Chapter 18: Memories...

Addendum:

 

I wish to add the following as addendum after the flow of writing has ceased. I make special mention of these as they are tiny bit of immense Love and cooperation during yagna and ‘Swamy and me’ showcased.

1. Young Douglas is a Bal Vikas student from Malaysia. I think saying ‘ Balvikas’ student itself conveys a lot. While Mama would have his meals, Douglas would go and ask Mama, invariably every day, “when will you put sacred thread to me?”  Mama and others would smile at this young aspiring Brahmachari. On the Concluding day, after, enshrining the Lingam and other events, Badari brings Douglas and in to the presence of all other Yagna acharyas, Mama, elders and in the immediate Presence of Swamy  in the prayer hall. He makes Douglas sit at the near the Lingam, and under the instructions and supervision of Mama, and the watchful and Loving Glances of Swamy, starts the Upanayanam ceremony of Doulas.
   
   Badari poured water into his timy palms and says “ tell Keshavaya swaha, drink , tell narayana swaha…” which Douglas did in his cute English accent. A yognopaveetham was made and was taken to Swamy for blessing. The Blessed Yagnopaveetham was handed to Douglas’ parents, who fulfilled their child’s wish.
   
   
   Douglas was then initiated into Gayathri Manthra. It was so joyous moment for all of us. Rare is such a blessing of getting Upanayanam and Initiation on an auspicious day immediately after Ati Rudra Maha Yagna, that too in the Presence of Swamy! He knows whom to give what, when.    

 2.      During the Yagna celebration, there was a lot of back stage and off show work if I can put it that way.  The volume of the work was large and there were no designated Sevadals.  We ritwiks after participating in yagna, got quickly freshened up and re-assembled in the Yagashaala for cleaning of the Yagnagundas and redecorating for the next session, cleaning of the pathras, the floor, painting designs on the floor with rice flour in the traditional way, hanging buntings, replacing the withered leaves and flowers with fresh ones, piling up of logs, etc. Thanks to Dr. Sathya’s experience and guiding efforts of Sudhakar, his keen attention for perfection, every session was splendid.  

1. After cleaning of the Yagashaala and Dinner, we would wash our vesthis help each other in squeezing them, flappering them and giggling to the mist and hang them to dry. It was all such brotherly Love and association, so strongly formed between us – so be strangers…if not for our mother Sai, how could we ever have such feeling of Sahodara so soon?!
2. Serving and eating lunch was another part we enjoyed most. We would serve to all the panthis (rows seated for dining) and would ourselves be the last ones to dine. Mama and rest of the Yagna-acharyas would invariably be the last guests to arrive for dinner/ Lunch after finishing their personal saadhana etc. We would get the excusive privilege of Dining with Gurus. Specially with Mama, who has been a recipient of Swami’s Love. Saha Panthi Bhojanam with them was a matter of pride of us. We would just have to initiate as discussion with a questin and Mama would share His experiences with Swamy. And the discussions would last as long as 12:00 AM. We would often be subjects of ridicule for delaying Mama’s sleep. His hands would dry up, as he shared his experiences with Swamy, but not a sigh or expression of discomfort was ever expressed by him. I wish to share as much as possible the pearls of Love to the extent I remember.

1. Swamy called me to His residence and told me that there are two lingams in the inner hall, for performing the yagana and one should be chosen. He asked me to select one.  I said Swamy you command and I will do accordingly. He insisted, saying, you are the chief priest and you should make your choice. I went inside and there were two lingams placed. One was a White Marble lingam and the other was a Marakata lingam. I chose the white one. Swamy asked me to bring the chosen lingam. Swamy was sitting in His chair, and asked me to place the lingam in His lap. I carefully put the lingam in His Lap.  After a moment He asked me to take the Lingam. As I lifted the Lingam it was heavier than earlier, and I asked Swamy, “Swamy the lingam is heavier”.  Swamy’s expression at that moment is unforgettable.  Swamy appeared like Rudra, His expression was stern, furious, and said “ IT IS LIKE THAT”. I was taken aback at the sudden and unexpected change in His countenance. From Loving and friendly, to Heroic masculinity of Rudra.
2. It was the day before the commencement of the Yagna. We were all getting Yagna gundas and other things ready. At 11:30 PM there were ripples of the Divine Arrival with Swamy at the Center. Swamy made a surprise visit to the Sai Kulwanth Hall, to supervise the arrangements for the Yagna. He glided upto the center and alighting from His chair car, stood and majestically supervised the entire Yagashaala.  He suggested many significant corrections, of which we were completely unaware of. He suggested beautification of the Yagashaala, height and dimensions of Yagna gundas etc.  His omniscience was evident as He pointed to errors in a particular gunda that He physically never saw before, without actually looking at it. All that was a leela to spend some time with us and bless us. Swamy spent almost an hour withus and before retireing said “ I have given you sufficient advise. You procees on these lines” and retired for Yajur Mandir
3. On once occasion Swamy asked me “How old are you?”  I was 55 years old then and I replied “ Swamy 55 years old”.  Swamy asked “do you know how old am I?” I kept quiet. He replied “I am 90 years old”.  (this was in 2006)
4. Swamy would talk to me in Kannada, and He talks beautiful English too. I asked “ Swamy you speak English so beautifully, why do you need a translator? Who don’t you speak in English?”, to which He proudly  replied “Telugu is my mother tongue”.
5. During a discourse, one day Swamy materialized a Lingam and blessed me with it.  A thought crossed my mind, it would have been convenient if He gave me a small lingam so that I could always wear it .  Next day, I was performing puja, there was Kolahalam on His arrival, and He was asking for me. I was a bit afraid, thinking Swamy is asking for me, because I might have committed some mistake. As I went near Him, He materialized a long golden chain, with a small beautiful spatika lingam hanging at the center of it. It was so lovely and beautiful, and can only be a Divine product. He called me close and placed the chain around my neck and blessed me profusely.  I never expressed my desire to Him or to anyone for that matter.  He knew it, for He is the indweller of Hearts. He is aware of our deepest desires and darkest secrets.

6. For the Praanapratistha ceremony, I chose two muhurthams. One at Six in the morning and the other at eight o clock, the six o clock one being  more appropriate for the ceremony.  The organizers and Yajur Mandir officials said that six would be too early for Swamy to arrive and suggested me to prefer the eight o clock one.  Later that day Swamy arrived for Darshan and enquired about the next day’s proceedings. I told Him about the two muhuthams. He asked which one I preferred. I said the six o clock one was more auspicious. He said “ I would come and bless the event” . It was early next morning and the day’s session started.  As the events proceeded the auspicious time for Pranapratisha approached. It was few minutes for the ceremony to begin, and the Darshan music filled the air announcing the Divine Arrival. Swamy arrived in His car, came straight to the Lingam, alighted from His car. Vinay Kumar held Bhagavan’s Hand as He came closer to the Lingam. It was exactly the muhurtham time and He arrived in His inimitable Divine style. He participated and performed Praanapatistha to the Lingam. His face radiated Divine effulgence and a sense of deep satisfaction and a peculiar look as cosmic energy transfer was taking place between Swamy and the Lingam. After the pranapratistha, He waved His hand, and materialized a small Golded Naamam with a Red stone in the center and placed it on the Lingam, just below the sandal and vermillion mark, that symbolized the third eye of Shiva.  He profusely blessed and Super charged the Lingam. He vitalized and brought the Lingam to life, which henceforth would be the Deity Lord Sayeeshwara. After Praanapratistha He instructed us to proceed with the rituals and proceeded to Yajur Mandir.
7. During those days, Swamy talking to Mama said, and Mama recalls it very emotionally
   “You have little bit of ego. Why don’t you let it go?” Mama says, God only out of His Love only can give such an advice.
8. Another day during the dinner session, mama told us that there was no doubt that all of us were divinely chosen and it was not by chance, but only Divine will.  He told how Swamy took personal interest and care into even the minutest of details. Swamy instructed me to prepare the list of Ritwiks for ARMY, which I did obediently. I prepared a list and took it to Swamy. He glanced through the list and pointed which names were to be deleted from the list. He would point His finger on the name and say “ Remove this name. Remove this name”. After that He got medical examination of all the ritwiks performed to check if they could take such strain. During Darshan He instructed the Dean of the Hospital to personally conduct the medical checkup of the ritwiks. Few of them did not have enough physical strength and thus were dropped. Thus the final list was made. When the finalist was taken to Swamy, He blessed it and was satisfied and was happy about it.  

