Sri Sathya Sai Baba's Samadhi
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27-04-2011- On this first evening of Maha Samadhi of Beloved Bhagawan, there was a change in programme scheudule. One hour Vedam chanting began at 1600 hrs. followed by bhajans at 1700 hrs. to end with Mangala Arathi at 1800 hrs.
As darshan of Maha Samadhi commenced this forenoon at 1145 hrs. a continuous stream of devotees are pouring in to have a precious glimpse of the Maha Samadhi in Sai Kulwant Hall. Many faces are writ with deep emotion and suppressed feeling burst open at the site of Maha Samadhi.
At the end of Mangala Arathi, an announcement was made on the darshan schedule for the next two days. Darshan of Maha Samadhi, for tomorrow and the day after will commence at 0800 hrs. till 1200 hrs. and in the evening from 1600 hrs. till 2000 hrs.
Swami's Boday was laid to rest
27 April 2011 morning
Bhagawan was laid to rest in Sai Kulwant Hall this morning in the presence of a huge assemblage of devotees, also attended by a host of political luminaries.
Earlier, there were hour-long bhajans and a host of prayers representing various religions, including Jewish, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Sikhism
The final journey of Bhagawan had the full state honours as both Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh were present during the occasion. The gun salute was accorded and the police band played in homage as the final proceedings were on.
The final rites commenced with physical frame's nephew RJ Ratnakar performing the rites representing the family. A host of priests guided the entire ceremony, which lasted for 45 minutes.
The Divine Physical Frame was lowered in a specially made pit of 7 feet by 12 feet on the very podium that Bhagawan used to adorn during His darshan sessions.
Videos of the event will be available after the normal editing process.
Jai Sai Ram
sourced:
Updated Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 1830 Hrs. IST
On this first evening of Maha Samadhi of Beloved Bhagawan, there was a change in programme scheudule. One hour Vedam chanting began at 1600 hrs. followed by bhajans at 1700 hrs. to end with Mangala Arathi at 1800 hrs.
As darshan of Maha Samadhi commenced this forenoon at 1145 hrs. a continuous stream of devotees are pouring in to have a precious glimpse of the Maha Samadhi in Sai Kulwant Hall. Many faces are writ with deep emotion and suppressed feeling burst open at the site of Maha Samadhi.
At the end of Mangala Arathi, an announcement was made on the darshan schedule for the next two days. Darshan of Maha Samadhi, for tomorrow and the day after will commence at 0800 hrs. till 1200 hrs. and in the evening from 1600 hrs. till 2000 hrs.
Updated Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 1300 Hrs. IST
Bhagawan's physical frame laid to rest amidst state honours....
Puttaparthi that sung lullabies to infant Sathya, that fondled and nurtured Little Sathya to Sri Sathya Sai and that received the abundance of His love and care over and over again during the past eight and a half decade finally earned a day to grieve, though the day would be marked in the annals of Divine History as the most significant one, when Avatar of the age was laid to rest. ...This is definitely not of her choice, but as fate would have it, a grieving Puttaparthi had to accept this present as well, as she has been receiving over the past eight and a half decade, in abundance. It was a Divine Script that was written by Him alone and executed in His own inimitable fashion. For all the glory, happiness and bliss that she has received over and over again, when the final moment arrived, to bid farewell to the Soul of entire creation, she grieved and so were millions upon millions around the world. Bhagawan who left His mortal coil on the 24th April 2011 was laid to rest in Sai Kulwant Hall this morning in presence of a huge assemblage of devotees, also attended by a host of political luminaries.
Earlier, the function commenced with an aalaap bhajan by noted classical vocalist Pt. Jasraj, that was followed by an hour-long bhajan by students. A host of prayers representing various religions, that included Jewish, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism followed before a set of selected bhajans, that were so dear to Beloved Bhagawan, was rendered by students bringing tears in the assemblage, taking one and all to nostalgic happy days with their Beloved "Sai Maa".
The final journey of Bhagawan had the full state honours as both Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh were present during the occasion. The gun salute was accorded and the police band played in homage as the final proceedings were on.
The final rites commenced with Bhagawan's nephew Sri RJ Ratnakar performing the rites representing the family. A host of priests guided the entire ceremony that lasted 45 minutes.
