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AUM SRI SAI RAM

BHAGWAN’S DIVYA VIJAYAM

1

Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Tamilnadu

Sri Sathya Sai Vijayam

Once a devotee suggested to Swami to reduce the number of dharshans due to His failing

health but Swami immediately negated the idea and replied, “I go for darshan not to just bless

or to fulfill the prayers of devotees but to recollect My responsibility with respect to everyindividual gathered there.” This is the commitment that our beloved Bhagawan felt towards His

devotees. So He travelled the length and breadth of this vast country consoling, comforting,

guiding mankind and evolving the latent divinity in them.

On day during the nineties, on a hot summer day, on his way to Salem, Swami noticed a group

devotees assembled together singing his glory. Immediately, Swami stopped his vehicle and

graced the devotees. As it was an unplanned stop, there was no proper arrangement to take

care of Swami. As Swami walked along in the hot sun, the pained State President Sri. TG Krishna

Murthy prayed to Swami that he should wait till an umbrella is brought out. But Swami did not

wait and walked in hot sun. Later Swami said, “It was the love of His devotees which has cooledHis Heart and hence walking in hot sun does not affect me.” Such is the royal walk of the Lord

who glides into the hearts of the devotees.

Tamil Nadu has a glorious spiritual past wherein63 Nayanmars and 12 Alwars who stood

epitomes of devotion walked on this soil. With the same devotional fervor, devotees of Swami

as members of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, flock to Swami as Gopikas gathered around Sri

Krishna in delightful divine bliss.

Probably it is the divine heritage due to which many significant events during Swami’s life and

Sri Sathya Sai Organisation has taken place in this holy land. Swami has visited Chennai, thethen Madras, the capital of Madras presidency, as early as 1942. Notably, Karur was witness to

the first nectarine discourse of the Avatar to uplift mankind on October 25, 1947. Moreover, the

First World Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, where the fundamental

qualifications required for becoming a member of Sai Organisations was formally structured,

was also held in Abbotsbury, Chennai on the 20th

and 21st

of April, 1967. Additionally Athi Rudra

Maha Yagnam was held in Chennai besides Prasanthi Nilayam. Further, the holy consecration of

Sai Sundareswarar Lingam at Sundaram and many more are glimpses of His incessant love for

the devotees of Tamil Nadu. Even though the One with the Form chose to become Formless, His

Omnipresence is still felt everyday everywhere in this land. His Divine Foot prints at Sundaram is

just one such instance.

A mere thought of the sweet Lord enthralls us. But to reminiscence his multitude visits to Tamil

Nadu would moist our eyes, rejoice our heart and bring peace to our soul. Thus we humbly

present a garland of Swami’s memorable visits to Tamil Nadu during at His Divine Lotus Feet.

Jai Sairam



AUM SRI SAI RAM


2


Bhagavan’s visit to Tamil Nadu – 1966 to 1985(Part-I)

Madras 1942

Baba's first visit to Madras was sometime during 1942. He stayed at Smt. Lalitha Bai's house at Veerasami Pillai

Street in Egmore.- Divine Footprints, Ch. 1

Madras September 1943

Baba visited Sri Lokanatha Mudaliar's house in Triplicane for the first time in September 1943.

- Divine Footprints, Ch. 1

Madras 1944

In 1944, Raja of Bobbili and his daughter Smt. Indra Devi had darshan of Baba in Madras and became staunch

devotees of Swami.


In 1944, Swami frequently visited Madras. No. 10 Kasi Chetty Street became famous by the young Baba's visits.

Sri Gurram Thiruvengadasami Chetty used to take care of Baba's visits to Madras. Sri Vummidi Ethirajulu, the

famous steel merchant, who was then 14 years old, used to attend the bhajans at Kasi Chetty Street. Baba usedto tell the young boy, “Our bodies are nothing but temples for the soul. The soul is eternal. It is housed in an

astral body. We should make ourselves the temples and for that, the first step is Bhajan.”


Madras 1945

Baba visited the house of the famous cricketer Sri Balaiah Naidu in Madras during Jan 1945. Sri Ramaswamy

Naidu, a star cricketer and tennis player along with Col. C. K. Naidu had darshan of Baba in Sri Balaiah Naidu's

house.


Baba visited the city of Madras in Jan 1945. He stayed at Sri Balaiah Naidu's house in Luz, Mylapore. Sri C. K.

Naidu, the cricketer, was blessed with an interview by Baba.


Madras 1946

Baba often visited the residences of Sri Dubash Nagarathnam Mudaliar, and mica mine owner Sri Venkateswara

Rao in Madras. At their requests, Baba visited the houses of Sri Hanumantha Rao, the Transport Commissioner of

Madras Presidency, and Sri Venkatamuni.


Baba spent Krishnashtami 1946 at Sri Hanumantha Rao's house in Madras. Baba told Smt. Lakshmiparvathamma,

Sri Rao's wife “The Devas are coming to offer me Naivedya.” She lifted her eyes upward and beheld not any

Devas, but a beautiful bowl descending from above. Baba seemed in ‘Krishna Bhava’. He put on an apron and

sang Krishna lullabies. Baba took off the apron after He ‘returned’ to the human plane. Baba pulled out a

gorgeously carved sandalwood Krishna idol from the folds of His apron and presented it to the couple, who were

thrilled beyond words at the immense grace on such an auspicious day.- Divine Footprints, Ch. 1

Madras July 10, 1946

Baba laid the foundation stone for the Shirdi Sai temple in Guindy, a suburb of Madras. He materialised a ‘Sri

Chakram’, rolled it like a talisman, created Vibhuti and Kumkum and placed them in the pit and laid the

foundation stone. Baba said, “This place is going to gain great fame. This is My first mandir and My first spiritual

centre.”




AUM SRI SAI RAM


3


Madras 1947

Baba visited Ooty for the first time in the year 1947. Sri Venkatamuni and Smt. Susilamma accompanied Him on

this trip.


Karur Oct 25, 1947

Baba reached Karur on the night of 25th

of October. There was such a large gathering that a police force wascalled in to maintain order. Baba stayed in the house of Sri M. G. Rajagopal Chettiar during the visit. On the 26

th

morning, Baba gave darshan from the verandah in the first floor of the house He was staying at. A ten-foot high

stage was erected for Baba to sit on and address the gathering. Noticing the inconvenience of the devotees He

too joined them on the floor and then gave a speech about His childhood. This was the first known public

discourse by Baba. In Karur, Baba visited the houses of Sri Ramachandra Chettiar and Sri S. A. K. Ramamurthy

Chettiar.

Love is My Form, ch. 13

Udumalpet 1947

Baba accepted an invitation to visit Udumalpet. Sri Balapattabi had gone to Karur to escort Baba to Udumalpet.

On their way they stopped near Perumpallam to have snacks. As the tank of the van was almost empty, the driver

was trying to get petrol from another car to fill his tank. Baba told Sri Balapattabi to tell the driver not to fill the

tank. The driver grumbled to himself and started the vehicle, which ran all the way to Balapattabi's house!

At Sri Balapattabi's house, silver plates had been arranged for lunch. Baba wanted lunch to be served only a

banana leaf. After taking His meal on a banana leaf, Baba asked them to fold the leaf and bury it in a pit. He

waved His hands above the pit. A Tulsi plant appeared. By the side of it He materialized a flowering plant too.

Both these sprang up instantaneously. Baba then proceeded to Sri Balapattabi's brother's house. After Arathi

they all had Pada Namaskar. Baba left soon after short refreshment.

The Thota family of Trichy took Baba to their town from Karur. At Trichy, they took

Baba in procession atop a magnificently caparisoned elephant. Baba stayed in Sri

Thota Venugopal Chettiar's house for two days and in Sri Radhakrishna Chetty's

house for three days. He visited Sri R. Gopalakrishna Chettiar's house and gave atalk at the Banana Traders Charitable Organisation located at Bazaar near Rockfort,

which was translated into Tamil. He visited Sri Moti Sriramulu Chettiar's house. Sri

G. R. Lakshminarasimhan escorted Baba back to Puttaparthi via Trichy.


Karur 1947

Devotees from Karur (the family of Sri M. G. Rajagopala Chettiar, Founder and President of the Karur Vysya Bank)

took Baba to Karur. Sri M. G. Rajagopala Chetty, Sri V. R. Ramachandra Chetty and Sri M. V. Lakshmi Narayana

Gupta were Baba's hosts at Karur. Sri G. R. Lakshminarasimhan, Sri M. R. Gopalakrishnan, and Sri M. R.

Govindasamy were the ones who went to Puttaparthi and escorted Baba to Karur via Bangalore.

Love is My Form, ch. 13Madurai 1947

Baba first visited Madurai in 1946. He visited the house of Sri P. S. A. Subramania Chettiar who was drawn to

Baba through his sister Smt. Ramalakshmi, a resident of Karur. The Chettiars were responsible for many of the

relatives in Karur and Salem becoming the devotees of Baba. Sri Subramania Chettiar had the good fortune of

visiting Puttaparthi as early as 1940.




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Madras 1948

Baba spent Krishnashtami 1948 at a devotee's house in Madras. After the evening bhajan, Baba conversed with

the devotees until about 11 pm. Then, He materialised a big glass bowl full of sweets and distributed them to

everyone. The fragrance and the taste of those sweets were wonderfully strange and sublime.

Sanathana Sarathi, 1970

Madras Feb 02, 1949

Baba proceeded from Hyderabad to Madras by plane on the 2nd

of February 1949, and was accompanied by Smt.

Rajamma, Smt. Yamuna, Rani of Chincholi, Smt. Nagamani and Sri Gajapathi. His entourage had come from

Madras to escort Baba to Madras. Baba stayed at the residence of Sri Narasimha Naidu's sister in Madras. (The

purpose of this visit to Madras was to inaugurate the Shirdi Baba temple at Guindy.)


Madras Feb 3, 1949

During the inauguration of the Guindy temple, Baba materialised a silver idol of Lord

Ganesha and nine gems and scattered them in the pit meant for the foundation stone.

He materialised golden flowers and asked the Mudaliar family to do the Archana. He

then created a Sri Chakram, placed the Shirdi Baba idol and did the ‘Ashtabandhanam’

Himself. When Baba thus energised the idol, it levitated in air for a few seconds and

then descended back to the original position.

On the day of the installation, the Mudaliars did ‘Pada Puja’ to Baba. They prayed to

Baba to give an impression of His feet on a piece of silk cloth. Baba acceded and they

applied sandal paste mixed with turmeric powder on the soles and Baba stood on the

cloth. When He stepped aside, the impression left was not that of the slender, tender

feet of the young Baba; but the long, heavy, ponderous Feet that trod the lanes of

Shirdi 32 years ago!

The registration of the Trust Deed of the Sri Sathya Sai Mandali, Guindy, was

completed on this day, the 3rd

of Feb 1949, which happened to be a Thursday.

Lokanatha Sai, Chapter 2 of Divine FootprintsSri B. V. Raman and Sri B. V. Lakshmanan, the singers from Madras were one of the earliest ‘birds’ drawn towards

Baba. They were invited to give a concert for the grand inaugural function of the Shirdi Sai Mandir at Guindy.

Young Baba seemed to enjoy their music thoroughly and began inviting them to Puttaparthi thenceforth.


Pondicherry April 11, 1950

Baba visited Sri Aurobindo's ashram in Pondicherry on this day. Aurobindo was playing table tennis when Baba

visited him. In the collection of Baba's photos of that year, there is an amateur photo of Baba playing table tennis

though it is not very clear who the fortunate opponent was.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba – A Story of God as Man, Ch. 7

Mid April 1950In mid-April, an extraordinary event took place. Sri Varadu, a devotee, reports “The night Sri Ramana Maharshi

passed away in Tiruvannamalai, Baba went into a trance at around 9 pm. He went into a trance quite suddenly

and threatened to fall. We, another devotee Sri Krishna and I, held out our hands to support Him. Baba lay

prostrate on our hands when all of a sudden His body rose up in air from our arms. He was as stiff as a board, and

He was murmuring “Maharshi has reached Me.” Later, the sole of His right foot split open and nearly 2 kg of

sweet smelling Vibhuti gushed forth. While we collected the Vibhuti, Baba was still levitating. After a while He

descended and returned to His normal self. He then informed us that Sri Ramana Maharshi had merged in Him.

The news appeared in the newspapers the next day. The time mentioned was the same as that of Baba's trance.”



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Ooty 1951

While at Ooty, Swami visited the Toda tribesmen colony. He literally crawled through the low narrow entrances

of their semi-circular traditional houses in order to bless the old and sick. He accepted the water that they

reverentially offered Him.

At Pykara, near Ooty, Swami squeezed His palms and incomparably sweet Amrut flowed into a silver cup. Thedevotees were later blessed to partake it. A hollow in the trunk of a big tree nearby seemed to catch Swami's

attention. He approached the tree seemingly surprised at the huge hollow. He then thrust His hand into the

cavity and retrieved a charming idol of Lord Lakshmi Narayana. The blessed devotee, to whom He presented it,

adores the deity till date.


Madras 1952

During His visit to Madras in 1951, 52 and 53, Swami stayed at Sri Hanumantha Rao's house in Pycrofts Road. In

1952, Swami visited Madras in the months of July, August and December, and in 1953, in January, April,

November and December.


Madras 1953

During His visit to Madras in 1953, Swami blessed one of his devotees Sri Subba Rao by releasing a Telugu movie

(‘Pempudu Koduku’) directed and produced by him at the Minerva Theatre.


