Commemorating the occasion this morning in His immediate Divine OmniPresence, Prasanthi Nilayam witnessed a unique launch by Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, launching an ‘Inclusive Education Project’ titled Sri Sathya Sai Inclusive Education Project, meant to benefit the vast section of differently-abled children of India. The project owes its mandate to Government of India, which requested the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust to initiate the campaign based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Commencing the proceedings this morning, members of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sri RJ Ratnakar and Sri SS Naganand first offered the project management plans at the Divine Lotus Feet. An official announcement of the launch followed, done by Sri SS Naganand.

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Addressing the occasion, Sri SS Naganand divulged into the flashback story of the inception of the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, Bhagawan’s flagship project during the 85th year of His Avataric Advent. Speaking on the task in hand, Sri Naganand highlighted on ‘catching up’ – that the project will help empower the teachers, which will benefit the differently-abled section of the student fraternity, helping to ‘catch up’.

Hailing the initiative as the world’s first-ever comprehensive digital project on inclusive education, the Director of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, Smt Karuna Munshi speaking next divulged the project’s highlights, which include a 360-degree scope and scale. The project will be executed in 3 phases over nine years, absolutely free of cost, universally accessible to all students through the Government of India portal Diksha, digital infrastructure for school education, announced the director, exuding great satisfaction in the yeomen growth of the SSSVV from its inception in 2010.

Bhajans followed and the session concluded with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

The Golden Chariot Procession commenced at 1700 hrs from the ‘Ganesha’, escorting The Lord in His OmniPresent form on the Golden Chariot to the accompaniment of Vedam and Bhajans. Hundreds upon hundreds of enthusiastic devotees participated in the procession that did circumambulate the Mandir precincts en route to the Sai Kulwant Hall, completed in 45 minutes.

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Twilight was setting in, and it was time to swing The Supreme Lord on the Jhoola. Bhagawan had adorned the Jhoola in the past in His physical form on many occasions, a rare beauty, a sight for even the heavens to witness and rejoice, joining the earthly folks.

Famed Carnatic vocalists Malladi Brothers, Malladi Ramprasad and Malladi Ravikumar, along with their father, Malladi Suri Babu, presented a Carnatic offering on the sidelines of the Jhoola Mahotsavam. With the Lord on the Jhoola swinging, the brothers opened their concert with Evarani Nirnayinchirira…, a Saint Thyagaraja composition and flowed on with Seethamma Mayamma…, Shiva Shiva Shiva Yenarada…, Swararaga Sudharasayuta…, all Saint Thyagaraja compositions. The Birthday number, ‘Bhagavanudu Puttina Panduga…’ next was enough to evoke nostalgic memories of the many-a-past-birthday-occasion with Bhagawan adorning the dais/jhoola. The final piece was ‘Saikathale Sukha Shantulu Sopanaalu…‘ a special number on Sri Sathya Sai.

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The Malladi Brother had performed in Prasanthi Nilayam on many earlier occasions. The Guru Purnima 2010 witnessed the duo performing back to back on two sessions, the Guru Purnima evening on July 25, followed by the 26th morning, when Bhagawan blessed them with an encore at His ‘own’ instance.

This evening the duo were accompanied by Sarvasree Embar S Kannan on violin, Harish Venkateshwaran on harmonium, Tumkur C Shivashankar and Malladi Shivanand on mridangam and Saichand on tanpura. The mridangam duo played a spirited Jugalbandhi interspersing the song Swararaga…, captivating the audience attention.

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With the Lord swinging on the Jhoola, the Prasanthi Bhajan group continued from where the duo stopped, presenting a garland of selected melodies. They began with Aaj Tumhara Janam Divas…, Leelamanusha Veshadhara…, meandering on to Amidst the darkness that ruled the world…, the 60th Birthday Jhoola number, O’ Baba! Much Pe Raham Rakhna…, a qawwali number, Parthipuree Nayakam Sree Gurum…, a Carnatic number, Uyyalalooparare Sathya Saini…, the lullaby song, to conclude with a qawwali song, Tere Darbar Mein Hum Aaye Hey… An electrifying session with passionate devotion from His grateful students turned musicians.

