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Published on Wed, Nov 17, 2008 at 23.00 Hrs.IST
Rukmini Kalyanam
The afternoon function for this day, 17th evening, was held at Sai Kulwant Hall. Bhagawan came to the Hall at 5.25 p.m. and went round the Hall to the delight of the huge gathering. The arrangement of idols for this evening’s programme, Rukmini Kalyanam (marriage of Rukmini with Lord Krishna) was Lord Krishna’s idol placed on a pedestal on one side, decorated in all splendour and His consorts Rukmini, Sathyabhama on another pedestal, on the other side. The celestial wedding was performed in the traditional manner with all its piety. The priests continuously chanted Vedic Mantras as the divine marriage was being performed. The Mangalasutrams (Mangalasutram means an auspicious thread or cord or gold necklace) for the celestial wedding was first shown by a priest to the entire audience on either side. Then the gold necklaces were placed on the arm of Lord Krishna. After some time, the necklaces were removed and worn round the neck of Rukmini and Sathyabhama. Thus, the ceremonial wedding was performed to the thunderous applause of devotees. Flower garlands were exchanged between the idols of Sri Krishna and Rukmini and Sathyabhama.
After this, there was a brief period of chanting of Sama Veda by the priests. Mahamangala Arati was offered to the idols at the end of this ceremony. The priests chanted Vedic Mantras religiously standing in front of Sai Krishna. Bhagavan blessed the priests with mementoes. He then materialised a gold chain for the head priest of the Yajna, Sri Lakshminarayana Somayaji. Bhagawan went amidst the priests of the Yajna.
Ms. Mahalakshmi Iyer’s Concert
There were two concerts for the evening session, the first of them was by Ms. Mahalakshmi Iyer & Troupe, the second was by Malladi Brothers. Ms. Mahalakshmi Iyer sang her songs in the Hindustani classical style of music. She began her performance with a Marathi song, a song dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Guru (preceptor). It was a Tukaram Abhang (is a form of devotional poetry sung in praise of the Hindu God Vitthala also known as Vithoba. Abhangs were first sung by Tukaram in his native language, Marathi). Her second song, a Mira Bhajan was sung with deep feelings of devotion. The lyrics of the song ran thus, “Whatever anyone may, I have given my heart to Lord Krishna. My mind which was hitherto in slumber was suddenly woken up after hearing the name of the Sadguru. Her third song was a composition for occasion, Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshana Mahotsavam, the meaning of which was, “As long as there is water in the Ganges, may the Lord Sathya Sai live!). Whatever the world may say, I should always love and worship You. I should always cling on to Your Lotus Feet.” “Rama Ka Gun Gan Kariye …” was the next song. The song, Bhaje Murliyan …was enjoyed by one and all. The song, “Damadam Mast Kalandar …” enlivened interest in the audience. One could see the audience joyfully clapping to the song. At the end of Ms. Mahalakshmi Iyer’s concert, Bhagawan gave clothes to her and her accompanying artistes.
Malladi Brothers’ Brief Performance
The Carnatic music duo Malladi Brothers along with their father who performed on the evening of 16th were given another chance on this evening too. Starting their performance with “Radha Sameta Krishna …”, they followed it up with a livelier song, “Shambo Mahadeva ...” in Panthuvarali raga. This song won the plaudits of the audience in good measure. Prasadam was distributed to all the devotees in the end. The Arati for this memorable day was offered at 8.10 p.m. Thus, concluded the grand and glorious Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshana Mahotsavam festival which will ever remain etched in the hearts of everyone at Prasanthi Nilayam. |
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