The Divine Physical Frame was lowered in a specially made pit of 7 feet by 12 feet on the very podium that Bhagawan used to adorn during His darshan sessions.
View Flash Slideshow:
Giant screens were erected at vantage places in and around Puttaparthi so that the devotees could witness the final rites. The look on the faces of the devotees was that of a state of shock and sadness and the township is still coming to terms with the departure of their Beloved.
The Divine Physical Frame that was draped in Bhagawan's favourite orange colour was lowered into the Samadhi amidst vedic chanting. In a symbolic gesture, the ceremony was marked with gifting of a cow and clothes (godhaana and buudhaana). Special water collected from selected holy rivers across India was also sprinkled on the Divine Frame sanctifying the occasion.
Even as the first set of rituals was completed the curtain came down for the finishing touches of the tomb where Bhagawan was laid to rest. Incessant Sai Gayathri chanting continued for the next more than half-an-hour before the curtains went up for the public to have their maiden darshan of the Tomb of the Avatar of the Age...
Among the dignitaries present were both Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, EVL Narasimhan and Kiran Kumar Reddy, Senior BJP leaders L K Advani and Venkaiah Naidu, former Union Home Minister and Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Telugu Desam Supremo and former AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, veteran VHP leader Ashok Singhal, AP Ministers Geeta Reddy, Raghuveera Reddy etc.
As fragrant Vibhuti smell wafted in the air granting the nostalgia of golden days when Beloved spent time amidst on the same dais, an announcement came that darshan would commence at 11:45 hrs. As is the case in Shirdi, this Tomb of the Avatar of the Age would start speaking to His chosen devotees now on...and would be the solace for grieving devotees from around the world. Puttaparthi beckons, with much more intensity as our Beloved Lord Sri Sathya Sai would speak from His tomb from now on!!!
Updated Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 0300 Hrs. IST
A zillion Pranams to the Beloved of Lord of Puttaparthi, who pulled the curtains down, in dramatic fashion, on His glorious Avataric Mission on the 24th April 2011 in Prasanthigram. At the stipulated hour at 23:30, Mangala Arathi was offered that was preceded by a round of Rudram. By then it was 54 hours of unending stream of devotional fervour, that Parthi has never witnessed earlier. An unestimated millions over millions would have watched the Divine Form lying in state in the Sai Kulwant Hall for the past more thatn two days.
An announcement on the next morning's programme, that would witness the final journey of the Mightiest Avatar of the Age, who would be laid to rest in the Sai Kulwant Hall with due religious respects and government honour, was made. The programme would begin at 0700 hrs. with bhajans. After the announcement, the Divine physical frame was taken into the bhajan hall. Even as the casket was taken in a procession, thousands upon thousands joined chanting jaikras, hailing victory to their Beloved Bhagawan. Undoubtedly, for Prasanthi and the lakhs of convergence, it was indeed an odd, painful experience, at the midnight hour.
Updated Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 1900 Hrs. IST
Prime Minister pays homage to Beloved Bhagawan...
Baba was the personification of the highest spiritual values of the human race - Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India.
I pay my pranaams to Sathya Sai Baba in gratitude for giving hope to millions and millions of people - Sonia Gandhi, UPA Chairperson.
Prime Minister of India, along with many other diginitaries, that included UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, External Affairs Ministers, SM Krishna, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni, Panabaka Lakshmi, Union Minister of State for Textiles, Governor and Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, ESL Narasimhan and Kiran Kumar Reddy respectively flew down to Parthi to pay homage to Beloved Bhagawan, this evening in Prasanthi Nilayam.
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Arriving in a chartered flight from Delhi, the Prime Minister and his entourage arrived at the Sai Kulwant shortly after 1700 hrs. to spent ten minutes offering homage. He even chose to speak to senior Trust officials in Prasanthi Nilayam, Former Chief Justice PN Bhagwati and SV Giri, formerly Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Other dignitaries visited Prasanthi this morning included Former Prime Minister of India, Deva Gowda, Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, Vishwa Hindu Pardishad leader Ashok Singhal, Swami Nityananda of Nithyananda Peetam, former Sri Lankan Cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga etc.
In the meantime, timings for Darshan of Beloved Bhagawan has been extended till midnight.
