Updates from Shimla - 15.04.2010 with Photos

April 15, 2010

Last updated 2200 hrs IST, Apr 15

Thu, April 15, 2010: In the morning, at the Sri Sathya Sai International Centre, Bhagawan came out at 9:15 granting darshan for five minutes before accepting Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan left for Indira Gandhi International Airport. Bhagawan would be taking off for Shimla after 10 to reach Shimla Airport by 11. From the Shimla Airport Bhagawan would be motored to His Divine Abode, Anand Vilas, situated 35 kms apart. Shimla finally had her hunger satiated! After 35 long years of waiting, when Bhagawan's plane landed at the Shimla Airport just after 11:30, it was a dream come true for many and for the hill station, it was her destined and defined moment, for the sanctifying touch of her Beloved Lord. Entire stretch of thirty five kilometers, from the Shimla Airport to the newly built "Anand Vilas", the Divine Abode in Shimla, thousands upon thousands on the road satiating their lives' desire, stealing a glance of the Lord. There was a riot of colours all along, with flowers and buntings welcoming the Lord all over, with rangoli adorning the floor at every every important locations and thousands upon thousands vying for a glance, lined up all along the way. There were devotees showering flowers, dusting the ground that touched the "Feet of The Lord", falling at Him in saashtanga posture, many with

moist eyes, but all with their hearts full of Love with beaming faces of having satiated their hunger to have Him in their midst, yet again. It appeared as if entire Shimla township came to standstill celebrating His" Advent"!

The original convoy of around 15 to 20 vehicles multiplied in to huge proportions, crossing the hundred mark and Bhagawan motored the entire stretch of 35 kms in over 80 minutes, blessing the thousands on His way, to reach "Anand Vilas" at 12:50. Ceremonial religious welcome awaited the Lord at His new Abode as a huge congregations was awaiting His arrival at "Anand Vilas". Upon arriving, Bhagawan sanctified the latest of His Abodes, by setting His Feet in. Thereafter, Bhagawan moved onto the balcony at the first floor granting Darshan to the devotees assembled inside. It was a moment of great satisifaction and joy for the devotees of the state, a moment to cherish and a dream come true and for The Lord, it was His Sankalpa that came True!

Earlier, at the Shimla Airport, Bhagawan was welcomed by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Ms. Urmila Singh along with scores of other dignitaries. A mention should be made of the active participation of the Alumni of Sri Sathya Sai University, contributing their might, making Bhagawan's long pending visit a most memorable one. On the first evening at the new Divine Abode, Bhagawan emerged for darshan at quarter to six while bhajan was on. As bhajans continued, Bhagawan sat through for almost an hour, blessing the vast assemblage of devotees before accepting Arathi. Upon accepting Arathi, Bhagawan retired for the day.

in Shimla, at Anand Vilas, what one would witness and appreciate is the highest reverence and devotion of the devotees over there that was on exhibition ever since Bhagawan arrived at the Divine Abode. When The Lord emerged in the evening, granting darshan, one could see thousands of hands going up, in pure devotional ecastasy, greeting The Lord. ...And as the assemblage glued their eyes on the beauteous form of the Lord, it was nothing, but bliss of being in the immediate presence of the Lord that was reflecting on each and every face. The huge darshan ground outside Anand Vilas could easily accomodate thousands, almost the capacity that the Sai Kulwant Hall of Prasanthi would hold. In the twilight, this exquisite architectural marvel situated at Pujarli in Shimla district was shining in splendour as a beacon of Love and Peace. The building that was constructed in the most hostile and harsh climatic conditions prevailing in the cold arid zone in the high altitude mountain ecosystem was executed by Sai Engineering Foundation, a voluntary organisation working for the welfare of humanity without the distinction of caste, colour, creed, region and religion. The construction work was ably supervised by Sri Raj Kumar Verma, a long-time devotee and CEO of the Sai Engineering Foundation, as an offering at His Divine Lotus Feet. Devotees from various parts of the states would come in batches, on every sunday, to contribute their might in the construction work as their loving offering to Bhagawan. Greeting and housing The Lord, Pujarli in Shimla is presenting pleasant weather, a marked change for everyone, especially at a time when Puttaparthi and Delhi are under severe summer onslaught. Today is Vishu, the Kerala New Year, a day when devotees from the state would celebrate in the immediate Divine Presence of the Lord for past many years.

Photos received from Shimla around 4.30 pm on 15.04.2010 from a Sai Brother.

sourced: http://www.ssso.net/delhi/hover/Shimla-arrival.html

Article sourced:

http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/darshanupdateapril2010.html

Aum Sri Sai Ram

Visit SAIRAM website for the daily latest updates.