Grand Opening for the epochal event

Published on Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 15.00 Hrs.IST

What entails when the Almighty Lord comes out in the open on a fresh morning that is slated to be infinitely auspicious? He spends time oozing compassion, while being dispassionate all along.

This was what Prasanthi had in store when Bhagawan emerged out of His Divine Abode driving down to the venue of the epochal event, Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshana Mahotsavam.

The day that promised much finally arrived. Much before the golden rays peeped from the eastern sky to the hallowed spiritual township, Prasanthi Nilayam was up on her feet, bustling with joy and enthusiasm at the imminence of the moment much awaited. And every attention was on to the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, the venue that was finally spruced up to perfection for the formal commencement of the big event.

As the Yajna Vedhi was getting beefed up with final touches before the formal beginning, 150 Rithwiks designated for the yajna alongwith the crux of the vedam boys from the ashram were readying themselves for the final whistle to blow.

The programme formally commenced at 7:45 am with Punyaaha Vachan followed by Sankalpam by the person designated to conduct the function. Adoring the centre stage on the dais was a replica of the Lord of Seven Hills, Lord Venkateshwara, well decked, matching the pristine splendour and spiritual aura of the presiding deity of Venkatadri.  

Morning rituals included chanting of the names of Lord Ganesha, the Lord who removes obstacles, one lakh times followed by Sahasra Modaka Ganapathi Homam by 62 Rithwiks from the Sringeri Sharada Peetam. This was followed by Shatha Rudra Abhishekam and Navagraha Japam — chanting of 10,000 names for each of the nine grahas, which will continue till evening. Of the 12 homa kundas only three were lit for the day, one each for Maha Ganapathi Homam, Sudarshana Homam and Maha Mruthyunjaya Homam. Lakshmi Narayana Puja was performed to the main deity of Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshanam.

The Chief Priest officiating the Yajna, Lakshmi Narayana Somayaji from Sringeri Mutt, was in an ecstatic mood while sharing few words with us. He felt that officiating the Yajna in the Divine Presence was a great fortune and he had got it also because of the blessings of Bhagawan and his Guru, His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Bharati Teertha Swamiji of Sharada Peetam, Sringeri.  

Earlier Bhagawan was given a rousing reception, Poornakumbha Swagatham, at the Shanti Vedhika at 8:40 am and simultaneously crackers went bursting at the Hanuman Top atop the Hill, heralding the auspiciousness of the occasion. Onstage, Bhagawan was taken to the main shrine of Lord Venkateshwara and priests were seen explaining and seeking blessings from Bhagawan. Subsequently, the Yajna fire was generated with the ceremonial churning and rubbing of wooden blocks to produce fire in the most natural way formally commencing the Yajna. The most compassionate Lord moved around the stage several times blessing devotees with His fulfilling presence.

Mangala Arathi was offered to Bhagawan at 10:25 am before the Lord retired to His Divine Abode. Navagraha Japam continued till 12:30 pm. In the afternoon, Sudrashana Japam has been scheduled to be from 3:30 to 6:30 pm, and Sundrashana Homam from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

In the evening, the focus of attention would be shifted to Sai Kulwant Hall as Bhagawata Saptaaha will continue for the sixth day, followed by a cultural programme by the famous carnatic classical duo Priya sisters scheduled for the twilight session.