes, during the bhajans, people rise and leave – they either have a bus to catch, a duty/call to attend or any of the many reasons. Swami watches them leave with the same look as He watches those sitting and singing. The feeling of God being the Eternal Witness envelopes one during such moments and a silent joy surges in their beings. That feeling may culminate in a gentle smile on the Divine lips or at times with a stern look from Him and at other times with Swami going into a trance. Silently, He moulds, charges, transforms, guides, assures or commands but all the while a mass communion is on.

Swami sat for about an hour for bhajans that day. In between, it was sought from Him as to whether prasadam could be distributed. Swami told them to hold back till the aarthi. The students from the new M. Tech batch held a card for Him to see and a cake for Him to cut. Swami saw them and told them to wait. At the end of the bhajans, Swami also chanted the universal peace prayer, “Samastha Lokaha Sukhino Bhavanthu”. Then, He blessed the mangoes to be distributed to all and retired for the day.

Friday, June 5, 2009 (Full Story With Images)
This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan around 4.30 pm. After a round of the Sai Kulwant Hall, He sat onstage listening to the Vedam chanting for a while and then went into the interview room to emerge when the five o’clock bhajans began. As the bhajans went on, prasadam was being distributed, and the heavens opened up in a downpour. Swami noticed some devotees standing outside the front gate of the hall getting drenched in the rain, and instructed that they be brought into the sheltered area and be given prasadam. At the end of the bhajan, after accepting Arati, Swami Himself went all the way up to the gate to bless those devotees. He then returned to Yajur Mandir in the chair itself.

Thursday, June 4, 2009 (Full Story With Images)
Yesterday, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Principal of the campus and other teachers prayed to Bhagawan to bless the students and staff by coming to the college auditorium and addressing them, and Bhagawan had indicated that He would come. The students were busy preparing for the visit in the auditorium today when suddenly Swami arrived there at noon! He told them He’d come to see the arrangements, and that He would return at four o’clock. Accordingly, all were ready at the auditorium in the evening, and Bhagawan came there from Sai Kulwant Hall at 4.15 pm. A couple of books by the faculty were blessed by Bhagawan, and there were talks by the Vice-Chancellor and an MBA student. Swami then commenced His Divine Discours? at 4.55 pm, relayed live to the other two campuses of the University by web-conference video link.

Swami stressed on the need for students to realize that each and every living creature is the embodiment of God, and behave accordingly to Help Ever and Hurt Never, Loving All and Serving All. Students should not just close their eyes and think they are concentrating – they should help the society. After His 45 minute Discourse, He sang ‘Hari Bhajan Bina’ and immediately left for the Senior Students’ Hostel. There, He went into the dining Hall, and acceded to the prayers of the teachers there to bless the new room built for Swami. Moving through the entire complex, Swami moved back to the dining hall seeing the Ranganatha installed nearby on the way and blessing the students there. From the Hostel, He moved in the car to Sai Kulwant Hall where the bhajans were going on. Sitting onstage for a couple of bhajans while prasadam was distributed, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence around 6.30 pm.

Monday, June 1, 2009
This evening, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba came to Sai Kulwant Hall in the car at 3.50 pm, and directly moved out through the main gate for a drive. Five minutes later, the Chief Minister of Karnataka Sri. B. S. Yeddyurappa accompanied by a few of his ministry colleagues arrived at the Mandir. Swami returned after fifteen minutes and granted an audience to the distinguished visitors, and they left before five o’clock. At around 5.15 pm, Swami came onstage while the bhajans went on, and accepted Arati after prasadam distribution around twenty minutes later.

