Sweet Remembrances
of Sai Geetha
Picture sent by Sanjay Sondhi on
24.05.2007
Vasantha Sai
Sai Ram beautiful people
It's a gorgeous evening here in Puttaparthi, the city of God. Some
interesting things have been happening recently, will update you now.
I mentioned in one of my previous posts of a good friend and a long time
resident here in Parthi. Yesterday this dear lady, mentioned a devotee of
Swami's by the name of Vasantha Sai. Apparently this devotee is supposed to
be the reincarnation of Radha and has had numerous mystical experiences with
our Lord. My friend planned to have satsangh with Vasantha Sai Wednesday
morning. I didn't think anything more of this, then Tuesday afternoon
Darshan, my friend sat next to me on the token line, and then right next to
her was this same Vasantha Sai, she introduced me briefly by then my token
line was getting up so i was off and running :))) but wait it gets better.
This morning on token line who do I sit behind out of the hundreds of people
gathered for Darshan? that's right...Vasantha Sai!
and to top it off we get token line #1. Now I am really getting curious,
this is more than a coincidence and more like a sai incident.
We ended up sitting close to each other in Darshan on the first row exist
aisle. Sorrowfully, Our beloved did not come out for Darshan this morning,
but Vasantha Sai invited me for satsangh.
I went to her house after morning Darshan. she spoke at some length about
her experiences with Swami, showing some amazing photographs and relating
miraculous stories. Her first book, "Liberation here itself right now!" was
actually signed by Sai Baba, so I purchased a copy to peruse. She spoke
about how she was instructed thru her contacts with Swami to build a stupa
in Maderai, and the actual diagram she saw in her vision, was presented to
her by a Nadi. Afterwhich the stupa was built.
At 12PM there was a group meditation. that started out with a group chant.I
went very deeply into meditation, in this altered state i started hearing a
barely audible chant, then I felt my self get up out of my seat and bump
into something very hard. It was the square base of a huge column-like
structure, later i realized it must have been the stupa, Vasantha Sai spoke
about.
Also while in meditation I found myself in a very high mountainous place,
with faces sculpted on the sides of the mountain.
Towards the end of the meditation i suddenly felt a pin prickly sensation in
my hands and head, a lot of heat in my head, and an extremely nauseous
feeling overtook me, I thought I was going to be sick. I asked Baba to help
me and after awhile the sensation faded.
We left Vasantha Sai and got ready for afternoon Darshan. Swami came early,
again I was able to get into the inner Mandir, at the very back of the
temple against the wall. Our Lord gave us a special delight by sailing thru
the veranda, but didn't come into the inner temple until bhajans started.
Then He blessed us all with His Divine Vision and Presence.
More Bliss later.
Lots of Prema
sonya ki
emailed on 31.05.2007
Courtesy: saibabanews
Parthi Update
Sairam to all
Last couple of days, Swami has been calling people for interviews, but has
not spent time outside much. Nevertheless, He took a small round in portico,
and near boys, collected letters from many, and spoke to some
devotees. Two days ago He visited the Music college and the museum
associated with it. He spent some time there, seeing all instruments.
Sairam
emailed on 30.05.2007 by KM
Sai
Vishnu
Sai Ram Sweet Embodiments of Hari
Our beloved Lord came early this morning, and let us drink in the splendor
of His presence, by a hair's breadth I was able to just barely squeeze into
the Inner Mandir and sing at His Lotus feet. Once again He sat on His
throne, and bore the pains of the world. Hari Sai listened as planets, stars
and solar systems spun with giddy joy around Him.
After bhajans i had brunch at my place with an old friend who is a permanent
resident in Prashanti. She related an interesting story that happened a
short while ago. There is a famous Vishnu temple, Ventakeswara, the Lord of
the seven hills, also known as the golden temple. The priests there did not
believe our Swami was indeed Lord Vishnu. It so happens that Swami was in
Whitefield at the time and the priests were doing their daily puja to Lord
Vishnu. The curtain was drawn shielding the Vishnu idol from view. One of
the priests bending low saw human feet instead of metal. The priests shocked
drew back the curtain, and Lo' there stood our Baba with hands raised in
Abhaya. This caused quite a stir amongst this community. They all rushed to
Bangalore and did a huge puja for Baba, chanting and the works. Swami called
them in for an interview and blessed them.
This afternoon Darshan again the Lord appeared early, suffusing the
atmosphere with His heavenly fragrance. He mercifully allowed me into His
Presence and gave full bliss to all seated therein.
Blessing everyone with sweet Baba dreams and visions.
