Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam at Prasanthi nilayam

Volume 14 - Issue 04
April 2016

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Posted on: Apr 24, 2016

Sri Sathya Sai Aradhana Mahotsavam
at Prasanthi nilayam - 24 Apr 2016

It was a morning that began very early for more than 50,000 people in the villages surrounding Puttaparthi as they made their way to the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium at Vidyagiri. By 7:00 a.m. they were all seated in neat rows under the spacious shamianas that had been lovingly erected to shield them from the harsh summer sun. There were people from all castes, all religions, multiple nations and all strata of society.

Though different in many ways, they are all magically knit by their love for God. That love expresses itself in the smiles of everyone around. It also expresses itself in the impeccable discipline of both - those that have come to offer service and those that are recipients of service. In fact, when the Parliamentary Affairs minister, Mr. M. Venkiah Naidu, arrived at the stadium to light the lamp and 'inaugurate' the Narayan Seva, he could scarce believe that 50,000 people had gathered.

'Deen Dukhiyon Se Prem Karo, Mera Sai Prasanna Hoga' goes the popular bhajan which Swami loves so much. The distribution began and there was joy everywhere. Announcements were made over the PA system that nobody should leave without receiving the food and clothes that Swami had blessed because that would mean a loss of a great opportunity for devotees. Just to clarify, what the announcement meant was this, "On the Aradhana Mahotsavam, we have been given the privilege of serving all of you who have come from far away villages. Please let us not get deprived of this great boon."

Inspired by the true spirit of service, the honourable minister too plunged into the activity. He served dozens of Narayanas along with his daughter. Having served them he spontaneously took a handful of the Pulihora and put it into his mouth after prayerfully placing it on his eyes.

The comfortable lawns of an international cricket field below, the cool roof of the expansive shamiana above and thousands of grateful hearts in between - it was indeed a scene divine! Who could ever say that Bhagawan was not present. His presence was evident in the joy that was gushing forth and radiating from one and all.

The 5th Aradhana Day reiterated the Truth that Swami has not gone anywhere - He has just shifted residence from the Yajur Mandir to the Hridaya Mandir.