January 1954

In 1954, Swami blessed the Raja of Venkatagiri by visiting his residence in Madras. He visited him several times

during that year (Jan, March, April, Aug, Oct and Nov). He also gave the Raja permission to begin conducting

bhajans at his residence.


Madras 1955

Sri Parthasarathi Mudaliar of Kilpauk, Madras, was one of Swami’s early devotees. Swami stayed in his house

during His visits to Madras during the months of March and April in 1955.- Divine Footprints, Ch. 1

Madras 1956

Swami stayed in the residence of Sri Parthasarathi and Sri Nagarathnam Mudaliar at Kilpauk, Madras, in March

and June 1956, and in March 1957. Swami also visited Venkatagiri during this time.

T. G. Krishnamurthy's diary

Madras 1957

In 1957, Swami visited the house of Sri Chengalvaraya Chetty at George Town, Madras. During this visit, Swami

materialised a golden coin with the figure of Mahalakshmi inscribed on one side and the year 1926 inscribed on

the reverse, denoting Swami's year of birth. Swami Himself placed this coin inside the newly purchased iron safe

in their house.

- Divine Footprints, Ch. 2Kodaikanal March 16, 1957

Swami visited Kodaikanal for the first time, and stayed with Sri Venkatamuni and Smt. Susilamma. The old

devotees Sri Nagarathnam Mudaliar and Sri Parthasarathi Mudaliar had darshan of Swami there.

Sanathana Sarathi, 1958 and Divine Footprints, Ch.2

Madras Jan 1958

Swami visited Madras in Jan 1958 and stayed at the Venkatagiri Palace. Smt. and Sri Chaganlal who had their

spiritual guidance from Sri Om Narayanji, the secretary of Divine Life Association, Rishikesh, had built a Bhajan



AUM SRI SAI RAM


6


hall named ‘Shanti Kutir’ at Madras. It was to be inaugurated on 14th

Jan 1958. Sri Om Narayanji came to know

that Swami was in Madras at that time and thus wished to invite Swami for the inauguration. He went to the

Venkatagiri Palace and not knowing how to contact Swami, stood outside the Palace. Swami Himself sent word

for him. He went in and had darshan of Swami for the 1st

time. Much to his astonishment, Swami told him that He

would come on the 14th

to inaugurate Shanti Kutir, even before he put forth his request. After the inauguration of

the hall Swami stepped in, and the devotees gathered around had darshan of their respective Ishtadevatas. Smt.and Sri Chaganlal had darshan of Lord Krishna in Swami. This was later narrated by Sri Choonilal, Chaganlal's son.

Whenever Swami visited Madras, He would visit Shanti Kutir. Between 1950 and 1970 Swami handpicked a few

devotees whom He blessed by gracing their houses and allowing them to offer Him Naivedya. The Lal family was

one such family of chosen devotees who had an abundance of grace.


Madras March 23, 1958

Swami's first visit to Perambur was in 1958. Sri M. Dorairajan was one of the oldest devotees from Perambur.

When he visited Puttaparthi in 1956, he sought Swami's blessings to begin conducting weekly bhajans at

Perambur. Swami asked him to begin the Bhajan Yajna on 19th

April 1956, which happened to be the auspicious

day of Sri Rama Navami. He told him to complete 108 bhajan sessions and then come to Puttaparthi to take His

blessings.

After completing 95 bhajan sessions, the bhajan group wanted to do the

96th

bhajan session in the Divine Presence. Swami graciously acceded

and the 96th

session was thus held in the Divine Presence. Swami

blessed them and assured them He would grace the 108th

Bhajan

session, as well as the concluding ceremony. Swami graced the 108th

Bhajan session at Perambur on the 23rd

of March as promised earlier. He

also laid the foundation stone for a prayer hall. That evening He gave

darshan to the thousands gathered at the New Railway Hall, Perambur.

Swami gave a discourse on 24th

March at the YMLA Grounds, Mylapore.

He followed this up with another discourse at Gokhale Hall, George

Town, on 25th. Swami discoursed for the 3rd consecutive day on 26th at Shanti Kutir, Royapuram.- Divine Footprints, Ch. 2 and Sanathana Sarathi, 1958

Arakkonam Dec 14, 1958

Swami inaugurated a one week conference at the Divine Life Society, Arakkonam, on this day.

Sanathana Sarathi, 1958

Swami reached Madurai from Vedasandur on December 30th

1958 and stayed at Sri Ramaswami Chettiar's

residence before He left for Madras on the 31st

and spent the New Year there. He sent His New Year blessings to

all the devotees at Prasanthi Nilayam.

- Sanathana Sarathi, 1958 and Sri Sathya Sai Baba – A Story of God as Man, ch 4 and Divine Footprints, ch 2

Madras Jan 1, 1959

Swami visited the All India Sai Samaj along with Sri Suddhananda Bharathi at Madras and blessed the devotees

with a Discourse for the New Year. “The Avatars of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna are so different in the various aspects

of their earthly careers. Though it is difficult to be convinced that Sri Rama is indeed Sri Krishna, only few have

serious doubts on that score. S, too, those who can delve deep into My mysteries can understand that the same

power has now assumed another (this) human form”, He explained.

- Sathyam Shivam Sundaram, vol. 1, ch. 10



AUM SRI SAI RAM


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Madras 1960

In 1960, He said, “I have not come to Madras for personal propaganda or publicity. I have not come to collect

disciples or devotees. I am yours, though you may doubt, discard and deny Me. You are Mine, though I am far

away, in space or time. What then is the need for publicity propaganda? I am in you; you are in Me; we are

inseparable. This truth can be known by you only when you know yourself!”

- Sanathana Sarathi, 1960Madras April 27, 1960 to May 13, 1960

Swami left for Madras on April 27, 1960. After staying there for three days, on the 30th

, He proceeded to

Venkatagiri and blessed the Raja on the occasion of his 60th

birthday. He left for Chebrole and Rajahmundry on 1st

May. Swami returned to Madras on 7th

May after a three-day stay at Rajahmundry. On 10th

May, Swami left for

Bombay by plane. Swami granted darshan to hundreds of devotees on the 11th

and 12th

. Swami left for Bangalore

on the 13th

, reached Prasanthi Nilayam the same evening. The Griha Pravesham (house-warming) ceremony of

the newly built ‘Shanti Nivas’ was performed at Puttaparthi that evening in His Divine Presence.

- Sanathana Sarathi, 1960

Coimbatore Feb 25, 1961 to March 7, 1961

On 25th Feb, 1961, Swami left for Coimbatore along with Sri Kondal Rao and some other devotees. Swami was

welcomed at Udumalpet by the representatives of the Naga Sai Mandir of Coimbatore. Swami halted for a short

while at Bhavani House, near the Bhavani Sagar Darm. When He subsequently reached Coimbatore, He was taken

in procession on a chariot to the Naga Sai Mandir.

On 26th morning, Swami consecrated the marble slab on which the image of Shirdi Sai Baba was to be placed.

Swami materialised a gold plate with some mystic symbols and nin e

gems, and placed them under the slab. He then addressed the

devotees for an hour and a half. Swami said that it was really amusing

that He should install the image of His own previous Avatar. The only

other instance of a similar kind was that of Rama installing the Ishwar

Linga at Rameshwaram. He spent the whole day in the Mandir. Swami

proceeded to Udumalpet on the 27th

. There, Swami rode through the

streets of Udumalpet on a majestically caparisoned elephant flanked

on either side by two elephants, granting darshan to 50,000 peoplewho awaited Him in the hot sun. He stayed there for 3 days.

He also visited Palani, Keeranoor, Amaravati, Ganapatipalayam,

Guruvappanaickanoor and Bodhipatti. Swami returned to Coimbatore

on 2nd

March. Swami proceeded to Cherangode village on the 3rd

.

After having blessed the villagers, Swami left for Mysore by car on the same day. He reached the city at around

9.30 pm. He resumed his journey on 4th

morning and reached Bangalore at around 10 am. Swami returned to

Prasanthi Nilayam on 7th

March.


Madras March 23, 1961 to, April 8, 1961

Swami visited Sri Sathya Sai Samaj, Perambur (Madras) on its fourth annual day which fell on 23rd

March, 1961.

He blessed the devotees with His Divine Discourse at the Perambur Railway Institute Stadium. Dr. B. RamakrishnaRao, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, also addressed the devotees. On Sri Rama Navami day, the Telugu Edition of

‘Sathyam Shivam Sundaram’ and the English version of ‘Dhyana Vahini’ were dedicated at Swami's lotus feet. His

discourse elaborated on the philosophical meaning of the Ramayana.


Nilgiri Hills Sunday, April 16, 1961

Swami left Puttaparthi on the 14th

of April, 1961. He travelled via Bangalore and Dharmapuri to reach Coimbatore

at 10 pm on the 15th

. Swami and His convoy of 16 vehicles left Coimbatore on the 16th

morning. On reaching



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Ooty, Swami was received with Poorna Kumbham at the Lupin Villa. Swami addressed a public gathering at 3 pm

that evening. Sri N. Kasturi translated Swami's address into Tamil.

Swami began visiting neighbouring villages from the 19th

onwards. Tithalar, Nanjanad, Tummanatty, Ooramalai,

Melur, Davani, Yedakkad, Mallikorai, Danadkombai, Manjur, Bikkatti, Achankkal, Sogathorai, Palada, Kappathora,

Kenthora, Marlimund, Kavaratti, Annikorai, Thorahatti, Emerald Camp and Mullimalaiketty were some of the

villages that received Swami's grace. Swami gave immense joy to all the villagers with His discourses and bhajans.Swami laid the foundation stone for a Krishna temple at Achnakkal. It was during this visit that Swami acquired a

bungalow in Ooty called Parna Kutir.

On the 20th

, Swami visited the house of Dr. Mathan for the 1st

time. Swami would choose to stay in this bungalow

in His subsequent visits in 1963, 1965 and 1966. He renamed this bungalow ‘Geetha Bhavan’ during His visit in

1963. Swami showered His grace on this family by His proximity, both physical and otherwise.

During His stay in Ooty, Swami materialised an expensive and a unique watch for Sri Jayakumar, the Secretary of

Sai Satsangam of Ooty. When Jayakumar asked Swami as to how He had created the watch, Swami said that He

bought it in Bombay, and gave him the cash bill. When Jayakumar contacted the shop at Bombay, the manager of

that shop replied that a Parsi lady had bought the watch just 20 mins back. Jayakumar became speechless at the

inscrutable Leela of Swami.

- Sanathana Sarathi, 1961 and Divine Footprints, ch 3

Madras April 23, 1961 to, April 26, 1961

Swami was in Madras during April 1961. He gave a discourse to the devotees at Perambur on 23rd

April and on

25th

April He gave a discourse at Shanti Kutir. Bhagawan presided over the Annual Festival of the Sanmarga

Gurukula, Keeranur of Palani Taluk on 26th

April.


Ooty July 28, 1961 to July 31, 1961

Swami left for Ooty on 28th

same day. Swami inaugurated the Sathya Sai Mandir at Ooty. He then proceeded to

Gudalur. After a wonderful elephant ride at Abhayaranya wildlife sanctuary, Swami reached Bangalore via

Mysore on 31st

night.

- Sanathana Sarathi, 1961 and Sri Sathya Sai Anandadayi, ch 15

Madras August 21, 1961 to September 5, 1961

Swami proceeded from Hyderabad to Coimbatore via Bangalore on the 21st. On 24th morning, Swami laid thefoundation stone for a college at Ganapatipalayam, and for a hospital at

Udumalpet. After spending a day each at Udumalpet and Madurai, Swami

reached Abhayaranya, Ooty on the 28th

. He was lovingly welcomed by the tribals

of the region.

Swami celebrated the Griha Pravesham (house-warming ceremony) of His

residence at Ooty, ‘Brindavan’ (formerly called Parna Kutir) on the 30th

.

Mettupalam Kandasamy, an Army officer, had his first darshan of Swami during

this function. The following day being Krishnashtami, Swami created a garland of precious stones for the silver

image of Krishna which adorned the dais during the evening function.

On 1st

September morning, Swami selected 25 members to form the Sri Sathya Sai Satsangam Committee of

Ooty. Dr. Mathan of Ooty, Sri Ajja Gowdar of Ketty and Sri Linga Maistri of Davanai were among those selected.Swami returned to Prasanthi Nilayam on 5

th September.


Coimbatore March 28, 1961 to April 15, 1962

Swami left for Coimbatore on 28th

and reached the Mukkudal village. At Mukkudal village, Swami visited the

residence of Sri Chidambaram Krishnan, who was subsequently groomed by Swami to become His chauffeur. He

also visited Papanasam, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Madurai before returning to Bangalore on 4th

April.

He inaugurated the Tyagaraja Utsava at Tirupati on 5th

April, which also happened to be the Telugu New Year

(Ugadi). The Raja of Ramnad presided over this function. Swami proceeded to Tirumalai from Tirupati and stayed



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there till 6th

evening, from where He proceeded to Venkatagiri. Sri Rama Navami festival was celebrated in the

Divine Presence at Venkatagiri Palace. Swami returned to Prasanthi Nilayam on 15th

April.


Nilgiris May 02, 1962

Swami visited the village of Bikketti in the Nilgiris in May 1962. Swami showered His love on the old lame

watchdog of the village, ‘Kuttan’. Kuttan though old and lame, was ferocious in guarding the village. He was tieddown for fear of misdemeanour. Noticing him trying his utmost to free himself, Swami patted him calling him

‘Bangaru’ and asked the ‘Shuddhatma’ to be unchained. Swami led Kuttan up the dais, where he sat listening

intently to the bhajans being sung.