Lots of Bliss
sonya ki
Courtesy: Saibabanews - emailed on 29.05.2007
Sai Kailasa
Sai Ram Dearly, Beloved Sai Family
I often tell Swami how much I love His Sai
Family. This Holy congregation is Bliss to my Soul.
Just one mystic glimpse is enough to change your life forever. This
afternoon Sai Krishna's gaze kissed mine. His eyes probed each of us in the
first row exit aisle with a sweet mysterious mona lisa smile. He was like an
attentive Mother bird pouring sustenance into the wide open beaks of Her
newborn chicks. I walked home my feet barely touching the wet pavement
oblivious to the twilight rain falling ever so softly on Prashanti.
Early bed for me, need to savor the bliss of this sacred communion. More
Prema later.
Lots of Bliss
sonya ki
Courtesy: Saibabanews - emailed on
28.05.2007
Sai Ananda
Sai Ram embodiments of Bliss
Apart from the main token line on the Ladies side, there is another token
line to enter the inner Mandir for bhajans. It is a little grueling since we
are seated far from where our Lord enters and there is no guarantee you will
be able to fit inside the inner sanctum.
Sunday evening Darshan at least five lines
were able to squeeze in. To our great delight our Lord floated down the
aisle of the inner temple. We were not quite seated, but we were able to
drink in this exquisite Darshan at the threshold of the hall. We all waited
inside this magnificent cathedral, tightly packed, scarcely able to breathe,
but filled with the bliss of His Divine vision. Swami walked into the
blessed space assisted by his aides. They were able to hoist Him onto His
throne.
Our Dear Baba is so full of compassion for His devotees, wanting to give us
full view of His Divine Glory, He endured any physical discomfort this
sitting position may have caused Him. Again, reminding us to transcend the
physical and receive the Bliss of the Eternal.
We sang full throated at the blessed feet
of the Lord. He radiated quantum splendor and Love to all.
It rained buckets last night in Puttaparthi, cooling off the raging heat. As
a result this morning was markedly cooler and more comfortable. This
morning's Darshan our Lord entered gently like the first pink rays of the
dawn caressing the new day. I was able to get a good seat in the second row
of the exit aisle. As Swami was leaving He cast a childlike smile in our
direction, looking at everyone in the first row so sweetly.
Bliss continued later.
Lots of Prema
sonya ki
Courtesy saibabanews: emailed on
27.05.2007
Sai Nectar
Sai Ram Angelic Embodiments of Sai
Our beautiful Sai Krishna gave us all fantastic Darshan yesterday. Inside
the inner Mandir, He spoke to a few students before Bhajans, we sat there
soaking up His Divine nectar.
I am still in seventh heaven as a type
these words.
This morning His Love oveflowing for all His devotees, Sai Baba distributed,
blessed mangos as prasadam.
I also spoke to one lady from South Africa who was with Swami in Kodai, last
month, she said that Swami healed a German lady, who was paralyzed from a
car accident. According to her, Baba told the woman to walk. The South
African lady, said she saw this lady walking around Kodai the next day, How
absolutely marvelous.
Remember the Nectarine Name of the Sai Natha and experience His Eternal
Darshan continuously. More Bliss later.
Lots of Bliss
sonya ki
Courtesy: Saibabanews - 26.05.07
Sai Sakha
Sundaram
Just when the oppressive heat, cramped seating and physical distress and
discomfort of Ashram life starts getting to you our Lord of Parthi does
something surprising and refreshing to our Spirits. Yester evening Darshan
He abandoned His car and sailed in amongst the throngs of devotees pining
for His Divine Darshan. He was all buttercup smiles, radiating golden light
across the early twilight shadows. My daughter had just recently asked me if
Baba ever gives darshan in his chair. What a grand vision of our Lord.
This morning after Omkar in the inner temple, I got the blessed chance to
sit for bhajans again in the inner Mandir. It was touch and go on whether
Swami would come out. Bhajans started, after about 2nd bhajan, our Dearest
Friend appeared like the Sun rising up from cold night embers, stoking the
coals of our heart. He was the sugar in our morning coffee and our sweet
breakfast.
Swami sat enjoying the bhajans so perfectly poised in Eternal Bliss,
reminding us of the ephemeral nature of the physical that we all, sadly,
cater to.
Have a great day everyone.
Lots of Bliss
sonya ki
Courtesy: Saibabanews - 25.05.2007
Sai Geetha's
Pure Love
Taken From Radiosai - Experience of Mrs.Geetha Mohan Ram
In February, 1972. Swami was preparing to leave the Brindavan ashram to come
and stay in my parent's (Dr. R. S. Padmanabhan and Kamala Padmanabhan)
house in Bangalore city for two days. It was the time of the Akhanda
Bhajan celebration and incidentally, it was my father and grandfather
who actually initiated this concept of 24-hour non-stop bhajan singing
those days. I was a young child of eight then. Four of us ? my
brother, aunt, father and I ? had gone to Brindavan to bring Swami to
our home in Jayanagar.
