SAI BABA: EL BLANCO PERFECTO

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.: Sai Baba: El Blanco Perfecto

Escrito por Lic. José A. Cabezas D.

En  nuestra cultura judeo-cristiana, la primera persona de correcto actuar que nos menciona La Biblia fue asesinada ni más ni menos que a manos de su propio hermano. Y su último protagonista, Hijo de Dios, fue torturado y crucificado a muy pocos años de predicar el amor y el perdón.  Entre ambos existió una gama de personajes quienes se ocuparon de algo semejante y también corrieron con persecuciones atroces. Lot, el único justo en Sodoma, al menos salvó su vida, pero tuvo que perderlo todo. El profeta Elías deseó morirse y tuvo que huir al desierto cuando la Reina Jezabel ordenó su asesinato, y Moisés, no bien subió un ratito al Sinaí a hablar con Dios, el pueblo al que había libertado se volvió en su contra con cinismo y ferocidad. San Pablo, quien con su prédica cimentó al cristianismo, fue decapitado, y San Pedro, a quien el mismo Pablo llamó “pastor universal de ovejas”, fue crucificado boca abajo, para más detalles. Los abundantes ejemplos bíblicos están “a la carta”, para demostrarnos que cada vez que alguien nos trae un mensaje de Dios, paga duramente esa osadía. Fuera de ese libro sagrado, la cosa no es menos abundante. Sócrates debió de tomarse un veneno, condenado por “corromper a la juventud” al criticar al sistema; Mahoma llegó a pasar el “año de la tristeza” cuando fue repudiado por su propio clan al oponerse a su politeísmo. El Dalai Lama fue lanzado de su hogar y vive condenado a andar como gitano; Confucio, máximo arquitecto de la conducta correcta en Oriente, fue destituido como Ministro de Justicia en la provincia de Lu por tratar de ponerla en práctica, vagó buscando un príncipe justo que lo adoptara y murió convencido de su fracaso. Otros seres quienes hablaron del amor fueron más afortunados que Ghandi y Luther King, quizá porque no aspiraron más que a barrer los pisos del convento como San Martín de Porres, o a vivir en la mayor austeridad, como San Francisco de Asís. Estremece dar un paseo por Internet y leer los señalamientos de “terrorífica, embustera y genocida” que muchas páginas le hacen a la Madre Teresa de Calcuta. El Vaticano anda en carreras para impedir la puesta en cartelera de la última producción de Holywood que pinta a Jesús como gay. Parece que no nos bastó  con crucificarle. Dos mil años y seguimos acusándolo. Hace 85 años nació en el más humilde de los pueblos de la India, Sathyanarayana Raju, conocido luego como Sathya Sai Baba. En toda su vida no hizo otra cosa que derramar caridad tras caridad a los miserables  de su país, creando kilómetros incontables de cañerías. Les llevó la salud por medio de enormes hospitales, algunos calificados en el top 10 del mundo, sin que en ninguno de ellos se cobre un centavo por alguna operación de las realizadas por los mejores médicos del planeta, quienes llegan a donar su mes de servicio voluntario. Fundó casi tres mil centros educativos gratuitos que se distinguen por hacer prevalecer, junto con los mejores conocimientos científicos, un sistema de valores humanos. No puede haber, según Sai Baba, educación sin principios y sus egresados entienden que ganar dinero jamás está por encima de servir a la sociedad. Fue seguido de cientos de millones de seguidores en el mundo, por lo que hubiera podido andar por todo el planeta dando su mensaje transformador y gozando de los mejores hoteles, ganando fama y fortuna. Sin embargo, vivía en un cuartito pequeño en el mismo pueblo que lo vio nacer; y la exigencia para las organizaciones que lo representan en más de 170 países ha sido determinante: realizar incansable servicio personal sin solicitar fondos. Quien lo iba a ver a su Ashram podía vivir austera pero dignamente con apenas tres o cuatro dólares al día. ¿Cómo lograba materializar su obra? Se preocupaba porque el dinero fuera poco para que el amor lo reprodujese. Si no creemos que el amor obra milagros, no es culpa del maestro. Dicen que se autoproclamó como un “Dios encarnado”. Pues… ¡sí y no! Lo que dijo hace 70 años es que al ser hijos de Dios, somos todos “encarnaciones del mismo amor” y él no se excluyó. ¿No nos dijo Jesús lo mismo con otras palabras? Si lográramos ver a Dios en el prójimo habría menos violencia. Apenas logró despuntar su popularidad, fue acusado por abusos sexuales, coincidentemente cuando había llegado a su elevada senilidad, e igual que a Jesús, por uno que otro de sus más allegados. La historia no parece cambiar. Desde los Estados Unidos, en donde cualquier aventura es posible por ganar dinero, alguien lo denunció y quedó aplastado por una sentencia que él ni quiso publicitar. En fin… Que destiló consejos y consejos recopilados en unos mil libros, sin contradecir a ninguna religión, sino, más bien, recogiendo todo lo bueno de ellas. Un fenómeno que interesa: el cristiano quien ha encontrado a Sai Baba, ha visto fortalecer su fe en Cristo. Un tema nos queda por fuera: miles, literalmente miles de milagros de todas las especies que se puedan concebir han sido documentados alrededor del mundo; pero por cada sanación o fatalidad resuelta, alguien en alguna parte y desde la oscuridad de su alma, quiere denigrarlo. Al darse la noticia de su muerte el pasado domingo, medios de prensa internacionales agregan como “coletilla”, aseveraciones infames. ¡Por supuesto! Es que entre mejor sea un ser, resulta un blanco más fácil. Los cinco mil años de historia humana nos lo demuestran.