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – May 2009

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram – May 2009

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• PRASANTHI THIS WEEK – 24th May 2009
• PRASANTHI THIS WEEK – 17th May 2009
• PRASANTHI THIS WEEK – 10th May 2009
• Buddha Purnima in Prasanthi Nilayam – Day 2, 09 May 2009, Videos
• Buddha Purnima in Prasanthi Nilayam – Day 2, 09 May 2009, Images and Report
• Buddha Purnima in Prasanthi Nilayam – Day 1, 08 May 2009, Videos
• Buddha Purnima in Prasanthi Nilayam – Day 1, 08 May 2009, Images and Report
• President’s Visit to Prasanthi Nilayam, 07 May 2009, Images and Report
• Easwaramma Day, 06 May 2009, Videos
• Easwaramma Day Evening, 06 May 2009, Images and Report
• Easwaramma Day Morning, 06 May 2009, Images and Report

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Friday, May 29, 2009
A couple of days ago, Bhagawan had blessed the Brindavan staff who were leaving to begin the new academic year. Today, He blessed the teachers of the other campuses also. This evening, the professors and other staff of the Prasanthi Nilayam campus of the University and the Higher Secondary School were seated in the Bhajan Hall. After His darshan round during the Bhajans, Swami went for a second round of Sai Kulwant Hall and moved near the teachers of the Anantapur campus and the Primary School, blessing a lady with a chain. At six o’clock, He came into the Bhajan Hall from the interview room, moving to the end of the Hall and interacting with many of the teachers. It was 6.30 pm when He accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
This morning, Bhagawan came for darshan while the bhajans went on, at 10.15 am. Coming onstage after a full round of the hall, He sat there for twenty minutes before accepting Arati and returning to His residence at 11 o’clock. In the evening, He sat outside after His darshan round for ten minutes while the Vedam chanting went on, and went inside just before the five o’clock bhajans commenced. Half an hour later, He emerged from the interview room to come onstage, where He sat for twenty minutes more before accepting Arati and returning to His residence. The results of the entrance examinations of the Sai University and Higher Secondary School have been announced, and the newly admitted students as well as those in higher classes will begin their classes next week.

Thursday, May 21, 2009
This week, Bhagawan has occasionally come for morning darshan in addition to coming to Sai Kulwant Hall in the evenings. He has been interacting with some of the students, and accepting letters from devotees on His darshan rounds. This evening the baby elephant Sathya Geetha had come to Swami’s residence and made her presence felt with loud trumpeting when Swami came for darshan just before five o’clock. The weather at Prasanthi Nilayam has cooled down a bit after cloudy skies and thundershowers have signalled the imminence of the monsoon rains.

Friday, May 15, 2009
This morning, as on last Monday, Bhagawan came for morning darshan by 8.30 am. He interacted with some of the students sitting onstage for ten minutes after His darshan round before going into the interview room. In the evening, He arrived by 4.40 pm and sat for ten minutes onstage before moving to the interview room. He came back onstage as the bhajans went on, sitting there for half an hour before accepting Arati at 5.45 pm. On Tuesday also Swami had come in the morning – at 9.45 am. That evening, He called Sri Ashok Singhal of the VHP for an audience, and later blessed a student with a ring during the evening bhajans.

Sunday, May 10, 2009
This evening there was yet another ministerial visit – the Union Civil Aviation Minister Sri Praful Patel was here for Bhagawan’s darshan. Swami came to Sai Kulwant Hall by 4.20 pm, and after His darshan round, moved to the interview room. After twenty minutes, He came onstage and sat there as the Vedam went on, interacting with some of the students. He called up the Primary School boy from Iran and asked him to chant some lines of the Vedic hymns. After twenty minutes of interaction, He returned to the interview room just as the five o’clock bhajans began. He came back onstage to accept Arati and bless Prasadam for distribution. It was six o’clock when He returned to His residence in the car.

Saturday, May 9, 2009 (Read The Full Story)
This morning, Bhagawan came for darshan by 8.20 am and granted an audience for the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Sri Ashok Chavan who has been here since yesterday. In the evening, the Buddha Poornima celebrations continued. Swami arrived for darshan by 4 o’clock and moved to the interview room. From there, He asked for the Buddhist chants by the devotees to commence. At 4.30 pm, once the chanting had begun, Swami came onstage and after a few minutes, asked for the drama to begin. The half-hour play by youth from Singapore ‘Ahimsa Paramo Dharma’ brought out the relevance of the teachings of the Buddha and Sai on non-violence in modern life. Swami moved down from the stage to grant group photos to the participants, and bhajans by the devotees began. Clothes were distributed to the participants and prasadam was distributed. Twenty minutes later Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 5.35 pm.

