Onam Festival - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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Onam Festival - An Exposition by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai BabaMeaning Of

Onam"Onam means wearing new clothes. The 'Vastra' not only means cloth but also

means heart. Therefore, the significance of wearing new clothes (Vastra) is that

one should make the heart new by getting rid of all bad thoughts and feelings."

Sai Baba, SS, 10/92. p. 232Purpose Of Onam Celebration"This day (Onam) is the

sacred day when the Lord as Vamana Avatar conferred liberation on Emperor

Bali.Before leaving for the nether-world, Bali gave a promise to his people

whom he loved. He said he would come back to them every year on Onam Day and

bless them. Onam is celebrated as the day of advent of Vamana and Bali. It

marks the beginning of a new life. That is why it is celebrated by wearing new

clothes and resolving to lead a new life." Sai Baba, SS. 10/97, p.

269Mythological Background"Kashyapa and his two wives, Diti and Aditi, were the

parents of demons and demigods (Asuras and Devas). Indra, the king of Devas,

went on war with the king of Asuras, as it was a common practice in those days,

for one king to invade the kingdom of another to acquire additional territory.

Mahabali vanquished Indra in the war and proceeded to annex the territory of

Indra and occupied his capital Amaravati. Kashyapa had gone to the Himalayas to

do penance. Lamenting over the defeat other son, Indra, Aditi was in great

grief. When she was wailing, Kashyapa came to her. Instantly he was able to

recognise the cause other grief by divine insight, which he had acquired as a

result of his penance. He consoled his wife Aditi saying that nothing happens

in the world without God's will and people should go on doing their duties. He

asked her to pray to Lord Narayana and taught her a Vrata (ritual) to be

followed strictly, known as Payovrata.It has to be observed from the twelfth

day of the bright half Kartika (Sukla-paksha Dwaadasi). She observed the Vrata

as prescribed. A devotee's sincere prayer will never go to waste. Since she

carried out the Vrata with a pious heart, Narayana appeared before her and

informed her that he would himself take birth in her womb and help Indra. Aditi

was very happy. True tolhe word of the Lord, she gave birth to a son of uncommon

effulgence on the twelfth day of the bright half of the month of Bhadrapada.

That child was 'Vamana-murti'. Even as a child. He demonstrated his divine

power by doing marvellous deeds.Mahabali was performing an Ashwa-medha Yagna

(horse sacrifice). He had previously performed a hundred such Yagnas. He

declared that he would give anything that anyone sought from him during this

Yagna. Vamana came to the Yaga-shala. As he was approaching them, the sages

assembled there perceived the extraordinary effulgent form of the young lad.

Mahabali went forth to receive the Brahmin boy with all traditional honours and

gave him an eminent seat befitting the status of a holy person. Bali told

him:'Master! It is my good fortune that you have chosen to honour me with your

presence. Whatever you desire, I am here ready to fulfill the same.' Vamana

smiled and said: 'You need not give me anything great It is enough if you give

me that extent of land covered by three footsteps of mine.'On hearing him,

Bali's preceptor, Shukracharya, who could have vision of the future, told Bali

that the one, who had come to seek a gift from Bali was not an ordinary Brahmin

but Lord Narayana Himself who had assumed this form. He advised Bali not to

promise the lad anything. But Bali was a king who would never go back on his

word and told his Guru that he would never break his promise. He was determined

to give Vamana whatever he wanted since breaking one's word was a sin and he had

to keep his pledge. Shukracharya insisted that he should not fulfill the demand

of Vamana as he had come to deprive Bali of all His possessions. He said that

Vamana was not really in need of anything as everything was in his hands.Bali,

however, was determined to honour the word given to Vamana, begged pardon of

his Guru for disregarding his advice. Earlier, while Bali was embarking on the

war with Indra, he had prostrated at the feet of his preceptor, Shukracharya,

and on his advice he performed the Vishwajit Yagna from which he secured very

powerful weapons. It was only because of Shukracharya's help that he was able

to conquer Indra. On this occasion, Bali was not prepared to heed the advice of

the same preceptor. Shukracharya cursed Bali, saying: "As you have not heeded

your Guru's words, you will be reduced to ashes.' Bali was firm and replied: '

I am prepared to face any consequence but will not go back on my word."So

saying, he told Vamana to measure the three feet of land as desired by him. All

attempts of Shukracharya to dissuade Bali from offering the land desired by

Vamana proved futile. Bali told his Guru: "Prana (life) and Maana (honour) are

the two eyes of a person. Even if life goes, honour should be protected.

