Prema Bandham – Alumni from Tamil Nadu

The day’s weather profile took a twist in the afternoon with sky turning overcast eventually presenting a 4 o’ clock drizzle here in Prasanthi Nilayam. And in the evening that wore the sepia tinge, Poornachandra Auditorium once again turned active with over 200 alumni from the state of Tamil Nadu with their immediate families assembling at the venue praying for “Prema Bandham”, an alumni meet with The Lord!

Bhagawan arrived at the auditorium just after 1900 hrs. and was welcomed with Poornakumbham and Vedam chanting. Two special cakes commemorating the occasion were blessed by Bhagawan before He assumed the seat on the specially made dais. A group of boys made a beeline on to the dais showing various project activities, briefing Him in detail. Bhagawan patiently listened to all of them and blessed the projects. Next was the turn of the music troupe from the state alumni that presented some soulful renderings.

Soon, Bhagawan set out to move through the rows of men and women blessing them with closer darshan and Padanamaskar. Blessed prasadam and special gifts were distributed to the entire group of over 600. Bhagawan accepted Mangala Arathi before retiring to come into the main darshan venue, Sai Kulwant Hall.

At Sai Kulwant, bhajans went on and with Bhagawan’s arrival at 1935 hrs., once again there was an exhibition of devotional fervour with hundreds of backbenchers at the ladies’ end got on to their feet to catch a precious glimpse of The Lord moving in the car. Gents’ side followed suit and Bhagawan, completing the round came directly on to the verandah through the aisle at gents’ side.

After a brief pause of five minutes, Bhagawan came on to the dais at 1945 hrs. and bhajan reached a crescendo. After two bhajans Bhagawan indicated for Mangala Arathi.

Blessing the audience with abhayahastha Bhagawan left the dais at 1950 hrs. to retire to Yajur Mandiram at 1955 hrs.