 

Author of this article: Lic. José A. Cabezas D.

FUNERAL DE SATHYA SAI BABA

NOTA: PARA PODER VER EL VIDEO DEL FUNERAL DE SATHYA SAI BABA, HAY QUE ENTRAR AL SITIO ORIGINAL (MULTIPLY), DAR CLICK EN EL ENLACE, GRACIAS,OM SRI SAI RAM

DONDEQUIERA QUE VAYAS, NO IMPORTA... - SATHYA SAI BABA

DONDEQUIERA QUE VAYAS, NO IMPORTA...

No importa, donde vayas cumple siempre con tu deber como lo veas y sabe que Yo estaré allí, dentro de tí, guiándote en cada paso del camino. En los años por venir, Me experimentarán en muchas manifestaciones diferentes de Mi forma. Tu eres Yo mismo, más que amado para Mí. Te protegeré como los párpados protejen a los ojos. Tu ya Me tienes, así como Yo te tengo a tí. Nunca te abandonaré y tu nunca podrás abandonarme.

De ahora en adelante, no desees ni anheles nada. Desempeña tu deber con un Amor invariable, viendo a todos como a Dios. Sé paciente. A su debido tiempo, todo te será dado. Sé feliz. No hay necesidad de preocuparse por nada. Sea lo que fuere que se experimente, sea lo que fuere que suceda, sabe que el Avatar así lo quiso. No existe poder en el mundo que pueda demorar ni por un instante la misión para la cual este Avatar ha venido. Todos ustedes son almas sagradas y tienen asignado el papel que habrán de desempeñar en el drama de la nueva Era de Oro que vendrá.

Sathya Sai Baba

SU PLAN MAESTRO

LAS SEÑALES DE SU PLAN MAESTRO (FOTOS INCLUÍDAS)

Por Aravind Balasubramanya (Estudiante Sai que trabaja en Radio Sai)

Miércoles 27 de abril de 2011

El 27 de abril de 2011 fue testigo de escenas profundamente conmovedoras, como nunca se vieran sobre la faz de la Tierra. Mientras el Mahasamadhi de un Avatar era presenciado en el mundo entero por un número de personas sin igual en la historia humana, las lágrimas fluían incontenibles. Estar en el mundo en este momento fue una experiencia limpiadora, porque la atmósfera entera fue lavada con lágrimas - puras, desinteresadas, llenas de amor y gratitud. Parecía que eran suficientes para borrar todos los pecados cometidos por la humanidad. Se ha escrito mucho sobre el Mahasamadhi de Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, y mucho más será escrito. Pero he aquí un pequeño pensamiento que quisiera compartir.

La magnitud de las plegarias que se elevaron en el mundo entero ha sido tremenda. El nombre de Sai llenó todo espacio concebible, porque ha sido entronizado en millones de corazones. En la Madre Tierra palpitaron bhajans, actividades de servicio y sadhana espiritual, en proporciones inéditas. En el nivel físico, los mejores hombres y las mejores máquinas trabajaron incansablemente día y noche, en el Templo de Sanación que Él mismo construyera. Sus más queridos estudiantes estuvieron constantemente a Su lado, atentos a cada aliento que Él exhalaba. Los esfuerzos combinados de todos los devotos eran suficientes para insuflarle vida a una piedra. Y sin embargo, el Señor entró en Mahasamadhi.

