Varalakshmi Vratam Celebrations Report

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Photo slide show by SSSBPT Org

Varalakshmi Vratam Celebrations

Puja and Music Programme

August 15, 2008 The stage was set with two silver idols of Goddess Lakshmi decked in beautiful garlands. The idols of the Ashta Laskhmis (the eight manifestaions of the Goddess) where also displayed in all their splendour. Bhagawan arrived for darshan at 9.40am and took a full round in kulwant hall. Bhagawan then came on to the dais and lit the ceremonial lamp to commence the puja. Two purohits conducted the proceedings by reciting appropriate mantras and giving instructions to the ladies to conduct the puja. The puja began with the worship of Lord Ganesha and proceeded according to 'Sree Sukta Vidhana' with 'Shodasha Upachara' or 16 forms of ceremonial offerings to Goddess Varalakshmi while reciting verses from the Sree Suktam.At the end of the puja, the purohit narrated the story of how the 'Varalakshmi Vrata' came in to practice: In kailasa, Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva as to whether there is any form of worship that women can perform for

fulfillment of all their desires. Then Lord Shiva says that by performing the Varalakshmi Vratam on the first friday of the Hindu month of Shraavana, a women attains all her desires such as a long happy married life, being blessed with children and grandchildren, leading a healthy prosperous life dedicated to right living and spiritual growth. After attaining these instructions, the ever compassionate mother appears in a dream of a pious lady by the name of Charumathi and instructs and guides her to perform the Varalakshmi Vratam. Upon waking up, she narrates the dream to her husband and her in-laws and they encourage her to perform it. So Charumathi performs the vratam along with many other married women and they are blessed with all auspiciousness and prosperity. After the story session, the ladies tied sacred thread on the right hand wrist of each other and exchanged prasadam and other articles of worship with each other. the puja concluded with

arati around 11am. In the evening, the Kulwant hall resounded to classical music of Smt Sunita, a recipient of Nandi Award. Smt Sunita captivated the audience with both classical and light music and rounded it off with a beautiful Bhajan. Bhagawan blessed the artiste with a chain and followed it up with clothes for both the singer and the accompanists. ------------ ------14th Aug. 2008-------- --------- --------- ------- THE SPIRIT OF INDIA: Skit by students of Sri Sathya Sai University

The Saga of National Independence struggle

August 14, 2008 “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it” was the famous quote from father of India’s nationalism, Bal Gangadhar Tilak that imbued Indians with patriotic fervour and love for Mother India. Come August 15th and one feels the adrenalin of patriotism getting in his veins. 15th August 1947 was the day India rediscovered herself, when she woke up to freedom, from the tyrannical British regime that ruled her for more than two centuries. The nation celebrates this great victory all over the county with celebrations echoing the unity factor. And it was this voice of unity that was heard echoing on the eve of India’s Independence Day at Prasanthi Nilayam. Celebrating the occasion, the postgraduate students from the Sri Sathya Sai University presented a spirited display of patriotic fervour through a music drama, titled, THE SPIRIT OF INDIA on the eve of National Independence Day. A fine portrayal highlighting the spirit of patriotism, achieved through the viable media of individuality of the human, nationality of a citizen, devotion in diversity, integrity of character, and atmic reality, in its finer essence was on display in the Divine presence of Bhagawan.

How important and how significant is one’s passion for Motherland? The presentation had answer to this question depicted through a rebellious youngster of national independence struggle, an unsung hero by name Ravi Singh whose dedication and sacrifice for the greater cause was the central theme of the presentation. The presentation starts with an open question to the public as to “Why are we proud to be called an Indian?” Pat came the reply from a student, that he loved to be an Indian because Lord has taken birth in this sacred land over and over and again through the ages… then came a lad from 8th standard who echoed the same sentiments and Bhagawan was literally moved at the spirit shown by the little one. The drama was weaved into a fine brocade of a story by the threads of unsung heroes of independence struggle, who sacrificed everything for the sake of Poorna Swaraj. The story coursed alongside the lives of two young men who dedicate their lives for the freedom struggle under the leadership of the Mahatma, Gandhiji. They rise against the British non-violently, trusting the power of their immortal spirit rather than relying on the strength of the mortal body. They receive the blows rained by the British joyfully knowing that each

blow that seemed to crush their body actually developed their resolve to be free into an indomitable and unbreakable one. They go to jail and there too experience the joy of Unity and oneness as people of all religions and strata in society rub shoulders, united in the common cause of freeing Mother India from the fetters of foreign rule. Gandhiji motivates them by his mere words laced with Truth through stories from epics and past history, like the one that of Raja Harishchandra whose kingdom exemplified the adage: yathaa raja tathaa prajah, which means: as the king, so are the subjects. The story moves to the court of Sri Aurobindo wherein the protagonist takes shelter after loosing his son to police brutality. Posing a valid question as to why people in the name of non-violence meekly receive blows and attributes the same to bravery and non-violence. Did not Lord Krishna in the Bhagawad Gita too urge Arjuna to rise in arms? The Krishna