As bhajans continued, prasadam distribution went on. The grand 96th Year Of Advent celebrations concluded with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan, at 2030 hrs.

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Truly, November 23 keeps smiling the smile on and on, for, this ‘chosen day’ has been ‘infinitised’ by the Lord Supreme, in His truest benevolence for the humanity and the creation at large, in His resolve to make every single devotee happy, celebrating His ‘BirthDay’ in the truest spiritual sense, the-Sai-way.

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With myriad memories and emotions, when the Day with the magical touch of ’96′ dawned this morning in Prasanthi, a minuscule of humanity – of the Sai fraternity – is sure to have focused on His message of ‘Loving His Uncertainty’.

Puttaparthi, the Land That Did Penance, and the eternally blessed Sri Sathya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam join millions, billions, and gazillions of devotees worldwide, exuding gratitude galore for His infinite generosity. What bigger and greater blessing one could have asked for this tiny hamlet that was once, in Arnold Schulman’s language, ‘ten minutes past the stone age’?

So, this is the Day of ‘Happy Birthday’ for the Supreme Divine in the human frame, The Day, He, with His magical munificence, bestowed upon humanity to rejoice and celebrate. It is apt to remind oneself amid all these celebrations as to what Bhagawan had spoken about it; He said, “My Birthday is the Day when Divinity blossoms in your heart.” Is it not our ought to be, duty-bound, supposed endeavour suffused with infinite gratitude for the supreme munificence, by being adhered to the path of Becoming and Being, the path of True Truth?

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The morning session commenced at 0800 hrs with regular Veda chanting. Prasanthi Bhajan group took over at 0820 hrs with an offering of Guru Vandana, a well-knit compilation of hymns and devotional songs. Welcoming The Lord, the session commenced with ‘Jagamulele VishwaMohana SathyaSaiKi Swagatam…’, flowing on with the Sri Sathya Sai Navaratnamala Stuthi… ‘Sathyaaya Sathya Stithaye Samaaya…’, ‘Ye Rishta… Hamaare Pyaar Ka…Ye Rishta…Hey Janmon Ka…’, Maa Sai Maatante Jagathiki Vedam Raa…’, ‘Happy Birthday Swami…’, to end with Prasanthi Nilayam’s evergreen number, ‘Hum Ko Thum Se Pyaar Kithna…”

Sri SS Naganand, member, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, presented a report of the activities during the past year next. Beginning by paying obeisance to Lord Dakshinamurthy, the well-read speaker quoting Adi Shankaracharya drew a parallel between his core teaching and Bhagawan, highlighting the message – to follow the words of the Guru.

Sri Naganand then presented the annual report of activities of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.

Divulging on the income and expense sides of the balance sheet, hinting upon the surplus and the corpus, Sri Naganand, in brief, spoke about the three major areas of activities, sociocare, medicare and educare. New amenities and developments in the Ashram, expansive visions and activities of the three major institutions, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini, Sri Sathya Sai Cente For Human Values and Sri Sathya Sai Media Centre, also featured in his report.

Dr V Mohan, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust member and a Diabetologist of repute, spoke next, stressing the need to connect to Prasanthi Nilayam.

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A senior medical professional he is, he began with a mention of the unseen enemy of Covid 19 that grappled the world leaving on tenterhooks, posing a threat to humanity and the world around. Thanking Bhagawan for His guiding and protecting hands during the trying times, he divulged on the silver lining of the virtual world of communication and much more. Prasanthi Nilayam is Bhagawan’s birthplace and the centre of activities, said the speaker, expressing hope that Prasanthi Nilayam becomes the spiritual capital of the whole world. ‘Love All Serve All’, ‘Help Ever Hurt Never’, Bhagawan’s mantras of eternal proportions, should become the Divine Mantra for all in the run-up to the centenary birthday celebrations, said Dr Mohan, urging one and all to reaffirm the internal presence of Sai, Sai Within.

