22 NEW PHOTOS FROM PRASANTHI NILAYAM WITH UPDATE

January 25, 2009

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Photos: Drama by students of Brindavan Campus

On the 13th, the students of the Brindavan campus got permission to put up their drama and so from 12pm itself, work began in right earnest to erect the sets. It was complete only by 4:40pm after which at about 4:50pm, Swami arrived for darshan in the car. As Swami completed the ladies side darshan round and moved into the stage area, the entire set and backdrop lay hidden behind a huge veil. Completing the darshan round, Swami moved into the interview room. Slowly the sets were put in place and everyone waited eagerly. Huge screens had been put up by the students in various parts of the hall to facilitate comfortable viewing for all. Swami moved into the bhajan hall where all the participants of the drama were seated. He interacted with them for about 10 minutes and enquired into the roles and costumes of many of the actors. It was about 5:20pm when Swami came out and sat onstage

and asked for the programme to begin.

Along with the veil, jaws dropped too seeing the magnificence and splendour of the intricate sets that had been prepared. Towering till the roof and standing about 30 feet across, just admiring all its different facets and aspects itself would have taken an hour! The drama to be staged was entitled, "Bhakta Potana." Four students playing major roles in the drama came up to Swami and presented Him the card and flowers of dedication. The drama opened with the scene at the magnificent temple that had been set. The inspiring story of the devotee-poet Pothana was threaded as a discussion between Lord Vishnu and Garuda, His divine eagle-mount. Pothana firmly believes in the truth that only that is worthwhile which is dedicated to the Lord. His relative, the poet Srinatha (literally meaning,"the Lord of wealth") tries to persuade him to get salvation for himself through riches and fame.

But pothana becomes the true "Sri-Natha" by making the Lord his treasure. He works miracles through his sheer love for the Lord and cures a rich atheistic and critisizing landlord, Gajendra of his paralysis. The high point in Pothana's life occurs when Lord Rama appears in person in his presence and commands him to write the Bhagavatham in Telugu. Implicit obedience to His Lord has made Pothana a household name in Andhra Pradesh today where his Bhagavatham is revered and adored.

The Padma Nayaka king of Warangal, Sarvajana Singha Bhoopaala , wanted Pothana to dedicate 'Andhra Maha Bhagavatamu' to him. The king was himself a scholar and wrote many works including Rasdrnavasudhdkara-a well known Sanskrit drama. But, Pothana refused to obey the king's orders and dedicated the Bhagavathamu to Lord Rama alon, whom he worshiped with great devotion. He was of opinion that poetry was a divine gift and it should be utilized for salvation by devoting it to the God. The king gets infuriated and commands his troops to destroy the work saying that if it was truly Rama's property, He would protect it. The whole village stands as a shield but are soon crushed by the brutal force of the soldiers. Finally when all is seeming lost, an invisible force filed barricades away all the soldiers. The true devotees at the scene see the great devotee Hanuman protecting his Lord's

work! The king begs pardon and all celebrate the glory, grandeur and Love of the Lord.

Threaded into the drama were beautiful songs, dances and stories of the mischievious Lord Krishna from the Bhagavatham. The devotion filled evening came to a close with the massive final formation. What a unique idea it was! All the participants of the drama came forward and performed Aarthi to Swami. A simultaneous 100 Aarthi performance! Wow! It was indeed a sight to behold. As they concluded, Swami seemed so very happy and proud. He seemed to get quite emotional as the final song spoke the Truth of how He was there as the ultimate redeemer and support. Once the song and dance concluded, in a spontaneous gesture, Swami beckoned Pothana and created a gold chain for him. What followed next was a series of group photographs wherein all the participants of the drama - those on stage and those off it too- came to Swami in small groups and had a cherishable and treasurable picure

taken. When Swami gives (and He gives so very often!), He gives completely. Everyone were so joyous and dozens of letters and cards exchanged hands. Swami spoke to many of the studensta and surely a lot of problems would have been solved and dreams fulfilled in those little talks!

After the whole session, Swami told all the students to sit against the magnificent backdrop and asked the photographer to take pictures of that beautiful sight. Then, calling the warden of the Brindavan campus, Swami spoke very appreciatively about the drama. He also promised,"After I visit Muddenahalli, I will come and stay in Brindavan. That time put up a full 3 hour drama on the Bhagavatham and I will see it." Needless to say there was a rupturous applause at this joyous news. The Divine Director not only appreciates the 'actors' in the 'drama' of life, but also showers love for a good performance of a drama within the drama! Receiving Aarthi and having it announced that the next day would be the prize distribution for the students on the holy day of Sankranthi, Swami retired for the day.