Friday, May 8, 2009
The two-day Buddha Poornima celebrations got underway this evening. Around a thousand devotees from the Far-Eastern countries are here for the celebrations. Bhagawan arrived for darshan by 4.30 pm to the accompaniment of Indonesian traditional drums. After ten minutes in the interview room, He emerged to come onstage at 4.50 pm, with the programme beginning shortly thereafter. Short talks by Dr. Art Ong Jumsai from Thailand and Mr. Allen Yeoh from Hong Kong were followed by a Balinese dance from Indonesia and the Malaysian choir. Bhagawan called up the conductor of the choir and blessed him with a ring. The Bhajans by the devotees had begun, and when the lady singer began her bhajan, Swami called her up and blessed her with a chain. He sent clothes for the performers and moved down from the stage to take group photographs with them. Prasadam was distributed to all. When He came back onstage, He accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.30 pm.

Thursday, May 7, 2009
This evening, Bhagawan came from His residence at 3.50 pm. Coming straight to the Bhajan Hall, He interacted with the students dressed in costumes for the Burrakatha for nearly half an hour before moving to the interview room. At around 4.30 pm, the President of India Smt. Pratibha Patil arrived in the Mandir in her convoy. After a half-hour interaction with Bhagawan the President and her party moved out of Sai Kulwant Hall. The bhajans had begun at five o’clock. Swami came onstage at 5.15 and stopping the bhajans, began the Burrakatha performance onstage. After the 45 minute Telugu presentation on Shirdi Sai, Swami accepted Arati and left for His residence at six o’clock.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 (Read The Full Story)
This morning, the Sai Kulwant Hall was decorated and the stage had a large portrait of Mother Eswaramma as a backdrop. Bhagawan arrived at 9 o’clock in a yellow robe in the car for the Eswaramma day celebrations. Moving through the Sai Kulwant Hall as the Vedam went on, He proceeded straight to the Samadhi for a private function there with the family members and students chanting Vedam and singing bhajans. At 9.45, He returned to the Mandir and came into the bhajan hall to bless the prasadam kept there. Coming to the stage area, He sat there for a few minutes before accepting Arati at 10 o’clock and returning to His residence. Tamarind rice and sweet rice prasadam was distributed to all in Sai Kulwant Hall in leaf plates.

In the evening, as announced yesterday, the students presented a Burrakatha. Swami arrived for darshan and came into the Bhajan Hall where the students were ready in costumes. After a few minutes of interaction with them, Bhagawan moved to the stage and began the Burrakatha programme just after five o’clock. The stories of Eswaramma and Karnam Subbamma were narrated by the students in their hour long Telugu presentation. Bhagawan asked for an announcement to be made after the Burrakatha, that the President of India is arriving at Prasanthi Nilayam tomorrow and that the same batch of students would present another Burrakatha on Shirdi Sai tomorrow evening.

Monday, May 4, 2009
Bhagawan arrived back at Prasanthi Nilayam from Kodaikanal this morning. His flight took off from Madurai at 10.15, and an hour later He was driving to the Mandir from the airport. By 11.45, He had accepted Arati after the welcome song and poornakumbham by Vedam chanting students at the Sai Kulwant Hall and moved to His residence in the car. In the evening, as was His practice before going to Kodai, He arrived for darshan after the five o’clock bhajans began in the Hall, and sat onstage with a brief trip to the interview room before accepting Arati at 6 pm and retiring for the day.

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

– Curtesty Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust:

• Kodai Darshan Morning 28-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 28-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 27-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 26-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 25-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 24-04-2009
• Kodai Darshan 23-04-2009
• Bhagawan leaves for Kodai Kanal , 23 April 2009, Images
• Tamil New Year Celebrations, 14 April 2009, Images
• Vishu Celebrations, 12, 13 & 14 April 2009, Images
• Sri Rama Navami Divine Discourse, 03rd Apr 2009
• Dance Programme by students of SSS University, 09 Apr 2009, Images
• Music Programme by Ms. Dana Gillespie, 05 Apr 2009, Images
• Burra Katha by students of SSS University, 04 Apr 2009, Images
• Sri Rama Navami Celebrations, 2 & 3 April 2009, Report & Images

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Thursday, April 23, 2009
Bhagawan left for Kodaikanal this morning. Accepting Arati from the car at the Mandir at 7.45 am, Swami drove to the airport where His flight – a small business jet – took off at 8.20 am. The students and others who are to join Bhagawan at Madurai for the Kodai trip had left yesterday. From Madurai, the entire party will go to proceed up the Kodai hills once Bhagawan reaches Madurai this morning. Our next update will probably be after Bhagawan returns to Prasanthi Nilayam.