"As Swami was getting ready to leave, we could hear Sai Geetha trumpeting
loudly from far behind Swami's residence. She somehow knew that Swami
was leaving and you could make out from her voice that she was
desperate. Swami responded to her call and walked to the rear of the
building. We followed Him as He marched towards Sai Geetha. Once there, He
caressed her, gently stroked her cheeks, fed her with apples, and finally as
He turned to leave, she put her trunk around
His shoulders and pulled Him gently but firmly to her side. She held
on to Him securely and would not let Him go. Swami could only sweetly plead
and He kept telling her in Telugu, " vidu Geetha, vidu Geetha, ne
povala. Podaya bangaaru ne vegara vastanu! Vidu Geetha!" (Please leave me,
Geetha; leave me, please; I have to go, it is late. Golden one, I will come
back soon, leave me, please!")
"It was after five minutes of gentle persuasion by Swami that Geetha let Him
go reluctantly. And as He moved away, she lifted her trunk and still held on
to His right arm and would not let go again for a few minutes. Swami tried
offering her some fruits, but the apple was no consolation. She refused to
accede. Finally, after a lot of cajoling, Swami extricated Himself from her,
but by now His robe was covered by her saliva as she kept nuzzling Him all
through. Unmindful of the dribble on His gown.
Swami then turned to all of us and what He said then was very profound. He
said, `Your devotion should be one-pointed like her. She is not even tempted
by the fruit I offer. She only wants me and thinks of me at all times. When
you are like her you then receive Darshanam, Sparshanam and Sambhashanam
(the fortune of vision, touch and conversation with the Lord).'He then gave
her one last loving pat and left. He had to go back to His room to change
into a new robe and we were ready to leave."
OM SAI RAM
Lord Sai is
Overpowered by Sai Geetha's Love
From Radio sai :
Swami turned to the students and accepted a handkerchief. Turning back to
her, He wiped her tears and looking at the boys again, He said aloud
casually, "I had planned to go to Brindavan (Bangalore) today."
The words came out of the blue! Dumbstruck, the boys just stared at Him. The
exhilaration with which they were enjoying the divine romance just
vaporized! The boys just `blinked', for want of a better expression. "Swami
was going to Brindavan? And none of us knew? No message, no hint whatsoever.
We would have lost Swami?" All the boys stood there with their hands folded
and heads baffled.
His gaze ran over all the boys. Using the same handkerchief to wipe His
hand, Swami continued, "I wanted to go quietly without much ado, but look at
her." His eyes glanced at her and so did another hundred. "She knew it, she
sensed it. She somehow figured out Swami was leaving and she was crying,
Paapam (poor thing!)" He looked back at her, His eyes tracing her trunk
which was now at His Feet. Some of the boys dropped their gaze and saw that
she had gently moved aside the robe resting on the earth and was caressing
the Lotus Feet. He gently, yet firmly, pushed her and she withdrew her
worship.
"See ra, see!" He commented looking at the boys as He sat in the car. "She
loves Swami so much that she can feel Swami's feelings. She came to Swami
when she was a small baby, so many years have passed, but see? Her love has
only increased ? expansion love. That is devotion."
OM SAI RAM
emailed on 25.05.07 by KM
Sai Geetha's Funeral
Sai Ram,
I got this news today morning as i got up to check my mails. It was very
heart breaking. Eventhough i did not have the opportunity to be as close as
the caretaker was to Sai Geetha, but like every Sai devotee, there is that
feeling where we have lost a very close member of our family.
My teen youth brothers and sisters were there in Parthi last year during a
yatra and we had the wonderful opportunity to be close to Sai Geetha. She
was situated next to the planetarium at that time (December). She was so
huge, and she didn't mind us petting her and all. At one point, she was so
excited that she let down gush of urine! It was normal as it seem she does
that when she's excited.
She was very excited to see us as you can see, her trunk was moving about
like a snake when we were near her. She was trying to smell us and all. Very
beautiful experience.
Later after that, we all had the privilege to take a photograph with Sai
Geetha. The plan was to form a group infront of Sai Geetha (with Geetha
visible ofcourse) and then shout "Sai Geetha!" instead of "Cheese!".
So we were all ready. "1...2...3..SAI GEETHA!!!" We all screamed!
There was a loud trumpeting noise!