He was particular about the color of the angavastrams to be given to the Ritwiks, the contents if the deekshvastrams kit, the items on the menu for the ritwiks, which chutney to be served on which day, which sweet to be prepared on each day and things alike.  He was advised caution of the effects of food on ritwiks. It was a great lesson of Hospitality and caretaking , planning from God who is playing the Host of the great event. Nothing escaped His attention and watchful gaze. He would notice so many minute details in a casual glance, something we humans can possibly ever do, yet He was so Humane about it!

Now I understood, where from the Hospitality got “That” flavor… it was His presence and motivations that made all this possible, nay, it was He Himself conferring all that upon us invisibly.

9. He would call and ask the significance of various rituals that were being performed.  Not that He doesn’t know, the Veda Purusha Himself, but to freshen our memory and be extra caution and aware that Ari Rudra maha Yagna was being performed in the Presence of Rudra Himself. 
10. After poornahuti celebration, it is said that a rain is a sign of acceptance of the offerings. That day had absolutely clear August Prasanthi sky, bright no silver traces to spot. Just after the poornahuti. Swamy blessed the assembly by performing Yagna Prokshana personally. Swamy physically took the strain of blessing the entire assembly for their Joy. I was holding the silver vessel containing the sacred waters. I got exhausted and not He who was actually strenuously sprinkling the waters. How to record the fortune of the people who gathered there. Swamy was supporting His Right Hand with His Left Hand and continued to bless His devotees. After Swamy blessed the entire assembly, it started to rain! It rained rained for a few minutes and stopped on the Divine bidding as His devotees standing outside were getting drenched.  
11. After the conclusion of the yagna, He instructed all of us to assemble in the prayer hall. He arrived in His incomparable style. He sent away the boys and security personnel and everyone else. It was the ritwiks, myself and Swamy. He spent the entire forenoon with us, which each one of us recalls as the indelible forenoon of our lives.  Swamy spoke to each and everyone of us individually. He enquired about several personal things that were apparently unknown to Him and gave suggestions. It was a one – to – ONE session. He touched their lives, the Divine touch that transmutes into ‘Bangaru’. It was a pure Love session, and one common thing everyone would say is Swamy spoke to us with lots of Love. He was so down to earth ( the literal meaning of Avathar!). He permitted them to place their hands on His lap as we do while talking to our Mothers, to touch and intensely feel His soft palms, to closely look at His face and just feel His presence.
    
    One of the ritwiks wished to offer Swamy a Panchi. I discouraged him. Now this was outside the mandir and Swamy would never know about it.
    
    Swamy came close to this particular ritwik, I was also with Swamy. Swamy said “ vadu istanantunnadu kada, vadi santosham kosam ivvani”. It was a concrete evidence of His Love manifesting in the form of omniscience and acceptance of offering of love, with love.

Epilogue:

After reading and feeling the blessings, I believe I need not spend any more words to convey the Joy we all were conferred upon. It goes without saying that there is a huge shift in our levels of consciousness levels of understanding. For sure we are better organizers of our self and of events like of this scale now. Every time I was in the Yagashaala, I used to feel that something powerful and cosmic is taking place. The vibrations and energy generated were spreading throughout the universe. Only He knows what has transpired and the effects of this Yagna, for He is the One, for whose preethi all this was performed, and Who is the Divine motivator, the Great Performer and Acceptor of all the prayers and the Great Bestower of Boons.

One incident I recall – on the evening of the first day of the Yagna, we observed that the central path between the Yagna Gundas, which was reserved as Pavithra Paadam, the sacred path for Swamy to walk amidst us got intensely heated up, that it was burning hot to walk over it. There was no reason to explain why and how only that portion got heated up, without any physical contact for heat conduction and heat evolution, leaving the adjacent areas around the Yagna Gunda cool! We interpreted that He walked on that path, as a result of which the Energy Surge caused the strip of floor to get heated up.

We were more than a hundred people assembled in the Ashramam. Not on a single issue was there an argument or dispute, or expression of discomfort which very normally could occur in small family gatherings or functions. Perfect harmony prevailed. It appeared we were in some kind of a protective cocoon, invulnerable. There were no fevers, and other health related issues, given the fact that it was a completely foreign land, new atmosphere, food and water environment.

The pace and the way the events proceeded, be it supply of food and puja requirements, huge lotuses, fire woods, tins of Ghee, in a foreign land, all prove the organizers were truly instruments in the Divine Hands.

The trip was totally taken care of, by Swamy. Not a rupee or Baht was taken from the ritwiks, on the contrary, Dakshina was offered to all of us. We could have spent money, a lot of it, but could we ever get an experience like this? We could buy comforts, but not the Love that was showered on us. We could never buy the feeling of Oneness, and the hospitality and care. We could have bought food, but not the delicious and sumptuous Prasadam served with Love. We could have bought air tickets and foreign trips, not the company of Sai devotees, on a pilgrimage. We could have Loved Him and felt His presence, but I wonder, could it be so for 24x7 for eleven days, with such intensity, collectively, passionately with fellow Sai devotees.

Could we on earth spend a day totally immersed in His thoughts words and deeds, away from Cell phones, Television and Internet? We did it for Eleven Days!

There are so many blessings that were conferred upon us. We could possibly count the stars in the sky, measure the volume of waters in sea, but numbers would fall short if we started to count His boons. All this are about the tangible blessings, what about the veiled fruits of the Kalpatharu?

To count His leelas, and to describe Him and His Love are but for our satisfaction, ( nay, could we ever get ‘satisfied’?!). In reality He is beyond all description. His is the Will that prevails. He is the doer, the witness, the prayer, the acceptor of prayer, and the result of the Prayer.

We are His reflections, acting in our appointed way for His joy.  We play, we sing,  we do everything for Him, whether we know it or not, whether we accept it or not.

This work, also is composed for Him. He is Akshara.

Sayiparameshwara preethyartham, Sayi parameshwara Charanaaravindarpanamastu.

Samastha Loka Sukhino Bhavanthu.  

Chapter 17: Travelling Back

We were taken for sightseeing in and around Chaing Rai and temples on the way to Bangkok.  We halted at a beautiful lake at the foot of a hill. The top of the hill was in clouds. It was sun set time and golden rays were beautifying the entire scene. It was a perfect setting for Bhajan. After half-an-hour bhajan, snacks were served. By now mama and party had arrived from Mae Sai.

We left for Bangkok, and reached the city early next day.

It was wee hours when I woke as the skyscrapers and tall flyovers of Bangkok welcomed us to the Bangkok city. We drove past the wide roads with the tall light posts posing the photographs of King Rama IX.

I remember crossing the Embassy of Peru, Argentina, Iran… I was wondering where we heading to? We finally halted at a huge mansion – Raja Mansion. It was an apartment complex, where arrangements for our next two days were made. Four air conditioned, completely furnished houses were readied for our stay. I simply loved the hospitality.

We were too exhausted after the 13 hour long drive. Many of us chose to rest for a while others were ready to pounce on to the city.  