A feast had been arranged for the villagers on that day. Swami went into the kitchen followed by Kuttan. He

touched the food and transformed it into prasad. “Feed Kuttan first” He ordered. After partaking of the prasad,

Kuttan sat next to Swami as He supervised the prasad distribution. Kuttan laid his head on Swami's feet and

merged in them once and for all.

- Baba Sathya Sai, part 2, ch 50

Madras December 06, 1962 to, January 09, 1963

Swami inaugurated the Sathya Sai Nivas, a prayer hall in Perambur, a

suburb of Madras on 6th

Dec, 1962. Swami addressed a vast gathering at

the same venue that evening.

On 6th

Jan 1963, Vaikuntha Ekadashi Day, Swami visited the Guindy Shirdi

shrine, and was present during the Abhishekam to Shirdi Sai. That evening,

He proceeded to Mahabalipuram beach along with the devotees. Seated

on the sands, He elucidated to the

devotees the significance of Vaikuntha

Ekadashi. Swami then materialised from the sands the charming images of

Vishnu, Narayana and Krishna. He also materialised Amrit and most

graciously fed each and every devotee present. After nearly a month-long

stay, Swami returned to Prasanthi Nilayam on 9th

Jan 1963.


Madras 1963

The renowned actress, Smt. Anjali Devi and her husband Sri Adinarayana Rao had their first darshan of Swami

during His visit to Madras in 1963. Swami gave the couple who were having acute financial crisis an interview and

advised them to continue producing new movies and make good the loss they had incurred. By Divine Grace,

their life was once again successful. The film actor Sri Nagaiah was instrumental in bringing this couple to Swami.

- Divine Footprints, ch 3

Madras December 18, 1963 to, December 27, 1963

Swami reached Madras on 18th

December. On Thursday, the 19th

December, He installed the pictures of Shirdi Sai

Baba and Himself at the prayer hall of the Sathya Sai Nivas, Perambur, Madras.

On 21

st

, Swami was welcomed at the Raj Bhavan by Sri Bishnuram Methi, Governor of Madras, where He gave adiscourse on spiritual sadhana to a select gathering. Swami blessed the huge gathering at Perambur Railway

Stadium with His darshan and bhashan (discourse) on 23rd

. Swami returned to Prasanthi Nilayam on 27th

December.




AUM SRI SAI RAM


10


Madurai1964

On 22nd

Jan 1964, a group of devotees from Madurai prayed to Swami

to visit Madurai and lay the foundation stone for the Sri Sathya Sai

Mandir at Madurai.


Trichy Feb 1, 1964 to, Feb 5, 1964

Swami proceeded to Trichy from Tirupati on Feb 2. On Feb 3rd

, Swami was honoured by the Chairman and

Councillors or Trichy Municipal Corporation. Swami discussed with them the administration and development of

the town. Eminent musicians like Sri S. Govindarajan, Sri Tiruvengadam Subrahmanya Pillai, Sri Murugadas and

Smt. K. B. Sundarambal entertained Swami with their concerts.

Swami had promised to visit the house of the clarinet maestro, Sri A. K. C. Natarajan in Trichy. Swami had told

him that He would arrive at 8 pm on 3rd Feb, the eve of the Griha Pravesham of Natarajan's house. News of

Swami's visit spread like wildfire, and people began to pour in by the hundreds. Natarajan wanted to prevent a

huge crowd from gathering in front of the house. He thus put up a board at the entrance that read, ‘Swami's visit

after 10 pm’. His ploy to keep the crowd at bay worked, but Swami too did not turn up until after 10 pm!

One of the members accompanying Swami said to Natarajan, “We arrived at the Cauvery Bridge before 8 pm.

However, Swami detained the cars there for 2 hours, for no apparent reason.” Swami did not divulge the trickery

indulged in by Natarajan, but the latter understood the reason for the delay, and stricken with fear, fell prostrate

at Swami's feet. Swami said to him in private, “Who asked you to announce that I would be coming only after 10

pm?”

The renowned musician Ariyakudi Ramanujam Aiyangar, film actor Sri K. A. Thangavelu and his wife, and the

former Chancellor of Annamalai University Sri T. M. Narayanaswami Pillai sought Swami's blessings during this

visit. Swami returned to Prasanthi Nilayam on the 5th.- Sanathana Sarathi, 1964

Madras April 23, 1964 to May 1, 1964

Sri Chittoor Nagaiah, the prominent film actor, was blessed to celebrate his 60th

birthday (23rd

April, 1964) in Swami's very presence. Swami addressed the elite

gathering of Madras that evening. Swami visited the ‘Krishna Gana Sabha’ at

Mambalam, Madras on 24th

. Swami blessed the devotees at Sri Sathya Sai Nivas,

Perambur with His darshan on the 25th

. On the 26th

, He visited the Guindy temple,

Madras and blessed the devotees with a discourse. Swami graced the Paediatric

Centre established by Smt. and Sri V. Hanumantha Rao, the Former Secretary for

Education, and also inaugurated a hostel for the handicapped children on the 27th

.

Swami blessed the ‘Bhagavatha Saptaham’ of Brahmasri Kalluri Veerabhadra Sastriwith His presence on the 28

th. Swami left for Prasanthi Nilayam on the 1

st of May.


Madras, August 13, 1964 to August 19, 1964

Prashanti Vidwan Maha Sabha for the State of Madras was inaugurated in the Divine Presence by Chief Minister

Sri M. Bhaktavatsalam on 13th

August, 1964. Justice Sri Sadashivam presided over the function. Swami gave

discourses at Prashanti Vidwan Maha Sabha meetings held between 13th

and 19th

of August. Several dignitaries

like the Raja of Venkatagiri, Raja of Ramnad, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Sri B. Ramakrishna Rao, Diwan Bahadur,



AUM SRI SAI RAM


11


Sri K. S. Ramasamy Sastrigal, Sri K. Subramanya Iyer, Sri M. S. Sarangapani, Sri Manikkavelu, Agnihotram Sri

Ramanuja Tattacharya, Kavi and Yogi Sri Shuddananda Bharathi, Sri Ki. Va. Jagannathan, Varanasi Sri Subramanya

Sastry, Kollur Sri Somasekhara Sastry, Sri Remilla Surya Prakasa Sastry and Veda Samrat Sri Kameswara Ganapathi

were among those present during the function. Sri T. A. Ramanatha Reddy, the Divisional Engineer of Anantapur,

was instrumental in Yogi Shuddananda Bharathi gaining the much-awaited darshan of Swami. (Incidentally, Reddy

was instrumental in proper highways being constructed to Puttaparthi.) Shuddananda Bharathi was a devotee ofShirdi Sai and declared as early as 1959 that Swami was Shirdi Sai come again. He had expressed to Reddy his

longing to have darshan of Swami. Reddy in turn mentioned this to Swami. In a subsequent letter to the Reddy

family, Swami mentioned, “Ask Yogi Shuddananda Bharathi also to surely come. Bring him along.” It was this

command that had enabled Shuddananda Bharathi to participate in the week-long Prashanti Vidwan Maha Sabha

session at Madras.

- Divine Footprints, ch 4

Nilgiris May 26, 1965

Swami was welcomed at Ooty along with Poornakumbha at 7 pm on the 26th

of May, 1965. Swami laid the

foundation stone for a Nilayam at the blue hills on the 27th

. He created a plate with the figure of Badri Narayana

to be kept in the Nilayam. During this visit Swami inaugurated the Prashanti Vidwan Maha Sabha at Ooty.

Brahmasri Varanasi Subrahmanya Sastry spoke at the meeting. Swami enthralled the devotees with His Divine

Message. Swami stayed in Dr. Mathan's bungalow. He told Dr. Mathan and his wife, “Blessed indeed are you to

be My host and serve My devotees.” Swami left for Brindavan on the 28th

.


- Madras Friday, August 27, 1965

Swami reached Madras from Whitefield on 27th

August, 1965. He gave darshan to

devotees at Perambur and Guindy on 30th

August. He left for Hyderabad on 31st

August.


Madras Dec 12, 1965 to Jan 4, 1966

The 1st

anniversary celebrations of the Prashanti Vidwan Maha Sabha (Madras) were held at the Venkatagiri

Palace between 12th

and 14th

of Dec 1965. Justice P. Ramakrishna Iyer, Sri T. M. P. Mahadevan, and Justice K. S.

Venkataraman presided over the gathering on all three days. Dr. P. K. Sundaram, Sri Dharmapuri Aadheenam, Sri

S. M. Somasundaram Tambiran and Justice K. S. Ramamurthy addressed the gathering.

Swami blessed the devotees with His divine discourses every day. Swami Chinmayanandaji called upon Swami

and had discussions with Him. Swami visited Chinmaya Mission and gave a discourse to the workers. He also

blessed the workers of the Ramanashram and Ramakrishna Mission at Madras. Swami graced the homes of

Ministers Sri R. Venkataraman, Sri Jothi Venkatachalam, and Sri Mannadia. En route to Brindavan, Swami stayed

with the Raja of Venkatagiri for a couple of days. He reached Brindavan on 30th

Dec.

Swami gave darshan to the devotees at Brindavan on New Year's Day. Sri B. D. Jatti, Sri R. M. Patil, JusticesGopivallabha Iyengar, Sadasivaiah and Air Vice Marshal S. N. Gopal had personal interviews with Swami at

Brindavan on the 3rd

. Swami graced the residences of Maharana, the former Prime Minister of Nepal, and

Elayaraja of Travancore. He returned to Prasanthi Nilayam on 4th

.


Coorg, Kodaikanal and Madurai – May 04, 1966 to May 14, 1966

Swami spent about 10 days (4th

to 14th

of May 1966) in a coffee plantation in the charming hill of Coorg in Mysore

state. The people of Coorg came uphill to have Darshan of Swami. He visited a number of Coorg homes and

spread light and joy. Later, He went to Kodaikanal via Madras along with some devotees. He gave Darshan to



AUM SRI SAI RAM


12


thousands everyday while at Kodaikanal. Swami said, ‘The good fortune of these people on the hills brought Me

here, else, I had no plans of coming”. Swami then proceeded to Madurai to bless the new colony, ‘Sathya Sai

Nagar’ constructed by Sai devotees.

-Sathyam Sivam Sundaram, Vol-2, Chapter 11

Madras – May 19, 1966 to June 19, 1966

Swami visited Madras on 19th

May 1966, and stayed there for a week. He blessed the devotees with His Darshanand discourses at Guindy Sai Baba temple and also at Sari Sathya Sai Nivas, Perambur. He blessed the Prashanti

Vidwan Maha Sabha meetings on the 19th and 20th

at Osborne House and gave discourses. Swami reached

Venkatagiri on the 21st and addressed the Divine Life Conference there. He left for Kodaikanal on 26th

May.

After a brief stay at Kodaikanal, Swami reached Madurai on 9th

June and statyed on for 11days. He laid the

foundations stone for a proposed spiritual centre at Sri Sathya Sai Nagar, Madurai. Swami performed the Graha

Pravesham (house warming) ceremony of Sri Subramanya Chettiar, a very ardent devotee who was Swami’s

instrument in initiating the Likhita Japa Yagnam in Tamil Nadu. Swami asked Shuddananda Bharati to give a

discourse to the devotees on the 12th

and also to translate His discourse to Tamil. Swami blessed a Samashti

Upanayanam of 11 boys by materializing the sacred threads and administering the Gayatri Mantra Upadesham.

He also inaugurated a Vedic school at Madurai during this visit.

-Sanathana Sarathi, 1966& Divine Footprints, Chapter - 4

Tamil Nadu – Dec 15, 1966 to Dec 19, 1966, Dec 27th 1966 to Jan 1, 1967

Swami left for Tiruchchirappalli via Madras on 15th

morning. Swami inaugurated the three day Session of the

Prashanti Vidwan Maha Sabha in Tiruchchirapalli on 16th

December. Mahavidwan Sri Arumuganavalar,

Superintendent of the Institute for Training of Hindu Religious Teachers, Madras, addressed the gathering.

Swami blessed the devotees with His Discourse. Swami visited Budalur village to inaugurate the Sathya Sai Bala

Vihar on 17th

December. Swami proceeded to Pollachi on the 18th

. Swami gave Darshan to the mammoth

gathering at the godown sheds of the Cotton Mills on 19th

morning. He left Pollachi at 2.00 pm and reached

Perambikulam forest (the birth place of Sai Geeta, Swami’s pet elephant). After spending a few hours in the

forest with His group, He returned back to Pollachi and proceeded to Palghat in Kerala State.

Swami reached Ooty from Palghat on 27th, in time to bless devotees with Darshan on the holy asterism of Ardra.

Swami gave a Discourse and materialised a silver Shirdi Sai idol and gifted it to Smt and Sri Mathan. Swami left

for Madras on the 28th and gave Darshan to hundreds of devotees on New Year’s day.-Sanathana Sarathi, 1966& Divine Footprints, Chapter - 4

Madras – April 20, 1967 to April 21, 1967

The first All India Conference of the Office-Bearers of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation was held in the Divine Presence

at Abbotsbury, Madras on the 20th

and 21st

fo April 1967. Dr. B. Ramakrishna Rao presided over the proceedings

on the 20th

. The office bearers gave brief reports about the Seva activities in their respective states. The

Chairman gave a brief report of the activities undertaken overseas. Swami then blessed the delegates with His

Divine Message. In the evening, Swami gave clear guidelines to the Presidents and Secretaries of each state

individually in conducting Seva activities. Swami addressed the delegates on 21st

evening and granted interviews

to the representatives He was unable to meet the previous day. The musician siblings Sri B.V. Raman and Sri B.V.