Updated Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 1700 Hrs. IST
As the clock ticks leading into the stipulated hour, before the final darshan possible this evening, there is palpable tension in Prasanthi with every heart and soul weeping within, embarcing the fate, geared up to give a final good-bye to The Lord of Parthi, her Beloved, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
While the unending stream of devotees continue even at this declared final hour, unless an extension comes by, there is a security cordon in Puttaparthi this evening as Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh along with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi are expected anytime to pay homage to Beloved Bhagawan. The Prime Minister had visited Puttaparthi twice earlier, as Chief of Annual Convocation for the 69th Birthday followed by during the latest convocation, as recently as in November 2010 on the occasion of 85th Birthday of Beloved Bhagawan.
It had been a case of rejoicement, great merriment for Parthi, over and over again, welcoming The Lord every morning and evening and even during His staying away at Bangalore or Kodaikanal, welcoming her Beloved back to her precincts, every time when He returned. It is indeed hard for this privileged land to bid fare-well to this most 'loving persona', Who lived a life sticking to His preaching. His Life has always been His Message and it is time for everyone who loves Him to follow the path shown by Him, and the legacy left behind by the Sri Sathy Sai Avatar.
Lead Kindly Light, Oh! Beloved Lord!
Updated Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 0300 Hrs. IST
On the second day of grieving, after enduring the separation of Her Beloved in the physical sense, the Prasanthi Nilayam township is gripped in sorrow as pall of gloom descended on Puttaparthi. Lakhs and lakhs of devotees are streaming into the Ashram, in unending lines, day and night, to have a priceless glimpse of The Lord who enthralled millions over millions during His earthly sojourn that spanned over eight and a half decade, with His Divine Darshan!
Frenzy gripped the township with the unexpcted turn of event, and Prasanthi Nilayam, that has been the cynosure of eyes for all the epochal spiritual happenings over the years, is once again in the limelight, this time for a different reason, the sudden departure of her Beloved Lord.
Devotees, some with unshakable faith, ever hoping against hope and not ready to accept the happening, some resigned to accept the happening and many more dwelling upon the glorious saga of Love Incarnate form a diversified feeling at the unexpected departure of Beloved Bhagawan. Regional, National and International Channels are camping in the township, capturing the events from Prasanthi Nilayam.
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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in His condolence to the bereaved Sai fraternity described Bhagawan as a spiritual leader who inspired millions to lead a moral and meaningful life even as they followed the religion of their choice. "Sri Sathya Sai Baba as a preacher of the highest human values was an iconic figure for over five decades. He endeared himself to the people through various institutions, with headquarters at Prashanthi Nilayam, that promoted egalitarian values, education and public health," said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh is expected in Prasanthi Nilayam, in the afternoon, today.
Former Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar and the current icon Sachin Tendulkar joined the unending list of dignitaries paying obeisance to Bhagawan, in person. Cricketers VVS Laxman, S. Sreesanth, Telugu Film Actor Arjun, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev etc. also had been to Puttaparthi paying tributes to Bhagawan.
Unending lines of devotees are streaming even at late night into the wee hours of Tuesday morning, to catch a precious glimpse of Beloved Bhagawan.
In and around Parthi, many shop keepers and individuals are engaged in philanthropic, service activities, serving food and essentials to visiting devotees.
Updated Sunday, Apr 24, 2011 2246 Hrs. IST
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba who has been admitted in Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram for the last 28 days breathed His last this morning, at 0740 hrs., as per the Medical Bulletin released by the Director, SSSIHMS, this morning. After His admission into the hospital on the 28th March with cardiac related problems, Bhagawan has been on ventilator support for many days.
The official bulletin reads as follows:
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left His earthly body on 24th April, 2011, at 0740 hrs. due to cardio-respiratory failure.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left His earthly body on 24th April, 2011, at 0740 hrs. due to cardio-respiratory failure.
Bhagawan Baba's Body will lie in state at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days (Monday and Tuesday). Arrangements will be made for Darshan after 1800 hrs. today, at Sai Kulwant Hall.
As the news spread, thousands upon thousands are flocking into the Prasnathi Nilayam to have the darshan of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. This includes commoners to celebrities to government dignitaries. As per the announcement, Bhagawan’s physical frame would be lying in state for two days, Monday and Tuesday, allowing devotees to have darshan of Bhagawan.