We got ready in an hour’s time, and reached the lobby of the building, and guess what?!! It was Sai Prasanthi Mandir. A brief Bhajan session and breakfast followed.  Breakfast was (as usual) elaborate, with Breads of various kinds, idly, poori, sabji, jams, furits lining up in the menu.  Everyone ate to thier  full, had hot south Indian coffee. It was their Love that was more fulfilling than the actual items on the menu.  We were given direction on where to go, and how to reach various places in Bangkok.  Our Hosts stuck the address and tel number of the place for us to find our way back.  

Bangkok is a lively and well disciplined city. We went shopping, sight seeing, and as the bright day turned into the golden hues and finally dark bule, we boarded the Metro Rail to reach Sukum Vit Soy, from where we reached Rajaji Mansion.  On our way, while we were travelling in a taxi, the cab driver asked “ where are you from?” I was sitting in the front and I replied, “ India”. I asked “You come to India?” – meaning have you gone to India?, to which he replied “ I no come to India, but I Love India”. I asked “ Why you Love India?”, the speeding driver, momentarily folded his palms in Namaste, reverentially bowed down and said “ India, land of Budha”.  I was taken aback, many youngsters like me do not the worth of the golden soil we hail from and often consider foreign lands as Suvarnabhumi!

Day 2 : Bangkok City.

After Rudra parayanam, Bhajan, the hosts thanked all of us for staying with them and commemorated the event by presenting each one us with a 10 Baht Note. Breakfast and coffee were served. Fourteen mini busses were waiting for us. Most of the drivers were Sikhs from Punjab. We were taken to various places in Bangkok. The Grand Temple Palace was one of them. The entry fee to the Temple Palace is 350 Baht, which was waived for all hundred odd of us.  We were guests to the temple and the chief security officer personally guided Mama and party to the various locations in the Palace. About half a dozen guides were escorting the rest of the team. We all reached the jade Budha temple. We chanted Rudram, and it sounded exactly similar to the Buddhist Chants. We were shown the entire temple and Palace complex. We hurried back and it was 01:00 PM by the time we reached back Raja Mansion. This time the meal awaiting us was light. It was Pulao, curry and Papad. The obvious reason was the flight journey ahead.

We picked up our luggage, and left for Suvarnabhumi International Airport, not before profusely thanking the hosts and exchanging cards and contact numbers. We reached the airport and our hosts had come all the way form Chiang Rai and Mea Sai to bade us good bye. The helped us getting us our group boarding passes. Ksheera saagara Madhan and other puranic scenes were depicted in the airport. I wondered what kind of a secular country was India, whose rich traditions, values and culture is more prominent out side that within it!

We boarded the aircraft and after an uneventful flight, we touched down at Chennai four hours later.  

Chapter 16: Bhajan at Mae Sai

Mea Sai is one and half hour drive from the here and is the border town between Myanmar and Thailand. Busses and Autos were arranged for our travel.  We played Bhajan Antakshari in Bus. I was busy zealously clicking photographs…specially after abstaining from doing so during Yagna.

The country side was too beautiful to miss capturing. The roads converging into horizons were sandwiched by greenery and feet of tall hills. Occasionally sign boards. Atmosphere was pristine. We reached Mea Sai by 03:30 PM. We were truly surprised at what welcomed us!

We were welcomed at the Bhajan mandir. Yes bhajan Mandir!! Samosas, Vegrolls, Sago, soup, Coffee, Tea, and milk shakes were on the snack table all for our consumption, which we did with gusto. We went shopping, bargained and bought china makes.  We returned by 05:50 Pm for 06:00 PM Bhajan.

Bhajans were soul stirring. It was exactly forty days that He left the sacred body, and all of us in the bhajan hall were secretly carrying that grief in our hearts. Once  the bhajans picked up tempo and fervor,  tears of Love for Lord started to flood the cheeks of everyone. Everyone was missing Him physically and I think were complaining “growing up” from His physical presence “OMNIPRESENCE”. Mama addressed us after the bhajan. His eyes were still bedewed and cheeks wet. Mama reminded and assured us about His presence.

I should mention about Bhajans. I understood why God made so many languages at ARMY. It is for us to derive joy by singing His glory in different Languages. There were Marvaris, Hindi, Tamilians, Malayalis, Malaysians, and Thai devotes all singing Prasanthi Mandir Bhajans in the flavor of their mother tongue.

Every Bhajan offered to Lord was suffused with Love. I got reminded of Swamy’s Birthday Discourse addressing millions of people gathered in the stadium , where He said many a times, “ I am so happy , I have become the subject of your Love” . He is our Love. He is Love .

The Bhajan Hall was aesthetically decorated according to traditional Thai culture. True to the essence of Sarva Dharma, images of various Hindu deities, including that of Hari-Haranatha Swamy, Chinese Goddesses were on the wall sculptures. Swami’s statue was at the center of the Alter.

Bhajans concluded at 08:00 PM with Mangala harathi  to Swamy.

Bhajans were followed by Bhojan. It was an elaborate Indo – Thai meal. After  wonderful  Bhajan & Bhojan, we bid good bye to our lovely hosts and left for Bandu. It was about 11:00 PM by the time we reached Bandu. Mama and select few had stayed back at Mei Sai to perform Rudrabhishekam at Mandir in Mea Sai.  Myself, Panth, Shanmukh, Tarakesh and Prasanna had satsangh with Nagananda till 03:00 AM. Others too were having satsang and sharing their joys in their own groups. Those who were completely exhausted retired for the day.

We were asked to pack our luggage and be ready to leave for Bangkok early next morning. IT was emotional to Leave Swami’s residence where we had experiences of a life time. Everyone went and offered personal prayers to Swamy.  The Double-Decker busses had arrived for our pick up. The organizers had packed our dinner into boxes and every possible care was taken for our comfort.

Chapter 15: Mahakumbhabhishekam, Pratistha

The next day started with no difference what so ever. Omkaram, Suprabhatam were offered to Swamy as usual. 

We woke up quite late, and quickly got ready. We shaved after almost a week and sported our best white dresses, for the day. Hot breakfast was served and Coffee was welcoming us for being consumed!

After a light breakfast and a few sips of coffee we all assembled in Swamy’s residence at 0800 AM.
Rudraabhishekam was offered to Sayeeshwara Lingam. After abhishekam and puja, the Lingam was readied for Pratistha.

A pedestal was made in the center of  the Prayer Hall of Swamy’s residence and a beautiful Pink Lotus was established on the Pedestal. The center of the Lotus had a beautiful base just like the lotus flower. A small socket was made in the center of the Lotus base. The socket enshrined the Yantra, sacred and spiritually charged Gold, Silver, Coins, Navarathnas, etc. The socket was sealed with appropriate mantras and made ready for the seating Sayeeshwara Lingam.

It was then the Lingam was moved from its place, where it was reverentially installed on the day of commencement of the Yagna, and put on the Lotus. Thus Lord Sayeeshwara’s Lingam made it, It’s eternal Residence in Chaing Rai.

Bhajans followed for the anada of the Sayeeshwara. After bhajans and mangala harathi, we were surprised at what was announced. The organizers requested Mama, permission to felicitate all the ritwiks.  Each one of us was personally called near the alter and a “TOKEN OF LOVE” was gifted.

Tokens of Love are invaluable, and these were no exception at all. Huge Three Dimensional photographs of Swamy in different poses, books, Cds, Silk ( giving silk in Thai culture is a mark of respect) and a certificate, beneath which a small but heavy currency cover was lovingly hidden, were all beautifully placed in a handmade cloth cover and presented to all ritwiks, cooks, yaga shaala attendants and Local devotees!

Lunch followed, and it was resembling a south Indian marriage feast. The heavens opened up and it poured as if even the clouds wanted to share their joy of our successful accomplishment in praying for Universal peace. Dr. Sathya ate Rice that day. We were told to be ready by 02:00 PM to go to a nearby shopping market. Mea Sai is one and half hour drive from the here and is the border town between Myanmar and Thailand.