Granting that the person that has come now is the Lord Himself. I should be the

most fortunate one as the Lord. who gives everything to mankind, is seeking

something from me." Sai Baba, SS. 10/94. pp. 269 & 270Emperor Bali And His

Ego"Emperor Bali did undertake all sacred activities, but he had in him two bad

qualities, ego (Ahamkaram) and pride (Abhimanam).No doubt. Emperor was a

great devotee, but he was also egoistic. Ego is a bad quality for a devotee.

Only through love, peace, humility and courage you can overcome ego. God came

down to destroy the ego of Bali and distribute love to the entire world. Bali

was granted a boon that he should be allowed to come and visit his people on

this day, every year. That day is celebrated as Onam. Be it an emperor or an

ordinary person, one can attain God only through love." Sai Baba. SS. 10/98, p.

262Ball's Family Background"Bali was very good ruler who was very much concerned

about the welfare of his subjects. He was the son of Virochana and grandson of

Prahlada. They were both devotees of Narayana. Prahlada was very happy and

appreciated the good fortune of his grandson Bali when Narayana himself sought

a gift from him. He blessed Bali that he had kept the noble tradition and name

of the family. It is only by sacrifice that one can attain immortality and not

by any other means." Sai Baba. SS. 10/94, p. 270"Bali's father, Virochana, was

also a godly ruler. Thus, from Prahlada to Bali, the whole line of rulers were

filled with love of God. They were influenced by the Divine power. Originally,

Prahlada's father, Hiranyakashipu, was Lord Vishnu's gatekeeper. Whatever their

differences in behaviour and attitudes, all three (Prahlada, Virochana and Bali)

were equally inspired by devotion to God." Sai Baba, SS, 10/95, p.

263Prahlada"Know the full story of Prahlada (grandfather of Bali). If you have

to name anyone for his highest character, it is Prahlada alone.Once, Indra

conquered Prahlada and enjoyed Swarga (the realm of gods). Later, Prahlada

overcame Indra and deprived him of Swarga. Indra was forlorn and sought the

advice of his high-priest for winning back his kingdom. The priest told him

that Prahlada was performing a great Yaga called 'Vishwajit' and Indra should

assume the form of Brahmin and seek a gift from Prahlada. Prahlada will give

whatever one seeks from him. Indra went to Prahlada in the guise of a poor

Brahmin. Prahlada welcomed him and asked him what he wanted. As advised earlier

by his high priest, he asked Prahlada to give him 'Sheelam' (character).

Prahlada enquired of the Brahmin of what use was his character to the seeker.

The Brahmin replied that there was no need to go into all that. He had

expressed what he wanted in response to Prahlada's offer to give whatever

anyone asked at the Vishwajit sacrifice. 'Are you prepared to give or not?'

Prahlada immediately gave what the Brahmin asked with due ceremony.Within a few

minutes, an effulgent flame emerged from Prahlada. Seeing the effulgent form, he

asked: 'Who are you?' The effulgent figure prostrated before Prahlada and said,

'I am your character. Hitherto, I was in you. I fostered your name and fame.

Now you have given me away as a gift. Hence, I am leaving you.'When the

'character' left Prahlada, shortly thereafter another beautiful effulgent form

issued forth from Prahlada. Prahlada asked him, 'Who are you ? Oh, King!' The

radiant figure replied, 'Prahlada! I am your reputation (Keerti). When

character has left you, I have no place within you. Hitherto I was servant of

character. When character has left you, I have to follow suit.'Prahlada was

puzzled. Then came another radiant female form from Prahlada. Prahlada

respectfully asked her,' Mother! Who are you?' 'Prahlada! After the departure

of Character and Reputation, namely, Rajyalakshimi (the goddess of royal

prosperity) I have no place with you.' Indra, who had come in the form of a

Brahmin, took all the three with him.That very moment, Prahlada lost his

kingdom. You can see from this how one's fame and prosperity are dependent on

one's character. Character is a supremely divine quality.Prahlada was the

embodiment of character. After Indra had taken away his character from

Prahlada, the latter got married and had a son by name Virochana. You may

realise from this episode what importance is attached to character in the

spiritual process" Sai Baba, SS, 10/96, p. 261Prahlada As Judge"Once, there was

a contest between Virochana, the son of Prahlada, and Sudhanva, the son of sage

Angiras. It was agreed that whoever lost the contest should forfeit his life to

the winner. Both of them prayed to Prahlada to act as the judge for the contest,

being convinced that he would be totally impartial and fair. Prahlada agreed to

act as judge because he was pledged to uphold truth, without any other

consideration. After watching the contest, Prahlada declared Sudhanva as the

winner and his son, Virochana, as the loser.Unable to control his joy over the

verdict, Sudhanva embraced Prahlada and said:'Prahlada! It is because of the

unflinching upholders of truth like you that the world shines in all its glory.