Saturday, April 19, 2009
Bhagawan has been coming for darshan only in the evenings for the last few days. Last evening He came just before five o’clock and accepted Arati after bhajans at 5.30 pm. Today, He came just before six o’clock as the bhajans went on. Accepting Arati at 6.15, Swami went into the interview room and called in a few people one by one including Justice Bhagawati. It was 7.10 pm when He returned to His residence, stopping and talking to a few devotees on the ladies’ side on the way.

Thursday, April 16, 2009
This evening Bhagawan inaugurated the new building of the Sri Sathya Sai Bhaktha Sahayak Sangh which provides administrative offices and warehouse facilities. Moving from Yajur Mandir a few minutes before five o’clock, Swami went to the new building in the car. A welcome song and a few bhajans were sung before Swami accepted Arati there. He then blessed all the stores employees who had gathered in the new building and went around all three floors, blessing all their equipment. An hour later, He came to the Sai Kulwant Hall after completing a round of the Ashram in the car where the evening bhajans were going on, accepting Arati at six o’clock. After Arati, He called up a Primary school boy and blessed him with a chain before returning to His residence.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009
This Vishu and Tamil New Year day, the devotees from Tamil Nadu presented a drama entitled “Sai Yuva Shakti”. Bhagawan came for darshan at 5.15 pm, and came onstage to start the programme just after 5.30 pm after a brief visit to the interview room. The fifty minute presentation highlighted the changes possible when political will meets Sai ideals. Bhagawan came down from the stage for group photographs with the participants and prasadam was distributed while the students sang Bhajans. Ten minutes later, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence in the car.

Monday, April 13, 2009
This evening, the balvikas children from Kerala presented a drama. Bhagawan came for darshan at 5.30 pm and came onstage fifteen minutes later to begin the proceedings. The fifty minute drama was entitled “Madhuram Gayati” and depicted the love of Radha and the Gopikas for Krishna. Swami went down from the stage for a group photo session with the children after their performance and sent clothes for them while Arati was being offered. Prasadam was distributed and Swami returned to His residence in the car at seven o’clock.

Sunday, April 12, 2009
This evening, the devotees from Kerala presented a musical programme. Devotees from Tamil Nadu and Kerala have arrived at Prasanthi Nilayam for celebrating the Tamil New Year and Vishu respectively, and this evening was their first programme. Bhagawan came for darshan in His chair at 5.30 pm, and began the programme when He came onstage at 5.45 pm. After half an hour, the classical Carnatic music concluded, and the bhajans by the students began. As He accepted Arati fifteen minutes later, Swami called up the music troupe and blessed them with clothes before returning to His residence in the car. The Governor of Rajasthan Sri. S. K. Singh and former Election Commissioner Sri. T. N. Seshan were also at Prasanthi Nilayam over the weekend.

Thursday, April 9, 2009
This evening, the students of the Sri Sathya Sai University presented a dance programme. Bhagawan arrived for darshan by 4.15 pm, and when He came to the verandah, He saw the students in costumes in the Bhajan Hall and interacted with them briefly. Later, He came to the stage and the programme commenced at 4.45 pm. The half-hour programme had six pieces with brief introductions in Telugu and English. After the programme, Bhagawan came down from the stage and had group photographs with the students before moving to the interview room. Bhajans commenced and Swami sat onstage till He accepted Arati at six o’clock.

Sunday, April 5, 2009
This evening, Bhagawan had asked the famous Blues singer Ms. Dana Gillespie to sing. The stage was set and Bhagawan arrived for darshan at 5.30 pm. After a brief introduction by the All India Sai Organisation President, the music programme commenced at 5.45 pm. After the forty minute presentation of fusion music with English lyrics, Swami asked the students to sing some English songs. A couple of songs later, He asked them to sing a Telugu song and then accepted Arati before returning to His residence at 6.35 pm.