Chapter 14: Purnahuti Celebration

Ati Rudra Maha Yagna’s poornahuti was a grand celebration. Poornahuti celebration surged energy and vibrations that were very new and thrilling to us.  the sacrificial flames consuming the sacred offerings were rising and higher with the torrential flow of arghya from a specially esthetically carved long wooden spoon.

The Poornahuti offerings were too many. A few that I remember amidst the excitement were a saree into which several sugandha dhravyalu were bundled. There were rows of plates containing herbs and spices. Cloves, Cardamom, Camphor, Joss sticks, Sandal woods,  Oranges, Bananas, Huge Pineapples, Sugarcanes, Lotus flowers, Bilwa Leaves, Cotton cloths, Various grains, and tin loads of Ghee.

As the various ingredients were offered into the sacred flames, the flames raised higher and higher and fumes and smokes of the burning of the herbs and grains filled the atmosphere, or should I say the entire cosmos. Raw offerings even fruits and cane sugars got consumed into the flames. The heat was evolving was intense.


After all offering were made, then a the huge spoon was held over the Homa gunda, to which the dhaara pathra was hung. Ghee was filled into the Dhaara pathra. The heat from the home gunda liquefied the Ghee inside the Dhaara pathra, and stream of it flowed into the flames accompanied by the heightened chorus of sacred manthras of poornahuti.

For the final iteration, cupfuls of ghee were poured from the swan shaped opening of the spoon. Grand celebration came to grand conclusion as all the offerings were consumed by The Divine.

There was a deep sense of peace and cosmic silence dawning in my heart. It all appeared like creation…of a universe, may be only He knows. The flames raised higher and consumed everything offered. The flames did not burn, but cooled and cleansed. The vedic recitations were at the top pf our voices and the peace was sinking deeper and deeper.

Culminating part of Ati Rudra Maha Yagna was the Maha Kumbhabhiskekam. The sacred vessels that represented the sacred rivers of all lands, enshrined the presiding deities of the sacred waters were waiting for their turn to serve the Lord. Rudra Parayana was started on one more iteration.  Saayeshwara was bathed with the sacred waters from the Kalasams, I was reminded of the gangavatahranam scene, where in Mighty torrential flow of Ganga flowed from the matted locks of the Cosmic Shiva standing on the Himalayas.

In 2006, after poornahuti, Swamy was on stage and was in front of the Sayeeshwara Linga, while Kumbhabhishekam was being performed. The scene was inexplicably beautiful and the following photograph illustrates it.

Kumbhabhishekam was followed by chanting of santhi mantras, decorations and asthavadhana seva and Maha Mangala harathi. Shanti Mantras prayed for peace to all beings, in all worlds. It was not a coincidence at all of us felt Swamy’s face in the main alter shone with peculiar luster. He looked so very Handsome and charming. It takes one to be Adi Shankacharya to describe the Soundarya in a Lahari (torrential waves of beauty).

Maha-Mangala Harathi was offered Sri Sathya Sai Paramatma.

Mama addressed us all after the conclusion of the Ati Rudra Maha Yagna. He reminded us how fortunate we all are to be a part of a such a beautiful and sacred Yagna conducted in the Cosmic presence of Swamy. The distinction was the previous yagnas were performed in the Physical Presence and this was Blessed by the Cosmic Omnipresence of Swamy.  He gratefully thanked everyone who supported the event.  The loving food served, the immense back stage support, continuous supply of essential items like Logs and pooja items, Hospitality… everything.

He lovingly asked us to go and take prasadam and rest fully and assemble in Swamy’s residence as late as 0800 AM the next morning.  We were so touched by His particular remembrance and expressing gratitude to each and everyone of the coordinating team. 

The celebrations here not yet over. Chinese lanterns were ready! Kids and Veterans enjoyed flying them alike. Bold messages were written on them and were flown up to make it loud and clear. Everyone jumped and squeaked and yelled and enjoyed thoroughly. All the lanterns flew towards Esanya, in the direction of Kailasam, one after the other like army aircrafts. 

Dinner was waiting for us. Poornahuti Prasadam was served and  a deep sense of joy and satisfaction was immanent on the face of all. We couldn’t get sleep, we were too excited to rest. Each one was talking about his personal experience during the yagna. It was already the early hours of the next day by the time we retired.

Chapter 13: Bhajans

Swamy liked bhajsn that were sung Love and Bhava. Bhajan sessions in Sai Dashini were at their best. Thai devotees, Balinease devotees, Malaysian devotees, Bal Vikas devotees, and devotees from India sang sonorious bhajans saturated with Love and devotion.

Ham ko tumse pyar hai kitna, was the favourite song that echoed the mood of the entire gathering, expressig the Love between Lord and His Devotees.

Fast paced Shiva bhajans and excited and elevated the mood, and those sung by the Bal Vikas children were awe-inspiring. Bhajans were elevating, stirring and filled with Love for Sai.  

Chapter 12: Evening Sessions.

After the completion of Mangala Haarathi, we all gathered in the Mandir, to see Swamy, and the Lingam that was decorated.

There were flashes and clicks all around. Sayishwara and Sayishwara were so adorably beautifully. It was prasadam time. We assembled in the Prasada-alaya to gratefully recieve the bkessed prasadam. The serving was hot and saturated with Love.

We changed our deeksha avstrams and rested for a while. Our discussion would invariably about Swamy. ARMY 2006, 2007, 2010 personal experieences were on the topic boards.

After a short nap, ritwiks would take a bath, get ready for the next session. In the mean while, a few of us, cleaned the entire yagashaala, the yagna gundas, bedecked with paddy and seseame seads, and flowers.

Next session's prepration including seating arrangements for the Ritwiks, placing logs of wood by the yagna gundas, baskets of sacred offerings ready, cleaning the vessels that would be used for the abhishekam, setting the various items like camphos, flowers etc handy were made, quicky, all under the watchful Presence of the Lord.

At 04:00PM every one was present in the Yagashala, ready for commencing the next session. Ganapathi Prarthana, invocatory prayers were chanted. 132 ritwiks voiced Sri Rudram in Unision, and another session of the cosmic event bagan.

Swamy's residence on the top floor had large windows of the sides. One such window was on the Western Wall. As the evening sun set, Sun's Rays from the window directly bathed the Lingam. It was a visual treat for all of us. The droplets of water that rebounded from the flower on the Lingam looked like drops of light and shining diamonds in the flood of Sun light.


After the nineth iteration, it would be around 05:30 PM and clouds would cover the brigh skies and it invariably rain everyday, through the yagna. The intensity of the rain was so high that the noise of droplets of water hitting the yaagashaal's roof would dominate our chanting voice. Were the clouds competing with us, in chanitng rudram in their own language? or was it the direct abhishekam of the entire assembly by the devas and classes of higher beings pouring in through the clouds...we never know.

At about 06:00 PM, the Rudra Parayana would conclude and a short break for performing sandhya vandanam, and coffee to relax the vocal chords. Singers would assemble with their instruments and sing melodious Bhajans, and simultaneously the Siva Bhaktas decorated the Lingam in befitting style. In about twenty minutes time, every one returned to the Yagashaala and the next session began.

It would by dark by 06:30 PM, dark clouds hovering the skies. Sacred flames dormant in the yagna gundas would be raised by piling in logs and fanning. In a few minutes all the Yagna gundas would be blazing with high rising flames.

Darshan through the Yagagudas can only be experienced and enjoyed, and the beauty of the sight can not be described.

Yagnaacharya would lead the team and proceed with various invocatory rituals. Rudra Homam commenced in after a short duration. Evening sessions were specially more beautifully. The entire sorrounding area, beyond the Yagashaala and His residence was in dark and the Yagna gundas were alive with flames raised for sacred offerings.

Rudra Homam was followed by various Upacharas and Asthavadhana Seva. On the evening of Sixth, Bala Vikas Students from Malaysia and Indonesia offered Mahishsura Mardhini stotram to Swamy. The stortam was rendered with perfect anotation, diction, pronunciation and instrumenal accompanyments.