Sri Nimish Pandya, All India President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations and the Vice Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Global Council, speaking last, stressed the need of the hour to adopt the path of Sadhana and Transformation. The best gift for Bhagawan on His Birthday is to practise unconditional obedience to the message of the Master by practising the same, giving way to transformation, said Sri Nimish Pandya. Explaining the structure and plans of the global body of Sri Sathya Sai Global Council, the speaker said that the GC was needed to ensure a direct connection between Bhagawan and His devotees.

In his closing remarks, he said, ‘Devotion to Bhagawan is not an expression, but action’ and ‘it is time to practise Swami’.

The Trust Members then dedicated a new Sri Sathya Sai Global Council website, www.srisathyasaiglobalcouncil.org, at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet.

Bhagawan’s Divine discourse was the last but the most important item on the agenda. In His Divine discourse on 23rd November 1999, played on the public address system, Bhagawan spoke on the need to see God in everything, everyone. Divinity is all around us, in us, in everything, yet man is searching for God, said Bhagawan, exposing the world with myopic vision. Absolute Love, absolute unconditional surrender is the true path to reach God. If you put conditions, you will be bound by conditions, reminded Bhagawan. Exhorting the assembly of devotees not to believe the body, not to go by the world and never to give up God, He said, “I Want Only Love, Love, Love!” The Divine discourse came to a close with the Bhajan ‘Hari Bhajana Bina Sukha Shanti Nahi…’

Bhajans continued, and the session came to a close with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Profusely thanking Bhagawan for the blessed opportunity, wishing Him ‘Happy Birthday’, Nithyashree began with a Thyagaraja composition, Endaro Mahanubhavulu…, and flowed on with Anandamritakarshini Amritavarshini…. by Muthuswami Dikshitar, Kanukontini Sri Ramuni… of Thyagaraja, Muthozhil Puriyum Mummoorthy Neeve… a song dedicated to the Trinity Of Sai, Tamburi Meetidava…of Purandaradasa, Bomma Bomma Thakha Thaiya Thaiya…on Lord Ganesha, Bho Sambho Siva Shambho Swayambho…, Nadithozhubavaryennalaipokkum Nathane Sai Nathane…, a Tamil number dedicated to Bhagawan, Parthivasinam Vishwavanditam… a number in line with the famed Sabarimala hymn ‘Hariharatmajam…’ on Lord Ayyappa, dedicated to Parthi Sai.

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This evening, she was accompanied by Sarvasree Parur M.A. Krishnaswami, V Sai Raghavan and H. Sivaramakrishnan on Violin, Mridangam and Ghatam, respectively, followed by Smt Sai Lakshmi on Tanpura. Interspersing, Sai Raghavan, an alumnus of Bhagawan’s music college at Prasanthi Nilayam, on mridangam got into an instrumental Jugalbandhi with Sivaramakrishnan on Ghatam, playing finger magic with precision.

Nithyashree had the unique blessing to be in Bhagawan’s Presence and to serenade Him in 2005. She is the granddaughter of the legendary Carnatic vocalist DK Pattammal (paternal) and Mridangam maestro Palghat Mani Iyer (maternal).

The artiste along with her accompanists was felicitated next. Bhajans continued and the session concluded with Mangala Arathi.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

The concert began with a composition on Lord Sri Ramachandra by Saint Purandaradasa, ‘Jaya Jaya Jaya Janaki Kantha…’ and flowed on with Ganamurthe Sri Krishna Venu…by Saint Tyagaraja, ‘Brochevarevarura…’ composed by Mysore Vasudevachar, ‘Enthayum Enakku Arul Thanthaiyum Nee…‘ in Tamil dedicated to Lord Subramania, a Subramanya Bharathi composition, ‘Ethai Vendi Naan Ketpen Ayya…’ a Tamil number dedicated to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai, ‘Muddugare Yashoda…’ an Annamaya composition finally meandering into medley mode combining snippets of some unique pieces, concluding at Sai, with Sai, in Sai.

