Guru Poornima, also known as Vyasapoornima, which is considered a very sacred and important day from time immemorial, was celebrated under the auspices of Sai Baba Bhakta Samajam at Sai Nilyam, Shenoy Nagar, Madras-30 in the evening on Thursday the 4th July 1974, in the immediate presence of Guru Dev His Holiness Swami Kesavaiahji. Shri K. S. Narasimhan, I A. S., Commissioner, H. R. & C. E. Deptt. Tamil Nadu participated in the celebration.
There was a record gathering of more than 3000 devotees. Many came from far-off places like Nellore, Nayudupet, Gudur, Vijayawada, Vuyyur, Nalgonda, Ananthapur, Salem, Trivandrum, Chingelpet, Ennore etc. The celebration commenced with the usual Thursday Pooja at the Shrine by Swamiji, At 5.00 P M. there was chanting of vedic mantrams by Pandits at the Shrine beginning with Ganesha Pooja, Lakshminarayana Prathishta in Kalasam, Sri Lakshmi Pooja and Vishnu Sahasranama Parayanam. At 6.00 p, m. there was "Mangala Aarati". The whole atmosphere breathed the holiness and was thrilling with spirituality.
Among the contemporary Sages and saints of India, there is no one more well known and beloved by the people than Sai Baba of Shirdi. He preached no doctrine and set up no religious order. He took upon himself the sufferings of his fellowmen and made their life happier and their faith in God stronger. He wanted men to look upon fellowmen and even animals with equal love. He begged his food till his last day (which he shared with the poor, dogs and crows) though beggars have become kings by his grace. He was omniscient and an ocean of mercy. Sitting m "Dwarakamyi" he would tell devotees to have faith in God to avert or mitigate misfortunes like ill-health or accidents and give them "Udhi" (Sacred ash). He shamed learned humbugs who believed in exhibiting miracles to demonstrate their super, human powers. Although He is not seen in his mortal form, His spirit remains immortal for the service of mankind.
H. H. Swami Kesavaiahji, the chosen apostle of Sri Sai Baba became a "Kripa Siddha" on 1-7-1939 by the grace of Sri Sai Baba. History of Swami Kesavaiahji is the life of Sri Sai Baba after Mahasamadhi and he explained His leelas (deeds) after that period. Swamiji's pujas of Sri Sai Baba on Thursdays at Sai Nilayam are so popular that thousands of devotees gather on these days in pin drop silence seeking relief for spiritual and bodily worries. This is a simple act of devotion and there is no mystery mongering or magic Many persons in high status in life, ordinary sceptical and other simple people flock every Thursday in fervent devotion.
H.H.Swami Kesavaiahji, the Founder - President of the Samajam read out his soul-filling message on this sacred occassion of Guru Poornima to the devotees who had gathered for the function. He said that "Guru Poornima, falling on the fullmoon day to help us lead a righteous and purposeful life leading to happiness and peace".
Sri K. S. Narasimhan expressed great appreciation of the spiritual work rendered by Swamiji and the Samajam.
Messages, wishing success to the sacred function, were received from President of India, Sri V. V. Giri; Vice-President of India, Sri G. S. Pathak, Governor of Tamilnadu, Sri K. K. Shaw; Governor of Orissa, Sri B. D. Jatti and others.
Sri Sai Baba's Udhi, consecrated coins and prasadam were distributed after the function by Swamiji to all the devotees till about 1 .00 a. m in the night.
OM SHANTHI: SHANTHI: SHANTHI:
Topic: Guru Poornima Celebrations At Sai Nilayam, Madras. (Read 10182 times)