Report on Mahashivarathri Celebrations: 26th & 27th February, 2006

[Guest guest]

overseas wing of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, and also the in-charge of Radio

Sai Global Harmony, the ashram radio service. 5. Sri K.R.Paramahamsa, IAS

(Retd.), who has held various positions in Bhagawan's institutions and who is

presently in charge of the ‘Deena Janoddharana Pathakamu', the home for

destitute children established by Bhagawan. On 26th morning, after the

felicitation ceremony, the students of Bhagawan's educational institutions sang

stotrams (hymns) and songs in praise of their Lord Sai Shiva. The morning

programme concluded with Arati. In the evening, after granting Darshan at 4

p.m., Bhagawan distributed white safari suiting material and calculators to all

the students. Following this, Bhagawan went back to Poornachandra and returned

at 5.15 p.m. Once Bhagawan was seated on the dais, He commanded the students to

start Bhajans. However, after a few minutes, Bhagawan indicated the Bhajans to

stop and permitted Sri A.V.S.Raju to read out a selection from his anthology of

poems composed on Bhagawan. At 6.30 p.m., Bhagawan rose to give His Divine

Discourse. Bhagawan started His discourse with a poem that described the

omnipresence of God and irony inherent in the various modes of worship offered

to Him. Bhagawan said that while the whole Universe is in God, how can one

build a temple for Him? What name can one give to Him who resides in all

beings? What need is there to perform Abhishekam

(ceremonial bath) to Him when all the oceans find refuge in Him? The entire

universe is a manifestation of the five elements which in turn have originated

from the Divine. While these elements are subject to change and destruction,

God alone is immutable and eternal. One must realize that everyone is divine

and should not be deluded by bodily attachment to one's spouse, children and

even one's enemies. One should respect them as embodiments of the Divine.

Bhagawan concluded His discourse with the Bhajan – "Prema Muditha Man Se Kaho…"

and soon retired to His residence. The Akhanda Bhajans continued through the

night and the next morning, Bhagawan arrived in Sai Kulwant Hall at 6.20 a.m.

After going around the hall granting Darshan to everyone, He took His seat on

the dais. Around 6.45 a.m .or so, one could sense that something was in the

offing as Bhagawan was showing signs

of physical pain and restlessness – indications that there may be

‘Lingodbhavam'. The pace of the Bhajans kept increasing every minute in

anticipation, but it was not until 8.25 a.m. that a beautiful golden lingam

emerged from Bhagawan's mouth. Then out of immense love and compassion, He

moved amidst devotees holding the lingam so that everyone could have a close

glimpse of it. Afterwards,

Bhagawan presented Sri K.R.Paramahamsa and his wife with the keys of a brand new

car. Bhagawan sent word for the boys who are the beneficiaries of the Deena

Janodharana Pathakamu; all 60 of them at once surrounded Bhagawan and what took

place in the next 25 minutes was an outpouring of love that brought tears to

everyone's eyes. Bhagawan spoke to them and assured them that He would take

care of all of them and they should study well and lead happy, spiritual and

healthy lives. They in turn replied that they were no longer orphans or

destitute children for Bhagawan was looking after them and showering so much

love on them. Some of them spoke, chanted Vedic hymns and sang songs expressing

their love and gratitude to Bhagawan. Bhagawan also praised Sri

K.R.Paramahamsa and his wife Smt. Gita Paramahamsa for their dedication in

looking after their every need and bringing them up so well. The Shivarathri

Celebrations concluded with Mangala Arati and everyone was served Prasadam.

Source: http://www.srisathyasai.org.in/Pages/Events/shivaratri_06_report.htm