The Glorious Sahasra Poornachandra Darshana Mahotsavam (A Photo Feature)

Sri Sathya Sai on the Golden Chariot on the Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshan Mahotsavam Day

Saturday, November 15, 2008 to 
Monday, November 17, 2008


There are certain events in the history of mankind which leave their imprint on the sands of time forever and became a source of inspiration and joy for all future generations of humanity.

On such historic event was the three-day celebration of Sahasra Poorna Chandra Darshana Santhi function of the Kali Yuga Avatar Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, entering 83rd year of His Advent on the earth on 23rd November, 2008, which was held from 15th to 18th November, 2008, in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium, Prasanthi Nilayam. A Yajnashala was built over the Shanti Vedika in the stadium. A beautiful idol of Lord Venkateshwara was installed in the center of the stage. Twelve Yajna Kundas were set up on the Yajnashala for the performance of the Yajnas for the peace and welfare of the world. The chanting of Vedic Mantras and performance of the Yajnas were held in the Hill View Stadium on all the days, during the mornings. During the evenings on all the three days, renowned musicians offered their musical tributes to Bhagavan on this most auspicious occasion in Sai Kulwant Hall.

Day 1 - When Sri Sathya Sai arrived at the Shanti Vedika
On 15th November, 2008, the priests commenced the worship of Lord Venkateshwara amidst Vedic chanting on the stage a 7.45 am. The Chief Priest Sri Lakshmi Narayana Somayaji of Shringeri Sharada Peetham in his speech explained to the mammoth gathering of devotees the significance of this Yajna at 8.35 am. Bhagavan arrived in the Stadium amidst Vedic chants by the Priests and University Students. Five crackers were burst atop Hanuman Hill. On reaching the Yajna Shala, Bhagavan was offered traditional welcome with Poorna Kumbham. 

Swami giving Darshan to students and devotees on the Shanti Vedika
Bhagavan blessed the devotees with His Divine Darshan from the Yajna Shala. The Yajna fire was produced traditionally at 9.25 am and after Bhagavan blessed it, the fire was placed in the Yajna Kunda amidst chanting of sacred Mantras. Thus commenced the Yajna in the Divine Presence of Bhagavan. Mangala Aarati was offered to Bhagavan at 10.25 am to mark the conclusion of the public programme. But the priests continued the Yajna till 12.30 pm and again from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

Day 2 - Sri Sathya Sai blessing the Linga Abhishekam
On 16th November, 2008, the rituals of the Yajna commenced at 7.30 am in the Hill View Stadium. At 8.50 am Abishekam (ceremonial bathing) of Sayeeshwara Linga consecrated by Bhagavan during the Rudra Maha Yajna was done by the priests. Bhagavan arrived in the Stadium at 9.30 am and witnessed the Linga Abhishekam on the stage. Then He went around the Yajna Shala blessing the devotees with His Divine Darshan. After the Abishekam, Maha Mrityunjaya Homam was performed by the priests. Bhagavan sat by the side of the Yajna Kunda and watched the proceedings. 

Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda, Head, Dattapeetham, Mysore, along with Sri Sathya Sai at the Poornahuti of the Rudra Homam on Day 2
Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swami, the Head of Dattapeetham (Mysore), who had come to Puttaparthi to participate in this function, offered his greetings to Bhagavan. At 10.15 am, Bhagavan blessed the precious offerings for the Poornahuti of Maha Mrityunjaya Homam. He then materialised a gold chain and placed it among the precious offerings to be offered in the sacred fire. Poornahuti was performed amidst Vedic chants. The programme concluded with offering of Mangala Aarati to Bhagavan at 10.30am.

The procession led by students - Band and Vedam group leading the Golden Sun Chariot on the Final Day
On 17th November, 2008, the proceedings of the final day of the function started at 7.30 am in Hill View Stadium amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras by the priests and Institute students. Broadcast of devotional songs and the poetic description of the event by Professor Anil Kumar and Dr. Madugula Nagaphani Sarma, added sanctity to the environment. It was a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur and glory when Bhagavan arrived in Hill View Stadium in a golden chariot in His sparkling yellow robe on the 17th morning, spreading His Divine Glory in all directions and filling the hearts of everyone with bliss. 

The Glorious spectacle - Sri Sathya Sai seated in the Golden Sun Chariot
- November 17, 2008
He was led in a grand procession by the two bedecked elephants followed by the Brass Band of the University, Bhagavan’s beloved elephant Sathya Geeta, Nadaswaram players and Vedic chanting group of students. On arrival at the Yajnashala at 10.00 am, Bhagavan was offered traditional welcome with Poorna Kumbham. 

Many great saints from various Maths and Ashrams present on this occasion, greeted Bhagavan at the Yajashala. They included Sri Shivakumara Swamigalu, Head of the Siddhaganga Math, Tumkur; Sri Jagadguru Madhwacharya Mahasamsthana Pejawara Muthadeesha – Sri Vishwesha Tirtha; Sri Jagadguru Kanchi Kamakoti Peetathipathi – Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal; Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, Suttur Math; Sri Sri Rangapriyta Mahadesika; and Sri Sakthiamma, Sripuram Golden Temple, Sri Narayani Peetham.

Sri Sathya Sai with the Heads of various Mutts from across India who had come to participate on this momentous occasion at Prasanthi Nilayam
Thereafter, Bhagavan showered His blessings on all the priests, Veda chanting students, huge gathering of devotees and dignitaries in the Stadium with His Divine Darshan. He, then, went to all the 12 Yajna Kundas to offer final oblations in them. At that moment, a helicopter flew over the Stadium showering flower petals and sacred Yajna Teerth on one and all. Bhagavan then blessed the Prasadam for distribution and accepted Mangala Aarati at 10.55 am and the grand function came to a happy conclusion.



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