Este pensamiento me había acosado cuando me di cuenta de que la oración no es un acto de pedirle algo a Dios ni de decirle algo a Dios. Es una comunión silenciosa con Él. Cuando a Dios le pedimos o le decimos, asumimos de manera absurda y absolutamente ingenua que sabemos más que Él. Swami nos refiere a menudo el relato de dos campesinos: uno de ellos oraba pidiendo lluvia para sus cultivos, y el otro pidiendo buen tiempo para que el casamiento de su hija no sufriera interrupciones. ¿Cuál de las plegarias debía Dios escuchar?

¿Debía escuchar al que más lloraba? ¿O al que más anhelaba? ¿Debía dar preferencia a la edad, o más bien al estatus e influencia?

Por supuesto que Él escuchará a quien Le ame de verdad. ¿Y quién es ese? Naturalmente, es quien se haya rendido a Su voluntad. Cuando uno se ha rendido a Su voluntad, ¿acaso no resulta redundante la oración? Nuestra definición de la oración sufre un cambio, cuando nos damos cuenta de que aquel que está siempre en sintonía con el Señor tiene sus oraciones contestadas de antemano, ¡porque siempre ora pidiendo aquello que el Señor ya ha deseado! Esto es en verdad una forma diferente de pensar. Si mi plegaria es respondida, es porque yo estaba en sintonía con Dios, estaba en comunión con Él. Si mi plegaria no es respondida, yo no estaba sintonizado con Él; tengo que hacer esfuerzos por estar en comunión con Él.

Todos tenemos la experiencia de haber sentido algún impulso intuitivo, impulsos que se manifiestan por sí mismos. Sepamos que estos impulsos son instancias en las que hemos estado en comunión con Él. Y para mí, cuando estos impulsos intuitivos se han manifestado, he sentido la emoción de experimentarlo a Él. Le veo, Le oigo, Le siento y Él me habla. Siento emoción porque "conozco" Su plan. Y conozco Su plan porque pude estar en sintonía con Él durante esos preciosos momentos.

Por esa razón he sentido un gran alivio en las ocasiones en que Swami ha dado indicaciones de su Mahasamadhi. Me pareció maravilloso "saber" que todo es parte de su Plan Maestro. En las páginas de mi diario descubrí un sueño en el que hace meses Él indicaba que partiría pronto. Así como alguien con canas se las tiñe, o quien pierde los dientes se coloca una prótesis, también yo oculté mi conocimiento del sueño y seguí con mi vida. Y entonces, Swami dio la más conmovedora señal.

Ocurrió en la tarde del 20 de marzo. Swami se había estado descuidando un poco, si puedo usar ese término. Sus darshans habían sido pocos y espaciados. Sin embargo ese día dio dos turnos de darshan. Llamó a todos sus estudiantes, que habían estado sentados, para bendecirlos, y esparció granos sobre sus cabezas (ese día fueron bendecidos unos 40 estudiantes). Distribuyó dulces, y sonrió a todos los presentes. Hasta llamó a los pequeños de la Escuela Primaria, y les bendijo. En palabras de un cantante muy veterano: "Hoy Swami parece muy hiperactivo". Había alegría. Y cuando Él recibió el Arati, todos estaban emocionados mientras Él golpeaba las manos rítmicamente. Y entonces sucedió ...

Mientras el cántico de Samastha Loka llenaba el aire, Swami levantó ambas manos. Pero no se trataba del familiar Abhayahastha. ¡ESTABA SALUDANDO CON SUS MANOS UNIDAS! Parecía estar enviando un hermoso mensaje: "Saluden a todos porque Dios está en todos". Resonó en mi corazón el canto védico "Sahasra sheersha Purusha". (Ese himno dice que Swami tiene mil piernas, cabezas y órganos sensoriales, simbolizando el hecho de que Dios está en todos). En la costumbre bharatiya, este saludo es la manera en que uno se despide después de una visita.

Se me eriza el cabello y se me pone la piel de gallina cuando me doy cuenta de que Swami había dado señales del Mahasamadhi. ¡Pero no las vi! Swami dice: "Pashyan Api Na Pashyati Moodho" (Tonto, ves pero no ves). Esa era mi condición. Pero ese día tomé fotografías.

