Published on Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 1300 Hrs. IST

Puttaparthi that sung lullabies to infant Sathya, that fondled and nurtured Little Sathya to Sri Sathya Sai and that received the abundance of His love and care over and over again during the past eight and a half decade finally earned a day to grieve, though the day would be marked in the annals of Divine History as the most significant one, when Avatar of the age was laid to rest. ...This is definitely not of her choice, but as fate would have it, a grieving Puttaparthi had to accept this present as well, as she has been receiving over the past eight and a half decade, in abundance. It was a Divine Script that was written by Him alone and executed in His own inimitable fashion. For all the glory, happiness and bliss that she has received over and over again, when the final moment arrived, to bid farewell to the Soul of entire creation, she grieved and so were millions upon millions around the world.

Bhagawan who left His mortal coil on the 24th April 2011 was laid to rest in Sai Kulwant Hall this morning in presence of a huge assemblage of devotees, also attended by a host of political luminaries.

Last Rites with State Honours...

Puttaparthi that sung lullabies to infant Sathya, that fondled and nurtured Little Sathya to Sri Sathya Sai and that received the abundance of His love and care over and over again during the past eight and a half decade finally earned a day to grieve, though the day would be marked in the annals of Divine History as the most significant one, when Avatar of the age was laid to rest. ...This is definitely not of her choice, but as fate would have it, a grieving Puttaparthi had to accept this present as well, as she has been receiving over the past eight and a half decade, in abundance. It was a Divine Script that was written by Him alone and executed in His own inimitable fashion. For all the glory, happiness and bliss that she has received over and over again, when the final moment arrived, to bid farewell to the Soul of entire creation, she grieved and so were millions upon millions around the world. Bhagawan who left His mortal coil on the 24th April 2011 was laid to rest in Sai Kulwant Hall this morning in presence of a huge assemblage of devotees, also attended by a host of political luminaries.

Earlier, the function commenced with an aalaap bhajan by noted classical vocalist Pt. Jasraj, that was followed by an hour-long bhajan by students. A host of prayers representing various religions, that included Jewish, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhism followed before a set of selected bhajans, that were so dear to Beloved Bhagawan, was rendered by students bringing tears in the assemblage, taking one and all to nostalgic happy days with their Beloved "Sai Maa".

The final journey of Bhagawan had the full state honours as both Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh were present during the occasion. The gun salute was accorded and the police band played in homage as the final proceedings were on.

The final rites commenced with Bhagawan's nephew Sri RJ Ratnakar performing the rites representing the family. A host of priests guided the entire ceremony that lasted 45 minutes.

The Divine Physical Frame was lowered in a specially made pit, Samadhi on the very podium that Bhagawan used to adorn during His $arshan sessions.

Giant screens were erected at vantage places in and around Puttaparthi so that the devotees could witness the final rites. The look on the faces of the devotees was that of a state of shock and sadness and the township is still coming to terms with the departure of their Beloved.

The Divine Physical Frame that was draped in Bhagawan's favourite orange colour was lowered into the Samadhi amidst Vedic chanting. In a symbolic gesture, the ceremony was marked with gifting of a cow and clothes (godhaana and buudhaana). Special water collected from selected holy rivers across India was also sprinkled on the Divine Frame sanctifying the occasion.

Even as the first set of rituals was completed the curtain came down for the finishing touches of the tomb where Bhagawan was laid to rest. Incessant Sai Gayathri chanting continued for the next more than half-an-hour before the curtains went up for the public to have their maiden Darshan of the Tomb of the Avatar of the Age...

Among the dignitaries present were both Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, EVL Narasimhan and Kiran Kumar Reddy, Senior BJP leaders L K Advani and Venkaiah Naidu, former Union Home Minister and Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Telugu Desam Supremo and former AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, veteran VHP leader Ashok Singhal, AP Ministers Geeta Reddy, Raghuveera Reddy etc.

As fragrant Vibhuti smell wafted in the air granting the nostalgia of golden days when Beloved spent time amidst on the same dais, an announcement came that Darshan would commence at 11:45 hrs. As is the case in Shirdi, this Tomb of the Avatar of the Age would start speaking to His chosen devotees now on...and would be the solace for grieving devotees from around the world. Puttaparthi beckons, with much more intensity as our Beloved Lord Sri Sathya Sai would speak from His tomb from now on!!!