Shivarathri 2013
Monday, March 11th, 2013
Shivarathri 2013 witnessed auspicious Lingabhishekam to the sanctified Sayeeshwara Lingam this morning in Prasanthi Nilayam that was followed by a relay of Divine Discourse and commencement of Akhanda Bhajan this evening here in Prasanthi Nilayam.
The proceedings began at 1610 hrs. with a procession carrying the “Sayeeswara Lingam” to the venue in Sai Kulwant Hall to the holy chants of Vedam. Mounted on an elevated platform, the Lingam that was sanctified during the Ati Rudra Maha Yajna in 2006 in the immediate Divine Presence of Bhagawan was the centre of attraction for the evening.
Ritualistic proceedings and Abhishekan continued with the Chief Priest Prof Nanjunda Dixit officiating the proceedings. Beginning with Maha Ganapathi Puja, milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, turmeric, vibhuti, kumkum, mixed fruit, bilwa leaf, lotus flower, rudraksha were offered to the Lingam followed by Arathi after every offering. Sanctified water from sacred rivers of India were also offered to the Sayeeshwara Lingam as part of the ritual.
Sri Sathya Sai Sahasra Namavali chanting followed with flower offerings at the Lingam before Mangala Arathi offering to the Lingam. The entire proceedings were conducted by Prof. Nanjunda Dixit who officiated the Ati Rudra Maha Yajnam in 2006. The Lingabhishekam is aimed at Universal Peace and Global Harmony.
Divine discourse exhorting the esoteric significance of the auspicious night, Linga Tatwa was aired for the next fifteen minutes before the commencement of the Akhanda Bhajan.
Accusation of others is the worst of the sins and one should refrain from doing so, said Bhagawan discoursing on Shiva Tathwa. Commenting about foolish perceptions arguing against idol worship, Bhagawan asked, is it not sacrifice of one’s own life, running after money.
Bhagawan’s discourse ended with His favourite Bhajan, “Hari Bhajana Binaa Sukha Saanthi Nahi…” that marked the beginning of the Akhanda Bhajan.
Earlier in the morning, students sang an array of keertans and songs propitiating Lord Sai Shiva that included Bilvashtakam and an instrumental playing Rudra Thandava. Earlier, commencing the day’s proceedings, University Percussion Band, both Nadaswaram and Panchavadyam, played for ten minutes apiece, after 20 minutes of Rudram chanting, heralding the auspiciousness of the occasion.
The night-long vigil singing His glory will continue till 0600 hrs. tomorrow morning.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Posted in Prasanthi News |
