Day 6: Navarathri Celebrations

Dharma, Swami says, stands on three pillars -Yagna, Satsang and Seva. The ongoing celebrations bear testimony to Swami’s untiring efforts towards “Dharma Samsthaapana” i.e reestablishing the practice of Dharma. To give thrust to the ongoing Seva activities the Lord started the day by flagging off the Grama Seva. Out of His immense Love Swami willed that Laddu Prasadam, food and clothes be shared with all the residents living in 9 villages surrounding the upcoming free of cost comprehensive cancer treatment hospital SRI SATHYA SAI DIVYAMRITAM project site near Thatipudi reservoir.

Speaking to His devotees on the occasion, Swami enlightened them by saying that accomplishment of any good work can be achieved if it is undertaken selflessly with Unity among all and Love for each other. Showing His compassionate Love for His Children, Swami guided the volunteers saying that one could win over Maya, that deludes man, through Seva, which enables one to overcome one’s identity with one’s body.

At the Yaga Shala the day’s proceedings continued in the form of Ganapathi Puja; Punyahavachanam; Mandapaaadhana;

Chathushasti Yogini Mandapaaradhana; Kshetra Palakaaradhaba; Vastu purusha Devataaraadhana; Navagrahaaradhana; kumkumaarchana; Rudrabhishekam and Chandi Homam. Poornaahuti was offered made by Swami. The Ritwik continued with the Veda Parayanam and expounded the essence of granthaas (scriptures) covered during the day.

In His Divine Discourse that He blessed us with in the morning session, Swami in His Unique way explained that unlimited worldly desires(Aasalu) ultimately lead one to disappointment and despair (Niraasa) only and therefore, one should put a ceiling on one’s desires.

Speaking about Grama Seva, Swami said that He willed that by the year 2025 the number of people that would be served Divya Prasadam would increase to 50000, when the Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam would be performed. Swami thrilled the fortunate ones present by declaring that His Lakshyam (aim) is to make Sri Sai Palle another Puttaparthi like spiritual capital on the world map. The session ended with Mangala Haarathi followed by distribution of Prasadam.

In the evening session, Swami, in His Address, went on to emphasise that Love can achieve anything; that with Love one can live very happily even with limited resources; with love any number of obstacles can be overcome. Quoting Lord Rama’s example of leading a life in forests during the 14 year exile, HE assured that one can be sure of achieving anything with Love. Swami then remembered His devotees who come from countries far and wide just to drink the nectar of Divine Love and added that one should try to have a Vision of the God in stone but should never look at God as stone. Reminding us that Love alone can save the Universe, Swami said patients should be treated with Loving care like a family member. He then went on to appreciate the services rendered by the teams despite the inclement weather during the Grama Seva.

The cultural program was a treat to the ears and eyes as Smt Kusuma sang through devotional songs suffused with lot of devotion. Swami relished the vocal offerings and lauded her performance and the involvement of all their family members in these offerings. Kumari Snigdha Sarvepalli studying in 6th standard then performed Bharata Natyam to the delight of Swami. Her performance stood out and gave a wonderful conclusion to the day’s proceedings after the Haarathi to be followed by distribution of Divya Prasadam.