If there were no meritorious people on earth, how can there be light in the

world? Prahlada! Because of your adherence to truth, you gave the verdict

against your son.' Prahlada knew that whoever lost the contest should forfeit

with his life. But that did not deter him from pronouncing the verdict against

his son. "There is no greater Dharma nan truth.' Prahlada was not swayed by any

sense of partial love. He shed no tears. He matched the outcome of his judgment

with a sense of fulfillment.Recognising the utter dedication of Prahlada to

truth and righteousness, Sudhanva declared: 'Prahlada! Your devotion to truth

will-restore the life of your son. I am not claiming his life (as the reward

for my victory). I am giving back your son's life to you.'Dharmaiva Adhrmo

hanti, Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah' (Dharma destroys the one who harms it. Dharma

protects its protector). 'Prahlada! You have stood by Dharma, thereby, you have

saved your son.' In this manner Sudhanva praised Prahlada." Sai Baba, SS,

10/93, p. 256Meaning Of Bali"A synonym for word Tyaaga' (sacrifice) is 'Bali'.

The term 'Bali' has several meanings, such as: offering, dedication, sacrifice

and a tax levy. What is meant by 'tax'? 'Bali' means that which has to be given

as an offering in human life. But the ancients regarded 'Bali' as offering a

living object as a sacrifice. This is not the proper meaning of 'Bali'. 'Bali'

is the recognition of the Divinity in man.God fills the tanks and rivers

with water. He provides man with the life-giving oxygen in the air he breathes.

The sun illumines the whole world by its light. What is the tax we pay for all

these services? The offerings we make to God ('Arpitamu') is the tax. That has

been called 'Bali'. One should not be frightened by the term 'Bali'. It means

only offering one's self to the Divine." Sai Baba, SS. 10/95, p. 262"Bali means

tax. You pay taxes to the government for electricity, water, drainage, etc. What

tax did Bali pay? He gave all his possessions, body, mind and soul to the Lord."

Sai Baba. SS, 10/94, p. 271"Bali is the symbol of sacrifice. He controlled

everything by his spirit of sacrifice." Sai Baba. SS. 10/94, p. 270What Does

God Expect From Us?"God does not ask for any offering of wealth or position.

God is said to be pleased if a sincere devotee offers a leaf, a flower, a fruit

or even water. What is this leaf? It is the body. The heart is the flower; the

mind is the fruit. The water that is to be offered is that from the tears of

joy shed by the devotee. This is what God expects from you. The Lord tells you,

'My dear man! The body does not belong to you. Who gave it to you? It is a

precious gift from God. It is inert like a leaf.The flower to be offered to

God is a pure heart free from all taints and evil tendencies like lust, anger

and pride. The fruit to be offered is a mind free from all bad thoughts and

feelings. It should be filled with the sweet juice of goodness. The water that

should be offered to God is the water that flows from the eyes out of joy in

experiencing God." Sai Baba. SS. 10/95, p. 264Bali Symbolizes Supreme

Sacrifice"Bali was an example of supreme sacrifice. He sacrificed all his

possessions and himself too to God. Bali said: 'The hand of the Lord, which

gives Abhaya (graceful benediction) to all, has been stretched to take

something from me. The Lord's hand is below while my hand is above. This must

be the fruit of my penance in several births. I am prepared for anything.' This

was the spirit of Bali. Bali is the symbol of sacrifice. He controlled

everything by his spirit of sacrifice." Sai Baba, SS. 10/94. p. 270Shukracharya

Symbolizes Selfishness"Shukracharya's anger was growing because of his selfish

motive that he should continue to be the preceptor of the Asuras. He did not

want Bali to give the gift sought by Vamana as he was sure that the last

vestige of power of the Asuras would be destroyed by Vamana." Sai Baba, SS.