That's it! Sai Geetha has lost her mind! We all ran helter and skelter. One
of my brother's fell into a pile of food for Sai Geetha, he tripped over
that and fell. All of us were for one moment thinking that Sai Geetha was in
a rampaging mood. When we ran a good distance, we stopped at our tracks and
turned. The care taker was laughing and i think i could see Sai Geetha
grinning too. It seem she gets excited when people call out her name. So
that is why she trumpeted happily when we screamed Sai Geetha.
Beautiful being...I wish i could see her once more. But i guess, Swami has
better plans for her.
I have also attached a picture of Sai Geetha i tweaked in tribute to one of
Swami's devotee.
You'll always remain in our hearts and minds Sai Geetha.
Jai Sai Ram
Sukhbir Sonu - courtesy Saibabanews
We found an interesting
article which we had posted on SAIRAM website about two years back....
|
Interaction with
Sri Peddi Reddy garu
Aum Sri Sai Ram
He spent 43 years of his life doing Service in Prashanthi
Nilayam - shouldering the responsibility of running the South
Indian canteen, developing Planetarium infrastructure, taking
care of our beloved Swami's non-human devotee which transcends
the human devotion - Sai Geetha. His life is synonymous to the
path of Karma-Yogin as declared by Bhagawan himself.
Brothers,
This email is to share the beautiful and unique
experience/opportunity we had to converse with Sri Peddi Reddy
garu in our recent Sivarathri trip to Parthi.
It was around 5 in the evening and the mood of the group as
usual was upbeat. The ambience was perfect with the lush green
fields as the backdrop; with birds giving the background music;
under the cool shade of the tall trees; the twilight illumining
the scene to give just the right effect, and not to forget our
jumbo Sai Geetha popping in cartful of king sized water melons
into her mouth!
We, more than 50 in number, finished our work and were ready for
some Satsang, Peddi Reddy garu was also there with us with his
hands slightly free from work- without a doubt the whole scene
was perfectly orchestrated by Swami Himself. We immediately
grabbed the opportunity to request him to share some of his
experiences after entering the Sai realms. The initially
reluctant Karma Yogin later could not stop his immense love and
devotion for Swami pouring out in the form of the conversation.
Peddi Reddy garu first came to Parthi in 1956 along with handful
of youth from Godavari District. He instantly knew that the
right place for him in this life is at the Lotus feet, so he
immediately resolved that he would be back after doing M.Sc in
Physics. When he returned to Parthi in 1963 Bhagawan handed over
the responsibility of running the canteen, which he accepted
with utmost humility. As time lapsed he was also made in- charge
for constructing the Planetarium. During this time, he used to
wake up at 2:00 am and then work in the fields till Darshan time
at 6 am only to save couple of hundreds of Rupees, which were
used for other needy projects. Later his responsibility was
extended as the caretaker of Sai Geetha. The Masters degree
holder in Physics now had to master Agrarian and Veternararian
skills
also.
The last time Swami gave him an interview was around 25 years
ago, when asked as to what keeps him going even today his simple
answer was that his incentive was not the physical proximity
with Bhagawan, or the conversation with Him to fulfill his
personal needs, but the sense of duty for the task which Swami
has assigned him. The sense of Urgency in his tone and action to
serve Swami in this avatar left us spellbound. Karma Yogin, as
he is aptly referred to never stepped out of Parthi in the last
30 years.
Sai Geetha - The Devotee
Sai Geetha was found as baby elephant trapped in Bandhipur
forests. The forest officer being Swami's devotee, offered this
lovely Child to swami. Could there have been a much safer and
delightful place for this innocent being!
Early days of Sai Geetha in Prashanthi Nilayam were beyond
comprehension. Swami used to catch her trunk and go around for
the darshan. Everyday in the morning she used to go around the
Nilayam 108 times and then get ready to garland the Master Of
the Worlds! Its been told that it can sense Swami's presence
even from five miles. As she grew older, caretakers suggested
swami to let it go to the forest as it was mating phase of its
life. Swami told them that it wouldn't get involved in any such
process as it was already deeply devoted to the Lord, but Swami
finally yielded to their request and let it go to the Bandhipur
forests. Over three months passed, swami visited the forest
only to observe Sai Geetha isolating itself from the rest of
the elephants and apparently it also reduced its diet as it
could not consume the food in the forest, and it never got into
the mating. Inspite of this indelible demonstration of its Love
for Bhagwan, Swami wanted to give some more time for her in the
forest. The moment she saw Swami she ran behind His car for a
long distance. When Swami returned after six months nothing
much changed! Indeed it is an example set up for the rest of the
world by the apparently less evolved being.
Why did you not include his name?
About four years back, Swami decided to felicitate all the long
standing members who were serving in the Prashanthi Nilayam all
these years. When finally the list was prepared Peddi Reddy
garu's name was missing. When it was shown to Swami from among
more than hundred names he precisely noticed the absence of
Peddi Reddy garu's name.
