Bhagawan inaugurates Sri Sathya Sai Panduraga Kshetra

Inducing Life to Idols at the Hands of The Divine - 29th October - Morning

Posted at 19:50 Hrs. on 30th Oct 2009

(We regret the incovenience caused due to this delayed posting of Reports from Pune. Though we have been constantly getting updates from Pune, owing to 30 Hour long Inernet "blackout" in the ashram, we could not update this section in time. We are indebted to the Web Team, srisathyasai.in, the official website of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Maharashtra for their regular feedback to us)

The much awaited Prana Pratishta of the three deities, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vittala Rakumai and Bhagawan Shirdi Sai Baba idols  at the Sri Sathya Sai Panduraga Kshetra was done by the Divine Hands on the auspicious 29th October morning attended by vast concourse of devotees.

Earlier in the morning, huge chunk of devotees (some overwhelmed with tears for their prayers were finally answered!) poured into the grounds of the Holy venue. The air was charged with excitement as His devotees continued to be in high spirits after the beautiful Darshan and soul-stirring musical rendition of the previous evening. 

The splendid pink and white Ganesha Mandir at the entrance of the enclosure was delicately decorated with fragrant flowers, floral Swastiks and festive streamers. Soft rose petals were sprinkled all along the pathway to the Mandir. A ‘Shri’ inscribed in the floral decoration just above the doorway of the Mandir, welcomed the Lord within, where, on a raised, decorated platform, sat the magnificent marble idol of the Destroyer of Obstacles, Lord Ganesha. 

Just before Swami arrived, priests and the Seva Dals performed a Kumbha Abhishek at the Ganesha and Vitthala Mandirs. Chanting prayers, they washed and sanctified two 3-tiered golden-coloured Kalash, and then placed a garland of fresh flowers around the Kalash. The sanctified Kalash was placed on the spires of the Ganesha and Vitthala Mandirs. 

At 9:20 am, the Band of Solapur lined the red carpet leading to the Mandir welcoming Bhagawan in traditional Maratta style. The atmosphere was suffused with Vedic chanting and rhythmic sounds of percussion melodies. 

Bhagawan arrived at 9:20 a.m to the accompaniment of combined sounds of Vedam, cymbals, trumpets and drums that electrified the atmosphere.

At 9:33 a.m., Bhagawan arrived in His car at the Ganesha mandir where He performed the Ganesha Murthi Sthapana (Idol Installation) rituals. 

Bhagawan then proceeded to the Vitthala Rukhumai Mandir. As soon as he entered the premises, Bhajans began at 9:45 a.m. with ‘Pahi Gajanana Deenawana’. 

Bhagawan went into the Shirdi Sai temple while the Bhajan ‘Sai Ram Ghanshyam Bhagawan Tumhara Naam’ was being sung. Here, Bhagawan conducted the Prana Pratishtha ritual for the Shirdi Baba idol.

As Bhagawan approached the Vitthala temple, devotees sang Panduranga Bhajans. Bhagawan then conducted the Prana Pratishtha ceremony for the Vitthal idol. The devotees sitting in the lawns, waiting for a glimpse of Bhagawan, sang their hearts out, paying eager tributes to their Lord! The already charged atmosphere was further boosted by an encircling paraglider showering rose petals all over!

At 10:16 a.m. Bhagawan emerged from the Mandir, giving the much awaited Darshan to eager devotees. Beaming His beautiful enchanting smile, glancing with love and compassion, it was a sight to behold when Bhagawan reigned like an Emperor giving Him away to the ecstatic devotees.

At approximately 10:35 a.m., Swami proceeded towards the Prana Pratishtha Yagna. To the chants of the Vedas, Bhagwan Himself offered the Purnahuti of the Yagna, signalling the completion of the sacred ritual. 

At 10:45 a.m., Bhagawan accepted Aarti from Sri Jadhav ji’s parents. He then left for His residence. 

Panduranga Kshetra, nestled amidst the lush, verdant hills of Hadshi, was indeed transformed into the Valley of Bliss! The residents of Hadshi could not have asked for a bigger blessing, a greater gift!