On the seventh the brahma of the celebration, Pranavaswarupanada swamyji rendered Siva Kavacha stortam, On another evening, the Lady Chanters and Devotees sang beautiful songs for Sai - "Hamko tumse pyar hai kitna, Sai tumhi jaanete". Male singers offered Special Bhajans.

Renderings from Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana Veda were unique, and never repeated. Various stotrams, in praise of Sadguru, Sri Mahavishnu, Shiva, Devi, were made all for the pleasure of Swamy. It was a jouyous experience to be an audiece to the great court of Lord Sayishwara where Vedic Scholars and Learned men offered all their skills to Him. We had the pleasure of receiving the Prasadam of their Naivedyam.

Aarathi in various forms, with single wick, with five wicks, with hundred wicks, and camphor was offerd to Sayishwara. Tiny jyothis infornt of the Parmjoti were so beautiful.


On the evenin gof Sixth, while were moving in the Yagahaala, we noticed that the Pavithra Paadam, or the Sacred Path between the Rows, where special designs were painted, exclusively for Swamy, was very hot, in complete contrast to the tiles just next to the Sacred Path. The adjasent tiles were at ambient temperature, while the tiles below the Pavithra Padam were hot. We could only guess what could have happened. When reported to Mama, he said the event is blessed by His presence, is had been proven beyond doubt.


Since no Seva dals were designated, ritwiks ourselves took turns in various events like cleaning the yagashala after the sessions, serving prasadam, etc during which our bonds with each other and with our Divine Parent strengthened.

Mama and his troupe - Ramaanada Sarma, Badari, Dr. Sathya, Julius were invariably the last ones to arrive for having dinner. Mama ate frugally, and the serving batch would sit with him and dine. We would ask him about the significance of various events and rituals that were performed that day during the Yagna, and hewould explain them elaboratey, with patience and without a trace of discomfort. His body language was reflecting the Love that he had soaked from Swamy. He also narrated so many stories and personal encounters with Swamy, episodes of Love and Grace HE showered so profusely on him and HIS devotees. Often his hands would dry talking to us, and it would weel cross twelve in the night. despite the next days schedule, henever complained or short circuited his narrairions to go to bed.

We would then wash out vesthis and other cloths, dry them, chat and share Ananda, and it would invaraibly One or Two early in the morning before we actually went to bed! Nextday as usual began at five AM with Aumkaram and Suprabhatam.

Chapter 11: Yagnam

After the Abhishekam and Decoration of the Lingam, preparations for Homam began. Mama sat at the position for the Chief Priest and started the procedures for igniting the Sacred Fires. It was very different from as it is done in Homam programs elsewhere. Several deities were invoked and were welcomed to protect the Yagna and accept the prayers.

Agni for the Homam was lit and was raised in the Main homa gunda. Various mantras continued to be chanted. Elaborate rituals including offering Padyam, Arghya, Achamanam, Aasanam, Naivedyam, were offered to the deities welcomed into the Homa gunda. Havya Vahana, the God of Fire was appeased with reverential prayers to carry the offerings to the respective Deities. Flames started to higher, in resonance with the voice of the Ritwiks. The energy surge was intense and vibrations were very strongly felt, it was immanent that a cosmic event had started / occurred. Worship to the presiding deities of the eight corners was performed. Darbha grass was placed on the four sides. The yagna gunda was a site of divine commotion, with guardian angels protecting it from all directions and Lord witnessing the event seated on His throne!

After proper and accurate procedures as prescribed in the Shaivagama, Agni was split into eleven portions. The sacred flames were received at each Homa gundam with mantras, after which they were again raised with Mantras. Now the prayers and rituals started at each homa gundam.  

After appropriate rituals for raising the flames, Ganapathi Homam, Sai Gayathri Homam were performed.

Sonorous veda mantras from the Ganapathi Atharvaseersham appended with Swaahakaara reverberated the entire yagashaala.
Offerings for various other deities were made. After all these, then finally Rudra Homa commenced. Rudram was chanted by the eleven priests sitting around the Homa gundam, and was led by the Yagna Acharya.

Rudra Parayanam that we chanted earlier was aggrandized with swaaha after each couplet of names.

Baskets with Jaggery mixed with Dark Sesame seeds and Paddy were placed before each Ritwik for making the offerings.  

The Yagna Acharya gave instructions as to how to make the offerings, and all followed. At each Swaahakaram, the Yagna acharya offered Ghee, and simultaneously all the Ritwiks offered the Paddy-Sesame-Jaggery mix. The timing of chanting Swaaha and making offerings was perfect as prescribed in the Shastras. There was no delay at all. Logs of fire woods and bowlsful of Ghee stated to get consumed in no time. The flames raised higher and higher. It was a wonderful sight. The paddy seeds popped like pop corn in the Yagna gunda, and the entire yagna shaala reverberated with a million tiny popping sounds emerging from the Yagna gunda. The jaggery melted and released a lot of heat. The logs of wood started to get reduced into ashes, and a divine fragrance filled the entire atmosphere. Every sense had the complete pleasure that could be enjoyed. There was the wonderful Darshan of Swamy through the high raising flames, with His ocher robe merging into the flames. He was granting the Darshan of the Yagna Purusha. Only His beautiful face with a Gentle Loving smile was visible. His face was shining like mid day sun, nay, the luster on His face during the Yagna is incomparable and is Unique!

The Swaahakarams went louder and louder as the pace of the Chant increased. The popping of paddy continued as intense heat generated from the Homa gundas. The heat was strangely not causing trouble of Burning. It may be said that we got used to it like boiling frogs… only those who have experienced it know what I am talking about.

Rudra Parayanam was followed by Chamaka Parayanam, where in there was one Swaha after the entire Anuvakam. Each of us got up and stood, with Offerings in our double handfuls, and prayerfully let them into the fires at the Swaahakaram.

After the final iteration, special annotations at a very high pitch were chanted aloud. The mantras were prolonged and streached to the particluar prescribed scale of rendering. (at which almost all of us except Yagna Acharyas had shreiked and our voices sounded like split bamboo)

After Rudra Homam, other customary chants continued and finally thanks giving salutation to Havya Vahana was offered. Thus the Homam part concluded.  

After Homam, Mama got up and performed puja to Lord Sayeeshwara.  Salutations to Adityamaka Sri Rudra was done.

Dhoopamam was offered.  

Salutations to Maha Deva ityadhi Ekadasa Rudra , Deepam Darshayami - Efflugance of Deepam was offered to the Paran jyothi.

After offering Dhoopam and Deepam, Achamya, water was offered to the His Divine Highness, who had so kindly graced the occassion by His Presence,  , which was followed by offering sacred scented flowers and leaves, for His pleasure.

Naivedyam was offered, which was followed by Neerajanam as the chants “Brahmatman vaya srujatam, Aatman, aatman, nityamantrayatam” reached peak voice. Neerajam with deepam with one wick, with five wicks and Meru neerajanam was offered. Sayeeshwara in both the forms received the offerings.

After aarathi with camphor, mantrapushpam was chanted and flowers of mantras was offered to Sayishwara. Vedic Aarathi mantram Yo vedadau swara prokto, vedante cha pratishtithaha, tasay prakruti leenasya, yah paraswa maheshwaraha was chanted in Unision.

Then started the grand celebration of offering Asthavadhana seva to Saiparameshwara. Various privileged offerings of Upacharas (services commanded by the Lord) like Pushpam, Patram, Chatram, Chamaram, Nritya Darshanam, Geeta Shravanam, Taambulam, Samastha Rajopachara, Daivopachara, Bhktyopachara, Shodashopacharas were offered to Sayeeshwara.

Then a chant “ Deerghatama” from Rig Vedam was offered,

Om ayam puro bhava from yajur vedam was chanted in high pitch which concluded with hari om Swasthi.

A sloka Om Uchaha Tejaaha, Saaman Dhaa sahaaha, from Saama veda was offered to Adityatmaka Sri Rudra, who enjoys listening to Saama Veda.

Kailasa Shikhare ramie, Shakarasya Shivalaye, from Shiva Sankalpam chant was offered from Atharvana Vedam

Vyasaya Vishnu roopaya was chanted from the sacred scripture.

Then Panchanga Sravanam was offered.

This was followed by a verse read out from Upanishads.

Then a stotram was read out to Lord.

After this a song was sung out to the Lord for His pleasure.

The Asthavadhana seva concluded with Samastha Sanmagalani Bhavanthu.

It was time was Maha Mangala Haarathi. Om Jay Jagadeesha Hare with all accompaniments sounding at their loudest in tune with the song reverberated as more than a hundred voices emotionally sang and prayed Swamy “Mangala Haarathi Anduko Mandhara giri dhari” .

First session of the Ati Rudra Maha  Yagna concluded with samastha loka sukhino bhavantu chant and shaasthanga namaskaram by all.

Chapter 10: Rudra Parayana and Rudra Abhishekam

Rudra Parayana

On the Morning of the Sixth, session began at 04:30 AM with preparations for Aumkaram and Suprabhatam. After which priests performed Sandhya Vandanam. At 06:00 the all the ritwiks wore beautiful Yellow Panchi and Angavastram.

Morning prayers commenced with Maha Ganapathi puja, Vasthu Homam, Praana Pratistha, Netronmeelanam and Fixing the Lingam on to the pedestal with a sacred gum that was prepared with appropriate mantras accompanying its preparation.

The Lingam was named after the Presiding Deity, Sayeeshwara. Henceforth the lingam is no more an idol but a Living Deity, with Lord residing in it, accepting our prayers and blessing the devotees.

All the rituals were performed strictly performed as prescribed in the Shastras.

After the connected rituals of Praanapratistha were concluded, the Lingam was established on to the platform, right in front of Swamy’s Regal Throne , just as it was in 2006!

Chanting of Aruna Parayanam commenced. The sonorous chants were followed by personal purification through Maha Nyasa Parayana. Maha Nyasa Parayana was followed by chants from various portions of the Vedas and Upanishads.

After this session Mama gave us a fifteen minute break to have coffee and breakfast.  

All of us were eagerly waiting for the next session. The Rudra Parayana. Swamy has spoken about Rudram at length, and this is one chant that appeases Him very much. Every one charged to commence the parayana for the Preethi of Sathya Sai Parameshwara.

Aum Namo Bhagavathe Rudraya!  And it commenced. The prayer for universal Peace and Prosperity, the Highest Prayer, the prayer to appease Sayishwara had started.

It was a four hour continuous chant. Mama performed abhishekam to the Lingam as the iterations proceeded.

Abhishekam was performed with pure water that was purified with mantras. The Lingam that Swamy had blessed Mama with was also placed on the Paana vattam and abhishekam was performed.

The sacred baths offered to Sayishwara are as follows:

1. Sudhodaka snanam  - pure water bath
2. Pachamrutha Snanam – Bath with five nectarine fluid
3. Ksheera snanam – Bathing with Milk
4. Dadhyaa Snapayami – Bathing with Yogurt  
5. Aajyena Snapayami – Bathing with Ghee
6. Madhuya  Snapayami – Bathing with Honey
7. Shakkaraya Snapayami – bathing with Sugars
8. Phala Snanam – Bathing with variety of fruits
9. Divya Parimala Gandhokadakena Snapayami - sandal water
10. Pushpodakena snapayami – Water scented with the fragrances of flowers
11. Akshatodakena Snapayami  - Water charged with the powers of Akshata
12. Nava Ratna Khajita Suvarnodakena Snapayami - golden water
13. Divya Parimala Bhasmodakena snapayami – Water with divine fragrant ashes
14. Spatika- Rudrakshaodakena snapayami  - water charged with spatika and rudraksha
15. Bilvodakena snapayami – water charged with the efficacies of Bilwa leaves
16. Doorvodakena snapayami - water charged with the efficacies of Doorva leaves
17. Haridrodakena snapayami – bath with turmetic water
18. Kumkumodakena snapayami  - bath with Kumkum water

After this the Dhaara Pathra was plaved over the Lingam from with a steady torrential stream of water or milk was poured on to the Lingam. Haarati was offered and a flower was placed on the Lingam, to soften the effect of the current of water bathing the Lingam from the pot above.

It was a wonderful sight for the Gods to watch, every time a fresh flower was placed after every iteration and the Lingam appeared in the shade of the flower, so beautiful with each flower. I guess we all too are like that, each a flower, with Swamy, and He is unique with each one Us!

It was an altogether different feeling to chant Rudram in a group of over 150 ritwiks. I observed that I was not getting tiered even after the 6th iteration! , whereas my vocal chords would start to complain after third iteration elsewhere. It was definitely a sign of immense energy being generated during the prayer. As Rudram was being chanted, Abhishekam with Milk continued. The pace kept going faster with each iteration, but the clarity of the pronunciation was never compromised upon.  

After the Rudraparayana and Rudra Abhishekam, the Lingam was cleaned, wiped cleaned with a soft towel, like a baby, and was decorated with flowers and various designs of Tumeric and Vermillion. It was a surprise every time to see a beautiful decoration of the Sayeeshwara.

In the mean while, Bhajans were sung for the pleasure of the Lord and preparations for the Yagna were quickly made.  

Chapter 9: Yagna Preparations

Evening Bhajans commenced at 05:00 PM. Buddhist Monks were invited to His Residence's Prayer Hall and were offered traditional gifts and food.

The Auspicious evening session commenced with prayers to Ganapathi. Maha-Sankalpam was made for performing the Ati Rudra Maha Yagna. Afterwards Svasthi Vaachanam, Svasthi Punyaaha Vaachanam (prayers for auspiciousness and blessings for the Yaaga and the people) took place.

This is for the negation and purification of any inadvertent errors in conducting the Yaaga, or any impurities in the materials used. This is traditionally done before any auspicious religious ceremony is conducted.

Kalashapooja was performed inviting deities to occupy their positions in various places and in the to protect the Yagna and the Ashram during the celebrations.


Bimba Sudha was performed to remove any defects in the idol that might have been during the Idol making.

Prayers continued and chanting of Sri Rudram commenced. The Lingam was bathed in Water (Jalaadhi Vaasa) followed by Milk (Ksheeradi Vaasa). All devotees participated in Ksheeradhi Vaasa. After Ksheeradhi vasa, Pushpa Phaladhi vasa was performed. A sacred thread was tied to teh lingam as Rakshabandhanam. This was followed by Shayyadi Vaasa.

The Shayyadheevasa ('sleeping' of the Lord) was next performed. The lingam was placed in a cozy bed with fruits, flowers and incense. Lullaby was sung and various types of aarathi was performed, which included Aarathi with a single oil wick, with five oil wicks and Meru Aarathi, followed by Camphor Aarathi. Sentries - Indra on the East, Agni (S.E), Yama (S), Nirariti (SW), Varuna (W), Vayu (NW), Kubera (N), Shiva (NE), Brahma (above) and Ananta (below) - were posted to ensure a peaceful rest to the Lord!

With these Agama Shastra Rites, the Ashtavadhana Seva, the day’s ceremonies concluded with the Maha Mangala Aarathi.

Next was distribution of Deeksha Vastrams. All the ritwiks were given Deeksha Vastram kit. It was ceremonial function that was personally performed by Swmay in the Bhajan Mandir in 2006.

 He was personally presiding over the ceremony here as the organizers distributed the kits.

For the lady chanters, rich golden border sarees were offered. Exactly of the Prasanthi standard. Our kits had Two Panchi and Angavastrams (long pieces of cloths for draping on the lower and upper body). A soap, tooth paste, tooth Brush, A turkish towel, A Hand towel and few other essential items.

With this the evening session came to a close.

The Chief Priest announced that we were to assemble in the Yaga Shaala by 06:00 AM for the first session of the Yagna.

We had our dinner. It was party of devotees dining together. And it was not over for the day. After Dinner preparation for the next day continued. Decorations, cleaning the Yaga Shaala, and the pathras (utensils), painting Rangoli with Rice flour etc went uptill 11:00 PM.

We retired for the day after everything was done

Chapter 8: Yaga shala

Instructions

Sri Nanjunda Dixit addressed the Ritwiks in the yagna shala. He gave very specific and clear instructions. Some of them were not to enter the Yaga shaala with shirt and pant during the performance of the Yagna. Not to bring cellular phones and camera into the Yagashala. To give rest to our shaving kit during the yagna celebration, and most importantly to be punctual and sincere.

He cautioned us that we had assembled there for a great cause, and we must be sensitive to the expectations from the organizer – Bhagawan Himself. He urged us to be Loving and become the recipients of the Love of Swamy and the local organizers. He spoke very crisply, sweetly and commanding at the same time.

Eleven Teams were constituted. Each had a name and an Acharya. The teams were named after Lord Shiva.(1) Ati Rudra (2) Devadeva, (3) Ishwara, (4)Vijaya, (5) Adityatmaka Rudra or Sri Rudra, (6) Bheema, (7) Shiva, (8) Rudra, (9) Neelalohita, (10) Bhavodbhava and (11) Shankara.

Each team was assigned to one Yagna Gunda. There were eleven yagna gundas into which the offerings we made. Each yagna gunda was about three feet in height, beautifully painted in Prasanthi Pink. The outer wall had three steps. The lower most was three bricks thick, the second was two and the upper most was single layered brick.

He said we would assemble in the evening at 04:00 PM and the proceedings for the preparations for the Yagna would begin in the evening.

We had our first lunch. It is needless to say, it was as usual elaborate. The food was served with lot of Love and was delicious and Satwik. Thai pineapples were everyone’s favorite. They were full of juice. They tasted like they were soaked in Honey. Eating a few slices would fill the belly – that dense they were. Sambar and pine apple combination was awesome! Meals were served in Banana leaves in the traditional way. We rested for a while talking to our new friends.

Afternoon we spent our time in the preparations. We were getting the kalasams and decoration ready. The, kalasams (sacred pots) totalling 160 were esthetically decorated with turmeric and vermillion and were placed near the Homa Kundams: 132 kalasams for Lord Shiva and 28 kalasams for the other Vasthu devatas (or the subordinate Gods).

Swamy was supervising the preparations from His residence.

Buntings were being put in place. Banana trees, sugarcane trees, mango leaves, decorations, it was taking a majestic shape.The main pedestal for placing the Lingam was made ready. It was 05:00 PM and devotees had already gathered for Bhajan. We quickly freshened up, and returned to the Yaga Shaala.

Chapter 7: His Residence

We all were asked to assemble in Bhagavan's residence, at 08:00 AM, which we did.


Sai dashini is Swamy's residence in Chiang Rai. It is a two story mansion, very beautifully built and divinely inspired. On the ground floor, there is the Sabha Mandapam, where the Lord would meet His devotees. The Bhajan hall is beautifully decorated, and is furnished to the minutest details.


There is the regal throne of Swamy, the foot stool, water, cigars (!), various beverages, and other Thai sacred items were all conveniently arranged for the Master of the Home.


There was a golden image of Buddha at the central place just near the Photograph of Swamy. It was Buddha , in padmasana, the posture was speaking - I am here to receive and look after all of you.


On the first floor, there is the bedroom of Swamy, with a king size bed, another throne, cupboards arranged with items for His personal use. The room was fitting the stay of Swamy, for the Love with which the things were arranged.


On the opposite, there was the office of Swamy, with a huge table and the chair overlooking the entire campus. The office and personal room of Swamy were connected by a corridor, that was decorated with Dashavathara photos. from corridor, He could also llok at the devotees assesmbledin the prayer hall. A beautiful Chandelier decorated the mezanine, and was also in the center of the prayer hall below.


In the Sabha Mandapam, of the Residence, the Yaga Shala was setup. There were eleven Yagna Gundas, five on either side of the Pooja Kunda. The Pooja Kunda was right in front of the Regal Throne, just as it was during the ARMY 2006 in Prasanthi Nilayam.


We all assembled in the Yaga Shaala. It was a pleasant surprise to see who were called upon stage! Sri Nanjunda Dixit, a Budhist Monk, whom I saw in Prasanthi Nilayam and Art Ong Jumsai!


They all spoke for a few minutes each, after which the meeting concluded. We were asked to have a short tea break and re-assemble in the Yaga Shala in ten minutes.

Chapter 6: Swami's Residence and the Ashram

It was our first morning in Chiang Rai. I could hear Suprabhatam being offered to Swamy, but was too tired to get up. I got up at 06:00 AM and it was only then I realized what all happened the previous night.
We were provided with two mattresses, a bed sheet, pillow and blanket for our bedding (multiply this with 200 for the total figure).


I got to the bathrooms. The bathrooms were well maintained, with continuous tap water and toiled soaps etc. I took a bath and got ready. The air was fresh and smelled Divine. The place was perfect for Yagna. The ashram campus was a place surrounded by mountains, whose tops were constantly in clouds, often imitating the Kailasa!


Swamy said ashram is a place where there in no Shrama - strenuous effort. This was an ashram in that sense. Our lodging was a two storey building, made of concrete. We all young chotu Ritwiks, who came later were lodged on the ground floor, and the senior Acharya Ritwiks, were lodged on the first floor, for obvious reasons of protocol and convinience.


 The floors were carpeted, and there were about eight bathrooms on the ground floor, adjacent to our lodging. Few more were added in the next few days.


There was a huge cooking area, where I recollect, never the emanating of delicious vapours and fumes of delicacies stopped. It was more like the western canteen in Prasanthi Nilayam. There was a fully automatic washing machine, brand new one at our disposal, for use, ready.


A water purifying plant to purify the water that was directly being drawn from the nearby river. We were provided the luxury of Nadi Snanam, sacred river bath during the Yagna celebration.


In the corridor of the ground floor, there was a huge tables, always filled with exotic fruits - which we had never seen, along with bananas and pineapples – which were dripping delicious necter.

On to the right of the corridor, there was a long table, adjoining the wall, where there were cans for hot water. There were cartons of various beverage powders, biscuits and tissue papers.

There were two fancy tents erected, for serving and seating during the lunch sessions. There was a complete Thai cooking and serving section, and an equally elaborate arrangement for South Indian Madi Vanta – food preparation for ritual and Naivedyam. At the back was the area where volunteers would prepare vegetables for cooking on one half and wash the utensils on the other.


We had a sumptuous breakfast may be after almost two days of travelling by rail, air and road.. The last complete meal was probably in Hyderabad, not that were not fed properly, but we ate less as we were travelling.


The menu had three fruits, all new to us Indians, Upma, Chutney, and three more Thai dishes. Coffee and Tea was perennial I should say. Two huge hot water cans and condensed milk tins were provided. Coffee, tea and Milo packs were at our disposal 24h a day. For many south Indians specially from the madras belt, coffee is next to breath, which was well taken care of.


Invariably the breakfast menu was elaborate, and dishes were never repeated. In the Indian cuisine, it was spicy pongal, plain pongal, upma, semiya upma, and things like. Noodles, soups of various types, Thai, Chinese, Malay, exotic fruits, bananas, deep fried, crispies, softies, juices… comprised the Thai menu. The hospitality reminded me the huge party given by sage Vasistha to Vishwamitra in Ramayana where, in the scripture it is written, menu consisted of foods that could be eaten, drunk, licked, peeled, juiced (bhakshya, bhojya, lehya, choshyam). Dishes were delicious and what is more important is they were strictly Satwik in concurrence with the requirements of the food suitable for Ritwiks.


What is most important, was the Love with which they were prepared and served. I remember, there was one lady, whom I used to see at 01:00 AM in the kitchen boiling vegetables for next day, again at 05:00 AM for Suprabhatam! The fruits were just not 'placed in our plates' or 'given' to us, they were peeled for each one of us, just before 'offering' to us. The way they humbly asked what we needed was itself more satisfying and fulfilling, contending , as was the elaborate breakfast itself.

Chapter 5. From Suvarna Bhumi to Yaga Bhumi

From Suvarna Bhumi to Yaga Bhumi

We came out into the parking area, and I could not believe what I saw…a bus.

O my goodness… I have NEVER seen a bus like that.

It was double Decker bus, fully air-conditioned, with toilet and bus – hostess, and all comforts that one enjoys in an air plane.

The bus had 180 degree reclining seats, and personal entertainment systems too. The bus was super luxurious. It even had a hot coffee vending provision, DTS sound entertainment, huge windows allowing the beautiful view outside.


We started with Jaikars...and moved through the busy city... the route was charecerized by high raised flyovers.


After about 2 h drive through the serene country side of Thailand, mainly covered with lush green paddy fields we halted and a secluded spot to accept prasadam of Love.

The ladies whose names, unfortunately I do not remember had arranged for Lunch for all of us.

and just the read the menu to gauge the Love that they had for us
Sweet Payasam,

Potato Gravy curry,

Poori

Pulao

Curd Rice

Chutny

Salad

Mineral Drinking water bottles,

all well packed with plates, glasses, spoons and forks! for all 100 odd people.

I knew Sai hospitality, but this was a scale I never imagined and never expected the elaborated arrangements and minute care of providing even forks and glasses simply flattered me. It was a concrete proof of their Love for Swamy, to whom they offered all this through us.


We stopped again for dinner I do not remember where. After loading and unloading the cartons and luggages for several times I was too tiered to go and see what was outside. The bus ride was comfortable for our jet lagged bodies. I comfortably slept the entire fourteen hour bus journey.


We reached Chiang Rai, at 01:00 AM the next day. It was dark. We un-loaded our luggage, and were too tired to eat the sumptuous meal made of us at the ashram.

I took little notice of the surroundings, but I did see a blessed man – Sri Nanjunda Dixit. The first sight Guruvugaru sent a shock wave through my person...Namskaram was an instant reaction.

Chapter 4: We arrive on the Golden Land

We landed at Suvarna Bhumi International Airport at 04: 00 AM on the Fourth of June.

It was drizzling outside. A gentle shower, as if Lord was showering His grace on our Jet Lagged bodies.

We were all excited. We have finally made our international voyage by air across the sea – successfully, and have reached the land of Rudra yagna. The Land ruled by Rama IX.

It was an elevating feeling for me personally.

Though very early, it was already dawn and the shower was super pleasant, Saieshwara showering His grace, we all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Airport was beautiful and was well maintained. Huge statues, glass panes, and wall designsof Jaya and Vijaya welcomed us. It was a Saiva-Vaishnava abedha feeling, of entering Vaikuntha, flying down from Garuda, to perform Rudra Yagna! Paintings of scenes from Hindu Epics were decorating the walls of the airport, clearly proclaiming the culture of the land.

Bangkok is one and a half hours ahead of India.

We proceeded to obtain our visa

We were all asked to wait in the airport lobby till further instructions. Kumar garu was trying to get in touch with the people from Bangkok. A few of us were with Kumar Garu. I was curious to see how would we get customs clearance for our huge luggage. By now all our pieces of luggage had arrived. We piled them up onto a huge trolley and were ready to pass through the green channel.

The nagging customs officer was not in a mood to let off our luggage some 40 odd pieces without a few Baths filling his pockets.

I was sure Swamy was with us. I was just watching how the events would unfold. The customs rules that were displayed on the board there clearly stated the rules, which said:
Taking cooked food into the Kingdom of Thailand was prohibited. We had two cartons of Pulihora and Idly Sambar for consumption in Bangkok.

Two ladies arrived at the scene, just at the nick of the moment and spoke and explained about the event to the customs officer.

 They never let the customs officer speak a word!! She challenged him to show even a pin that was against the customs, and asked us to push the entire luggage into the scanning machine.

The customs officer stood there like an idol as the luggage passed one after the other.

I was looking at the screen, and telling what the contents were as he enquired whatthe strange things were…
All the items were cleared under green channel.


We piled up our entire luggage into a huge trolley, higher than me. And towed it out.

Ah! Towing that huge trolley and getting it into the airport lobby after getting customs clearance was something like winning the world cup! Else we were not sure and how much we would have had to shell out.

There were about 100 of us in the airport and equal number of pieces of luggage.

By now, the batch of Acharyas from Bangalore also had arrived. We were all waiting at the level three.

Just imagine hundred odd Indians with huge baggages waiting in the airport longue!

Most of us were strange looking with Shikha and traditional Indian attire.

We were subjects of wondrous stares, who we were and where from did we arrive in such huge numbers?
There was some kind of binding force and our entire batch was protectively sealed in an invisible shield.
Somehow were invulnerable. It was still raining outside.

Local devotees arrived and helped us out.

The airport lobby was dominated by one word “Sairam” with soft classical music in the background, it was like assembly before Darshan!

They asked us to go to the level one where our busses were waiting.

We moved down with our huge luggage, and had Chennai made Polihora and idly for breakfast.

It was a comic sight. Remember we were about a hundred people eating cooked food brought from overseas (which is actually prohibited to enter into Kingdom of Thailand). The cups and tins got piled up in the waste bins of the airport!

The loving local ladies brought in jars of hot Indian filter coffee and tea, which all drank with gusto.

The Sai hospitality was slowing blossoming in (Th) Sai-land. Packed lunch boxes containing Upma, Button Idly, chutney, and sweet Banana fruits were also brought for our breakfast by the hosts who received us.

Finally at about 11:00 AM three busses arrived for our pick up and transfer to Chiang Rai.

Again the feel of ONE family was strong. Arrangements were elaborate and for so many people...it was simply awesome, Smooth as silk – the tag like of Thai International Airways. There were no hiccups what so ever

We exited the airport, and the local devotees waiting outside lovingly welcomed us. We were all enquired about our breakfast and tea etc...

Our mega busses were waiting for us!

Chapter 3: Across the Sea, onto Rama's Land.

We boarded the Star Alliance Thai International Airline, Airbus A330 - 300 TG 338 from MAA to BKK.

We were flying to the Golden Land - Suvarnabhumi, the land Chosen by Lord for performing Ati Rudra Maha Yagna.

All were so happy and the mood of the aircraft with about 78 people from same family was completely elevated. I was imagining how would it have been, when Swamy Himself flew with His chosen ones.

Everyone had a grin and thanking Swamy for all this. There were clicks, many of them. Every Individual preserving the moments of Grace being showered upon!

I was sure Swamy is with us on Board, He is the source of All Joy, the Kolaha Priya (the One who enjoys Excitement). His Omnipresence, the Unseen presence was so elevating, elevating than the flying itself!


We had on board meals. It was a peculiar experience for the cabin crew. All of us wanted Vegetarian meals. Our entire team was seated at the rear of the aircraft and they got exhausted of all the Veg-meals they had by the time they finished serving all of us, before they could serve the other guests.

It was a well maintained aircraft, though an older model and did not have personal entertainment systems. By the time we finished our Supper and it was past twelve. I slipped into deep sleep.

It was early next morning when I woke up and looked out trough the window. Tiny lights on the land announced the our arrival onto Land across the Bay of Bengal (or Andaman Sea)...we had reached Thailand...and our landing was scheduled in a few minis.

Screens displayed safety instructions once again, and the Local time was 03.55 AM.