Lakshman performed on the 21st

and the 22nd

.

-Sanathana Sarathi, 1967 Madras – Dec 23

nd, 1967 to Dec 26

th, 1967

Swami reached Madurai via Sengottai and Tenkasi from Tiruvananthapuram on the 22nd

. After a short stay that

lasted for few hours, He drove to Madras and reached there at 8 am on 23rd

December.



AUM SRI SAI RAM


13


A conference of the Office Bearers of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation of Madras

state was held at the Abbotsbury hall on the 24th

. Swami nominated Major

Rayaningar as the first State President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Tamil

Nadu. In His address that evening, Swami gave general guidelines on how to run

the Organisation. Swami gave Darshan and Discourse at the Shirdi Sai temple at

Guindy on the 25th

and on the 26th

at the Sathya Sai Nivas, Perambur.-Sanathana Sarathi, 1968

Madras – April 7th

, 1968

Swami gave Darshan at Abbotsbury on 7th

April. He later visited the Guindy Mandir and gave a Discourse on the

advent of Lord Rama. He blessed the Sri Rama Navami celebrations at Sathya Sai Niwas, Perambur with His Rama

Navami message and completed His sojourn at Madras.

-Divine Footprints, Chapter – 5

Madras – Jan 7th

, 1969 to Jan 10th

, 1969

Swami inaugurated the Conference of Office Bearers and Members of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation of Tamil Nadu

(held between the 7th and 10th of Jan) at Abbotsbury, Madras and delivered His Inaugural Address on the 7th. The

delegates were blessed with Swami’s Valedictory Address on the 10th

morning.

Swami blessed the Bhajans held at the residence of Smt. Kaveri Ammal, the Convener of Teynampet Samiti, on 9th

January. The singer Sri T.M. Soundararajan and Smt. Lalita Bose (the sister of Sri Subhash Chandra Bose, the

Freedom Fighter) were amongst those present.

-Sanathana Sarathi, 1969 & Divine Footprints, Chapter – 5

Madras – June 20th

, 1969 to June 30th

, 1969

Swami visited Madras and stayed in Sri Hanumantha Rao’s house. Swami addressed the Seva Dal members at

Abbotsbury on the 20th

and distributed the Seva Dal badges to them. Swami performed Abhishekam to the Shirdi

Sai idol at Guindy Mandir on the 21st

. Swami gave a Discourse at the conclusion of an Akhanda Bhajan at Raja

Annamalai Puram on the 23rd. He inaugurated another Akhanda Bhajan at the Air Force Employees’ Colony,Meenambakkam and was present there till its conclusion. Later in the evening, He gave a Discourse at Perambur.

Swami fulfilled the sacred wish of Smt. Kaveri Ammal to organize a Nagar Sankirtan at Madras. The first Nagar

Sankirtan was held in Madras on the 25th

of June, 1969. At the conclusion of the Nagar Sankirtan, Swami

distributed Vibhuti Prasadam to all the devotees.

-Divine Footprints, Chapter - 5

Madras – Dec 22nd

& Dec 23rd

, 1971

The 5th All India Conference of Office Bearers of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation was held at Abbotsbury, Madras

on the 22nd

and the 23rd

of Dec. Swami hoisted the Prashanti Flag at 9 am on the 22nd

to inaugurate the

Conference and delivered His Inaugural Address. Swami, in His Discourse to the delegates on 23rd

morning, spelt

out the guidelines for utilizing the Sai Organisation as an instrument for individual liberation and social

upliftment. He then spent some time with the delegates from each State. Prof. V.K. Gokak, Sri P.K. Sawant and SriIndulal Shah spoke during the evening session. Swami in His concluding Address stressed the need for

forbearance and tolerance. The Bal Vikas children of Tamil Nadu presented a few cultural programmes in the

Divine Presence. Swami blessed the delegates at 8 am on the 24th

morning with a photograph with Himself.

-Sanathana Sarathi, 1972

Madras – Dec 25th

& Dec 26th

, 1971

On 25th December, 1971, Christmas, Mr. Walter Cowan, a devotee from U.S.A, died at the Connemara Hotel in

Madras. He was declared clinically dead at a very reputed medical clinic in Madras. His ears and nose were

plugged with cotton wool, and the body was shrouded up and put away.



AUM SRI SAI RAM


14


At that very moment, Swami was telling the devotees around Him, “ Ayyo Papam! It will be a great tragedy if the

old lady loses her husband in India and goes back to America all by herself ”.

Mrs. Cowan ran to Swami with the help of Mrs. Ratanlal. “I shall come to the hospital at about 10 o’ clock ” , said

Swami and sent them back. They returned to the hotel and reached the hospital exactly at 10 o’ clock. The

doctors had gone back. One of the employees said, “Swami was here and has now left ”.

Ruefully ruminating, “Oh God ! Has He gone back so soon?” they went to the ward where Walter Cowan’s bodyhad been left. Wonder of wonders – It was not just a body, but the sentient, living Cowan! Swami, who had gone

back to the Camp, told the devotees, “I have given rebirth to Cowan!”.

Mr. Cowan has given a detailed account later, of how he was taken to the God of Justice, how all his Karmas of

the past lives were read out there by a Superior being and how Swami interceded at the time of judgment and

restored him to life.

On 26th

December, 1972, Walter Cowan once again started sliding down to the other world. At that time, Swami

was delivering the Address to the Samiti members. After finishing the same He said, “In the middle of My speech,

I got the call of Mrs. Cowan from the hospital, and I had gone there and did the needful”.

-Baba Sathya Sai, Part -1, Chapter - 33

Madras – Feb 3rd

, 1973 to Feb 8th

, 1973

Swami recharged the precincts of the Guindy shrine at Madras by depositing a new Yantra and some precious

stones on 3rd February. He graced the inauguration of the Silver Jubilee of the temple. Swami unveiled a

wonderful Stupa at the Guindy temple. It has the inscriptions of Swami’s teachings and the images of Ganesha,

Kartikeya, Krishna and Dakshinamurthy on all four sides. Swami created a bejeweled necklace for the Shirdi Sai

idol in the temple. Prof. Gokak in his speech explained the significant features of this Stupa. Swami gave a

Discourse at Abbotsbury on 4th

February. Swami visited the house of Sri Nagarajan, an old devotee on 8th

February and finalised the marriage of his son Ramani.

-Baba Sathya Sai, Part – 1, Chapter – 26 & Divine Footprints, Chapter - 6

Ooty – Dec 30th

, 1974

Swami spent the last week of December at Ooty. He visited a Winter Camp at the President Hall, Coimbatore, on

this day. The camp was arranged by the Tamil Nadu Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation. He blessed the 183

participants and called His visit a ‘surprise visit ’’. He filled every heart with joy, courage and illumination through

His Discourse. He said “Of all the Winter Camps that are being held in the country, I have come only to you in person to bless you. I wish that you should join the Seva Dal in your town and practice the ideals you learnt here” .

He had photographs shot separately with both the boys and the girls who participated in the course.


Madras – Apr 11th

,1976 to Apr 16th

,1976

According to the earnest prayers of the devotees of Tamil

Nadu and Smt. Anjali Devi, swami gave His consent to build

a residence for Him which would also serve as a spiritual

center for the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation in Madras.

Hence the existing building at Pugh’s Road, Raja Annamalai

Puram, donated by Smt. Anjali Devi was renovated andprepared for Swami’s stay. Swami reached Madras from

Bangalore at 9.30 pm on 11th

April. He gave Darshan to the

devotees at His residence on 12th

morning.

On the Tamil New Year’s day, the 13th

April, the ‘Graha Pravesham’ ceremony of the

renovated building (old Sundaram) at Pugh’s Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, was performed

in the Divine Presence. Swami was received at the renovated building with Vedic

ceremonies. He hoisted the Prashanti Flag and gave a Discourse.



AUM SRI SAI RAM


15


Swami witnessed a Bal Vikas students’ rally at the Abbotsbury Grounds and listened to their speeches on 14th

morning. Swami distributed some prizes to the children. The Bal Vikas students presented cultural programmes

that evening. Swami then blessed the gathering with His New Year Message, emphasising the need for

recognising the unity that underlies and gives meaning to diversity. Swami addressed the members of the Sai

Organisation on 15th

morning. Swami gave Darshan at the Shirdi Sai temple at Guindy that evening, where an

exhibition on the Sai message had been organised. He also visited the Sathya Sai Nivas at Perambur, where anexhibition on Bal Vikas activities was put up. Swami left Madras on 16

th April.

-Sanathana Sarathi,1976 & Divine Footprints, Chapter – 6

Ooty – May 20th

, 1976 to June 9th

, 1976

The Summer Course on Indian Culture and Spirituality was held from 20th

May to

June 4th

at Swami’s residence, Nandanavanam, at Ooty. This year, students from Sri

Sathya Sai Educational Institutions alone were selected to participate in the course.

Over 200 students and 20 teachers attended the course. Swami hoisted the

Prashanti Flag and inaugurated the Summer Course at Nandanavanam on 20th

May.

The Chief Justice of Tamil Nadu High Court, Sri Kailasam, was the Chief Guest for the

function. Following the address of the Chief Guest, Swami delivered His Inaugural

Address. Topics from the Mahabharata were chosen by Swami as the course

content. Swami in His Discourses in the evenings elaborated on the role that Lord

Krishna chose to play in the Mahabharata. He reveled to the students that exact

dates of a few great events in the Mahabharata.

Eminent speakers from different walks of life and the staff members of the Sri

Sathya Sai College spoke to the students during the course. They were Prinicipal of

Jaipur College, Anima Mukherjee; Principal of Brindavan Campus, Narendra; Smt.

Jayamma from Anantapur Campus; Smt. Pushpa Ramanna from Anantapur College; Dr. Lakshminnarasimhan; Sri

Nanjundaiah; Sri Sudarshan; Sri Shiv Pandit; Dr. S. Bhagavantam, Swami Chinmayananda, Smt. Soundaram

Kailasam, Smt. Chakravarthi, Sri N. Kasturi and Sri Sohanlal. Sri Anoop Jalota, the renowned musician from

Bombay, participated in the camp for a few days and sang during evening Bhajans. Sri Challa Subbarayudu,Minister for Municipal Administration, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, attended the entire course with lot of

enthusiasm.

The final session of the course on 4th

June was addressed by Sri Challa Subbarayudu and General Cariappa in the

evening. Swami then delivered His Valedictory Message to the students. He gave certificates to all the

participants of the summer course. The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust had initiated a Diploma in Sathya Sai

Education that would be awarded to the students who were beneficiaries of a number of summer courses. Swami

blessed such students, 17 of them, with the coveted Diploma on that day. He also gave special prizes to many

among the student speakers.

Swami had a very close session with the students on 5th

June, where He narrated details of His early school days,

highlighting the ideals of a good life that He upheld by the precept and example in those primitive years. Swami

also materialised a medallion type unique map of India in which the future 46 years of Swami’s earthly sojournand events and achievements of the Sai era were engraved in Sanskrit verses. Swami also declared that He would

live to see 96 years in this body, and mentioned that 18 important Institutions would be established by Him all

over India in the remaining 46 years. In the map of India materialised by Bhagavan were engraved the 18

institutions that would take shape in the next 50 years of the Avataric sojourn. Not only that, the medal also

carried in microscopic Devanagiri script, the important ‘achievements’ which would be accomplishes in the future

by Swami’s Sankalpa(Will). It was truly an epoch-making hour in the history of mankind. Providence predicting

the unfoldment of Its Almighty Will!

-Sanathana Sarathi, 1976 & Baba Sathya Sai, Part – 2, Chapter – 45



AUM SRI SAI RAM


16


Dharmapuri – Aug 13th

, 1976

Swami inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Sri Sathya Sai Seva Dal Conference at Dharmapuri on this day. Enroute to

Dharmapuri, Swami halted for a short time at Hosur and gave Darshan to the thousands of devotees assembledthere. Dharmapuri District which was facing severe drought, experienced torrential downpour immediately after

Swami’s Inaugural Address at the Conference.


Madras – Jan 14th

, 1978

Swami inaugurated on that day a Medical

Center that would offer free service to

the patients, at the outhouse of Smt. Radha Menon at Kilpauk. Swami

visited this center again on 15th

. On the third day of His visit, the 16th

,

Swami visited Wellingdon Nursing Home to bless Smt. Parvatamma,

wife of Sri. Hanumantha Rao and gave her a new lease of life. “She is a

good soul and wishes to engage herself in philanthropic activities

always. That is why I have saved her from the jaws of death”, were

Swamis’s words.


Ooty – Mar 4th

, 1978 to Mar 7th

, 1978

Swami proceeded from Brindavan to Ooty on 4th

March. He spent a few days at Ooty. He visited Sri Sathya Sai

Vidya Vihar at Ooty and blessed the children. Mahashivaratri was on the 7th

of March, but there was no news of

His return to Brindavan for the festival.