Immediately Swami
enquired, " Why is Peddi Reddy's name not included? He is a
Karma Yogin. Include his name too". Well, this in itself was the
best recognition that Peddi Reddy garu could ever get! As a
person his monthly expenditure is not even in hundreds of
rupees...a great learning for all of us.
It was under his guidance that for the first time our Hyderabad
boys got the opportunity to serve in the canteen. When the
service was done, the following day Swami distributed clothes to
all the Sevadal members. Hyderabad boys missed out this
opportunity and Peddi Reddy garu felt sad for the boys. Next day
in the Darshan he sat beside the boys and when Swami was moving
away he called out for Swami and told that even Hyderabad boys
had worked very hard. Listening to this swami distributed
clothes to the Hyderabad Group too. Here is a man who never
asked Bhagwan any personal benefits but was so enthusiastic to
get the boys blessed by Him...a great Leader he indeed is!
It was already dark in the fields and all the boys were
listening very intently. The reality donned and it was time for
our dearest Peddi Reddy garu to go back to canteen and ensure
that everything is ready for the thousands of devotees waiting
for Prasadam.
We thank Swami for giving us this wonderful opportunity to
interact with such a great soul.
Jai Sai Ram |
Sai Geetha Nirvana
Sai Ram brothers and sisters
Our Swami shed tears of love for His dearest Sai Geetha yesterday at her
funeral. We came last night to view her and saw some of Baba's family
members, throwing flowers on her grave.
The woman who accompanied me, told me that Swami has said that Sai Geetha
was so full of devotion for Swami, she chanted "OM Sai Ram" 24 hours a day.
How incredible her superhuman love, sacrifice and surrender to Sai Avatar
embraces Him even in death. Swami personally officiated over her funeral
rites and shed tears of love over her separation from Him.
Needless to say this inspired deep contemplation. We who have been given the
gift of human birth, sadly do not possess even a fraction of this kind of
devotion. Sai Geetha is a paramount example of faith, devotion and love. We
should all seek to live up to the high standard of Love and remembrance of
God that she had divinely set.
Lots of Prema
sonya ki
courtesy saibabanews - 24.05.2007
This photograph of SAI GEETHA was taken by
me in the month January, 2007 when I visited Parthi as sevadal It was an
opportunity to see her very closer and took some snaps. She was so cute even
this age and it was joyful moments.
We the Sri Sathya Sai Study Circle, members of Hyderabad 500 001 deeply
regret to inform that"SAIGEETHA" has breathed her last at 6 pm on 22-5-2007
evening at Prasanthinilayam.
Really it is a shock news for our Sai family. May she rest in peace.
- P. Visweswara Sastry.
Abids, Hyderabad 500 001
SAI GEETHA:
Swami NEVER fails.
Loving Sai Ram Sisters and Brothers,
No one can read the accounts of the demise of Sai Geetha and her funeral
without tears pouring out of their eyes!
Such heartfelt accounts by Bro Satish.
I had a close encounter with her on Monday 23 August 2004. I was coming out
of Chaitanya Jyothi Museum in search of a miracle. As you know, Mondays are
declared holidays for Museums around the world - to help resore, repair and
update exhibits.
So there were no visitors. My feet just took me there in search of a
miracle.
Swami called me for an interview on Thursday 19 August 2004 and said that he
would give me some special Vibhuthi to heal my ailing grand daughter in
London.
But it did'nt happen as I awaited the next few days at Kulwant Hall.
As I had to leave Parthi for home in Singapore, on Tuesday 24 August.
I felt desperate .
So without knowing that it was a holiday
for museums, my feet simply took me to Chaitanya Jyothi the day before I
left.
The gate keeper told me in Hindi that the museum is closed.
I said that I wanted to meet the Curator Col Bose .
Fortunately for me, Col Bose always works even on a holiday.
So I awaited allowed in as he has seen me with Col Bose before and
eventually Col Bose came.
Then the miracle happened - Col Bose knew that I was awaiting the much
treasured vibhuthi promised by Swami.
He took me to a special spot inside the Museum and showed me overflowing
vibhuthi from Swami's photo - known only to him and some staff. He very
kindly gave some for my grand daughter.
Swami NEVER fails.
I realised why I had the urge to visit the
Museum.
On my way out alone, my path was blocked by Sai Geetha who was alone without
the mahout, gently and beautifully moving having a gentle meal on some
bushes around the Museum.
I had a wonderful close encounter with this gentle soul.
I raised my Hands and greeted her with the
Sai Gayathri Manthra.