Saturday, April 4, 2009
This evening, the students of the Sai University presented a Burrakatha entitled ‘Yugavatara’. Bhagawan came for darshan just as the five o’clock bhajans began, and after His darshan round, moved to the interview room. He emerged forty minutes later, and seeing the students in costumes in the Bhajan Hall, asked them to begin their programme. The bhajans were stopped and the Burrakatha began at 5.50 pm. After the forty-five minute presentation, Swami accepted Arati and blessed the participants with group photographs before returning to His residence.

Friday, April 3, 2009
This Ramanavami morning was to be the occasion for the handing over of the first 200 houses of Bhagawan’s flood relief programme to the recipients from Orissa. The families who were to receive Swami’s bounty were seated together as couples in the front part of Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan came for darshan in a yellow robe seated on the raised golden chair at 9.20 am. When He came to the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall, He asked for the distribution function to begin. Utensils, mats and other items of household use were packed in bags and handed over to each family as Swami sat amidst them and watched. The Vedam chanting continued as Swami came onstage and asked for more items to be distributed – pocket calendars and prasadam. Arati was offered at 10.20 before Bhagawan returned to His residence.

The evening programme began with Swami coming for darshan at 4.50 pm. When Bhagawan came onstage, He called up the All India Sai Organisation President Sri V. Srinivasan to introduce the speakers for the day. Dr. Ramesh Chandra Panda, member of the Central Administrative Tribunal of the Government of India, spoke first, explaining Bhagawan’s service projects in Oriya and English. Sri Kondala Rao, the chief engineer associated with Bhagawan’s major projects like the Drinking Water supply projects and the Orissa housing project, spoke next on Swami’s compassion and love in undertaking the projects. Bhagawan then delivered His Ramanavami message. In His fifty minute Discourse, Swami narrated some aspects of the Ramayana story which had profound messages. He also pointed out that Bharatiyas, though they may undergo hardships, are not troubled by them due to their faith in the Lord and their confidence in the Self. It was seven o’clock when Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

Thursday, April 2, 2009
The bhajans have been held in the Sai Kulwant Hall in the mornings as well as in the evenings for the last couple of days. This morning, Bhagawan came for darshan as the bhajans went on at 9.50 and sat onstage before accepting Arati at 10.20 am. He then asked Prof. Mukundan, the Kerala State Sai Organisation president, to announce the evening programme.

In the evening, devotees from Orissa presented their programme on the eve of Ramanavami. Bhagawan had undertaken to build houses for the flood victims of Orissa, and the first batch of recipients were here today. Once Bhagawan came onstage after His darshan round just before five o’clock, He sat there listening to the Vedam chanting for a while before asking the leader of the Orissa group to announce the recipients’ names after a brief introduction. Clothes were distributed to them as they came up to Bhagawan. Swami went into the interview room briefly after the distribution before returning onstage for their cultural programme just before six o’clock.

They began their programme by welcoming Bhagawan with conch-blowing. A “Pala” performance followed, narrating in rustic style their travails and Bhagawan’s helping hand. Bhagawan blessed the main performer with a chain at the end of his performance. A 20-minute Hindi drama on Sabari’s story was the next presentation. After each presentation, the devotees prayed that Bhagawan bless their state with a visit. Swami moved down from the stage and moved among the performers for group photographs before He returned onstage to accept Arati and return to His residence at 6.45 pm.

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

Recent Events At Prashanti Nilayam – Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

– Curtesty RadioSai:

Friday, March 27, 2009
The new Telugu year “Virodhi” was ushered in on this Yugadi morning with Bhajans in the beautifully decorated Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba arrived just before ten o’clock and came onstage after a full round of the hall in the chair. He sat onstage with the bhajans going on for a few minutes and then asked one of the MBA Professors to announce this evening’s music programme by the students. Arati was then offered at 10.20 am following which Swami returned to His residence blessing many devotees on the way. In the evening, Bhagawan arrived for darshan at 4.45 pm in the golden-coloured special chair and began the music programme by the students when He came onstage at five o’clock. Carnatic and Hindustani classical music along with a Quawwali and semi-classical songs were presented with panache by the students for an hour till Bhagawan accepted Arati a few minutes past six o’clock and returned to His residence.

