Maha Shivarathri in Prasanthi Nilayam…

Today is auspicious Maha Shivarathri, the Great Night Of Lord Shiva! Engulfed with euphoric feeling of golden days in the past, of the times with Beloved Bhagawan Who is verily Shiva-Shakthi incarnated, Prasanthi turned resplendent this morning charged with Divine vibrations as the day dawned in this holy township. While colourful parasols added beauty to the resplendent Sai Kulwant Hall, the Sanctum Sanctorum had an added splendour, with the special Seat Of The Divine adorned with a golden-silver parasol, standing out shining in brilliance.

Commencing the day’s proceedings, University Percussion Band, both Nadaswaram and Panchavadyam, played for half-an-hour heralding the auspiciousness of the occasion, while Veda chanting continued as scheduled, till 0830 hrs.

At 0830 hrs., beginning with offerings to Lord Rudra as Sai Easwara, boys began their rendition with Vishwanathashtakam followed by Lingashtakam and many other hymns that included some scintillating Carnatic pieces, lasted an hour. Bhajans continued for next twenty minutes and special prasadam was distributed to the entire audience. Tiny tots from the Primary School made a beeline to the Divine Lotus Feet offering handi-work of Love at their Beloved Swami. Mangala Arathi was offered at 0950 hrs.

In the evening before the commencement of the Akhanda Bhajans at the scheduled hour, at 1800 hrs., Lingabhishekam will be conducted in the Sanctum Sanctorum, sacred offering to the Linga, that commences at 1630 hrs. Prior to that the Sai Easwara Lingam, that was sanctified by the Divine Hands during the Ati Rudra Maha Yajna in the year 2006, will be brought to the venue in a procession starting from Bhajan Hall.

Initiating the night-long vigil, Akhanda Bhajan will commence at 1800 hrs. to continue till 0600 hrs. in the morning.