Wednesday, September 9, 2009 to Friday, September 11, 2009
A three day programme was held from 9th to 11th September, 2009; at Prasanthi Nilayam to celebrate Thiruppavai Mahotsava on the immortal composition ‘Thiruppavai’ by the Tamil saint Andal. The celebrations culminated in Andal Kalyanam (ritualistic marriage of Andal with Sri Rangamannar (Lord Krishna)). The celebrations started in Sai Kulwant Hall on 9th September, 2009 at 7.00 am.
On the same afternoon, the worship commenced amidst Vedic chanting by the Institute students in Sai Kulwant Hall at 4.00 pm. This was followed by a talk on ‘Thiruppavai’, by the distinguished scholar Sri N. Srikanta Rao in the Divine Presence of Bhagavan.
The speaker observed that Andal, the only woman saint among the 12 Alwar saints of Tamil Nadu had shown in her work the path of liberation to man through one-pointed devotion to the Lord. He also explained about how Andal won the love of God through her one-pointed devotion. The programme concluded with offering of Mangala Aarati to Bhagavan at 6.15 pm. Prasadam was then distributed to one and all.
On the afternoon of 10th September, 2009, Dr. M. Srinivasa Rao, an erudite Telugu scholar addressed the gathering in the Divine Presence of Bhagavan in Sai Kulwant Hall.
He explained how Andal emphasised the importance of chanting God’s name to realise God. After the distribution of Prasadam, Mangala Aarati was offered to Bhagavan to mark the conclusion of second day’s programme.
On the afternoon of 11th September, 2009 Bhagavan granted His Divine Darshan in Sai Kulwant Hall at 4.15 pm. The grand function of Andal Kalyanam was performed in the Divine Presence with all the appropriate rituals and ceremonies. Bhagavan blessed all the articles and items required for the ceremonies. After Bhagavan blessed the Mangala Sutra, the marriage of Andal with Lord Krishna was performed. Then the devotees were given a marriage feast. The grand three day celebrations concluded with offering of Mangala Aarati to Bhagavan at 6.20 pm.
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