10/94, p. 270Symbolism Of lndra"Indra is hailed as the chief of the gods. In

the Purusha-sookta (of the Rig-Veda), it is said that out of the face of cosmic

Purusha emerged Indra. Indra is one who is the Lord of the senses. In man, the

mind is the master of the senses. No one can estimate the power of the mind.

Brahmaastra and Vajrayudha are not more powerful than Ekaagrataa or

concentration, which is mightier than any weapon. For this, sense control is

essential. There is always a battle raging in the body between vice and virtue.

Only the one that has Ekaagrataa can come out victorious." Sai Baba, SS. 10/94,

p. 270Symbolism Of The Battle Between Indra And Ball"Bali is the symbol of

sacrifice. He controlled everything by his spirit of sacrifice. The 'Gayatri

Mantra' begins with the utterance: 'Bhur-Bhuvas-Swaha.' These represent the

three worlds, which are in the body itself. 'Bhu' represents Prakriti or earth,

which is the physical body. Mind is Bhuvarloka. Prajnana is Suvarloka. Body

represents materialization as it is made up of the five physical elements. The

mind is vibration and Prajnana is radiation. If you enquire into their inner

significance, all the three are in your body itself. The battle between Bali

and Indra represents the mind battling to control the senses. When mind is

controlled, one attains Divinity. This is the spiritual state. Bali performed

many sacrifices to attain this state. Sai Baba, SS. 10/94, pp.270 & 271lnner

Significance Of Vamana's Three-Step Measurement"Bali gave all his possessions,

body, mind and soul to the Lord. The Lord's first foot covered this world and

the second foot covered the other world. How huge the Lord's feet should have

been to cover the whole world? How can such a huge foot be kept on Ball's head

for the third step of the land? The inner significance of this action is the

Lord entered Ball's body, mind and soul. Once the ego or body consciousness is

surrendered, there is no bar to one's realisation. It is the body consciousness

that stands in the way and makes you forget God. Vamana opened Bali's eyes to

help him realise the Divine. The imprisoned man has to be freed. Bali offered

his body, mind and soul to the Lord." Sai Baba. SS. 10/94, p. 271Significance

Of Onam For The People Of Kerala"Unwilling to forsake his subjects and, at the

same time, unable to go back on his promise, Bali gave a pledge to the people

that he would visit them once a year. This Onam day is the auspicious day of

Bali's annual visit to the earth. It is the sacred day on which Emperor Bali

returns to bless his people. In the month of Shravana, when the moon is nearest

to the constellation Sravana, Bali said that he would make his appearance." Sai

Baba. SS. 10/93, p. 257"Kerala (a province in India) is a sacred land where

Bali performed the action of supreme surrender to the Lord. He had a good

relationship with his people and they loved him in turn, and kept faith in him.

That is why Kerala is still prosperous. The Lord goes about freely in this land.

Bali sought a boon from the Lord that he should visit Kerala every year, on this

day of the month of Shravana. This day is celebrated as Onam by Keralites. They

have been following this faithfully since ancient times. This day is considered

most important for the people of Kerala. They prepare many dishes and eat

together on this holy day." Sai Baba. SS. 10/94, p. 271"Even now, despite the

vicissitudes of history and occasional manifestation of atheistic tendencies,

the Kerala people have remained pious and God-loving. You see devotees

everywhere. When you watch the people going in and coming out of Padma-nabha

Swami Temple, you see the depth of their devotion. The existence of opposing

qualities is part of the nature." Sai Baba, SS. 10/97, p. 269The Sacred Land Of

Kerala Was Of Parashurama Kshetra"Kerala is a land that has won the love of the

Lord in a special way. In olden days, it was noted for its devotion and

godliness. Kerala is also known as Parashurama Kshetra -the sacred land of

Parashuram. How did it acquire that name? Parashuram is one of the Avatars of

Vishnu. When Parashurama's father (Jamadagni) was beheaded by a Kshatriya

(warrior) king, his mother Renuka, cried in anguish: 'Rama! Rama!' Parashurama,

who was away from the Ashram, could ethereally hear the cries of his mother from

afar and rushed home. He counted that his mother called his name twenty-one

times. On reaching the Ashram, he saw his father's head severed from the body.

