The early journeys to Prasanthi Nilayam.

[Guest guest]

Prasanthi Nilayam, How nicely it is named? When I went there during 1965, I had to wade through sugarcane fields, river bed etc. But from a distance, I used to see the beautiful Neon lights in the letters of Telugu language as "Prasanthi Nilayam". That itself gave me a blissful joy. I used to wait anxiously for a chance to go to Pransanthi Nilayam, when time permitted and mainly when Baba called us. It is not the outer invitation or call but it is a silent inner call which fructified in the journey to Parthi. I used to stay there for a minimum of 2 weeks or so. I am not content to return within one or two days baring one or two occasions. We all will be waiting anxiously in the open ground in front of the then"Pransanthi Nilayam"(a rectangular bungalow type). Swami gracefully used to give his 'Morning Dharsan" from the first floor verandah. We all will be waiting for the coveted Dharsan anxiously. It may be a few minute Dharsan only. To see the Lord in different robes. Yes, One day it will be red, One day it will be Orange, One day it will be dark red. One day it will be yellow. With the bushy hair and Abaya Hastham(Blessing us by his Palm), we will be drinking the nectar "Sai". Those were the beautiful days. Dharsan at very close quarters, Padanamaskar, Interviews, His benign touch in our brow for applying 'Vibuthi". I never estimated such proximity and the boon of his touch when now I am able to see Swami from great distance only. Only during the Athi Rudra Maha Yagna, I was able to see him in close quarters at the Poornahuti (ritual completion of Yagna) when he graced us with a close Dharsan with Abayahastha(Blessings with Palm). It was a balm to my heart. Sairam.