Swami along with a group of devotees proceeded to Bangalore by car on 7 th March, the Shivaratri day. Smt.Ratanlal was also amongst them. Swami stopped the caravan at some place and got down from His car. The

whole group sat around Swami. He spoke to the gathering on some spiritual matters. He picked up a student

from the gathering and said, “You are still troubled by doubts about Me, is it not? You are holding a Polaroid

camera. Take my photograph and you will see My true identity”. Swami posed for the photograph. As the student

was about to click, Smt. Ratanlal rushed forward and tried to straighten the creases on Swami’s garment. Swami

sternly ordered her to retreat. As His voice was harsh, the poor lady was frightened and stood at a distance. The

student clicked his camera. In a few moments, the Polaroid picture developed in sharp colours. It was of the

Divine Composite Form of Lord Dattatreya, with three heads – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara.

The photo also showed four dogs and a cow standing by the side of the Lord. When the picture was shown to

Swami, He told Smt. Ratanlal, “Do you now realize why I firmly ordered you to go away at that moment?

Extremely powerful radiations were emanating from Me at that time. You would not have been able to withstandtheir impact”.

Sathya Sai is the Supreme Being, the Primordial Source of the cycles of creation, maintenance and annihilation.

This Truth has been demonstrated by Swami in revealing Himself to be the transcendental Divine, combining

within Himself Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara – the Trinity.

Swami spent some time at Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu enroute from Ooty. He left for

Brindavan at 2 pm.




AUM SRI SAI RAM


17


Ooty – Apr 1978

Swami visited Ooty during the first week of April, 1978 just a month after the inauguration of the Sri Sathya Sai

Vidya Vihar at Ooty. He materialised a beautiful silver Ganesha idol as His first gift to the school children. He

handed over the idol to Smt. Varma, the school Principal.

-Divine Footprints, Chapter - 6

Madras – Jan 14th

& Jan 15th

, 1979

Swami was in Madras for Sankranti that fell on 14th

January. He gave a Discourse

at Sundaram on that day. Swami addressed a gathering of District Presidents and

Office Bearers of Sri Sathya Sai Organisation of Tamil Nadu on the 15th

. He visited the Bala Gurukulam at

Perambur for the first time and signed in the visitor’s book. Swami also visited the Medical Center at Kilpauk on

15th

January. After a brief stay at Madras, Swami returned to Bangalore.

-Sanathana Sarathi, 1979 and Divine Footprints, Chapter – 6

Ooty – Aug 8th, 1980

Bhagavan inaugurated the new building of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar at Ooty on 8th

August. He hoisted the school

flag on 8th

morning and witnessed the March Past and display of gymnastics by children. The children presented a

cultural programme at the school auditorium in the afternoon. Bhagavan posed for photographs with them.

Bhagavan dined exclusively with the children that night. The next day He blessed them individually.


Madras – Sep 3rd

,1980

Bhagavan blessed the Medical Center ‘Sai Kripa’ (that started in the year

1979) at Abbotsbury, Madras, on this day.


Madras – Jan 19th

, 1981 to Jan 21st

, 1981

Bhagavan inaugurated ‘Sundaram’ (His new

residence at Madras) on 19th

January,1981.He

arrived at 11 am from Brindavan and

proceeded to the magnificent porch of theNew Mandir amidst Vedic chants. He cut the

ribbon and entered the Prayer Hall to the

accompaniment of Bhajans. Bhagavan gave

Darshan to the devotees and went round the

Mandir appreciating many striking

architectural features.

Bhagavan gave Darshan at Abbotsbury on 20th

morning. In the evening, Bhagavan blessed the blind students, who

had transcribed in Braille, ‘Sathyam, Shivam, Sundaram’, Volume 1(Tamil) and ‘Sai Baba: Man of Miracles’



AUM SRI SAI RAM


18


(English). Bhagavan appreciated their zeal and devotion and caressed them most endearingly. Before Bhagavan’s

Discourse, Sriram, one of the blind boys, gave an inspiring speech on Seva.

Bhagavan gave Darshan at Sundaram during Nagar Sankirtan on 21st

morning. He blessed the Office Bearers of

the Organisation and the Seva Dal at Sundaram that evening. He emplaned for Bombay at 7 am on 22nd

January.


Ooty – Apr 1981Bhagavan stayed in Ooty for 15 days in the month of April 1981. He had taken along with Him a few devotees

including Dr. Bhagavantam, Col. Jogarao, the host Sri V. Srinivasanand students from Sathya Sai Colleges. After a

long gap of 15 years, Bhagavan decided to visit Kodaikanal to honour the wish of Sri V. Srinivasan. He was

welcomed at Sai Kripa, the residence of Sri Srinivasan at Kodaikanal, by his wife Smt. Vidya. With no crowds

around, Bhagavan enjoyed the rare freedom of movement and stayed there for 4 days. He took His party for a

picnic one day. On another day, He visited the residence of a long time devotee, Sri Narasimhachari. There were

only 30 people for His Darshan every day. His Tamil Discourses were translated into English by Sri Srinivasan.

-Sathyam Sivam Sundaram, Volume – 6, Chapter – 1

Kodaikanal –Jan 1982

Bhagavan visited Kodaikanal and stayed with Sri V. Srinivasan for a week. He suggested some changes in the on-

going construction work at Sri Srinivasan’s residence.

-Sathyam Sivam Sundaram, Volume – 6, Chapter – 1

Madras – Jan 21st

, 1982 to Jan 24th

, 1982

Bhagavan reached Madras from Brindavan on 21st

January. He gave

Darshan to thousands at Sundaram. He graced the morning Bhajan sessions

at Sundaram during His stay at Madras. Bhagavan inaugurated the Fourth

State Conference of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation of Tamil Nadu at

Abbotsbury on January 22nd

. He exhorted the members to render service to

society with love and compassion and to regard it as the greatest Sadhana

for spiritual development. Bhagavan witnessed a fine display of group

dances by Bal Vikas students on 23rd

morning.

Swami travelled by car to Neyveli on the 24th

and conferred His Benediction on the large gathering that awaited

His Darshan there.


Madras – Aug 1st

and Aug 2nd

, 1982

Bhagavan visited Madras on 1st and 2nd of August, 1982. Swami gave

Darshan from the balcony of Sundaram in the early morning on both the

days of His stay. On 2nd

August, Bhagavan addressed a public meeting at

Abbotsbury. Dr. P.K. Sundaram, Professor of Philosophy, University ofMadras, welcomed Bhagavan and spoke on Bhagavan’s Mission. This was

followed by Bhagavan’s Discourse. Bhagavan witnessed a Bal Vikas

students rally and a dance ballet ‘Meenakshi Kalyanam’, presented by

them.




AUM SRI SAI RAM


19


Madras – Jan 16th

, 1983 to Jan 21st

, 1983

Bhagavan visited Madras between 16th

and 21st

January. On the 16th

January, Sankranti day, Bhagavan hoisted the

Prashanti Flag at Sundaram at 11 am amidst Vedic chants and Nadaswaram music. He inaugurated the newly

constructed Shanti Vedika at Sundaram. Smt. Vani Jayaram and party rendered devotional songs at Sundaramthat evening. Bhagavan addressed a public meeting at Abbotsbury on 17

th evening. Justice K.B.N. Singh, Chief

Justice of the Madras High Court welcomed Bhagavan.

Bhagavan witnessed a rally of Bal Vikas students at Abbotsbury on 18th

morning. He blessed a large gathering

with His Darshan at the Shirdi Sai temple at Guindy that day. Sri Sirghazhi Govindarajan and party presented

devotional music at Sundaram that evening.

Bhagavan addressed the members of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation of Tamil Nadu at Abbotsbury on 19th

morning. He distributed mementos and stethoscopes to the doctors serving in the medical centers of the

Organisation at Abbotsbury, Kilpauk and Anna Nagar.

Bhagavan inaugurated a Trade Union College at Perambur started by the members of the Southern Railway

Employees’ Sangh that evening. Bhagavan donated a sum of Rs. 1,00,000 to the Southern Railway Employees’

Sangh, for construction of a shed to house workshops. Bhagavan was taken in a procession seated in an open

jeep. He addressed a public meeting at Perambur. The General Managers of Southern Railways and the Integral

Coach Factory, the Trade Union Leaders, and high ranking officials had Darshan of Bhagavan at Perambur.

On 20th

, Bhagavan visited the village Mannivakkam, adopted by the Sri Sathya Sai

Organisation of Chengelpet District. Bhagavan inspected the Medical and Bal

Vikas centers and laid the foundation stone for a building of a free medical

center. He addressed a public meeting at Mannivakkam temple. At Sundaram

that evening, there was devotional music by Smt. P. Suseela and Sri

Jayachandran, and a Sitar recital by Sri Janardhan, a disciple of Pandit Ravi

Shankar. Bhagavan left for Bombay on 21st

morning.


Madras – Jan 18th

, 1984 to Jan 23rd

, 1984

Bhagavan reached Madras from Brindavan at 7.30 pm on 18th

January. He was

accorded a traditional welcome at Sundaram by the State President of Tamil Nadu

and the members of the State Trust. Bhagavan gave Darshan to the devotees

assembled at Sundaram.

Bhagavan gave Darshan during early morning Nagar Sankirtan at Sundaram on the

19th

. As it was the Anniversary Day of Sundaram, Narayan Seva was performed after

Bhagavan’s Darshan. Bhagavan addressed ahuge gathering at Abbotsbury the same

evening. Major General Mahadevan gave the

welcome speech. During this visit, Bhagavan

visited Raj Bhavan accepting the request of

the Governor Sri Khurana.

On the 20th

of January, Bhagawan also visited

a medical dispensary at Anna Nagar and distributed clothes and crutches

to the disabled. On His way back to Sundaram, He visited the Mariamma



AUM SRI SAI RAM


20


temple that was being renovated by the Sai Samiti. Smt. M.L. Vasanthakumari and party rendered Tyagaraja and

Purandaradasa Keertanas at Sundaram that evening.

Bhagavan visited Nandivaram village on 21st

morning. He talked to the villagers and distributed clothes to the

disabled. Bhagavan performed the last ‘ Astabandhanam’ at Guindy Mandir that

afternoon. He materialised a ‘Sudarshana Chakra’ with the form of Sathya Sai on its

reverse and installed it below the idol of Shirdi Sai. Bhagavan witnessed a culturalprogramme presented by Bal Vikas students at Abbotsbury that evening.

Bhagavan blessed a group of Bal Vikas Gurus on 22nd

morning and awarded prizes to the

rank holders of the All India Bal Vikas examination. Bhagavan also addressed 750 teachers

from the Corporation Schools in Madras who were earlier trained in Education in Human

Values. Bhagavan visited the Sathya Sai Nivas at Perambur that afternoon and blessed the

large gathering there. He also visited the Trade Union College at Perambur and

inaugurated the Industrial Training Center. He blessed the large gathering of railway

workers at the Center.


Kodaikanal – Jan 23, 1984 to Jan 27, 1984

Bhagavan flew from Madras to Trichy on 23rd Jan 1984. He blessed the large

gathering there with His Darshan. Bhagavan proceeded from Trichy to Madurai by

car. Bhagavan gave His benediction to thousands of devotees at

Madurai. He stayed at the Sai centre at Madurai. Bhagavan with His party left for

Kodaikanal after lunch. He left for Mettur on 26th

afternoon. Enroute, He visited

Kangeyam, Perundurai and Chenniamalai. He blessed the devotees assembled in all

these places. Bhagavan proceeded to Salem on 27th

morning. Bhagavan addressed

a mammoth public meeting at Salem. He expressed His admiration for the

discipline in the crowd. Bhagavan visited several villages that had been adopted by

the Tamil Nadu Sai Organisation for all round development. Bhagavan, during this

tour of Tamil Nadu, visited 6 districts and blessed thousands of devotees with His

Darshan. Enroute to Brindavan from Salem, Bhagavan visited Krishnagiri. He wasaccorded a rousing reception there.


Nilgiris – April 11, 1984 to April 15, 1984

He left Brindavan to Nilgiris with a group of devotees in the

early morning of 11th

April 1984 and reached Vidya Vihar, Ooty

by 2.30 pm the same day. He blessed the devotees assembled

in the school grounds with His Darshan. Bhagavan inaugurated

at Vidya Vihar on Tamil New Year Day, the 13th

of April 1984, a

Ganesha Temple amidst Vedic chants and Nadaswaram music.He materialised a gold ‘Yantra’ to be placed below the Ganesha

idol before the ceremonial installation.

Bhagavan blessed the devotees with Darshan everyday at Vidya

Vihar. He visited on 14th

April, some of the villages that were

adopted by the Sai Organisation for community development.

The village folks entertained Bhagavan with folk songs and dances. The Bal Vikas students presented cultural

programmes in some of the villages. Bhagavan visited two temples that had been renovated. At the end of the

visit, He distributed dhotis and saris to the poor.



AUM SRI SAI RAM


21


Bhagavan was impressed with the disciplined behavior of the villagers in all the places. He was very pleased with

the Bhajans organised by the wayside group enroute. He stopped at several places to bless them.

Bhagavan commented, “I am happy with these visits. I would have liked to talk to the villagers. But the

programme was so tight.”


Kodaikanal – May 1984During His visit to Kodaikanal in 1984, Swami asked Sri V. Srinivasan to construct a Guest House on the plot of

land donated to the Central Trust by a devotee, Sri Narasimhachari, in the year 1983. This guest house was

allotted to the Rajamata of Navanagar as her residence as per Swami’s instructions. This construction work was

supervised by Sri Mohandas Naidu of Coimbatore and was ready for occupation by May 1986.