The horrible crime had been committed by a K-artavirya's sons. Parashurama took

a vow to wage a war against the vile Kshatriya (warriors) rulers twenty-one

times and end their rule all over the earth. Parashurama accomplished his

mission by defeating the Kshatriya rulers twenty-one times and came to his

Ashram to pray to his ancestors for restoring his father's life. The sage

Bharadwaja, to whose Gotra (lineage) Jamadagni belonged, appeared before

Parashurama and restored Jamadagni to life by placing the head and body

together.After this Parashurama felt that the purpose of his advent had been

achieved and as he had no desire to be a ruler, he made a gift of all the

territories he had conquered to sage Kshyapa. He felt that having given away

everything, it would not be right for him to remain on the land he had gifted.

He decided to reclaim land from the sea and settle down on that territory for

the rest of his life. It is this sea that is known as Parashuram Kshetra - also

known as KERALA. He performed penance on a mountain called Mahesha, which is

situated in Kerala.Kerala is thus a land with sacred traditions. The ONAM

festival occurs in an auspicious period. Kerala goes through three months of

heavy rains before Onam. Nature wears a somber look. The skies are overcast and

the sun is hardly visible during these three months. After the rains, the sun

shines in all its glory and it is green everywhere. Nature rejoices at the time

of Onam. The entire population is filled with joy, sharing the glory of nature

and enjoying its fruits in abundance." Sai Baba. SS. 10/86, pp. 242 &

243Glimpses Of Onam Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1999)"Like previous

years, this year also, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, Kerala, organized the

Onam festival at Prasanthi Nilayam with great devotional fervour. The

celebrations started on 22d August 1999 and ended on 25th, the day of Onam. The

entire Mandir was aesthetically decorated and wore a festive look.The

festivities began in Sai Kulwant Hall on the morning of 22d August 1999 with

Mangala Vadyam by well-known Nadaswara Vidwan, Sri M. Kodandaram & Party of

Banglore in the Divine Presence of Bhagavan Baba. Thereafter, Sai Kulwant Hall

reverberated with Nadaswara Vadyam and Pancha Vadyam music on all subsequent

days of celebration. The evening programme started in the Poomachandra

Auditorium in the Divine Presence at 6.00 p.m. with the invocation prayer

rendered by students of Bal Vikas, Emakulam District. This was followed by a

vocal music concert by Sri Naveen N.Namboodiri of Calicut accompanied by Sri

Ajithkumar on Violin and Sri Trichur Mohan on Mridangam. Another interesting

item of the programme was Santoor instrumental music by Sri Haridas of

Kozhikode accompanied by Sri Philip V. Francis on Tabla. In the end. Bhagavan

came on the stage and blessed the artistes. The programme concluded at 7.00

p.m. with Aarati to Bhagavan.The evening of 23rd August was made lively by

three cultural items presented in the Poomachandra Auditorium at 5.00 p.m. in

the Divine Presence of Bhagavan Baba. The first item entitled 'Nadalayam'

(playing of different musical instruments) was presented by Sri Trichur R.

Mohan and Party. This was followed by devotional songs rendered by singers led

by Sri T.S. Radhakrishnan. The last item of the evening was the dance drama

'Bhaktavatsalyam' staged by the Bal Vikas children of Trivandrum District.

Excellent acting by children, impressive dialogue, simple but beautiful make-up

and lofty theme earned appreciation from the audience. In the end, Bhagavan came

on the stage, blessed the artistes and distributed clothes. The programme came

to a close with Mangalarati to Bhagavan at 6.55 p.m.On 24th evening Bhagavan

came to Poomachandra Auditorium at 5.00. The programme began with devotional

songs in the mellifluous voice of Srimati Seethalakshmi, accompanied by Smt.