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The Lord Who HimSelf ‘promoted’ and blessed the greatness of music, especially Carnatic music, is offered back in a unique stream of Carnatic sessions here, the fourth evening on the trot, during the grand occasion of the 96th year of His Advent. This evening, the young artiste excelled in every bit, giving an out and out ‘mind-heart-soul’ blend of musical bouquet at Bhagawan’s Divine Lotus Feet.

Sri Gurucharan had the unique blessing of singing in the Divine Presence in 2010, during the 85th Year Of Advent celebrations.

This evening the artiste was accompanied by Shertalai R Anantakrishnan on Mridangam, Sai Rakshit on Violin and Mahesh Varma on Tanpura.

The artiste, along with the accompanists, were felicitated next. A book release followed, Sai Seva, authored by Dr K. Narasimhan, Superidentant of the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital and the Director of Sri Sathya Sai Mobile Hospital.

Bhajans next ended with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Adept in his chosen field of music with decades of rich experience, Sri Ramprasadh is blessed with a mellifluous, sonorous voice, syncing well with his preferred style of Carnatic music.

Sri Ramprasadh began this evening with a Ragamalika Sloka glorifying The Lord Of Parthi, singing ‘Prasanthi Nilayam Badrasane Samsthitham…’ and meandered on with a couple of Thyagaraja compositions, ‘Nada Tanumanisham…’, followed by ‘Rananannu Brovara…’. A unique number dedicated to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai followed, ‘Lingodhbavakara Saambhasadashiva Chandrasekhara Sai Shiva…’ ‘Brahmamokkade Para Brahmamokkade…’, and ‘Sai Bhajana Bina Sukha Shaanti Nahi…’ followed before the final composition dedicated to Mother Gayathri, ‘Jeevan Ke Anthim Palcchin Mein…’ 

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It was a humble yet elegant, passionate yet simple, ‘straight-from-the-heart’ rendering with soulful intention full of devotion.

Sarvasree Phaneendra Bhaskara and Omkar Rao with synchronised rhythmic beats on Mridangam and Ghatam, along with Ms Rakshita Ramesh on Veena and Ms Vidisha Roy on Tanpura, accompanied the artiste in the evening turned twilight. Sri TV Ramprasadh has the unique distinction of being the court singer (Aasthaana Vidwan) of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Kanchipuram.

Earlier, the session commenced with regular Veda chanting at 1630 hrs. At 1650 hrs, a new initiative, ‘Sri Sathya Sai Prema Ratham’, by the Youth Wing of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – Andhra Pradesh was pressed into service, in the Divine Presence, by the Managing Trustee – Sri RJ Ratnakar, along with the All India President of SSSSO – Sri Nimish Pandya, Sri SG Chalam, State President of SSSSO – AP, and other senior officials, in Sai Kulwant Hall. The golden-hued ‘vehicle turned chariot’ with holistic outer attraction is a ‘temple-on-the-wheel’ that will travel across the length and breadth of Andhra Pradesh, carrying Bhagawan’s message of Love, spreading the greater importance of Nama Sankeertana, Nishkama Seva (selfless service) taking up His infinite glory unto the masses.

Bhajans continued, and the session came to a close with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

The session commenced at 1630 hrs with regular Veda chanting. Being the Ladies day, the onus fell on the blossoming girl students of the higher secondary wing (12th std) of Bhagawan’s ‘Primary School’.

Tuning into a perfect beginning for the special occasion presenting a ‘Mother Sita’ dedication, singing ’Seetamma Mayamma…’, the duo flowed on with ’Shiva Shiva Shiva Enarada…’, ‘Anthayu Neeve Hari Pundarikasksha…’, ‘Sayeeshwaraaaaaa Neepadamula Sannidhini…’, ‘Shankara Shiva Shankara Shiva Shankara Shambho…’, ‘Ye Theeruga Nanu Ddaya Joochedavo…’, ‘Malai Meethu Vazhum Sree Sreenivasa…’, ‘Jagadapu Chanavula Jajara…’, to conclude with a lullaby song, ‘Lalanuchu Noocheru…’. The duo had the rarest blessing of performing in the Divine ‘Physical’ Presence in 2005, followed by in 2016 and 2019, in His Divine OmniPresence.

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Sri BV Raghavendra Rao and co. rendered perfect rhythmic support on violin, mridangam and ghatam, making the well-composed musical an audible treat for the evening assembly.

Bhajans continued, passionately offered by the blossoming flowers of the higher secondary wing of girl students, and the session ended with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

When the day dawned with a somewhat shady backdrop of overcast skies coupled with incessant showers, the ever-blessed Prasanthi womenfolk was ready as ever, ever inspired by the Inner Light of Beloved Mother Sai.  From the early morning Suprabhatam to the regular Veda chanting, the proceedings continued with the womenfolk in the forefront on this blessed morning.

Welcoming the august assembly, on behalf of the organising committee, Prof (Ms) Rajeshwari Patel profusely thanked Bhagawan for His myriad mercies lifting the folks with hope and endurance during trying times, keeping them in His ever-watchful eyes.

Talking about the endurance of inner strength displayed by the folks during the pandemic, the speaker offered tributes to the hundreds and thousands of silent women covid warriors, commemorating their exceptional sacrifice. Their resilience, courage, and selfless nature came to the forefront at each and every home, lifting each and every family out of the panicking pandemic grip, reminded Ms Patel.

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Dr (Ms) Neelam Desai then introduced the two speakers for the session; Ms Padmashri Radhaswami from the MA BEd batch of SSSIHL – Anantapur Campus (1987-91) followed by Ms Nivedita of the BSc, MSc, Home Science batch of SSSIHL – Anantapur Campus (1994-99).

Both the speakers presented the pandemic time service activities as a collective offering by the alumnae to Beloved Mother Sai.

Brushing aside the initial inhibition and reservation in stepping out of their comfort zone, relying on Bhagawan as their sheer Inner Strength, the alumnae could muster power and courage to pitch in with various initiatives, reflected the first speaker profusely thanking Bhagawan. ‘Without Swami, we are mere zeroes’, said the second speaker Ms Nivedita, narrating the alumnae initiatives from Andhra – Telangana region. ‘We tried utmost to be selfless as both the giver and taker is Swami Himself’, echoed her grateful heart, offering the entire initiative at His Lotus Feet.

A combined musical, a garland of songs woven through the thread of ‘Love’ titled ‘Geetanjali’, followed next, offered by the staff and students of the Anantapur campus.

Invoking Mother Saraswathi, the first piece was ‘Vandeham Sharadaam Visharadaam Jnanadaam…’, a dedication to the Goddess of Wisdom. Flowing on, the grateful hearts, with intermittent commentary in English, presented ‘Yentha Mahima Yentha Mahima…’ in Telugu, ‘Sri Sathya Sai Nama Pavana Athi Madhura Phaladayaka…’, a piece glorifying the importance of Namasmarana, ‘O’ Sai Maa…O’ Sai Maa…’, the song of Love For Beloved Mother Sai to conclude with ‘Wherever I go…’ a piece of gratitude.

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Bhagawan’s Divine discourse followed next, played on the public address system. Hailing the greatness of Sita, Savitri, Chandramathi and Damayanthi, Bhagawan discoursed on the power of the womenfolk, calling them as the true heir of ancient culture. Sacrifice finds a place in their hearts, echoed Bhagawan, saying, ‘women are the drops of nectar of such sacrifice.

Bhagawan said, the sweet juice of sacrifice of Truth, Righteousness and Compassion is there in women, and they should not be limited to homes, society, and nations; they should be encouraged to go beyond without any limits. They are not weak, but they are mighty and powerful. Discoursing on women empowerment, Swami emphasised the need for equal authority of men and women, as the objectives of life are the same for both genders.