-Sathyam Sivam Sundaram, Vol 6, Chapter-1

Ooty – May 8, 1984

During His stay in Ooty in May 1984, Bhagavan spent time with a group of students of the Summer course. He

materialised a silver plaque depicting future institutions similar to Dharmakshetra that would be founded by Him.

The plaque had an embossed map with eighteen shining gems studded all over. Each of the shining gems, He

said, was the location of a regional headquarter for radiating Sai Culture in decades to come. Even as the

students looked for magnifying glass to decipher the miniscule script in Devanagiri on the plaque, it just

disappeared, according to one of the participants present.

-Sri Sathya Sai Baba – A Story of God as Man, Chapter – 4

Madras – Jan 18, 1985 to Jan 25, 1985

Bhagavan reached Madras on 18th

Jan 1985. He visited Anantapur and Madanapalle enroute. Bhagavan blessed

the devotees with His early morning Nagar Sankirtan Darshan at Sundaram on 19th

morning. Later that morning,

He distributed prizes to Bal Vikas students who had distinguished themselves in various contests. Bhagavan

blessed the Narayan Seva organised on the 19th

as part of the anniversary celebrations of Sundaram. He

witnessed a Bal Vikas rally, a dance drill and a cultural programme presented by the Bal Vikas students at

Abbotsbury, that evening.

Bhagavan addressed the Bal Vikas teachers of Tamil Nadu at Abbotsbury on Education in Human Values on 20th

morning. Sri V. Srinivasan, Vice President of the World Council and Prof. M. L. Leela co-ordinator of Education inHuman Values Programme for Tamil Nadu, also spoke. Bhagavan consecrated the idol of Thiruveedhi Amman in

the renovated temple at Thirumangalam colony, Anna Nagar, amidst Vedic chants and Nadaswaram music on 21st

morning. The ‘Kumbhabhishekam’ of the temple Gopuram was performed simultaneously by the priests. He

addressed the residents of the colony and distributed clothes to the old and the handicapped in that colony.

A meeting of the active workers and representatives from the 300 adopted villages in Tamil Nadu was held in the

Divine Presence at Sundaram on 22nd

January. This meeting provided and excellent opportunity for the villagers

to receive the Blessings of Bhagavan for their developmental activities. Bhagavan moved amongst them and

spoke to some of them. Bhagavan inaugurated at Abbotsbury on 25th

morning, a workshop for Seva Dal, on

‘Health and Hygiene’, and addressed them in Tamil. Bhagavan released a booklet describing theworking of Study

Circles in Tamil Nadu. He then distributed Prasadam to all the participants. After the meeting, Bhagavan visited

the Technical Training Centre at Perambur, which was run by the Southern Railway Workers’ Union.Bhagavan installed the ‘Navagrahas’ in the Guindy Mandir on 25

th January, thus fulfilling His promise to Smt.

Leela. He materialised a ‘Navagraha Chakra’ with the figures of the nine planets inscribed on it and nine gems set

on it, and placed in the pit of Lord Surya and then installed the Sun God. Bhagavan blessed the devotees with His

Darshan at Sundaram on the 26th

and left for Bombay.

-Sanathana Sarathi 1985



AUM SRI SAI RAM


22


Madras – Feb 2nd

, 1985

Bhagavan, during this visit, visited the village Nallathur on this day. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome by

Major General Mahadevan, President of the Sathya Sai Organisation of Tamil Nadu and Sri T. G. Krishnamurthy.

He inaugurated a new building ‘Sri Sai Sundaram’, that was to be utilized as the service centre for the villages

covered by Tiruthani Sathya Sai Samiti. Bhagavan unfurled the Sai Flag and blessed the Bal Vikas students. Sri

T.G. Krishnamurthy gave a welcome speech. This was followed by Bhagavan’s Address to the villagers.-Sanathana Sarathi 1985

Bhagavan’s visit to Tamil Nadu – 1986 to 2005(part-II)

Madras-Jan 19th

, 1986 to Jan 25th

, 1986

Bhagavan visited Madras between the 19th

and 25th

of January, 1986. He arrived at Sundaram from Brindavan at

11.30 am on the 19th

. He was welcomed with PoornaKumbham amidst Vedic chants and Nadaswaram music.

After blessing the devotees with His Darshan, He blessed the Prasadam which was to be distributed to the

devotees that day, the day being the anniversary of Sundaram. Bhagavan addressed a public meeting at

Abbotsbury that evening. The Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Sai Organization, Major General Mahadevan,

welcomed Him at this meeting.

Swami blessed the devotees with His Darshan at Sundaram on 20

th

morning. He distributed prizes to the Bal Vikasstudents who had participated in various competitions. He addressed a gathering of Vice Chancellors, Principals

and teachers at the Music Academy Auditorium that evening. On 21st

morning, Bhagavan witnessed a Bal Vikas

rally at Abbotsbury. The Mandolin artist Master Srinivasan (11 years old) and the Jaya Ganesha Orchestra Choir

performed in the Divine Presence at Sundaram that evening. On 22nd

morning, Bhagavan blessed the 61st

eye

camp organized by the SaiSamiti of Chengelput District at Chrompet, a suburb of Madras. He was accorded a

traditional welcome at the venue of the camp. He went around the camp and blessed the patients. He witnessed

a mass drill and Kolattam dance presented by the Bal Vikas students and distributed clothes to the needy. A

cultural programme was presented by the Bal Vikas students at Abbotsbury that evening.

Bhagavan distributed clothes to the villagers who had gathered at Sundaram from the 300 adopted villages of

Tamil Nadu on 23rd

morning. He visited the Guindy temple that afternoon. Later that evening, Sri

KunnakkudiVaidyanathan gave a violin recital at Sundaram. Bhagavan blessed a large gathering with His Darshan

in Abbotsbury on 24th morning and addressed a meeting of 1200 Mahila Vibhag members of Tamil Nadu

Organisation. Bhagavan visited the ShirdiSaiMandir at Perambur that afternoon and gave a Discourse to the

Southern Railway employees at their headquarters. The labour leader Sri Anandan welcomed Bhagavan and

hailed His Advent as the greatest boon bestowed upon mankind.

Bhagavan proceeded from Perambur to the Kakkan Nagar slum which had been adopted by the local Samiti for

community service. The children of the slum entertained Bhagavan with a few cultural items. He blessed them

and distributed clothes to the old people. Bhagavan left for Bombay on 25th

morning.


Ooty - May 2nd

, 1986 to May 12th

, 1986

Bhagavan stayed in Ooty for 10 days from 2nd

May to 12th

May, 1986. A group of teachers of the Sathya Sai

Institute and a group of 15 students accompanied Bhagavan on this visit.

- SathyamSivamSundaram, Volume 6, Appendix - 1Kodaikanal – Jun 18

th, 1986 to Jun 25

th, 1986

In the year 1986, Bhagavan visited Kodaikanal along with a party of devotees and students of the Prashanti

Nilayam Campus. Enroute to Kodaikanal, Bhagavan halted at Dharmapuri, Salem, Dindigul and Palani to bless the

devotees. He reached ‘SaiKripa’ in Kodaikanal at 6 pm on 18th

June 1986. Sri Srinivasan and his wife were shocked

to hear Bhagavan’s decision to reside in the new guest house along with His party. Earlier in May 1984 when the

guest house was under construction, Bhagavan had planned to allot it to the Rajmata of Navanagar. He had now

decided to make that guest house His own residence. Bhagavan decided to change the guest house into a

Mandir. Sri Srinivasan gladly accepted Bhagavan’s command and made preparations for the inauguration of the



AUM SRI SAI RAM


23


guest house on 19th

June. Bhagavan inaugurated the guest house on 19th

morning and named it ‘Sai Shruti’. The

first historic and popular sessions of Bhagavan with His students started on that day. Along with the students, a

few devotees like Col. Jogarao, Sri Indulal Shah, Smt. Sarla Shah, Smt. BrijRatanlal, Sri Srinivasan, Smt.

VidyaSrinivasan, Sri Mohandas Naidu and Sri Narasimha Chari were the blessed ones to attend that first Divine

session at Kodaikanal. During one of these sessions, Bhagavan materialized a Lingam, white in colour, and about 3

inches in size. He said “It is Vishwa Lingam and it represents the Universe”. He gifted it to Sri Indulal Shah andsaid, “Indulal Shah is the Chairman of the World Council of our Organisations. Therfore I am giving this Lingam

which stands for the world, to him”. He instructed Smt. Sarla Shah, “Perform Abhishekam to the Lingam with milk

every day, and both of you partake of that milk. It will keep you healthy and strong”. Bhagavan left for Ooty along

with His entourage on 24th

morning. He stayed there for a day and left for Whitefield the subsequent morning.

Enroute, He waited at Mudumalai forest for the students who were following Him in a bus from Ooty. When the

bus arrived with the boys, Bhagavan got into the bus and told them, “I wanted to take you for an elephant ride in

the forest but there is no time now. Still, I will show you elephants and other animals on the roadside itself” . The

bus moved slowly on the road in the midst of the forest so as to enable the boys to see the animals. Bhagavan

enjoyed those moments like a child. For nearly an hour, the boys enjoyed the most delightful journey with their

Divine Master. When the bus came out of the forest, Bhagavan went back to His car. He reached Brindavan at 10

pm on 25th

June.

-SanathanaSarathi, 1986 &SathyamSivamSundaram, Volume 6, Chapter -1

Ooty –Aug 18th

, 1987 to Aug 22nd

, 1987

Bhagavan’s this visit to Ooty was primarily to bless the children of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar at Ooty, which was

restarted in August 1987. Bhagavan accepted the salute of honour offered by the children during the March Past

and enjoyed their cultural programmes.

-Divine Footprints, Chapter 9

Ooty –Oct 18th

, 1987 to Oct 22nd

,1987

From Brindavan, Bhagavan made a 4 day visit to Ooty. Bhagavan rejoiced withthe children and staff of the VidyaVihar School at Nandanavanam,Ooty. The

children presented a March Past on one morning and Bhagavan accepted the

salute of honour. The children presented a cultural programme on one of the

evenings during Bhagavan’s stay. They also sang Bhajans in His presence.

Bhagavan left for Brindavan on the 22nd

and reached Prashanti Nilayam the

same day.


Ooty and Kodaikanal –Apr 18th

,1988 to May 12th

, 1988

Bhagavan visited the VidyaVihar, Ooty on 16

th

April, 1988. He gave a Discourse to theInstitute students and devotees who had accompanied Him to Ooty at VidyaVihar.

Bhagavan visited the Devashola estate at Ooty that belonged to Sri G. Govindarajulu,

one of the devotees from Kuppam. At the estate, Bhagavan selected an area consisting

of 5 acres land in order to establish an International center in Ooty, and Sri

Govindarajulu endowed the selected land to Sri SathyaSai Trust. Bhagavan left Ooty for

Kodaikanal on 18th

April. Bhagavan stayed in Kodaikanal from 18th

April to 8th

May,

1988. He spent long hours of time with the students and addressed them three to four

times a day, giving them new insights into spiritual life. The Rajmata of Navanagar had



AUM SRI SAI RAM


24


the privilege of attending Bhagavan’s Discourses along with the students.

Easwaramma Day was celebrated on the 6th

May at Sai Shruti, Kodaikanal. Bhagavan inaugurated the

KodaikanalSathyaSaiSevaSamiti that day. Bhagavan appointed Sri Rajasekaran, Municipal Engineer, as the

Convener of the Samiti. The Co-ordinator of the Coimbatore Samiti and the Institute students gave speeches on

this occasion. Bhagavan then blessed the devotees with His Discourse. Later in the morning, NarayanaSeva was

organised at Sai Shruti. Prasadam was distributed to everyone. Bhagavan distributed clothes to the needy and theold.

Bhagavan visited the house of Sri Lingaraj, Convener of GudalurSamiti, enroute to Brindavan on 12th

May.

-Sanathana Sarathi, 1 988 & Divine Footprints, Chapter -9

Madras –Mar 20th

, 1989 to Mar 24th

, 1989

Bhagavan visited Madras after a lapse of 3 years. Bhagavan left Brindavan by car early in the morning of the 20th

and reached Sundaram by 9 am. He was received with PoornaKumbham amidst Vedic chants and Nadaswaram

music at Sundaram. Bhagavan gave Darshan to the devotees assembled there. On 20th

morning, Bhagavan

blessed the 50,000 devotees gathered at the Bhajan programme at Abbotsbury with His Darshan. He also enjoyed

the cultural items presented by the BalVikas students and appreciated their performance.

Bhagavan gave Darshan during early morning Nagar Sankirtan at Sundaram on 21st

.

He witnessed a BalVikas rally at Abbotsbury at 8 am that morning, and presented

mementoes and watches to the students. He moved amongst them speaking in

Tamil. Bhagavan also distributed prizes to the BalVikas students who had succeeded

in the various competitions held at the Bal Vikas level. He addressed a mammoth

gathering at Abbotsbury that afternoon. Major General S. P. Mahadevan welcomed

Bhagavan. Sri S.V. Chittibabu, former Vice Chancellor of the Annamalai and Madurai

Universities, spoke on the significance of Bhagavan’s advent. Bhagavan released 2

books in Tamil entitled ‘PeraanandaPeruraigal’ (a collection of Bhagavan’s

Discourses on various festivals) and ‘ ArulVaaku’, a collection of 63 sayings of

Bhagavan collected from His Writings and Discourses. He later blessed the

production of a Tamil Bhajan cassette.