Saturday, March 21, 2009
This evening, the outgoing batch of students of the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music, Prasanthi Nilayam, presented their gratitude programme. Bhagawan completed His darshan round and came onstage to begin their programme at 5.30 pm. Their hour-long musical presentation fused the Carnatic and Hindustani styles of Indian classical music in a harmonious offering. Bhagawan accepted Arati at 6.30 pm before returning to His residence after a brief interaction with the music college students.
– Gratitude Program by students of SSS Mirpuri College of Music, 21 Mar 2009, Images

Tuesday, March 17, 2009
This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan at 5.30 pm while the bhajans were going on. When He came onstage, He called up some of the students who were holding letters, these were the students from the campus here who had secured ranks in the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) Exam including a few ranks in the top ten. He interacted with them and blessed them with group photographs, and gave a chain to one of them. It was 6.10 when Swami accepted Arati. He then moved to the interview room for ten minutes before interacting with some devotees on the verandah for a short while and then returning to His residence in the car.

Monday, March 16, 2009
The graduating batch of post-graduate students from the Prasanthi Nilayam campus of the Sri Sathya Sai University presented their gratitude programme this evening. Bhagawan came for darshan in His chair and after a round of the hall and a brief visit to the Bhajan Hall, came onstage to begin the programme just after 5.30 pm. The students innovated with items like Dumb Charades on scenes of Swami’s childhood, a mimicry session as part of ‘passing the parcel’ and so on, in addition to a musical tribute and short speeches in various languages. Bhagawan went into the interview room after 45 minutes had elapsed, and returned after five minutes for the programme to continue for twenty minutes more. As the students sang bhajans, they went up in small batches and had group photographs onstage. It was seven o’clock when Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
– Gratitude Program by final year PG students of SSS University, 16 Mar 2009, Images

Sunday, March 15, 2009
The outgoing batch of students from the Brindavan campus of Sri Sathya Sai University presented their gratitude programme today. Bhagawan came for evening darshan in the chair, and after His darshan round, came to the Bhajan Hall where some of the students were in costumes. After a brief interaction with them, He moved to the interview room and later to the stage to begin their programme at 4.50 pm. Since Bhagawan had called their batch the “Vainateya”s, Vainateya being another name of Garuda, the characters in costumes Lord Narayana, Garuda and Narada gave a brief introduction to their programme of songs interspersed with short speeches in various languages. Bhagawan blessed them with group photographs after their programme and seemed to acquiesce when they pleaded with Him to come to Brindavan. After ten minutes of Bhajans by the students in which they again sang Bhajans like “Aao Aao Nandalala”, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence at 6.30 pm.

Saturday, March 14, 2009
Last evening, the devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand were to leave, but they were informed that Bhagawan had consented to have their drama this evening, so their stay at Prasanthi Nilayam was extended by another day. Bhagawan came for darshan and went into the interview room after a brief visit onstage, speaking to some ministers from Tamil Nadu on the way. When Swami returned onstage, the programme commenced at 5.30 pm. In a 40 minute drama entitled “Chaitanyam”, the balvikas children and youth brought out a message of love for Mother and Motherland through Educare. Bhagawan came down from the stage and had group photographs with the participants, and then gave them clothes seated amidst them. When He returned to the stage, the students began bhajans at 6.15 pm. A couple of Bhajans later, Swami accepted Arati and returned to His residence.
– Holi Celebrations by Bihar and Jharkhand, 11 & 14 Mar 2009, Images

Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Sai Kulwant Hall was colourfully decorated for the Holi celebrations by the devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand. Bhagawan came for evening darshan at 4.30 pm and when He came onstage twenty minutes later, the Holi celebrations commenced. The programme consisted of dances to the accompaniment of Holi songs by the devotees from Bihar and Jharkhand. After their 45 minute programme, Bhagawan went briefly to the interview room, and when He returned to the stage, the devotees commenced bhajans. Swami sent clothes for the participants and blessed them with group photographs while prasadam was distributed. At six o’clock, Bhagawan accepted Arati and returned to His residence.