Arjuna dialogue ensues and message becomes very clear. Krishna, though apparently urged Arjuna to wage war, wanted him to actually give up body attachment. And war was the means of doing it then for Arjuna did not want to fight because he thought he was killing his own people. Non-violence was the means now for the revolutionaries wanted to fight because they thought they were killing enemies! Whatever be the means, the end must be to annihilate body consciousness and then alone can one be truly free. Towards the end, the heroes, Gandhiji, Bhagat Singh and Subash Chandra Bose made their brief but very inspiring appearances. Patriotic songs were liberally sprinkled all over the drama and all the singing was being done live. Rather than using recorded tracks, the boys wanted to get immersed in the feelings of the day and occasion and sing the songs live. It had the desired effect as each song touched the people in some deep recess of the heart.

There were no spectators or audience today as all felt one with the feelings of patriotism and true love being depicted at the centre. The drama concluded with all the students coming forward in the crescent formation. Then in military style, one by one, they all stepped out of line, stated loudly and proudly what the Bharata Bhagya Vidhata, Bhagawan, had done for them and then stepped back in line. As this concluded, it was so clear for all in the hall that if at all there is a True Patriot, then it was He, who sat right before them clad in the saffron! This final portion elicited a lot of applause from everyone.

More details from 14th Aug. India and Pakistan, countries which were Siamese twins at birth, were separated by a political cesarean operation. And so it happens that while India celebrates its rebirth as a free nation on the 15th of August every year, its separated twin, Pakistan, does so on the 14th of the same month. Whatever be the date, it is indeed in "august" company that the celebrations occur! 15th of August 2008 had both celebrations, of the national Independence and the Varalakshmi Vratam. Swami never allows anyone to go disappointed. And thus, Swami instructed the students to put up their traditional I-day drama on the 14th evening itself so that the very elaborate preparations that had gone into the Vratam could continue into fruition the next day. The stage was set and all the boys in their costumes were seated in the bhajan hall. Swami moved along the lines as He came out for darshan and then as He

reached the central block, He looked admiringly at the simple yet elegant backdrop that had been constructed with the Indian tricolour on it. He cut through the central area and moved straight into the bhajan hall. All the actors were waiting. Swami seems to be fascinated by good colourful costumes. And like a child, He seemed so happy seeing the 'various colours' of the boys! He was 'introduced' to Gandhiji, Subash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh. He looked at a bearded person sitting nearby and asked him what he was doing. He turned out to be Harishchandra and his wife Chandramati too was nearby in a blue saree! Swami was also very happy to see Krishna and Arjuna figure in the scheme of things. He enquired into the duration of the programme. 1 hour was the answer. Similarly, Vasishta and Vishwamitra were introduced to Him. Swami blessed all the actors and told them that He would soon be out to witness their programme. As per His word, He soon came out

and asked for the Veda chanting to give way to the programme. Krishna and Arjuna came up to Him and offered roses. Swami appeared very touched seeing Krishna in all splendour. The programme started with the Sootradhaari or compere introducing the drama. Then all of a sudden, he asked, "Why are you proud to be an Indian?" Everyone were taken by surprise. A few tense moments passed when it seemed that no one wanted to voice an answer! Then a hand went up and a student rose saying, "There are many reasons why I am proud to be an Indian. But the greatest and the most heartfelt is because God has taken birth here over and over again through the ages!" The crowd burst into a joyful applause and Swami was very touched. He called the student and told him to announce that the programme was being done by the 2nd year post graduate boys and he did as asked. The programme continued with another student, a lad from the 8th standard getting up and stating that he too

was proud to be with the avatar and for the reason that Bharat has such a glorious culture. Swami was deeply touched to see the fire in the belly of that child. The drama was weaved into a fine brocade of a story by the threads of little known individual patriots who gave their all for the sake of Poorna Swaraj. The story coursed alongside the lives of two young men who dedicate their lives for the freedom struggle under the leadership of the Mahatma, Gandhiji.. They rise against the British non-violently, trusting the power of their immortal spirit rather than relying on the strength of the mortal body. They receive the blows rained by the British joyfully knowing that each blow that seemed to crush their body actually developed their resolve to be free into an indomitable and unbreakable one. They go to jail and there too experience the joy of Unity and oneness as people of all religions and strata in society rub shoulders, united in the

