Prasanthi Sings Paens Of Lord Krishna…

Holy hymns singing paens of Lord Krishna along with a colourful procession of quadrupeds from Sri Sathya Sai Gokulam marked the auspicious Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations here in Prasanthi Nilayam this morning.

The programme commenced at 0830 hrs., after half-an-hour Veda chanting, with students singing Madhurashtakam composed by Vallabhacharya followed by Achyuthashtakam by Shankaracharya. Other songs were Gana Sundara Karuna Rasa Mandira, Mohana Murali…., both often heard numbers from Prasanthi, Manasa Sancharare by Thyagaraja, , Chandana Charchita Neelakalebhara in Malayalam ending with a Hindi devotional invoking Bhagawan.

Even as the songs continued, the colourful procession of quadrupeds and birds from Sri Sathya Sai Gokulam arrived at the Mandir escorted by the Nadaswaram troupe from the Institute. The quadrupeds included cows and calves, deers, rabbits, peacocks, doves and the canine ‘Jolly’ from Senior Hostel.

Senior administrators of Ashram, including Trust Members and Secretary of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, fed the animals and birds, a tradition set by Bhagawan, before Mangala Arathi was to Bhagawan with the quadrupeds and birds standing witness to the scene.

Bhagawan’s Divine Discourse followed next. The discourse was centred around Radharani’s complete surrender marked with unsullied devotions towards Lord Krishna leading to Bhagawan’s final Flute-Play.

Bhagawan continued with His lucid narration, recounting His days in Dwapara, singing the melody “Pata Paduma Krishna …” and the devoted assembly sat in silent devotion recapturing live memories of Bhagawan’s physical presence in the same venue, discoursing and singing on many such occasions. Krishna Principle is verily Love Principle, echoed Bhagawan exhorting the audience to live in love, praying for the welfare of all the worlds. Bhagawan ended His Divine discourse with the bhajan Govinda Krishna Jai…

With bhajans continuing, primary children offered greeting offerings at the Sanctum Sactorum followed by a set of  senior students, carrying quadrupeds and birds, namely deers, white doves, rabbits, peacocks and the hostel canine Jolly, seeking blessings. The white doves were released subsequently symbolising peace unto the world. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage before Mangala Arathi offering at 1005 hrs.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II