Sunday, March 8, 2009
This evening, Bhagawan came for darshan in His chair at 4.45 pm and came onstage entering the verandah from the Eastern side. Listening to the Vedam chanting for a while and blessing some of the students, He went into the interview room before the five o’clock bhajans commenced. In a few minutes, He returned to the stage and sat there while the bhajans went on till He accepted Arati at 5.45 pm. While He was returning to His residence in the car, the students of the outgoing batches of the Anantapur campus of the Sri Sathya Sai University prayed for a chance to sing for Him. Swami stopped His car near them and they sang a couple of songs and got items blessed by Him from the car itself before Bhagawan returned to His residence.

Saturday, March 7, 2009
The outgoing batch of undergraduate students of the Prasanthi Nilayam campus of Sri Sathya Sai University were ready with their gratitude programme today. Bhagawan came for darshan and went into the interview room by 5.30 pm. It was nearly six o’clock when He came onstage and asked for the programme to commence. Swami was pleased with their presentation of songs and short heart-felt speeches in many languages. He called them onstage for photographs with Him, and they went up in groups of five and six. After the students, it was the turn of the teachers, and most of the teachers of the University were blessed with padanamaskar and a group photo. After blessing everyone profusely, Bhagawan retired for the day after Arati at 7.10 pm.
– Gratitude Program by III year UG students of SSS University, 07 & 15 Mar 2009, Images

Friday, March 6, 2009
This evening, materials for distribution to the needy were kept in the centre of Sai Kulwant Hall. The devotees from Khamman were distributing not only items for earning a livelihood like wet-grinders and sewing machines, but also computers with suitable software to visually challenged students and hearing aids for those hard of hearing from a Deaf-Dumb-Blind school in their district. Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall just after five o’clock and went into the interview room. When He came onstage, the leader of the group called out the items for distribution after an introductory speech at 5.45 pm. When the distribution concluded, one of the visually challenged children presented a song on the sweetness of the Telugu tongue. A music programme by the devotees followed, while Bhagawan called up and blessed all the visually challenged students. After half an hour of the songs by the devotees, He called up two of the student singers and blessed them with bracelets. They then sang a few bhajans with alap before Bhagawan accepted Arati at 7 pm and returned to His residence.

Thursday, March 5, 2009
This evening, the devotees of Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh presented their programme. The proceedings got underway with Swami coming onstage and the leader of the group making an introductory speech in Telugu at 5.20 pm. The dance-drama presented by them for the next 45 minutes exhorted the youth to arise and join Sathya Sai. Bhajans by the devotees commenced after Bhagawan blessed the participants, and twenty minutes later, He accepted Arati at 6.45 pm.

Monday, March 2, 2009
This evening, the students of the XI class of the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School presented a drama, ‘Journey to Sai’. Bhagawan came for darshan just after five o’clock, and came to the Bhajan Hall after His darshan round, interacting with the students in costumes there for a while. The 50 minute drama began at 5.30 pm once Swami came onstage and the Principal of the school announced the presentation. Swami blessed the participants after the drama by moving down from the stage for group photographs with them. Once He came onstage, He accepted Arati at 6.30 pm. He interacted with some teachers and students for a few more minutes before returning to His residence in the car.

Sunday, March 1, 2009
This morning, Bhagawan came for darshan just after the nine o’clock bhajans began. After completing His darshan round in the chair, He came near the Primary School students, and the XII class outgoing batch of girl students brought up many items to be blessed by Him. After a few minutes of interaction, they began singing songs to Him, and the bhajans were stopped. Swami sat near them and later on the verandah and listened to their singing for nearly twenty minutes, sending them chocolates and vibhuti prasadam. After a brief visit to the interview room, the bhajans recommenced, and Swami came onstage and sat there while the bhajans went on for another twenty minutes. He then moved around the verandah, remaining there for twenty minutes, and then went into the interview room for twenty minutes. It was eleven o’clock when He returned to His residence after accepting Arati onstage. In the evening, He arrived for darshan at 4.45 pm, and had another long bhajan session till just after six o’clock.