Narayaneeyam, Speeches and Music…
Tuesday, August 25th, 2015
As part of the ongoing Onam festivity the sacred Srimad Narayaneeyam Parayanam commenced at the Poornachandra Auditorium this afternoon and was attended by a sizeable contingent of devotees. Srimad Narayaneeyam condenses the 18000 slokas of the epic Srimad Bhagavatam into 1036 slokas while maintaining intact its philosophical and devotional contents.
In the afternoon, the session commenced at 1415 hrs with a short inaugural speech by Hon. Justice Sri P.N. Ravindran of the High Court of Kerala. A fresher at Bhagawan’s ‘immediate’ Presence, though late in coming, nevertheless Justice Ravindran expressed his gratitude to Bhagawan for bringing him to Prasanthi Nilayam. Sri Ravindran then declared the sacred Narayaneeyam Parayanam open. Three brief speeches inspired the audience before the commencement of the Parayanam. The Parayanam flowed on through the evening and will continue tomorrow morning thereon to conclude with Mangala Arathi in the afternoon.
Earlier this morning, as a distinct part of the Narayaneeyam Parayanam ritual, a Vishnu Sahasranama Archana led by Dr S.R.Sharma was held in the Auditorium.
As the programme extended to Sai Kulwant Hall in the evening, the stage was ready for another unique programme - Hridaya Sangamam, a get-together of over 180 beneficiaries of the Sri Sathya Sai Rehabilitation Programme in Kerala that takes post operative care of patients treated at the twin temples of healing – Prasanthigram and Whitefield in Bangalore.
Four short speeches and a music programme ensued next.
Speaking first was Hon. Justice Sri P.N. Ravindran from the High Court of Kerala, who, in a most humble tone, expressed that it was grossly inappropriate to even make an attempt to speak on this hallowed occasion. Wishing all Malayalees around the globe a happy and prosperous Onam, Justice Ravindran promised to join hands to spread the teachings of Sathya Sai so as to usher in love and light in a world engrossed in darkness.
Advocate Govind Bharatan, an eminent jurist from Kerala spoke next, dwelling upon the nostalgic beauty of Prasanthi that existed five decades ago. Narrating his maiden visit to Holy Parthi fifty years ago, Sri Bharatan mentioned - Baba has changed everything for everyone, pointing towards the incredible changes Bhagawan has brought in, touching anything and everything. Referring to the legend of Onam and Mahabali’s annual visit to Kerala, the speaker reminded in conclusion – Malayalees have changed their tradition making Prasanthi Nilayam their home thus forcing Emperor Bali to come over to Prasanthi Nilayam.
Shri Haridasji, an exponent of the sacred Narayaneeyam, spoke on the legend of Narayaneeyam while explaining the story regarding its author Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri. Calling this sacred work the ‘Magnum Opus’ of the author, Shri Haridasji concluded his talk referring to the unstinting devotion of Shri Melpathur Narayana Bhattathirip, reminding the audience that essential lessons must be learnt from him…as bhakti leads to jnana and with jnana one is liberated.
Then it was the turn of Dr Anand Mohan, Head of Sai Med – Kerala, who briefly touched upon the ‘Hridaya Sangamam’ programme by the State Sai Organisation, offering heartfelt gratitude to Bhagawan for His unbounded love and care.
A carnatic cum devotional music session followed next, offered by Sri Vishnu Bhat, an accomplished vocalist from the State. Sri Bhat’s repertoire included some popular numbers: Nidhi Chala Sukama…, Swagatam Krishna…, Sharanam Sharanam Bhagavane…a youthful vernacular composition pleading for Sathya Sai Benevolence, Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma, etc. The session turned out to be an energetic and absorbing one, which ended with a customary Mangalam song. Sri Vishnu Bhat was accompanied by Sarvasree P. Unni Krishnan who played the Mridangam, Anoop Bhaskar – Violin, Rajeev Gopal – Morsing while Vishnu provided vocal backup.
During the morning session, devotional singer Padmakumar and Party rendered a most absorbing ‘carnatic bhajan cum devotional’ offering at the Sanctum Sanctorum in Sai Kulwant Hall. Vedam that preceded the programme, as well as bhajans that followed the devotional offering, were also conducted by the devotees from Kerala.
In the evening, bhajans by Kerala continued and the session concluded with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan at 1820 hrs.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Posted in Prasanthi News |