Y hoy, ver las fotografías me resulta muy consolador y cautivador, porque me dice que Swami conoce Sus planes. Aún cuando Él estaba bien y faltaba una semana para que fuera "internado" en el hospital, Swami había hecho evidente para nosotros Su decisión. Y al mostrarnos esta decisión, también nos mostraba Su expectativa. Él quiere que nuestras vidas sean Su mensaje, y uno de Sus actos finales de bendición nos enseña que debemos verle a Él en todos, tal como Él se ve a Sí Mismo en todos. Debemos reverenciarle a Él en todos, tal como Él se reverencia a Sí Mismo en todos. Debemos amar a todos y servir a todos tal como Él lo hizo.

Y para compartir la experiencia, la comprensión y las bendiciones de Swami en ese día, adjunto las siguientes cinco imágenes. Prometámosle solemnemente que en nuestras vidas estará implícito Su mensaje de Amor puro hacia todos. Y mientras una lágrima rueda por mi mejilla, por mi sangre fluye una firme resolución: ¡amarle a Él y verle a Él en todos!

 

REPORTE DEL SSSBPT SOBRE LA DESPEDIDA DE BHAGAVAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA

El cuerpo físico de Bhagavan descansa en medio de honores oficiales ...

 

Al Puttaparthi que cantó canciones de cuna al bebé Sathya, que mimó y alimentó al pequeño Sathya hasta que llegó a ser Sri Sathya Sai, y que recibió una y otra vez la abundancia de Su amor y atenciones durante las últimas ocho décadas y media, finalmente le tocó un día de lamentos, si bien el día estará señalado en los anales de la Historia Divina como el más significativo de todos, cuando el Avatar de la Era fue inhumado ... Decididamente, esto no es por su elección; por disposición del destino, un triste Puttaparthi tuvo que aceptar también este obsequio, junto con los que estuvo recibiendo en abundancia durante las últimas ocho décadas y media. Se trata de un Libreto Divino, escrito sólo por Él y ejecutado a su inimitable manera. Por toda la gloria, felicidad y bienaventuranza que ha estado recibiendo una y otra vez, cuando llegó el momento final de decir adiós al Alma de la creación entera, Puttaparthi lloró, y así lo hicieron millones y millones de personas en todo el mundo. Bhagavan, que dejó Su cuerpo físico el 24 de abril de 2011, fue sepultado esta mañana en el Salón Sai Kulwant, en presencia de una enorme concurrencia de devotos, con la asistencia de una multitud de luminarias políticas.

Los actos habían comenzado antes, con un aalap bhajan a cargo del notorio vocalista clásico Pt. Jasraj, el cual fue seguido por una hora de bhajans a cargo de los estudiantes. Siguieron múltiples plegarias representando a diversas religiones, incluyendo al Judaísmo, Cristianismo, Islam, Budismo y Sikkismo, antes de un conjunto de  bhajans selectos, de  aquellos tan queridos por el Amado Bhagavan, interpretados por los estudiantes y acompañados por las lágrimas de la concurrencia, transportada a los nostálgicos días felices acompañados por su Amada "Sai Maa".

El viaje final de Bhagavan tuvo todos los honores de estado, con la presencia del Gobernador y el Primer Minstro de Andhra Pradesh para la ocasión. Se ofrendaron las salvas de fusil en saludo, y la banda de la Policía tocó en homenaje, a medida que se llevaban a cabo los actos finales.

Comenzaron los últimos ritos, ejecutados por el sobrino de Bhagavan, R. J. Ratnakar en represantación de la familia. Numerosos sacerdotes guiaron la ceremonia, que duró 45 minutos.

El Divino Cuerpo Físico fue descendido a una fosa de aproximadamente dos y medio por tres y medio metros, excavada exactamente en el palco que Bhagavan acostumbraba adornar con Su presencia durante las sesiones de bhajans.

Se erigieron pantallas gigantes en lugares selectos dentro de Puttaparthi y en los alrededores, para que los devotos pudieran presenciar los ritos finales. Los rostros de los devotos traslucían un estado de shock y de tristeza, y el pueblo entero está tratando aún de adaptarse a la partida de su Amado.

Entre los dignatarios presentes estaban el Gobernador y el Primer Ministro de Andhra Pradesh, EVL Narasimhan y Kiran Kumar Reddy respectivamente; los dirigentes del partido  BJP, L K Advani y Venkaiah Naidu; el ex Ministro del Interior de la Unión, y Gobernador de Punjab, Shivraj Patil; el primer ministro de Karnataka, B. S. Yeddyurappa; el Telugu Desam Supremo y ex Primer Ministro de Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu; el ex Primer Ministro de Maharashtra, Ashok Chavan; el veterano líder del partido VHP, Ashok Singhal; los Ministros de Andhra Pradesh, Geeta Reddy y Raghuveera Reddy, etc.

