The much awaited Athi Rudra Maha Yajna aiming at World Peace and Prosperity to the World at large begins in the Holy Abode of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at Prasanthi Nilayam in His immediate Divine Presence this afternoon at 15:00 Hrs. IST.  The Yajna will commence with Bhagawan lighting the lamp at the scheduled hour which will be preceded by a ceremonial procession of Bhagawan from His Divine Abode to the Yaga Shala in Sai Kulwant Hall led by Ritwiks accompanied by Poornakumbham, Music Band and Dwara Puja. Inauguration will be followed by an Invocation song, welcome address by Sri Vinay Kumar, in-charge Youth Wing of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations – Karnataka and an Introductory Address by the Chief Priest for the Ceremony, Nanjunda Dixit.

In the morning Bhagawan arrived in the Sai Kulwant Hall at 7:35 a.m., went for a full round blessing devotees. Later Bhagawan blessed the Rithwiks who were specially seated in the bhajan hall with ceremonial dress for the Yajna. Bhagawan retired to Yajur Mandiram after Bhajans and Arathi at 9:30 a.m.