She raised her trucks as if in greeting
and went on her gentle way with her feed.
I didn't realise how big she was till then.
I was never afraid as she is Baba's pet.
I will never forget this wonderful day of Swami's Vibuthi and also meeting
Sai Geetha for the first and last time.
May her Divine Soul, now merged with Swami, find Athma Shanthi for all the
joy she provided in the past years.
May she rest in peace.
Jai Sai Ram!
ananda perera
Courtesy: saibabaofindia - 27.05.2007
Sai Geetha's final
rites
This photograph of SAI GEETHA was taken on
17th January, 2006 when I visited Parthi with my wife. It was an opportunity
to see her very closer and take some snaps. She was so cute even this age
and it was joyful moments.
Really it is a shock news for our Sai family. May she rest in peace. -
Kouwshigan, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The End of A
Saga
Dear Brothers,
Sairam.
Yesterday around 8.00 am Sai Geeta had a fall in her 'bathtub' which is just
in front of School Hostel to the right side of the planetarium - her palace
being on the left side. All along she lived in front of the College Hostel
and her last moments were destined to be in front of the School Hostel!!
She did not appear visibly hurt - but there was some possibility of a
fracture in her leg - which we are unsure of. She lay there moaning with her
head resting on the edge of the cement pool. We saw her and felt a
feeling of helplessness. Of course there were all the caretakers and others
over there....but you know, if it is a human being - its so simple....two of
us can carry the patient to the hospital. But with an elephant, it's a
different ball game altogether. Arrangements were being made to fetch expert
vet doctors.
Meanwhile, Bhagawan arrived at around 5.00 pm in Kulwant Hall to
preside over the second day celebrations of Buddha Purnima in Prasanthi
Nilayam. We had Japanese drums, dances, choir and 'hold your breath!!' - a
Yajnam performed as per Japanese traditions.....with the Yajna Kundam,
Mantras and all the paraphernalia that goes with it .....Swami sat through
all that. Least did we realize that on the other side at the Sai Geeta shed,
dear Geeta was breathing her last and merging into the infinite. Around 6.00
pm she became one with our Lord. Bhajans were on at that time and Prasadam
distribution was going on in the Mandir.
Overnight a huge pit was dug by an earth mover in the centre of the
shed. This morning, people were rushing into the Sai Geeta premises to pay
their homage to this great devotee of our Lord. In fact the road was fully
crowded. A white cloth covered the sacred body of Geeta. Around 8.00 AM,
Swami arrived at the spot. The cloth was unveiled. Sri Pedda Reddy Garu -
the caretaker of the elephant all through its life, rushed to Swami weeping
profusely. Swami was moved. Both shared their feelings. Minutes later, Swami
came out of the car in His chair and moved closer to Geeta. He spread
Vibhuti all over her head and trunk and kept moving His hand over
her....what great fortune to be fondled by the Lord!! After a few minutes,
Swami spoke to Sri Pedda Reddy Garu, gave him some instructions and left to
the Mandir.
At 9.30 pm preparations began to shift Sai Geeta from the place where she
had fallen to her would-be Samadhi - the beautiful palace, which many called
Geeta Mahal. A crane had been driven in with a number of L&T workers and
staff. They maneuvered the entire procedure guiding the crane and the earth
mover to carefully fasten the elephant's body and move her out.
It was around 10.30 AM when they finally managed to move her closer to the
other side. By then Swami arrived in the Porte and sat watching the further
movements. It was a complex task to maneuver the crane inside the shelter
and position the body into the pit appropriately. It took another two hours
to accomplish the same.
Swami sat all along watching silently from the car.
Finally around 12.30 Geeta's body rested peacefully in it's eternal home.
There were Jai Jai Kar's all around. Hats off to the driver of the crane and
the coordinators who accomplished a marvelous feat.
Once the crane moved out, Swami's Porte moved in. The Lord was in tears
responding to the great devotion of Sai Geeta. A few minutes passed by. Huge
garlands and rice grains were showered by everybody on Geeta. The Porte then
moved out and Swami went back to Yajur Mandiram.
All along, Bhajans and Vedam were going on. People flocked in to have a
glimpse of Geeta and redeem their lives. Thus ends the saga of a great
devotee - the end of yet another Divine Love Story!!
With All our Prema,
posted by KM on 23.05.2007
SAI GEETHA'S FUNERAL
Om Sairam dear Sai Family,
Puttaparthi is still mourning the death of beloved Sai
Geetha and we still can't believe that she is actually gone.. This morning,
around 7 a.m. I reached her house in order to attend her funeral and
pay my last respects to the departed soul.
