"Brindavan Folk Dance", a programme by Devotees from Nilgiris
February 17, 2009
A rare initiative, unprecedented in the history of Prasanthi Nilayam, was taken up by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. A group of holy ascetics, 13 sadhus and 6 sadhunis from the valley of Blue Mountains in Tamil Nadu where brought to the Spiritual epicenter in Andhra Pradesh, Prasanthi Nilayam for the holy darshan of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
The Nilgiris, popularly known as the fairyland of Tamil Nadu is a marvellous natural wonder, an epitome of God’s creative craft in pristine perfection, where mother nature bejewels herself with exquisite repertoire of native boons. Passing through the times in several centuries, the Nilgiris, the blue mountains of Southern India has been going through rich cultural evolution from time to time, from the times of the Cheras and Cholas through to the times of Pandyas, to the Hoysalas, to British to the present day. While carving a niche in the tourism map of India, this blue mountain valley was doubly lucky with its spiritual evolution, as the spiritually bent, renunciates, saints and sadhus have taken shelter on the vast terrains down the hills, establishing number of ashrams. And over the years, the valley has been witnessing spiritual renaissance with all these various mutts and ashrams attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees.
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations upholding the true spirit of Bhagawan’s teachings, Love All Serve All; Help Ever Hurt Never has been actively serving these ashrams, with its volunteer force, during major festivities in each one of these ashrams numbering over fifteen. The rapport that was built, not by preaching but through precept indeed evoked greater interest in these ashrams and inmates to know the fountainhead, the main inspiration behind this selfless motive. The story of God walking on two feet was introduced with the fabric of Prasanthi Nilayam in detail. …And this service has been going on for past more than 15 long years. The district Sai Organisation would conduct Sadhana Camps in many of these ashrams in rotation and for many of the organizational activities, these holy men and women would be invited to speak on Bhagawan and spirituality.
Narrating the entire exercise of organizing the pilgrimage to Prasanthi Nilayam, Dr. Vasu, District President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations was candid in his view saying, it was at the instance of some of these holy men who were curious to come to the Lotus Feet that the entire initiative got incited. “We are all growing old, when are you taking us to Prasanthi Nilayam” was the common question posed by these holy men and women and there began the initiative. Inspired by the request, the organizational office-bearers tendered invitations to each of these holy men and women to join the Yatra and the response was absolutely positive, says Dr. Vasu, politely acknowledging Bhagawan’s greater magnanimity behind the success story. Having got the clue of their greater desire to come to Prasanthi Nilayam, he said, the coordinators made a silent prayer at His Feet during their previous visit.
Talking about the response from Prasanthi Nilayam, He was beaming with joy at the arrangements made to host and house these holy ascetics. While all of them were allotted special rooms with volunteers to attend to their needs, special darshan slots, some of the senior sadhus were seated on the dais at the special instance of Bhagawan. During the course of darshan Bhagawan had interacted with many of them.
The Sadhus and Saints came over include, Sri Sivaprakash Swamigal or Sri Sarguru Rajayoga Madalayam, Sri Rajuswamy Adigalar of Sri Sivananda Tavakudil, Sri Ramananda Swamigal of Sri Sivananda Ashram, Sri Guru Krishnanandaji Maharaj of Annamalai Ashram, Sri Guru Suyanjothi Swamigal of Sri Sarguru Sathya Raja Yoga Seva Gnanashramam, Swami Swaswarupananda of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram, Swami Sugunanda Puri of Kailash Ashram, Swami Shanmugananda of Sri Sivananda Ashram, Swami Guruprakash Swamigal of Sri Sarguru Ashram, Swam Swamprakashananda of Sri Ramanashramam, Swami Vedanthananda os Sri Saratha Brahma Vidya Kendra, Sri Sivananda Swamigal of Annamalai Ashram, Swami Kailayananda Sivam of Bettati Village, Swami Saradananda of Sri Ramakrishna Tapovanam, Sanyasini Guru Poornajothi of Sri Sarguru Sathya Raja Yoga Seva Gnanashramam, Sanyasini Gurupriyananda of Sri Saratha Brahma Vidya Kendra, Mathaji Anandananda Mayee of Annamalai Ashramam, Sanyasini Mangammal of Sri Sivananda Thavakudil, Sanyasini Guru Parvathajothi, Sri Sarguru Sathya Raja Yoga Seva Gnanashramam, Sanyasini Meenakshiammal of Sri Sivananda Thavakudil.
Unflinching love and devotion of Gopis and Gopalas to Bhagawan Sri Krishna was the theme of a cultural programme, a folklore dance programme titled Brindavan Folk Dance staged by Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Nilgiri District, Tamil Nadu, on the 17th evening in the immediate Divine Presence. Pleased by the fine portrayal, the group was blessed with a coveted photo session; Bhagawan materialized a chain for the ‘Krishna’ character – an act of Divine appreciation.
Over the years, Ooty had been blessed with the Divine visits of Bhagawan. Recalling the Divine back to the Blue Mountains, the District Sathya Sai Organisation has built a beautiful palatial building to house Bhagawan and His activities. Built in over 3500 sq. ft. area, this Pentagon shape architectural marvel is waiting for the Lord to set His feet in...