The Divine Body was taken out of the hospital after 1400 hrs., brought to The Divine Abode, Yajur Mandiram at 1425 hrs.
As announced, Bhagawan’s physical frame was brought into the Sai Kulwant Hall after 1815 hrs., in a glass cascade, in a procession led by Vedic chanting and bhajans by students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.
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With Bhagawan’s physical frame lying in state for the next two days, bhajans will continue throughout, as thousands upon thousands are expected to flock into the township to have the darshan of their Beloved “Swami”.
State Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh air-dashed to Parthi after hearing the news of Bhagawan’s passing away. Many other prominent figures have also joined in, offering condolences at the grave happening.
Elaborate arrangements have been made with thousands of police men keeping a vigil around the township, ensuring avoidance any untoward incident.
sourced:
http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/darshanupdateApr2011.html#24aprilprocession
27TH APRIL 2011
Om Sairam dearest Sai Family,
The "most sad day" of life of Sai Family did arrive. This morning, around 5:30 am, As soon as I entered the mandir, I saw Swami's divine body was brought into the centre from Bhajan Mandir. The morning was very silent, serene, but was definitely not the morning that we were looking forward to and I also thought this "morning" was not expected that soon.
The Maha Samadhi was dug right in the middle of the dais, where Swami used to sit and give darshans in Sai Kulwanth hall. The grave would be about 7 feet wide and 12 feet length(approximate). The walls of the Maha Samadhi were covered with marble stone on all the four sides. Looking at the grave was not a good feeling at all. It was difficult to digest the fact that, from same place, Swami "taught" us the Highest knowedge, taught us human values and many HIStoric discourses were delivered from the same platform as Prof.Anil Kumar translated in english. Even this day og Maha Samadhi He was still "teaching", that any one who came with human form have to leave the form one day or other and even an Avatar has to abide to this rule but what remains permanently is ones own noble deeds and good name.
The day started with alap from Pandit.Jasraj, Veda chanting and then students started singing bhajans. Before leaving for Sai Kulwanth Hall, I said to my self, no crying today. Swami is not a person, who will abandon us, He is God and He has to be felt from with in.
It was all fine untill the students started singing, O Maa, O Maa O Maa Sai Maa. Tears were about to come but stopped them successfully not until few minutes as the next bhajan that followed was Too Pyar ka sagar Hain, Humko tumse Pyar Kitna... This song, especially the lines We Love You Dear Sai We Love You, usually brings tears even if Swami is seated on the dais and today, as His body lies "life less' definitely made things worse and cried from the bottom of my heart. For some time, i felt, my whole body was aching thinking of the separation.
From the bottom of my heart I was thanking Swami for His kindness to allow me to be born in Parthi, that Swami who was just a "walkable" distance from now on would not be found (on a physical level). My mum tells me that she took me for darshan when I was just few days old. The journey with a span of 30 years had been fantastic. All the beautiful darshans, interactions, pada namaskars etc were just His grace. All the memories would be cherished for the rest of my life and I never dreamt even in my wildest dreams that the Swami would call it a day that soon. But this "divine script" was written long ago and He can only "adjust" some things here and there but cannont "cancel" the main events of His glory.
Swami's message of Unity in diversity, prompted to have multi faith prayers starting from Judaism, hymns from holy quran, from holy bible, hymns by Buddhist monks and also Sikh guru requested every one to stand up when he chanted holy hymns from Gurugranth before His body was brought to the Maha Samadhi area.. The chantings started at 8.10 am for about 30 minutes..
For records, the last bhajan, which was sung in the immediate Physical presence of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar was "Prema Eswar Hain Eswar Prema Hain".
As Swami (on a physical level) belonged the holy land of Bharath, four guards covered Swami with Indian National Flag and He received guard of honour with three round of gun salutes from the Indian police.
After this ceremony, some students and family slowly lifted Swami along with the glass freezer coffin, on to the dais. As this was done, there was a huge cry from the ladies side and every body broke down. All were screaming "Swami please don't go, be with us" but it was too late by then.