El Divino Cuerpo Físico, envuelto en tela naranja, color favorito de Bhagavan, fue descendido al Samadhi en medio de cánticos védicos. Como gesto simbólico, la ceremonia fue marcada por el obsequio de una vaca y prendas de vestir (godhaana y buudhana). Sobre el Cuerpo Divino se esparció agua especialmente recolectada en diversos ríos sagrados, santificando la ocasión.

Apenas se dio por terminado el primer conjunto de rituales, descendió el telón para que se den los toques finales a la tumba donde sería inhumado Bhagavan. Durante el siguiente intervalo de más de media hora se cantó en forma incesante el Sai Gayatri, hasta que el telón se volvió a alzar para que el público tuviera la visión inaugural de la Tumba del Avatar de la Era ...

THE FINAL JOURNEY... FAREWELL TO BHAGAVAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA

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Sri Sathya Sai Baba's Samadhi
 

Priests sit next to the burial place - Samadhi of  Sri Sathya Sai Baba inside the Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram in Puttaparti,

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:

http://www.sathyasai.org/swamihealth/swaminews.html 

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Archival (2010) : Mar - Apr - May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov - Dec - Jan 2011 - Feb 2011 ...... Mar 2011

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:

http://www.sssbpt.org/images/FinalJourney.swf

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!!!

Watch Video of April 24th Procession

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.

View Flash Slideshow:

http://www.sssbpt.org/images/SathyaSaiDrama26April2011.swf

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!

24th April - Procession

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.

View Flash Slideshow:

http://www.sssbpt.org/images/SathyaSaiDrama25April2011.swf

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 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.

View Flash Slideshow:

http://www.sssbpt.org/images/SathyaSaiDrama24April2011.swf

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.

More Photos and videos - Click here

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

NEWS OF SWAMI 27 APRIL 2011 MORNING

Imprimir

MY BLESSINGS ARE ALWAYS WITH YOU
 

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.

A longer description of the cermony can be found here.

Videos of the event will be available after the normal editing process.

Jai Sai Ram

Visit this page to see Swami lying in State in Sai Kulwant Hall.

Here is a video, on www.saicast.org.

Letter from Michael Goldstein, Chair, Prasanthi Council

Here is a discussion of Swami's age when He left HIs body.

Article on Sathya Sai Baba in the Hindustan Times, by Abdul Kalam, former President of India. Also in pdf

Interview with Prof. Venkatarman and Dr. Narendranath Reddy. Text and audio.

Transcript of report concerning Bhagawan's health by Dr Goldstein. Recording of report

Discourse, 5 July 2003. Swami talks about His health and body.

Discourse, 13 July 2005. Swami talks about His Well-Being.

Musings by Prof G. Venkatraman, 6 April .

Dr. Safaya's report on Swami's health (5 April). video   transcript

"In regard to every matter, my thoughts are always sublime and exemplary. You must note that Swami's life is in His own hands and not in those of anyone else. If I will it, I can live for as long as I please. I can also terminate it at will. It is my will that decides and not any other person. The reason is My purity, selflessness, and divinity. What other testimony is called for? The life of the pure hearted is in their own hands and not in those of others." Discourse, 3 July 1993

Message from the Radio Sai Team, on April 27 morning early

Like every one of you, we were caught completely unawares on April 24, and immediately we had to organize huge screens for devotees' viewing in Sai Kulwant Hall, at select points inside the Ashram and the Puttaparthi town. This had to be done with no delay not only for convenience of devotees but also for security.

We have offered Live Audio Stream of the bhajans and devotional offerings in Sai Kulwant Hall on Radio Sai since the morning of April 25.

For Live Video of the happenings in Sai Kulwant Hall we made quick arrangements for a Live Video Feed which was carried by a number of TV Channels through their broadcasting vans stationed in Prasanthi Nilayam. This way we were able to serve the yearning devotees at the regional and national level. Because of the pressure of all these immediate tasks on our extremely limited manpower (hardly half a dozen staff) and other resources we could not organize a Live Video Stream on our website radiosai.org or sathyasai.org or saicast.org.

We regret this inconvenience to overseas devotees. However, we hope many people in several countries will watch the special video "The Miracle of Pure Love" which will be aired by Astha International TV Channel. Please go here for the timings.