common cause of freeing Mother India from the fetters of foreign rule. Gandhiji motivates them by his mere words which are laced with Truth. The episode of Sathya Harishchandra was depicted very aptly at this point. Being a king, Harishchandra is reduced to a poor undertaker at the cemetery. His legendary adherence to Truth is seen as he refuses to be bound by bodily attachments and bury his own son for free. His wife pleads and the king's heart bleeds. But he remains firm in his resolve to be on the path of Truth. As Swami saw the episode of Harishchandra, He became very emotional. It seemed as if His heart too bled and tears were shed at the memory of a person who always adhered to the path of Truth and righteousness. Especially when Chandramati, the wife, pleaded for the son, the divine mother that He is, Swami felt the pangs of another mother's heart.When the protagonist of the play loses his son to police brutality, he is a broken

man. With tears he goes to his Guru, Sri Aurobindo. His brother and comrade too is there and he is just unable to understand why people meekly receive blows and think that it is bravery to be non-violent. Did not the Lord Krishna in the Bhagwad Gita too urge Arjuna to rise in arms? The Guru clears all the doubts by taking both the disciples through the Bhagwad Gita. The Krishna Arjuna dialogue ensues and message becomes very clear. Krishna, though apparently urged Arjuna to wage war, wanted him to actually give up body attachment. And war was the means of doing it then for Arjuna did not want to fight because he thought he was killing his own people. Non violence was the means now for the revolutionaries wanted to fight because they thought they were killing enemies! Whatever be the means, the end must be to annihilate body consciousness and then alone can one be truly free. Towards the end, the heroes, Gandhiji, Bhagat Singh and Subash Chandra

Bose made their brief but very inspiring appearances. Patriotic songs were liberally sprinkled all over the drama and all the singing was being done live. Rather than using recorded tracks, the boys wanted to get immersed in the feelings of the day and occasion and sing the songs live. It had the desired effect as each song touched the people in some deep recess of the heart. There were no spectators or audience today as all felt one with the feelings of patriotism and true love being depicted at the centre. The drama concluded with all the students coming forward in the crescent formation. Then in military style, one by one, they all stepped out of line, stated loudly and proudly what the Bharata Bhagya Vidhata, Swami, had done for them and then stepped back in line. As this concluded, it was so clear for all in the hall that if at all there is a True Patriot, then He sat right before them robed in the saffron of sacrifice! This final portion elicited

a lot of applause from everyone. Swami called all the actors to Him. He was very happy and He congratulated everyone. A 'muslim' from the drama was called onstage and Swami spoke a few words with him. He however commented that the Bhagwad Gita was the greatest treasure from India and more time should have been spent on dilating its teachings. He then moved down to the performance area to grant the students the privilege of group photos with Him. He materialised a beautiful and thick gold chain for the student who played the role of Krishna. A point to be noted here is that Swami always seems to gift those actors who do positive roles, however small their actual roles may be. It is not that He is not rewarding talent and making a bias or anything of that sort. Swami believes that the only way to spread goodness and 'Godness' in the world is by embodying those qualities. Whenever the students put up a drama in

front of Him, they involve themselves so deeply in their roles so that they can do their best. It is but natural that the ones who get so involved in the roles that are divine, Krishna in this case, really embody that divine spirit, even if its for a short duration. Swami rewards that noble effort and feeling. Swami accepted all the letters the boys had to offer. He moved back on stage slowly and then very patiently and lovingly posed for group photos with all the boys. He Himself called on the groups. "Krishna and Arjuna", "Bose and Gandhi", "Harishchandra and Chandramati" , "the sepoys", "the red clothes sepoys" (British soldiers), and son on He would call and they would go on stage to pose for photographs with Him. He blessed lush red apples to be distributed to one and all. As if that were not enough, He personally distributed watches to each and every member of the 130 strong team that had made the presentation. As this distribution went

on, each student interacted with Swami in his own way and Swami responded to every one of them and made them feel special. One of the students gave a golden ring to Swami and requested Him to put it on his finger. Swami smiled and obliged. All the students prayed that Swami visit the hostel and Swami said, "I will come". Then Swami asked for bhajans to be sung as He continued to distribute watches ensuring that He missed no one. The bhajans began and after two bhajans of vociferous and enthused singing, Swami received Aarthi. It was past 7:00 pm when He retired to Yajur Mandir.