Bhagavan blessed the devotees with His early morning Nagar SankirtanDarshan atSundaram on 22

nd morning. He blessed the MahilaVibhag members of the Organisation at Abbotsbury that

morning. This was followed by a cultural programme presented by the children from the adopted slum areas. He

also blessed the handicapped children brought to Abbotsbury. Bhagavan blessed the NarayanaSeva organised at

Abbotsbury that day and proceeded to Guindy to bless the devotees at the ShirdiSaiMandir.

The renowned singers Smt. P. Suseela, Sri Krishna Chandran, Malaysia

Vasudevanand Sri Ramakrishna presented a devotional music programme

at Sundaram that evening. On 23rd

March, Bhagavan gave early morning

Darshan at Sundaram. Later in the morning, He blessed at Abbotsbury,

the handicapped children and disabled old people from the adopted

villages of Chengelpet District. In the evening, Bhagavan visited the

Sathya Sai Nivas in Perambur and also addressed the active workers ofthe SaiOrganisation at Abbotsbury. After the Discourse, the leading

singers Sri Jayachandran, Smt. VaniJayaram, Smt. Vasantha, Smt. P. Leela

and Smt. Janaki presented a devotional music programme. Bhagavan left

for Hyderabad by air on 24th

morning.




AUM SRI SAI RAM


25


Kodaikanal – Apr 10th

, 1989 to May 11th

, 1989

Bhagavan left Mysore for Ooty accompanied by 27 Institute students and staff of the Institute on April 10th

.

Bhagavan travelled with the boys in the bus for some time and shifted to His car near Bandipur forest. He stayed

with His group at Ooty for 2 days. Bhagavan attended the Nandanvan school assembly on 11th

morning,

witnessed their Sports Meet and distributed prizes to the children. In the evening, before the cultural programme

of the school children, Bhagavan Himself helped with the make-up of the boys participating in the programme.Bhagavan blessed the children with Padanamaskar and left for Kodaikanal.

Bhagavan stayed in Sai Shruti at Kodaikanal from the 11th

of April to the 7th

of May. Sri Rama Navami was

celebrated in Sai Shruti on 14th

April. For over a period of 10 days, Bhagavan gave a series of revealing Discourses

on the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. Bhagavan also thrilled the students by narrating the previous lives of

many of the important characters in Bhagavatam, explaining how the inexorable law of Karma operates. During

the Discourses, Bhagavan created jewels worn by the notable figures of the Dwapara Yuga.

Easwaramma Day was celebrated in Sai Shruti on 6th

May. During His stay at Kodaikanal, the widening of the

Bhajan hall in Sai Shruti was done. The students and the devotees were given a golden chance to participate in

the renovation work. Everyday Bhagavan would watch them during work and guide them. He would walk

amongst them and distribute Prasadam to each one of them. This seva continued even on 6th

May.

Enroute to Whitefield from Kodaikanal,

Bhagavan halted at Palani and blessed the

BhajanMandali there. He then reached Tirupur

to bless the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of

TirupurMandir and gave a Discourse. From

there He reached Podanur, inaugurated the

SaiMandir and witnessed BalVikas

porgrammes. He then visited the KuppanayakanPalayam and performed the

installation of the Kaliamman idol in the Sathya Kali Amman Temple. He also inaugurated a community centre

and a vocational center for women. Bhagavan graced the SaiMandir in Annapuranipettai at Mettupalayam and

visited the Homeopathy hospital run by the local Samiti.

-Sanathana Sarathi, 1989 & divine Footprints, Chapter -9

Madras – Feb 5th

, 1990 to Feb 10th

, 1990

Bhagavan left Brindavan for Madras early in the morning on 5th

Feb. Enroute, He visited Vellore and inaugurated

the Sarva Dharma Dhyana Mandapam to fulfill the yearning of Sri JayaramaChettiar. Bhagavan visited the

Chettiar’s house and dined with the family. He visited the free medical clinic and blessed the visually handicapped

children. He also visited the Shirdi Baba temple at Kalasapalayam and lit the holy

Dhuni (fire). He moved to the Thenkadappanthangal village and accepted Arati from

the devotees. Bhagavan arrived at Sundaram at 4 pm on the 5th

, and was welcomed

with PoornaKumbham amidst Vedic chants. He went around the enclosures, blessed

the devotees and sat for an hour enjoying Bhajans, giving Darshan to all. During Hisstay at Sundaram, Bhagavan gave Darshan during early morning Nagar Sankirtan on

all days.

Bhagavan witnessed an impressive rally presented by the BalVikas students of Tamil

Nadu on 6th

Feb. He blessed the children and distributed gifts and sweets to them at

the end of the rally. Bhagavan awarded prizes to the winners of various BalVikas

competitions that evening.

Bhagavan gave Darshan at Abbotsbury on the 7th

and proceeded to Tirumangalam, an

adopted slum of the Anna Nagar Samiti. Bhagavan performed the Pratishtha of



AUM SRI SAI RAM


26


Navagraha idols in the Amman temple that had been inaugurated by Him a few years earlier. He then visited

Bharati Nagar, another adopted slum near Mambalam that afternoon, blessed all the residents and distributed

clothes to the poor and the old. The well-known singers, Smt. P. Suseela, Sri Ramakrishna, Smt. VaniJayaram and

Sri Krishnachandra presented devotional songs that evening. Bhagavan gave Darshan at Abbotsbury on 8th

morning. He then proceeded to the adopted village Ayapakkam, beyond Ambattur and showered His benediction

on the large gathering of the villagers and distributed clothes. Bhagavan addressed a public meeting after Bhajansat Abbotsbury that evening. Bhagavan’s Discourse was interpreted in Tamil by Sri SrinivasaRaghavan. The Tamil

Nadu Trust Convener, Sri Arjun Raja, and Justice Ramalingam, Judge of Madras High Court, also addressed the

gathering.

Bhagavan blessed the active Mahila workers of the Organisation and a large gathering of slum children at

Abbotsbury at 8 am on the 9th

. He also distributed gifts to them. The children presented a short cultural

programme before Bhagavan. Bhagavan then drove to Perambur and laid the foundation for an annexe attached

to SathyaSaiNivas. He also visited the headquarters of the Southern Railway Employees’ Sangh. The renowned

singers Sri Malaysia Vasudevan, Sri Jayachandran, Smt. P. Leela, Smt.Vasantha and Sri RamachandraRao

presented devotional music at Abbotsbury that evening. Bhagavan distributed clothes to the children and

villagers of the adopted village in Chengelpet District at Abbotsbury on 10th

morning. The children presented a

fold dance. Bhagavan visited the ShirdiSai Temple at Guindy that evening and then proceeded to the guest house

of W. S. Insulators, where a seminar was being conducted for the students of the Management course from the

Sri SathyaSai Institute of Higher Learning, Prashanti Nilayam Campus. Bhagavan delivered the Valedictory

Discourse covering various aspects of Business Management.

Bhagavan blessed the devotees with His morning Darshan at Sundaram on 11th

and left for Bangalore at 10 am.


Madras – Feb 18th

, 1991

During this visit, Bhagavan visited and blessed the medical dispensary at

Ayyapakkam, near Ambattur on this day.

-Divine Footprints, Chapter-9

Kodaikanal, Apr 1991

Bhagavan visited Kodaikanal in April 1991, along with a select group of post graduate students of the Institute. He

gave Discourses to the students on the greatness of the Vedas. He also delivered an enlightening commemorative

lecture on the 1,200th

Anniversary of Sri AdiShankara’s birth.


During the return journey, Swami also visited the Malco guest house of Ashok Leyland and also visited

Erukampatti.



AUM SRI SAI RAM


27



, 1992

Tamil New Year was celebrated in Kodaikanal on 13th

April. Bhagavan in His discourse to the devotees, explained

the significance of the celebration.


Ooty - May 3rd

, 1992During this visit to Ooty, Bhagavan visited the GudalurSamiti on 3

rd May.


Madras – Jan 18th

, 1993 to Jan 22nd

, 1993

Bhagavan visited Madras after a hiatus of 3 years. Bhagavan left Brindavan at 9.30 am on 18th

. Enroute at Chitoor,

He visited the Lakshmi Nagar Colony, in response to the earnest prayer of a

devotee. He blessed a huge gathering with His Darshan at Chitoor. Bhagavan

made a stopover at the factory of W. S. Industries before reaching Sundaram.

Bhagavan inaugurated the ShirdiSaiMandir constructed in the premises. He

blessed the assembled workers and then proceeded to Sundaram and reached

there at 6.30 pm. Bhagavan was welcomed with PoornaKumbham amidst Vedic

chants. He gave Darshan to the devotees from the balcony. Bhagavan gave

Darshan during early morning Nagar Sankirtan at Sundaram on the 19th

, the

anniversary of Sundaram.

Later at 8.30 am, Bhagavan inaugurated an exhibition at Abbotsbury, depicting the service activities of the Tamil

Nadu State Organisation. He blessed the gathering with His Darshan during

Bhajans that morning. He also witnessed a rally presented by 500 BalVikas

students. Bhagavan addressed a public meeting at Abbotsbury at 5.30 pm. The

Chief Justice of Madras High Court, Sri. V. Ratnam and Sri Khandaswami gave

speeches prior to Bhagavan’s Address.

Bhagavan blessed the gathering at Abbotsbury with His Darshan on 20 th morning and then proceeded to Perambur. He

blessed the devotees at Sathya Sai Nivas. The

children from the BalaGurukulam, a new addition

of Sathya Sai Nivas, presented a dance programme for Bhagavan. He visited the

BalaGurukulam and received Arati there. Bhagavan then proceeded to the Southern

Railway Employees’ Sangh at Unity House. He blessed the vast gathering of Railway

workers there. The next place of His visit was The Tractor and Farm Equipment

(TAFE) Factory of the Amalgamations Group at Sembiam. The Chairman of the

Company, Sri Sivasailam welcomed Bhagavan. The 700 assembled workers were

blessed with Bhagavan’s Discourse. The BalVikas students of Madras and Chengelpet

presented a dance drama in Abbotsbury that evening. Bhagavan posed for photographs taken with them.A special programme of lectures by eminent industrialists and bankers was

arranged at Sundaram for 55 Management students of Sri SathyaSai Institute of

Higher Learning. Bhagavan organised a study tour for the students to leading

industrial establishments in Madras and Bangalore. Bhagavan blessed the

children from the adopted slums and villages at Abbotsbury at 8 am on 21st

. He

watched a small play put up by them. He blessed the villagers and distributed

clothes to the old. He also blessed the Doctors, the Judges of the High Court

and IAS officers at Abbotsbury.



AUM SRI SAI RAM


28


That evening, Bhagavan addressed a meeting of special invitees from different walks of life at Kamaraj Memorial

Hall, Teynampet. The Governor of Tamil Nadu, Sri BhishmaNarayana Singh, presided over the meeting. Major

General Mahadevan welcomed Bhagavan and others. Bhagavan blessed the Seva Dal and the Bhajan singers at

Sundaram on 22nd

morning. During His stay, He visited the Larsen & Toubro Campus at Manapakkam and

addressed the staff. He visited the house of Sri A. Ramakrishna, the Deputy Managing Director Of Larsen &

Toubro, at Anna Nagar, Madras and also the Nehru Stadium at his request. Bhagavan left for Whitefield fromMadras. Enroute, Bhagavan visited Ramachandra Medical College at Porur.

-Sanathana Sarathi & Divine Footprints, Chapter-10


, 1994 to May 4th

, 1994

Bhagavan left for Kodaikanal from Whitefield by car early in the morning on 5th

April and reached Kodaikanal at

8.30 pm that day. 36 students from the College and Higher Secondary School, 10 teachers

and a few invitees accompanied Bhagavan to Kodaikanal. Apart from giving Darshans

every day, Bhagavan had many interactive sessions with the boys in Sai Shruti. He related

many stories from the great epics of India with moving episodes from His own early life.

He also blessed them with His Discourses every evening. The 28 Discourses showered by

Bhagavan in Sai Shruti, covered a wide range of spiritual themes. He pointed out time and

said, ‘Without placing unswerving faith in the Lord, it is futile to expect anything

worthwhile to be achieved’. He took the students on a picnic to the dense forest areas of

Kodaikanal. He gave a Discourse and created the biggest ever known diamond. He also

materialized the HiranyagarbhaLinga along with the cosmos in it. Bhagavan showered His

Grace on 5 ardent devotees at Kodaikanal by accepting their hospitality at lunches hosted

for Him and His entourage. Bhagavan left Kodaikanal for Brindavan on 4th

May. Enroute He halted at Coimbatore

and had lunch in a devotee’s residence.

-Sanathana Sarathi ,1994

Kodaikanal – Apr 13, 1996 to Apr 14, 1996

Bhagavan gave Discourses on the 13th and 14th of April 1996, on the twinoccasions of Tamil New Year and Vishu (New Year day as celebrated in Kerala)

at Sai Shruti, Kodaikanal.

– Sanathana Sarathi, 1996

Chennai – Apr 10, 1997 to Apr 12, 1997

Bhagavan arrived at Sundaram from Bangalore at 10:30 am on 10th

April. He

was accorded a ceremonial welcome amidst Vedic chants. He blessed theassembled devotees and inaugurated the renovated prayer hall at Sundaram.

Bhagavan then proceeded to the ShirdiSaiMandir within the complex. He

materialized a multigem star shaped jewel and pressed it on the forehead of

ShirdiSai idol in the Mandir. Smt. Anjali Devi was present on this occasion.

During the public meeting at Sundaram that evening, Sri T.G. Krishnamurthy,

State President, Tamil Nadu SaiOrganisation and Prof. Sampath addressed the

gathering. Bhagavan then delivered His Discourse.

Bhagavan went around the gathering and blessed the devotees during the



AUM SRI SAI RAM


29


7:30 am Bhajans at Sundaram on the 11th

, .S.V.Chittibabu, a member of the Governing body of Sri SathyaSai

Institute of Higher Learning, spoke about the integrated education imparted at the Educational Institutions

established by Bhagavan in his speech following the evening Bhajan session. Bhagavan then blessed the devotees

with His Discourse. Bhagavan left for Brindavan on 12th

morning.


Kodaikanal – April 20, 1997 to May 11, 1997

Bhagavan along with a group of 10 Institute students visited Kodaikanal from the 20th

April to the 11th

May 1997.

In His Discourses spread out from 23rd

April to 9th

May, He related episodes from the lives

of great devotees like Tyagaraja, Surdas, Tulsidas and many others. The main theme of

His Discourses was the power of Love. On 23rd

April, during the dinner sessions Bhagavan

went around the devotees in the dining hall.

He went near a devotee and said, “Break the puris before you eat”. The person did as

suggested and found to his surprise a golden ring inside the Puri. Bhagavan said, “That’s

for you , Have it”. Everyone was pleasantly surprised. Prof. Anil Kumar was also there

eating Puris. Bhagavan asked him to eat fast. “Swami, who knows what You have put in

which Puri!” said Anil Kumar. He further added, “So I am checking every Puri and eating

carefully”. Everyone had a hearty laugh.

The anniversary of TrayeeBrindavan was celebrated in Sai Shruti on 26th

April in the Divine

Presence. Easwaramma Day was celebrated on 6th

May 1997 at Kodaikanal. During NarayanaSeva, clothes,

blankets and food were distributed to the poor. Bhagavan supervised the entire function which lasted for over 2

hours. Bhagavan’s Discourse in the evening was an exhilarating exposition of the role of the others and moulding

the character of their children. On 7th

May, Bhagavan made a lightening trip to Madurai and blessed the

devotees there with His Darshan. He along with His group left Kodaikanal for Brindavan on 11th

May and reached

there that evening.


Kodaikanal – April 13, 1998 to April 22, 1998

On 14th

April, the Tamil New Year day was celebrated in Sai Shruti at

Kodaikanal. Bhagavan blessed the devotees with His message. During His

stay at Kodaikanal between 13th

to 22nd

April, Bhagavan gave a series of

Discourses on 18th

, 19th

, 20th

, 21st

and 22nd

. On 19th

April, the Ladies Day was

celebrated at Sai Shruti in the Divine Presence.


Kodaikanal – April 22, 1999

Bhagavan left for Kodaikanal from Brindavan on 22nd

April 1999, at 8 am. At Bangalore airport He gave

Padanamaskar to the airport staff and took their letters. He flew to Madurai along with His students by achartered Indian Airlines plane. At Madurai Bhagavan was welcomed at the new building with PoornaKumbham

amidst Vedic chants. He lit the lamps in the central hall of the building and inaugurated the Sai Spiritual Centre

for Madurai. He said “There is Sathyam in Mumbai, Shivam in Hyderabad and Sundaram in Chennai. Let this be

named AnandaNilayam”.Bhagavan then went to the first floor of the centre and granted Darshan to the

assembled gathering outside. He blessed the occasion with His Discourse. He also inaugurated the Ganesha

temple and consecrated the temple of ShirdiSai built in the complex. Bhagavan left for Kodaikanal with His party

by car at 2:05 pm. During His stay at Kodaikanal, Bhagavan gave three Discourses on 26th

, 27th

and 28th

at His

residence Sai Shruti. Easwaramma Day was celebrated in Sai Shruti on 6th

May. Bhagavan blessed the devotees



AUM SRI SAI RAM


30


with His Discourse emphasizing the role of mothers. After NarayanaSeva that day, Bhagavan went out to bless

the old and sick people who could not come to Sai Shruti from their remote places. He provided them with

clothes, food and blankets.


Kodaikanal – May 11, 2003 to May 20, 2003After a gap of 4 years, Bhagavan visited Kodaikanal between 11

th and

20th

May 2003. He was accompanied by a group of Institute staff,

students and devotees. Bhagavan flew from Bangalore to Madurai in a

chartered flight. He blessed the assembled devotees in AnandaNilayam

at Madurai and then proceeded by car to Kodaikanal with His

entourage. He reached His residence – Sai Shruti in Kodaikanal at 8 pm.

A mammoth gathering welcomed Bhagavan at Sai Shruti. The devotees

were blessed with Bhagavan’s Darshan at Sai Shruti on all the days of

His stay, both in the morning and evening.

The entourage of Bhagavan had glimpses of His Divinity during their stay

with Him inside Sai Shruti. He materialized a small statue of Buddha that was made from the original clay of

Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, on 12th evening. Commenting on this intricately carved marvel, He explained

the importance of ‘Chakras’ (energy centres) located in the human body. On another evening, He materialized

the gem stone which adorned Mother Sita. Stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata and incidents from His own

childhood, formed the topics for Bhagavan’s intimate talks. Bhagavan delivered a Discourse to the devotees at

Sai Shruti on 18th

May. He left for Coimbatore on 20th

afternoon. He blessed the devotees at Coimbatore with

His Darshan and emplaned for Bangalore.


Kodaikanal – April 19th

to May 7th

, 2005

Bhagavan visited Kodaikanal between 19th

April and 7th

May. Bhagavan flew from Prashanti Nilayam to Madurai

at 12.30 pm on the 19th

. He was accompanied by a group of Institute students and

a few senior devotees. He and His entourage travelled by car from Madurai to

Kodaikanal and reached Kodaikanal that evening. The 22nd anniversary ofTrayeeBrindavan was celebrated in Sai Shruti on 26

th April at Kodaikanal in the

Divine Presence.

Easwaramma Day was celebrated in Sai Shruti on 6th

May at Kodaikanal. The

celebrations commenced at 6.30 am with Bhagavan’s Darshan that morning

amidst Vedic chants and Nadaswaram music. NarayanaSeva was held in

Bhagavan’s Presence. The needy were given food, clothes, blankets, rain coats

and bed sheets. Prasadam was given to all. Prior to the programme that afternoon, Bhagavan along with His

students, visited the residence of Sri V. Srinivasan, All India President of the SaiOrganisation at Kodaikanal. After

return to Sai Shruti, the Institute students led the Bhajans. Sri V. Srinivasan addressed the devotees. Bhagavan

then delivered His Discourse. The BalVikas students from Madurai District presented the drama

‘KaliyugaNachiketa’. Bhagavan then blessed the children and had photographs taken with them. Enroute toBangalore on 7

th May, Bhagavan visited AnandaNilayam at Madurai. He materialised a chain for the priest of the

ShirdiSai temple at AnandaNilayam.




AUM SRI SAI RAM


31


Kodaikanal – April 9th

to 23rd

April, 2006.

Bhagawan left Puttaparthi and reached Kodai enroute Madurai on 9th

April. He

was accompanied by His endearing students, staff and elderly devotees. During

this stay, Bhagawan blessed the devotees on the holy Tamil New Year’s Day on

the 14th

of April with His loving darshan, enthralling discourse and outpour oflove through vastra danam and Narayana seva. After this 15 days memorable

day, Swami left Kodai and proceeded to Whitefield on the 23rd

of April.

Visit to Chennai, 19th

– 31st January, 2007: Bhagawan arrived at Sundaram on the morning

of 19th

of January which coincided with the 27th

anniversary of Sundaram and the purpose

of the visit was to shower His august presence for the Athi Rudra Maha Yagnam to be

conducted for 11 days from 20th

January till 30th

January at Dr. Vasudevan Nagar,

Thiruvanmiyur besides quenching the thirst of the devotees longing to have a glimpse of

the Lord after nearly 10 long years.

Swami arrived at the Yagnam venue on the morning

of 20th January while the preliminary rituals were in

progress and performed prana pratishta to the Sai

Sundareswara Lingam ordained for this purpose.

Later the yagnam was underway both in the

morning and evening with about 132 priests from different parts of the

country were engrossed in chanting the Rudram during both sessions

amidst Rudrabishekam to Lord Sai Sundareswarar and Rudra Yagnam.

Swami in His divine grace and mercy bestowed darshan to the devotees

thronging in thousands at the yagna site both in the morning and evening.

On par with the Veda Purusha Sapthaha Jnana Yagnam, the evenings at the yajna venue were suffused with

“Amritha dhara” of Bhagawan on all the eleven days besides speeches by learned scholars like Sri R.

Krishnamurthy Sastrigal, a retired Principal of Madras Sanskrit College, Justice Ramasubramanian, SriT.G.Krishnamoorthy, formerly, President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, Tamil Nadu, and His ever loving

students. The cool breeze in the evenings was divinized by the soul stirring performances by eminent artists like

Mandolin U. Srinivas, Master Umayalpuram Sivaraman, a Mridhungam exponent of repute, Sri Unni Krishnan,

noted Carnatic Vocalist, Sri Ustad Rashid Khan and party, noted cine artiste Sri. Malasiya Vasudevan and

nevertheless, the ever blossoming rendering by His beloved students which enthralled the audience in musical

ecstasy.

The memorable darshan at Sundaram turned out to be another Prasanthi Nilayam wherein Swami on all the days

bestowed darshan to the packed roads who assembled way long till the yagna avenue and even traversed

farfetched areas uncaring for the hot sun to grace the devotees talking to them, bestowing grace, offering

vibhuti, materializing tokens of love to caress, console and comfort the devotees which imprinted ever green

memories in their hearts.Swami made private visits to the house of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Sri. M. Karunanidhi and elderly

devotees which are treasure chested by them for the love outpoured by Bhagawan besides the tight schedule.

The most significant aspect of the citizens of Chennai be it a common man too, they express whole hearted

gratitude to Swami for the Chennai drinking water supply project. In this connection on the 20th

of January, a

formal Thanksgiving by the citizens of Chennai, an official function, Water – the Elixir of Life was organized by the

Chennai Citizens’ Conclave at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium to felicitate Bhagawan.



AUM SRI SAI RAM


This grand function attended by the glitterati from bureaucracy including

His Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala,

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Karunanidhi, His Excellency the

Governor of Maharashtra, Mr. S.M.Krishna, Hon’ble Chief Minister of

Maharashtra, Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, Hon'ble Chief Minister of

Karnataka, Mr. H.D.Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minster for HomeAffairs, Mr. Shivraj Patil, Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, Mr. Lalu

Prasad Yadav, Hon’ble Union Minister for Communications & IT, Mr.

Dayanidhi Maran besides some ministers from the cabinets of Tamil Nadu

and Andhra Pradesh.

On the 28th

of January during the evening session the medical fraternity from all the leading hospitals in Chennai

gathered at the yajna site to glorify the Lord for His selfless seva to the humanity by rendering noble seva to the

deprived and the needy at the Sri Sathya Sai institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Puttaparthi. Inspired by the

divine, on behalf of the gathered doctors, the eminent gastroenterologist, Dr. Prof. Sri Rangabhashyam, voiced

on a humble note and mentioned that 63 medical institutions from Chennai have come forward to give one bed

each for free treatment under the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation. He expressed hope that soon this act of

charity would grow manifold. Besides these the eminent cine personalities, bureaucrats etc, thronged at

Sundaram to bask in the radiance of love of Bhagawan thus making the whole visit ever memorable to people

from all walks of life.

The twelve day long divine journey with the Lord came to a close on the morning of 31st

of January with the

offering of maha mangala arathi to Bhagawan. Waving to the devotees, the divine Lord whisked on to the road

which thronged with thousands of devotees to a distance of several kilometers to express their gratitude to

Bhagawan for this holy visit which marked a new beginning in their lives, the journey unto Sai.

Kodaikanal, 26th

April – 18th

May, 2007:

Bhagawan arrived at Kodaikanal on the 26th

of April, 2007. During this fairly long

journey of love, Bhagawan with the love of a thousand loving mothers, outpoured

His love on the devotees on the holy occasion of Easwaramma Day celebrations

by performing vastradanam and Narayana seva to thousands of devotees andshowered the summer showers of His divine discourse to the holy gathering.

Bhagawan left Kodai on the 18th

of April and reached Prasanthi Nilayam on the

same day.

Kodaikanal, 23rd

April – 4th

May, 2009: The physical sojourn of the loving Lord to Tamil Nadu culminated with the

memorable visit to Kodai this year. Bhagawan left Puttaparthi on 23rd

April and reached Kodai enroute Madurai in

the afternoon. Besides the daily darshan and bhajan the scintillating performance of the students who donned

the mantle of “Burra katha”, the Telugu folk ballad, which exemplified the life and teachings of Bhagawan Sri

Sathya Sai Baba, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba and the holy mother, Mathrusri Easwaramma performed on the 25th

, 26th

and

27th

of April enthralled the audience to reminiscence the glory of their loving Lord to be installed in their minds

forever. Swami graced the audience by delivering His divine discourse on the 29

th

of April.

On the 1st

of May, Swami graced the holy occasion of the installation of

the pancha loha idol of Mother Easwaramma in the circular mandapam

of Sai Shruthi. Narayana seva was also performed on that day. On the

4th

of May 2009, Bhagawan left Kodai and proceeded towards Prasanthi

Nilayam.

digvijay am

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