April 27 is the most sacred day when the Sai Kulwant Hall will transform into the Maha Samadhi Mandir of our dearest Bhagawan. We will video record every second of this momentous occasion and will offer you special highlights shortly, both on radiosai.org and saicast.org. This way people in all time zones will be able to see a compact footage of this event at their convenience.

People in India can watch the Live Video of tomorrow's proceedings on the many TV channels that are already carrying the divine darshan in Sai Kulwant Hall for the past two days.

Additionally, we are organizing huge screens in Hill View Stadium to enable the ever increasing number of devotees thronging Prasanthi Nilayam to witness tomorrow's proceedings with much ease.

We hope you understand the immense constraints and demands on our time and resources because of which we are not able to offer you a Live Video Stream of tomorrow's proceedings on our website.

Thank You.

"I am in You, With You, Above You, Beside You, Around You…." Any number of times Bhagawan has reminded us about this ultimate truth. Our Sai, as we all know, is very much in our hearts, guiding us, guarding us, and loving us as ever. Let us now resolve to make our lives His message.

Bhagawan's physical frame laid to rest amidst state honours

Puttaparthi, which sung lullabies to infant Sathya, which fondled and nurtured Little Sathya to Sri Sathya Sai, and which 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 will be marked in the annals of Divine History as the most significant of the day, 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 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 24 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. This was followed by an hour-long bhajan by students. A host of prayers representing various religions, including Jewish, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Sikhism, followed before a set of selected bhajan, 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 "Swami".

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.

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 shock and sadness, and the township is still coming to terms with the departure of their Beloved.

Among the dignitaries present were the Governor and the 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.

The Divine Physical Frame, 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 various holy rivers across India was also sprinkled on the Divine Frame sanctifying the occasion.

Even as the first set of rituals were 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 view of the Tomb of the Avatar of the Age.

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!!!

 
 For Photos of Swami's Maha Samadhi Programme, Please click the Link Below :

http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/darshanupdateApr2011.html
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 will be marked in the annals of Divine History as the most significant of the day, 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 "Swami".

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 that 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.

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.

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.

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 various holy rivers across India was also sprinkled on the Divine Frame sanctifying the occasion.

Even as the first set of rituals were 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 view of the Tomb of the Avatar of the Age...

As fragrant Vibhuti smell wafted in the air granting the nostalgia of golden days when Beloved spent time amidst on the same dais, and 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!!!

Source: www.sssbpt.org

Sri Sathya Sai Baba Final Farewell Video - 27-04-2011

 

Sri Sathya Sai Baba's Samadhi

" The curtains were removed after 40 minutes for the people to have a glimpse of the ‘samadhi’ where the body was laid to rest in line with the practice adopted for Hindu spirital leaders. Normally, Hindus cremate their bodies.

R J Ratnakar, Swami's nephew and trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Baba Central Trust, performing the last rites of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. - 27-04-2011

Governor Narasimhan, Chief Minister Reddy, Advani, Chandra Babu Naidu and other leaders went to the samadhi had a word with Ratnakar and sprinkled sacred ash at the spot.

Earlier, a little before 9 a.m. the glass casket in which Sai Baba’s body was lying in state from Sunday night was removed and the body was wrapped in national tri colour for a brief while.

The nephew of Sri Sathya Sai Baba R. J. Rathnakar  is guided by  priests as he performs the last rites over the Bhagawan's body inside Prashanthi Nilayam

Men of the Andhra Pradesh Armed Police sounded the last post and fired 21 shots in the air as a mark of respect.
 

 

 

Then the tri colour was removed and verses from Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Sikh, Judaism and Buddhist scriptures were read out by leaders from these sects. Later, they joined in sprinkling the sacred ash at the samadhi spot as ‘mangal aarti’ was performed.




With Sai Baba’s body draped in his favourite saffron robe, the last rites were performed by Mr. Ratnakar, who wept inconsolably, while priests recited vedic chants.  Mr. Ratnakar Swami's Nephew & also a member of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust.

Water from sacred rivers from all over the country were sprinkled on Sai Baba’s body along with ...honey, ghee and silk were given as gifts to priests.

After the ceremony was over, Sai devotees gathered at the hall rushed to have a look at the samadhi, which was open for public viewing after 11.45 a.m."
 

click to enlarge R J Ratnakar, Swami's nephew and trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Baba Central Trust, performing the last rites of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. - 27-04-2011

 

Ashram Devotees carry the body of  Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba