Maha Poornahuthi of the Dasara Jnana Saptaaha Yajna was offered into the Sacrificial Pit on 17th October evening in the Poornachandra Auditorium in the immediate Divine presence of the Yajna Purusha, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba! Continuing with the changing phase of evening schedules, Prasanthi witnessed the grand finale of the Yajna in a different colour, with the beautiful twilight setting the backdrop for the most auspicious occasion! The simple, yet elegant function marked by religious, devotional fervour was attended by a huge concourse of devotees.
In the evening, Poornachandra Auditorium was filled to capacity and hundreds and thousands of devotees were waiting outside for a glimpse of the Divine. Huge screens, one each on either side, ladies and gents, set up in the Sai Kulwant captured the sacred moments serving another thousands, relaying the proceedings live.
Bhagawan came onstage at 1805 hrs. and the proceedings began immediately. No sooner Bhagawan assumed His seat, the Seat of The Yajna Purusha, than He was surrounded by the group of officiating priests, seeking blessing before the final rituals. Blessing a green bundle containing sacred offerings, Bhagawan sat facing the Sacrificial Pit, witnessing the proceedings.
Continuing with the rituals, as the priests offered the green sacred bundle into the sacrificial fire, the fire rose into sparks to flames as if enlivened with the touch of The Divine. Adding His special sanctifying touch, Bhagawan sprinkled sacred yellow rice, followed by the priests with the final offering of ghee. Stimulated by the stream of ghee that went dripping through the wooden pole, red hot engulfing flames rose up enlivening the dais, witnessed by the multitudes flocked to Prasanthi blurring caste and religious differences. In tandem with the ghee (clarified butter) offering, Divine Hand went on pouring sacred akshata grains into the holy fire.
After accepting Poornahuthi at 1820 hrs., Bhagawan moved towards the western corner of the dais. He was offered a flower garland and soon it was time for Mangala Arathi. Arathi bell rang and Bhagawan sat, accepting the same at 1820 hrs. Spending some time around Bhagawan returned to the centre-stage, to bless the priests. Squatting around The Lord, the group of priests chanted Vedas for sometime, before students took over, continuing with chanting of Durga Suktam, Shivopansana Mantra and Mantra Pushpam. As blessed Prasadam went for distribution, Bhagawan moved behind the curtains, at 1837 hrs., bringing curtains down on Dasara Yajna 2010.
Earlier, in the evening, Bhagawan was ushered into the Sai Kulwant Hall at 1745 hrs. to the notes of Nadaswaram and Bhajans. Students were still in the hall and bhajans were on. Many of the students were seen dotting the sacred red mark on their forehead, a custom during Dasara festivity. Completing a full round, blessing some Dasara cards by students, Bhagawan moved into the bhajan hall where officiating priests along with Vedam boys gathered awaiting The Divine nod. Blessing the group, Bhagawan asked the priests and boys to move on. Procession began and as indicated by Bhagawan, students also joined moving towards the auditorium. At 1800 hrs. Bhagawan moved off, gliding into the ladies' side moving towards Poornachandra.
In the morning, after an hour long bhajan session, Mangala Arathi was offered at 10:00 hrs. and soon after the Arathi, women students went for a circumambulation of the Mandir commencing the final day's proceedings of Grama Seva 2010. Entire Ashram was served by the students along with faculty members, ably assisted by students and staff from Prasanthi Nilayam and Brindavan Campus.
Ayudha Pooja in Prasanthi Nilayam is atypical with a fleet of cars serving the Divinity getting blessed by Bhagawan, a custom that has been prevalent for years. …And alongwith the same comes the Golden Chariot. This year, reversing the schedule, Bhagawan blessed the fleet of ten cars arrayed in the Sai Kulwant Hall, on the evening of 15th October. Heading the group of cars was the golden chariot.
Arriving at 1718 hrs., Bhagawan came for a full round, blessing the vehicles and the chariot enroute. Coconuts were broken and trayfuls of chocolates were blessed before Bhagawan moving past to pose for photographs with the Golden Chariot in the backdrop.
Ayudha Pooja in Prasanthi Nilayam is atypical with a fleet of cars serving the Divinity getting blessed by Bhagawan, a custom that has been prevalent for years. …And alongwith the same comes the Golden Chariot. This year, reversing the schedule, Bhagawan blessed the fleet of ten cars arrayed in the Sai Kulwant Hall, on the evening of 15th October. Heading the group of cars was the golden chariot. 