Bhajans by the Anantapur students continued, and the session came to a close with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.

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Beginning with a Maha Ganapathi offering, singing Siddhi Vinayakam Anisham composed by Sri Mutthuswami Dikshitar, the next piece was the famed Vasudevacharya composition, Brochevarevarura. A couple of instrumental versions followed: a Thyagaraja Kriti, Endaro Mahanubhavulu followed by Patnam Subramania Iyer’s Raghuvamsa Sudha…, both presented by the Rudrapatna Brothers, Vidwan Prasanth and Vidwan Pramod. Sai bhajan Easwaramba Priya Tanaya…, Kandena Govindana…of Saint Purandaradasa, twin instrumentals, Prema Muditha… Tumburi Meetidava…brought the curtain to a close for the musical concert. 

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This evening, the artist and his sons Prasanth and Pramod were accompanied by Vidushi Meena Murthy, Vidushi Revati Kamath and Vidushi Bhargavi Prasanna, Smt Poornima Prasanna Kumar on Tanpura, Sarvasree Narasimhan R on Mridangam, Ramesh R on Ghatam, Subramaniam Mohite on Kanjeera.

Bhajans next concluded with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

It is a part of ‘His Story’ that The Supreme Lord had accepted the offering of Sathya Narayana Puja from by His chosen Mother, Mother Easwaramma, before making His epochal Advent onto the planet as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai. Subsequently, when the Little Divine was born, He accepted the Name ‘Sathya Narayana’ for HimSelf.

It is more than befitting for an occasion of such epochal significance to commence with the offering of sacred Sri Sathya Narayana Vratam. 

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This morning, the proceedings commenced shortly after 0800 hrs with a palanquin procession of The Divine Couple, Lord Rama and Mother Sita, along with Lord Venugopala Swami to the specially erected and decorated dais in the Sai Kulwant Hall. With the resounding Vedic hymns playing in the backdrop, the Divine Couple, along with Lord Venugopala Swami, made a grant entry much to the devotional delight of the morning concourse.

The offering of Sathya Narayana Vratam followed next. The allied rituals included an Invocation, Achamanam, Pranayama, Maha Sankalpam, Prana Pratishta, Navagraha Prarthana, Panchamrita Snanam, Kalasha Pooja, Peeta Pooja, Sri Maha Ganapati Pooja, Sri Sathya Sai Ashtotharam followed by Mangala Arathi.

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Sathya Narayana Vrata Kathas (Divine stories of Lord Sri Sathya Sai) of Sri Sathya Sai Vaibhavam, His infinite glory, followed next, presented in five distinct chapters, narrated in Sanskrit with short English introduction. Finally, the offering of Naivedyam followed.

The Sri Sathya Sai Vrata Kalpam is of paramount significance as it has The Lord Supreme Sri Sathya Sai as its origin, The Avatar Ultimate Of All Time. It is out of His sheer munificence, out of His infinite mercy for the devout folks that Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai had revealed His True Truth, announcing HimSelf being the Sarva Devataateeta Swarupa, The Divine Form that is beyond all other forms of Godhood, meaning, The Supreme Source n’ Force, Oneness, embodied in human frame!!!

Next to come was the annual Rathotsavam. With the bhajans on, the procession commenced at 10:00 hrs. As is the Divinely ordained tradition, the Divine Couple Sita Ramachandra and Lord Venugopala Swami were taken in a regal palanquin procession leading to the Pedda Venkama Raju Kalyana Mandapam outside the Prasanthi precincts. Various cultural groups from different Telugu speaking districts joined, adding spark to the occasion.

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Braving the intermittent drizzle, hundreds of devotees joined the procession that ended at the Pedda Venkama Raju Kalyana Mandapam.

Back in the Mandir, Mangala Arathi at 1020 hrs marked the end of the morning proceedings.

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