31st July 2009 -Varalakshmi vratam celebration at Prasanthi

August 1, 2009

Friday, July 31, 2009

Today, the Varalakshmi vratam was celebrated at Prasanthi Nilayam. The Mandir was decorated with flowers and an icon of Mahalaksmi adorned the centre of the stage. Bhagavan emerged from His residence after the 8 to 9 Vedam chanting at 9.45 am, moving straight to the stage on His chair. The ladies doing the pooja, more than 1500 in number, were seated in the front of the entire extent of the hall. The worship by the priest onstage began at ten o'clock and continued for 45 minutes, concluding with the traditional recital of the story of the origin of this celebration. Swami then went around the hall in His chair for ten minutes before returning onstage. He accepted Arati at 11 o'clock and prasadam was distributed. As Swami left for His residence, Prof. Anil Kumar announced that food had been arranged for all the participants in the canteen and that there would be a music concert this evening. Swami came for

evening darshan at 4.30 pm. Once He finished His darshan round, He asked the artistes for the music programme to be shifted to the stage. Once they were ready, He came onstage and began their performance at 4.45 pm. After 70 minutes of soul-stirring songs by Smt. Anuradha Sriram, Swami called her up and blessed her with a chain. He gave clothes to all the members of the troupe and had a group photo with them. Bhajans by the students then began at 6 pm. After twenty minutes of bhajans including some with alaps, Swami accepted Arati and retired for the day.

With love and light

Sai Ram

Deepak

http://www.ssso.net

sourced:

http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Portal/pd-recent/ps20090703.htm#20090731

Aum Sri Sai Ram

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