There were a hundreds of devotees lined up and our
beloved Swami was actually coming to see His beloved.. I thought for a
while, probably this is the first time that Sai Geetha won't be on her feet
after seeing Swami's car heading towards her house.. our compassionate Lord,
had actually come to a bid a farewell and look after the arrangements for
the funeral..
She was lying on the right side of the planetarium and Swami's car slowly
drove in ..There was pin drop silence in the premises which had very few
devotees. Swami was not in His usual mood this morning. He was visibly moved
and bit sad. He didn't look at any one of us.. neither was He curious to
look at His darling lying lifeless.. I was praying to Swami, Swami it would
be very hard for you to bear this separation.. An Avatar was performing His
duties, in a human level, bidding farewell to His favourite pet...
No one dared to go to Swami, no one were sure as how to start a conversation
or what to say to Swami.. as He knew everything...Mr.Pedda Reddy, the care
taker of Sai Geetha, who was weeping went to Swami, Swami joined Him, it
brought tears to every one there. Sai Geetha used to listen only to two
People , Swami and Pedda Reddy.. Pedda Reddy loudly cried, "Choodu Swami ela
padukoni undo.... Leyya mante leyyatam ledu" (look Swami how she is
sleeping, She is not getting up inspite of my request). Those words were
enough for our hearts to melt and cry loudly..
Swami's chair slowly landed on the floor and Swami was just next to Sai
Geetha.. Swami stretched His hands very gently caressed her trunk.. She
loves it when Swami touches her trunk and my thoughts went back to the
incident which Swami narrated on various occasions, when Swami brought back
dead Karanam Subbamma. I was praying to Swami, Swami please do that again
for Sai Geetha and let her take a fruit from your Holy hands and close her
eyes..
Swami materialised Vibhuthi, gently applied on her trunk.. more vibhuthi was
brought and Swami kept on applying looking at her body with a HEAVY heart
and thinking something... Swami then asked to open her eyes.. As Pedda Reddy
opened Swami gazed into her eyes for few seconds. He then gave suggestions
as how the funeral should be done and insisted to put more sugarcane leaves
under her while burying and asked to me more careful while shifting her body
to her house....
A huge pit was dug in her new house. Swami then said, lets go to her house..
sitting in His car He looked at the huge pit.. His eyes were full of tears
and He tried His best to control His emotions.. Swami then left for ashram
after spending a good 30 minutes at her place...
A huge crane was brought to carry Sai Geetha to her house.. The workers who
were working for the new indoor stadium participated actively in shifting
her.. It was a huge task for the engineers and workers and at one stage it
was looking bit impossible as it was a rare case for any one..
Swami who went back to His house probably couldn't bear the separation, His
heart was crying for Sai Geetha and at 11am He came again to the premises as
Sai Geetha was now hanging in the huge crane and was being shifted to the
house. Swami's car stopped just in front of the planetarium and He was
watching her lifted by the huge crane, as students sang bhajans on one side
and another group of students chanted vedas. It took almost two hours for
the engineers to put her in the pit and Swami ignoring the hot sun watched
His Geetha for two hours..... for the last time in the present body
Swami's car now moved forward. He was giving suggestions from the car, to
the engineers and to the students. It was very hard for Him to see His
Geetha being carried and while doing so had some wounds on her skin? Swami
preferred to have her head facing east and after she was successfully put in
the pit, Swami send a work to Pedda Reddy to sprinkle Turmeric, Kumkum and
Vibhuti on her body.. At least 3 bags of rice was brought and all of us took
a fist full of rice and sprinkled on her body ..After every thing was done,
Swami's car further moved to the pit, Swami's face and eyes were very red.
The emotions, the sadness reached MAXIMUM for Swami, as soon as He got a
clear picture of Sai Geetha, tears rolled down from His eyes. It was
unbelievable and He was seen wiping the tears of love, tears of separation
and those assembled there just broke down, just by seeing a RARE Swami.. it
was a very emotional moment for all of us.. and seeing Swami we all cried
from the bottom of our hearts.. that cry which melted every tiny cell of our
body, it was a moment where the Creator Himself came all the way to complete
the last rites of HIS own CREATION, in the form of an elephant, which will
stay in our hearts to eternity for her unconditional love and dedication.
Only today many of us realised how much He loved Sai
Geetha.
We will definitely miss the sweet voice.. Geetha.. Geetha, which was heard
from Swami while He consoled her, caressed her, motivated her... Even now
those sweet words echo in my ears.
She was a living legend until yesterday.. If she had the power to speak she
would have narrated beautiful experiences she had with Swami never heard in
the Sai World.
It will be a sad news for all of us.. but I am sure, She is very happy with
our Lord and also happy that Swami, came all the way from Kodai, to be with
her for less than 4 days and visit her twice for the final rites.
