Bheema Ratha Shanti in Malaysia

[Guest guest]

sai ram dear all,

 

Malaysia will be undertaking to organise the Bheema Ratha Shanti as

mentioned below. For those countries who would like to conduct this

wonderful ceremony, here are some guidelines that we would like to

share with all of you.

 

love & Jai Sai Ram

 

 

Bheema Ratha Shanthi

 

A) Introduction

 

On 10th February 2005, Bhagawan Baba performed spiritual marriages

for 275 elderly couples in a unique function named "BHEEMA RATHA

SHANTHI', at Sai Kulwant hall. The couples were from Puttaparthi and

other nearby villages.

 

Sanathana Sarathi reported that these spiritual marriages were

performed in a ritualistic manner not only for the happiness of the

couples but for their spiritual growth and redemption as well.

Another uniqueness of this function was that it was celebrated

for `Loka Kalyana' (peace and happiness of the world). It was

directed towards establishing world peace and unity of all religions

through collective prayers at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan.

Furthermore, it enhances family unity whereby the members of the

family appreciate the love, sacrifice and wisdom embarked by the

elders.

 

 

B) Directives from Bhagawan Baba

 

Bhagawan gave a discourse and the following are some of the points

worth reflecting.

 

"Many people presume that those beyond the age of 70 years are

useless and a burden on the family and society. But this is not

true. In fact, the enthusiasm, dynamism and mental strength increase

after a person crosses 70 years. It is only after attaining the age

of 70 years that man's will power and Athmic strength develop in

full measure".

 

"What you give to elders will come back to you tenfold. None can

estimate the immense spiritual power they possess".

 

"The objective behind holding this function is to recognize the

great spiritual power of these elders so that the youngsters are

inspired to follow the ideals set by them".

 

"We should promote the performance of this great ancient tradition

of Bheema Ratha Shanthi from now onwards. It has great significance

and value for the coming generations".

 

(For more details refer to Sanathana Sarathi of March 2005)

 

 

C) Guidelines for Implementation

 

a) For a start this can be a conducted as a state activity.

(Please seek a knowledgeable priest to conduct the ceremony)

 

b) Among the selected couples, at least one of them must be 70

years and above.

 

c) Priority will be given to the relatives and friends of Sai

devotees.

 

d) Where Community Adaption Programme is conducted, couples from

such location will be considered favourably.

 

e) Although this is a Hindu ritual, Sai devotees of other

religious orders can also participate and follow all the Hindu

rituals conducted in the ceremony.

 

f) Items for the ceremony such as silk sari, dhoti, two

garlands, mangala suthra (small gold pendent to be tied in bride's

neck), must be borne by the participants. Besides there will be a

nominal charge of Rm 50/= per couple to cover the cost of venue,

decoration, priest and food. Where there is financial constraint

from the participants, sponsors may be sought to help them.

 

 

D) Details of implementation in Malaysia

 

Following the example set by Bhagawan, it is proposed that the Sai

Organisation in Malaysia to conduct a similar programme in

conjunction with Swami's 80th birthday. The details are as follows:

 

* Monday 5th September, 2005

 

* Time: 4.30pm to 8.00pm

 

* Venue: Kala mandapam, Scott Road, Brickfields, K.L.

 

* Target: Max. 80 couples or at least 54. (Please note that

the only restrictive factor will be the capacity of the hall and the

ability of the aged to undergo the ceremony)

 

* Conductor: Srila Sri Muthu Kumara Sivachaaryar (He

conducted the Maha Yagana at Kuala Kangsar and the Chandi Homam at

Batu Arang)

 

* The organizers will inform all concerned parties a full two

weeks before the event, so that selected parties can make necessary

preparations.

 

 

This will be organized by the Central Region and will also welcome

Sai devotees from other states wanting to participate.

 

Participating couples should be fit, both physically and mentally,

to go through the ceremony.

 

Due to limited capacity, it will be first come first serve basis.

However, the most aged ones will be given priority, as the others

can participate in the following years.

 

While the priest conducts the ceremony, each couple will be guided

through the ceremony by Sai volunteers.

 

Application form must be filled and submitted to the Central Region

coordinator with the signature from the centre chairman by 10th

August, 2005.

 

Number of family members interested to join the function should be

stated in the application form. There will be a nominal charge of Rm

10/= for each member of the family to defray the cost of dinner.

 

 

An application form is attached herewith.

 

Thank you and Sai Ram.

 

s.n.muthu

 

Malaysia

 

7/7/2005

 

 

 

 

Sample form

 

BHEEMA RATHA SHANTHI 5-9-2005

 

APPLICATION FORM (to reach the organizers by 10th August 2005)

 

Name of the applicant:

___________________________

 

 

Age: _____ IC number _________________ Gender: M/F

 

Number of family members attending the function: ______

 

Address: ____

 

____

 

____

 

Telephone no. ________________ e-mail: _____________________

 

 

 

 

 

Name of the Groom:

__________________________

 

 

Age: _____ IC number: ________________ Relationship:

_________________

 

Name of the Bride: _____________________________

 

Age: _____ IC number: ________________ Relationship:

_________________

 

Address: ___

 

___

 

___

 

Any physical or medical problems of the couple:

____________________________

__________________

 

__________________

 

 

 

I, __________________________ hereby agree to the conditions set by

the council to let Mr. and Mrs. ________________________ to

participate in the spiritual ceremony of Bheema Ratha Shanthi, on

5th Sept. 2005, at Kalamandapam, Scott Road, Kuala Lumpur, between

4.00pm to 8.00pm.

 

I attach herewith a sum of Rm _______* for the cost of the ceremony

and dinner.

 

 

 

__________________

 

__________________

 

(Signature, Centre Chairman)

(Signature, applicant)

 

Name of the Centre: ______________________________