Story behind photo – 186 – The Bliss of Darshan
The Lucky morning hours ! Got the first line token. As the token No.1 was announced, I started running and rushed inside and took a seat in the first line.
The melodious light music over the system signalled the sweet appearance of Swami from the Poornachandra Auditorium. As Swami entered the Mantap, all our attention was focused on and travelled along with Swami. We even became oblivious of the music. Swami was moving along the ladies side. The Mantap was enveloped in pin drop silence. We were feasting our eyes, on His divine movement, accepting letters from some, allowing Paada Namaskar for some who gained access to His Paada (Divine Feet), and blessing all others with Abhaya Hastha. Swami looked like floating through the middle of the crowd.
As He was passing along, at a short distance from me, I was trying to catch a glimpse of Swami’s Divine Lotus Feet. But alas, the long free flowing Robe came in between His Lotus Feet and my vision. With intense prayers, I continued to wait for a glimpse. There they are!. Swami’s Lotus Feet came to my vision, as Swami took a couple of brisk steps. And in no time, Swami was standing in front of me with Divine smile. I lost all consciousness and I was simply staring at Swami with tears in my eyes. Swami spoke; He asked me who else had come with me. I took Namaskar at His Lotus Feet.. When I got up, Swami again asked, who else had come? I replied, “Swami, only my wife” Swami commanded me to go inside.
This signal from Swami, directing us to go inside, signifies His Grace earned by us through our previous good deeds and karmas. This He himself confirmed later during the interview. A coveted interview with Bhagavan is a lifetime desire of every Sai devotees, and I am no less exception to this longing. I moved on to the verandah of the Mandir and took up my place. I could see my wife from the ladies side, also moving towards Mandir.
With Love & Regards, Mumbai Srinivasan.
The melodious light music over the system signalled the sweet appearance of Swami from the Poornachandra Auditorium. As Swami entered the Mantap, all our attention was focused on and travelled along with Swami. We even became oblivious of the music. Swami was moving along the ladies side. The Mantap was enveloped in pin drop silence. We were feasting our eyes, on His divine movement, accepting letters from some, allowing Paada Namaskar for some who gained access to His Paada (Divine Feet), and blessing all others with Abhaya Hastha. Swami looked like floating through the middle of the crowd.
As He was passing along, at a short distance from me, I was trying to catch a glimpse of Swami’s Divine Lotus Feet. But alas, the long free flowing Robe came in between His Lotus Feet and my vision. With intense prayers, I continued to wait for a glimpse. There they are!. Swami’s Lotus Feet came to my vision, as Swami took a couple of brisk steps. And in no time, Swami was standing in front of me with Divine smile. I lost all consciousness and I was simply staring at Swami with tears in my eyes. Swami spoke; He asked me who else had come with me. I took Namaskar at His Lotus Feet.. When I got up, Swami again asked, who else had come? I replied, “Swami, only my wife” Swami commanded me to go inside.
This signal from Swami, directing us to go inside, signifies His Grace earned by us through our previous good deeds and karmas. This He himself confirmed later during the interview. A coveted interview with Bhagavan is a lifetime desire of every Sai devotees, and I am no less exception to this longing. I moved on to the verandah of the Mandir and took up my place. I could see my wife from the ladies side, also moving towards Mandir.
With Love & Regards, Mumbai Srinivasan.
Story behind the photo – 187 – My previous sareeram (birth) – Baba.
Shiridi Sai was born on 28th September, 1835.
Shiridi Sai was born on 28th September, 1835.
As told by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Bhagavan says:-
In the former Nizam’s dominion, in Aurangabad district, there was a remote village called Pathri. In that village, there lived a couple by name Gangabhavadya and Devagiriamma. They were aggrieved because they did not have any children. In answer to their prayers, a son was born to Devagiriamma, on September 28th, 1835.. That child was Sai Baba.
Bhagavan says:-
In the former Nizam’s dominion, in Aurangabad district, there was a remote village called Pathri. In that village, there lived a couple by name Gangabhavadya and Devagiriamma. They were aggrieved because they did not have any children. In answer to their prayers, a son was born to Devagiriamma, on September 28th, 1835.. That child was Sai Baba.
On account of passage of time and circumstances, no one knew the exact dates of Baba’s birth and passing. In this context, the mystery relating to Baba’s birth should be noted. Gangabhavadya and Devagiriamma hailed from Pathri village, and they were ardent worshippers of Eshwara and Parvathi. They had no offspring for a long time. They intensified their prayers. Gangabhavadya used to ply a boat near the village for living. One night, when it was raining heavily, Gangabhavadya left his house to take care of the boat, informing his wife that he would not return that night. After her husband had left, Devagiriamma had her food and went to bed early. At 9 p.m., there was a knock at the door. Devagiriamma opened the door expecting the likely return of her husband. Instead, a very elderly man entered the house. He pleaded, "It is very cold outside. Please permit me, mother, to stay inside." Being a pious woman, Devagiriamma allowed him to stay in the verandah and went inside the house after bolting the inner door. A little while later, there was a knock on the inner door. She opened the door. The old man said, "I am feeling hungry, give me some food." Finding that there was no food, the woman mixed some flour with curds and gave it to him. There was again another knock after some time. When she opened the door, the old man said, "My legs are aching. Mother, will you massage them?" Devagiriamma went inside, sat in prayer room and prayed: "Oh Mother! Why are you testing me like this? What should I do? Should I serve him or refuse?" Going out of the house by the back door, she went in search of someone who could be engaged to render this service. No one was available. As she returned there was another knock from the old man. At the same time, a woman knocked at the back door. The woman said, "It appears you came to my house and sought some feminine help. I was away at that time. Please let me know what service I should render." Feeling happy that Goddess Parvathi herself had sent the woman in response to here prayers, Devagiriamma sent the newcomer to the verandah for serving the old man and closed the door.
(Await my next post – The Divine grace – Mumbai Srinivasan)
(Await my next post – The Divine grace – Mumbai Srinivasan)
Story behind the photo – 188 Previous sareeram - the Boon..
Swami says ( Part - 2) :
The elderly man and the woman who came to render help were none other than Parameshwara and Parvathi. Parameshwara told Parvathi, "Fulfill the cherished desire of this lady." Parvathi replied, "You are the supreme one. Please shower Your grace on her Yourself." Eshawara said, "I came to test her. You came in answer to her prayers. Hence You must bless her.". They knocked the door once again. This time Devagiriamma promptly opened the door, because the presence of another woman emboldened her. Parvathi and Parameshwara appeared before her in teir Divine forms. Unable to contain her joy, Devagiriamma fell at their feet. Parvathi then blessed her, "I grant you a son to maintain the lineage and a daughter for Kanyadana (a girl to be offered in marriage). Then Devagiriamma fell at the feet of Eashwara. Eashwara said,
"I am immensely pleased with your devotion. I shall take birth as your third child." When Devagiriama got up, the Divine couple was not there. Feeling ecstatic over the experience, Devagiriamma eagerly awaited the return of her husband in the morning to relate to him the whole experience.
The husband returned in the morning. She related to him all that happened the previous night. The husband said, "Devagiri, what is this entirely fanciful tale! It is all a dream. Parvathi and Parameshwara appearing before you and giving Darshan! It is pure fantasy!" Gangabhavadya dismissed the whole episode as incredible and fanciful.
But, as time passed, Devagiriamma became enceinte and a son was born. A year later a daughter was born. Gangabhavadya was convinced that the birth of the two children was the result of the blessings conferred by Parvathi and Parameshwara. He told his wife, "You had the good fortune of having Darshan of Parvathi and Parameshwara. I did not have that luck." When Devagiriamma conceived again, Gangabhavadya began to feel an urge to give up hearth and home and go in search of Divine couple. He told his wife that he was leaving for the forest to do penance. Devoted wife that she was, Devagiriamma decided to follow him though she was in the ninth month of her pregnancy. After following her husband for some distance, she developed labor pains. She delivered a boy. Wrapping the babe in a piece of cloth, she left the child by the roadside and followed her husband.
In the same village, there lived a Sufi Fakir. He too was childless. He took charge of this child and brought him up in his home.
And later, this child was known as SAI BABA.
Ever in Sai seva .. Mumbai Srinivasan.
"I am immensely pleased with your devotion. I shall take birth as your third child." When Devagiriama got up, the Divine couple was not there. Feeling ecstatic over the experience, Devagiriamma eagerly awaited the return of her husband in the morning to relate to him the whole experience.
The husband returned in the morning. She related to him all that happened the previous night. The husband said, "Devagiri, what is this entirely fanciful tale! It is all a dream. Parvathi and Parameshwara appearing before you and giving Darshan! It is pure fantasy!" Gangabhavadya dismissed the whole episode as incredible and fanciful.
But, as time passed, Devagiriamma became enceinte and a son was born. A year later a daughter was born. Gangabhavadya was convinced that the birth of the two children was the result of the blessings conferred by Parvathi and Parameshwara. He told his wife, "You had the good fortune of having Darshan of Parvathi and Parameshwara. I did not have that luck." When Devagiriamma conceived again, Gangabhavadya began to feel an urge to give up hearth and home and go in search of Divine couple. He told his wife that he was leaving for the forest to do penance. Devoted wife that she was, Devagiriamma decided to follow him though she was in the ninth month of her pregnancy. After following her husband for some distance, she developed labor pains. She delivered a boy. Wrapping the babe in a piece of cloth, she left the child by the roadside and followed her husband.
In the same village, there lived a Sufi Fakir. He too was childless. He took charge of this child and brought him up in his home.
And later, this child was known as SAI BABA.
Ever in Sai seva .. Mumbai Srinivasan.
Story behind Photo – 189 – Prayers to Lord Ganesha for recommendations.
During those early years of my pilgrimage to Prashanthi Nilayam, I used to seek tips for good darshan and ways and means to get grace easily. I used to get many suggestions, but nothing worked out. One devotee told me that there is some connection between Ganeshji near entrance gate and our beloved Bhagavan. If we sincerely pray to him at times of desperation, Ganeshji will carry message to Bhagavan. I tried this many times and believe it or not, at times, I had got some good responses. I used to make pretty prayers; Should get first line, should get Pada namaskar, or Swami should accept my letter. But I never had thought of seeking recommendations for Interviews.
Once I was facing a great problem in my life. I was desperate to speak to Swami and pray for his blessings. I thought about Lord Ganesh. I took 12 Pradikshans, (going around the temple), broke a coconut and prayed out to Him. Yes, I got the call for first line. Those days we used to sit on the sands for Darshan. Swami walked out from Mandir, proceeded to ladies side and ultimately came to our side. Swami accepted my letter, and asked me, “How many”. I said only me Swami. “okay go inside”. I could not believe myself. I ran towards Mandir Veranda.
Inside interview room, Swami enquired what were my problems in Chennai. I tried to explain my problems. Swami smiled at me and uttered. “You were seeking recommendation from Ganesh. But when I called you in, you just ran towards Mandir, without even looking at Ganesha who is there near the circle”.
I felt guilty, and understood my mistake. I should have thanked Lord Ganesha, whom I crossed over, on my way to Mandir Veranda.
Ever in Sai Seva, Mumbai Srinivasan.
Once I was facing a great problem in my life. I was desperate to speak to Swami and pray for his blessings. I thought about Lord Ganesh. I took 12 Pradikshans, (going around the temple), broke a coconut and prayed out to Him. Yes, I got the call for first line. Those days we used to sit on the sands for Darshan. Swami walked out from Mandir, proceeded to ladies side and ultimately came to our side. Swami accepted my letter, and asked me, “How many”. I said only me Swami. “okay go inside”. I could not believe myself. I ran towards Mandir Veranda.
Inside interview room, Swami enquired what were my problems in Chennai. I tried to explain my problems. Swami smiled at me and uttered. “You were seeking recommendation from Ganesh. But when I called you in, you just ran towards Mandir, without even looking at Ganesha who is there near the circle”.
I felt guilty, and understood my mistake. I should have thanked Lord Ganesha, whom I crossed over, on my way to Mandir Veranda.
Ever in Sai Seva, Mumbai Srinivasan.
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