Baalambal on Veena, with Ms. Lalitha, Girija and Smt. Bhavan Radhakrishnan

providing vocal support. This was followed by a symbolic play enacted by the

youth wing of Trivandrum District, showing the conflict of a modem man. This

superbly performed dance drama depicted how modem man was ruining his life by

falling prey to the evils of desire, greed, power, attachment and jealousy. Man

can be rescued \v using his intellect and by taking refuge in Divinity. The last

item of the programme was .mother dance drama by the very young Bal Vikas

children of Quilon District, who won the hearts of the audience with their

marvelous acting and perfectly choreographed dance. At the end, Bhagavan went

up the stage and blessed the children and distributed clothes. The day's

programme came to a close with Managalarati to Bhagavan.The four-day

celebrations culminated on Onam Day on the 25th. Bhagavan was ceremoniously

received with Pooma Kumbham, Vedic hymns, to the accompaniment of Nadaswara

music and Panch Vadyam. At 7.00 a.m. Bhagavan lighted the sacred traditional

lamps in Sai Kulwant Hall marking the inauguration of the celebration. A

variety of programmes added colour and lustre to the occasion. The programmes

included Puja dance by the children of Pathanamthitta Bal Vikas, group song of

one of the Panchratna Kritis, Kavadi attam by the children of Allepey District

Bal Vikas, rendering of devotional songs by Kumari Radha & Sri Kavalam

Sreekumar, Kolattam by Trivandrum Bal Vikas, Peacock Dance by Kozhikode Bal

Vikas' followed by Bhajans by Kerala team. Bhagavan blessed the occasion with

His Divine Onam Message. The morning programme came to a close with the

distribution of Prasadam and Managalarati to Bhagavan.The cultural programme on

the Onam evening was conducted in the Poomachandra Auditorium in the Divine

Presence of Bhagavan Baba. Bhagavan came to the Auditorium at 5.00 p.m. and the

cultural programme started with devotional songs by Sri Sreekumar & Party. Not

only did the melodious singing of Sri Kumar earned acclamation and appreciation

of the audience, but also the song rendered by his son, a tiny tot, sent the

audience into raptures. Bhagavan showered His love and blessings on the child

and materialized a gold chain for him when He came on the stage. The second

item of the programme was a dance drama entitled 'Ashwamedha" by Bal Vikas

children of Cannanore District. The theme of the play was the performance of

Ashwamedha Yajna by Sri Rama in Ayodhya. His sons Lava and Kusha, living with

their mother Sita in the hermitage of Sage Valmiki, hold the sacrificial horse

and defeat Bharata, Hanuman and their Army. In the end, Rama himself meets his

two sons and Sita. Sita however returns to her mother Bhudevi (mother Earth).

The last item of the programme was a play entitled 'Work is Worship'. The theme

was taken from a story of the book 'Chinna Katha' (a compilation of short

stories narrated by Bhagavan in His discourses). The play enacted by the

students of Sri Sathya Sai Vidyapeeth, Srisailam (Calicut), depicted how Lord

Vishnu taught Narada a lesson when he became too proud of his devotion to the

Lord. The Lord sent him to a farmer, who had to do hard labour, to earn his

living, yet he never forgot God. When put to test in trying circumstances,

Narada forgot to chant the Lord's name. At the end of the programme, Bhagavan

went up the stage and blessed the artistes. With offer of Arati to Bhagavan,

the four-day-Onam celebrations came to a close." Editor, SS. 9/99, pp. 249 &

250Glimpses Of Onam Celebrations At Prasanthi Nilayam (1995)"After Ganesha

Chaturthi, it was a great occasion for Keralites to celebrate their national

festival of Onam in the benign presence of Bhagavan as they had done for a

quarter of a century. The Sai Kulwant Mandap received the Kerala touch in

decorations for the festival, coconut bunches and coconut leaves being

prominent everywhere. Banana trees, mango leaves, palm fronds, brightly

coloured flags and pennants decorated Sai Kulwant Hall and the Poomachandra

auditorium. Silken umbrellas stood gracefully on every wall. One was held by

the Emperor Bali centuries ago when he encountered the dwarf Vamana. On 5 and 6

September 1995, Keralites had special seating for Darshan. On the 5th evening,

there was a special cultural event in the Poomachandra auditorium put on by the

Bal Vikas children. The programme included a dance drama about Krishna holding

up the Govardhana Mountain, a folk dance and a solo performance with Kavadi by

a young man whose artistic skill earned for him a reward from Swami in the form

of a medallion presented to him on the next day.On the 6th morning, 36 weddings

were performed in Sai Kulwant Hall. The brides, dressed in typical Kerala white

saris with golden border, were brought in procession to the Hall headed by a

group of young girls carrying lighted lamps. Among the bridal couples, there

were two Muslim couples, for whom the marriage ceremony was performed by a

Muslim priest from Kerala. Bhagavan went round the couples three times, first

to distribute mangala-sutrams, second time to distribute saris, and the third

time to confer His benediction on them after wedding.In the afternoon, there

were three speakers before Bhagavan's discourse -Mr.Natarajan, President of

Kerala Sai Seva Organization, Mr. Justice Eradi and Mr. Wellington, a former

Minister in Kerala. Later in the evening, there was a cultural programme in the

Poomachandra auditorium." Editor, SS, 10/95, pp. 266 & 267Source:

http://guru-charitra.tripod.com/onams/onam1.htm

Courtesy Sai Ram Website: http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam/