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.

Chapter 2: To Chennai

One day I receive a call from an unknown number. It was from a young boy, asking if I was Aditya, attending ARMY? I replied yes. He introduced himself as Gopi.

He said he too was a Ritwik attending the Yagna and got my contact number. Through him, the circuit of six people attending the Yagna from Hyderabad got complete.

In a few days our itinerary was sent by email and our tickets were confirmed on Thai International Airways from Madras to Bangkok.

Wow!

It was an exciting feeling for reasons being many. First international flight, it was an Air-Bus A330 aircraft, and most importantly it is almost sure that we were attending the Yagna, not that we were

doubting, but were in utter amazement!

Days passed quickly and our personal Sadhana intensified. We had to go to Madras to catch our flights. Myself and the other five met, booked our tickets to madras.

Six of us, Gopi, Tarak, Prasanna, Panth, Sanmukh and Myself started for Chennai from Hyderabad on the Second of June. We were to join the rest of the group at Chennai, from where out flight was scheduled at 2300 h on the Third. We were all excited. We reached Chennai and called the coordinator

Mr. AK Kumar for further directions. None of us except Prasanna, had ever talked to or met Kumargaru. He said he would arrange for our pick up.

We walked out of the Railway Station, and waited for further instruction, when we received a call from Vijay, Swamy’s MBA student informing his arrival for pick up.

There were two cars waiting for us. We loaded our luggage and left, for Kumargaru’s house.

Reached the place and Kumargaru had instantly recognized each one of us. He wished each one of us personally by name. I was really surprised, there must have been several passports that he must have received from various parts of the country, and he recognizes each one of us! Gentle and loving demeanor, he asked to fresh up, and have breakfast so that we could proceed to our lodging.

We felt we were at home at Kumar garu's place. There was lovely Altar for Swamy where Mangala Aarathi was offered to Swamy before we left for our lodging for the day.

Three AC busses were waiting for us. I was Impressed. It was more of a kind of relief for us Hyderabadis in humid Chennai.

We moved to L R Swamy building on the Mount Road, a high profile area in Chennai, where there was a beautiful terrace top Mandir of Swamy. We had our lunch and started to pack the materials to be taken to the Yagna. We toiling in the humid Chennai afternoon, our shirts literally drenched in sweat. In total we packed and re-packed 38 cartons each weighing about 40 kg.

Pheww!!

Time just flew, and we didn’t realize that it was already 2000 hrs and was almost time for us to leave to the airport. TATA Sumo's were arranged for our transfer to the Airport. The entire L R Swamy building area was reverberating with Jaikars! It was a highly elevating moment celebrating the victory of Sathya Sai.

The excitement was running high, for most of us it was first international trip ever, and for a few, the first

flight.

We took our boarding passes, Immigration stamping was done. First stamp in most our passports.

I was thoroughly impressed by the arrangements and the connectivity and readiness of Kumargaru and team. In the Unique style of Swamy, thoroughly imbibed, it was a smooth flawless flow of events and arrangements. We were waiting in the airport lobby, for the announcement for commencement of our boarding into Thai International Airlines, Airbus A330 - 300 TG 338 from MAA to BKK.

Chapter 1: My preparation

Chapter 1

The twentieth of February 2011, will be a day of significance in my life. That day I received a SMS from Sunder, informing about Rudraparayanam at Chandanagar Shivalayam.

I was motivated from within to attend it. That evening Sudheer asked "Do you have passport?" I said yes. Then he asked "Will you go to Ati Rudra Maha Yagna? I replied "if He wills". Later I came to know that ARMY he was talking about would be organized in Thailand. I had to plan for a two week leave and go to Thailand!

Getting a leave was a problem for me at that time. It had been just a few months that I got into the new job. I was not sure if I would get leave for a long duration. I offered everything to Swamy and whole heartedly said .,. O Lord, if it is Your Will, then I shall go.

On the 23rd of March 2011, Sudheer wanted me to confirm my attendance and enrollment. I was still not sure about getting leave. I said to myself "Sairam" and replied "Confirming attendance".

The events that followed were all a part of the Divine Will manifesting itself. I was introduced to Mr. AK Kumar of Chennai through email. He sent me the ritwik registration form. i filled it up and sent it to Sudheer through Sundar, who had came to my home late one night from office to collect it. Sudheer sent it Mr. Kumar, thus the registration part was done. Even at this point I was not sure of attending the Yagna, as I had not asked or applied for leave till then. I was all the offering all the thoughts to Swamy.

I should at this point also share that during the same time was supposed to a conference at Sweden, which I could not decline unless I was determined to even leave the company, I was prepared to do it if required.

In a strange turn of events, another lady in the company was going through her maternity and opted to quit the company. I was having the required qualification and so my managers decided to shift my department from one to this! It meant that I need not any longer worry about attending the conference in Sweden representing my erstwhile department and was totally into new area of work and now I was reporting to new people. With one block gone, my confidence started to strengthen and I started to work on myself preparing for the event.

Two weeks before the event I applied for leave and with a brief discussion on my 'South-East-Asia holiday', and it immediately got an approval. It was such a sigh of relief and concretization of grace!

My work in the department started and the weeks ahead were planned for me, and no wonder, the two weeks duration was in buffer period. Meaning I had nothing to work on, and was meant to a breather time between projects. I should add that while planning the schedule my vacation was not considered. But THE PLANNER had planned it well!

With leave approved, and new responsibilities in project, I was pretty much being made ready

Ati Rudra Maha Yagna, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Aum Sri Sai Ram

Ati Rudra Maha yagna was celebrated in the Auspicious Omnipresence of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba at His residence Sai Dashini in Ban Du, Chiangrai, Thailand,

The yagnam was performed for Universal Peace and Harmony. The Yagnam was performed for the Preethi of Sai Parameshweara.

This Blog is created to record the experiences of this great event.

Sairam.

What is ARMY?

ARMY is the acronym for Ati Rudra Maha Yagna.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba revived this celebration of Auspiciousness by organizing and personally participating in the Ati Rudra Mahayagna during August 2006 at Prasanthi Nilayam and in Chennai in 2007.

As per ‘Kurma Purana’ this Athi Rudra Maha Yagna was performed in Dwapara Yuga by Lord Krishna. In the Treta Yuga, Lord Sri Rama also performed the same as per Hindu Vedic scriptures.

 Sri Sathya Sai, the Avathar of the Age reminded mankind of this long forgotten gift, the gift of prayer for universal peace.

Shiva has many names, and one of such potent names is Sri Rudra. The word Rudra refers to the One who is remover of Sin and Sorrow and is the Bestower of Boons, Bliss and Blessings. All knowledge emanates from Shiva. Shiva is the Ultimate abode, of all auspiciousness.

Rudra Prashna comprises of chanting Namakam and Chamakam. Chanting Namakam once followed by Chamakam is called Yeka Vaara Rudra Parayana. Repeating this for eleven times, i.e., Chanting Namakam for eleven times and Chamakam for once is called Ekadasha Rudra Parayana. This also constitutes Rudra Homam.

Chamakam comprises of Eleven Anuvakas. Hence, after one complete Namaka Parayana, one anuvakam of Chamakam is Chanted. By the time all eleven Avunakas of Chamakam are completed, eleven Namaka Parayanas would have been done.

Repeating this for Eleven times, i.e., One hundred twenty one times of Namakam and Eleven times of Chamakam comprises of one Laghu Rudram. Eleven Laghu Rudram recitations totals to 1331 times of Namaka parayana and 121 Chamaka parayana, which form One Maha Rudra Parayana.

Hold your Breath!

Eleven Maha Rudram recitations comprise to form a Ati Rudram! Thus, in an Athi Rudra Maha Yagnam, the Namakam will be recited 14,641 times and the Chamakam 1331 times.

There are many ways in which this can be done, and the best one that Swamy Himself has directed is to perform Abhishekam, Parayanam and Homam by 121 priests over a span of Eleven days. For the Homam, Eleven teams of Ritwiks would perform Rudra Homam in Eleven Homa Gundas.

That Magnificient is the Yagna.