Brother Ratnakar, Swami's nephew, was blessed to perform final rites in the position of Son to our beloved Lord and also on behalf of the entire Sai family. As the priests chanted mantras, brother Ratnakar was guided to perform the final rites. "Godana", a ritual of gifting a cow was also performed.
Since Swami has attained sidhis and being an Avatar, He was buried in a different way by putting 9 food grains, 9 precious stones as a symbolic representation of 9 planets, waters from 9 sacred rivers have been brought in and vedic hymns from the four texts were recited.
As brother Ratnakar was doing this ritual, he couldn't stop his tears. Every minute was emotional to him and why not, when people who were watching live in Sai Kulwanth hall, and the millions who were watching live telecast in various TV channels broke into tears he being born in the same clan, spending so many memorable moments with Swami, will definitely feel the vaccum in his life..
Later, a new cloth was placed on Swami's divine body and that gave a signal that the final moments of having darshan of Lord of Kali Age's physical form, was fast approaching. As it is a tradition, women are not supposed to see the ritual after this, the priest apologising every one, asked for the curtains to come down as every one of us broke down one more time. We couldn't believe that we would no longer see Swami in His physical form. Sai Kulwanth Hall which made every one of us dip in the ocean of bliss made us completely sorrowful this time and it won't be the same happy feeling the next time we will visit Sai Kulwanth Hall.
Between 9.45 to 10 am Indian Time, Swami's body was laid to rest in Maha Samadhi with His head facing South. Apparently, they put sandal wood powder, mud from holy shrines in India and also Vibhuthi was smeared on Swami's body. While this ceremony was on, Sai Gayatri was chanted thus ending the glory of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar, who came all the way to the earth, to teach us the highest knowedge, to teach us how to love all and serve all, to remind us how fortunate we are to come in human form, He taught us many beautiful ways of leading a fruitful life, the best TRIBUTE to Sathya Sai Avatar would be practice the same in our day today lives.
Puttaparthi, where the living and loving God used to move amidst His chosen devotees is now another Shirdi. Even though, the "feeling" won't be the same, but I am sure there will be millions of His devotees who would be visiting this holy Samadhi Shrine year after year. All our answers from now on, would be answered by Swami from the samadhi.
Not sure, what kind of programmes would be practiced in Sai Kulwanth Hall, but I think the "daily Prasanthi routine" of suprabatam, veda chantings, two bhajan sessions will go on.
After the "Maha Samadhi", one would be wondering what will happen to all the beautiful festivals that were celebrated in His immediate presence. Sankranthi, Shivarathri, Gurupoornima, Dasara, Birthday and Christmas will lose its glory. Christmas used to be a very busy affair in Parthi. Thousands of overseas devotees used to throng to this little hamlet and stay for a month or so practicing christmas choir. Swami used to love all the songs sung by devotees and after every song, sister Silvia used to bow down to Swami and wait for His permission to go to the next song. all these beautiful scenes will be a history now. Christmas 2010 in particular did leave a remarkable experience for the kind of decoration South Africa put up. It was only Swami's grace that South Africa got this opportunity to decorate Christmas 2010, which unfortunately happened to be the last Christmas our Lord would be celebrating. All those fortunate devotees from SA would be happy on one side but also sad that they cannot see that sweet smile of Swami any more. Being born here, I had the great privilege to meet so many noble men who came for His darshan. every one of us here are His chosen ones and equally fortunate. For being bestowed with this "rare opportunity" to be born in the same time as Avatar, to get to have His darshan. It is our duty to carry the Sai Torch for future generations. No doubt we will miss Swami, but Swami will never miss us. He is very much with us. He is going to "work" with much more force and yes the GOLDEN AGE will shine with its splendour from now on.
Sisters and Brothers, lets all stay united and work hand in hand to "complete" the mission of Sri Sathya Sai Avatar. As told earlier, Swami has left tons of work to be completed by us. It is a real test, but with His helping hand and divine guidance, nothing is difficult.
Please keep on doing all the good work, keep visiting Puttaparthi to get the spiritual batteries recharged.
(attached here are some photos of Maha samadhi where you can see brother Ratnakar doing the final rites...)
Jai Bolo Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Babaji ki JAI....
with pranams at the Lotus feet of our beloved Lord,
R.Satish Naik
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