Thank you Sai Geetha for letting us know the REALITY.. The Real way to God
is LOVE HIM and LIVE FOR HIM, You are an embodiment of Love.. even on your
last day, you made Swami come to you, you gave more than 2 hours non stop
darshan to the thousands and millions of devotees had an opportunity to TURN
INWARD.
Thank you my Lord. You are so Compassionate..
With Humble Pranams at the Lotus feet of our beloved Lord.
Satish Naik from Puttaparthi.
Swami came once again to the Sai Geetha
Shed after 10:30 A.M. Swami spent close to 2 hours watching the entire
proceedings of Sai Geetha being lifted by crane and put inside the Burial
Pit. There were lot of difficulties in the process but Swami was there
sitting and watching the whole thing. He spent so much time in the place.
OM SAI RAM
Sai Gita, her
destiny is to be a human person.
The following is an extract from Dr. John Hislop's book "My Baba and I",
chapter "Gita, her destiny is to be a human person".
Baba waited for her [Gita], stroked her trunk, spoke to her, and gave her
bananas, which someone had provided. Then he moved to enter the car, but
Gita made a noise, and he turned toward her once more, stroked her, and
spoke to her again. "See," Baba said to me, "She is crying. She is saying,
'Swami don't leave now, stay longer with me'".
And, sure enough, as I looked ay her
closely, large tears were indeed rolling from her eyes. The car got
underway, and I said to Baba: "Swami, people say that, in her former life,
Gita was an Indian Princess, so devoted to Baba that she took birth as an
animal so as to be close in this way to yourself. Is this true?" Baba
replied, "Not so. Gita has never been human, but her next birth will be as a
human being".
Ramesh Bodla
posted on 23.05.2007 by KM
Sai Geetha
Merged into the Divine Lotus Feet
Om Sai Ram
You must have heard by now about the news about the passing away of Sai
Geetha. Sai Geetha was possibly closest to Swami than anyone.
Every person who has gone to Prasanthi Nilayam and who stays in Prasanthi
Nilayam has been touched by Sai Geetha in one form or the other. Swami was
everything for her. She could make out that Swami was coming from a Distance
that no one could possibly. Students would look at Sai Geetha's Movements
and come out knowing that Swami's Car was nearby.
Swami always used to go to Brindavan from Kodaikanal as Swami always felt
that the heat in Parthi in the month of May was unbearable for Devotees and
Swami always felt that Devotees coming for His Divine Darshan should not
suffer, Swami also felt that as the Entrance Exams of the Institute and the
School including the Primary school would be held in the month of May and
Swami did not want any disturbance from His Side to the Boy's studies, Of
course, No one but Bhagawan felt that way, But this Year, Swami came back in
the heat of May to Parthi, Everyone asked the question, Now they knew the
answer, Only for Sai Geetha. When Swami went to see Sai Geetha 2 days back,
Swami told The people there "Paapam, Look after her", A Premonition of
things to come.
Sai Geetha has merged into Swami once for all.
During the 1984 Sports meet inaugural ceremony in Parthi, Swami had just
then Driven into the Wonderfully Decorated Hill View Stadium and Swami's car
stopped near the Pillion Riders in the Bikes, Swami was supposed to get down
and walk on the Red carpet till the Stage, Suddenly Sai Geetha Refused to
move inspite of everyone doing so, she started to act funnily, everyone was
at a loss of words, Swami smiled and said to a Boy to "Look under the
Carpet", To everybody's astonishment, the boy took out a Huge nail from
under the carpet within a Few feet of where Swami was standing, As Soon as
Sai Geetha saw the nail in the Boy's hand She started moving, Swami smiled
and moved on,
Everybody was at a loss for words.
That Was Sai Geetha's Love for Swami. She has forever merged with Swami.
Om Sai Ram
Sri Sathya Sai Students
email received on 23.05.07 from KM
Prasanthi
News... Sai Geetha
Prasanthi News - 23rd May 2007..Saigeetha.......
Today morning Swami came out for darshan at 7:30 itself.
After taking a round in kulwant Hall, He drove straight to Sai Geetha shed.
He spent around 15 minutes there. Swami was in tears, and many people around
there started crying. It was really sad to see all this and more so to see
the Lord give out His heart for one of His true devotees. Pedda Reddy, the
person who was taking care of Sai geeta all these years was also in tears as
Swami came there.
Swami applied vibuthi on the trunk of the elephant and also was staring at
her for some time. He wanted Mr Pedda Reddy to open her eyes and Swami was
staring into her eyes.
One could see the love for Sai geetha on Swami's eyes, as uncontrollable
tears ran down. Then Swami inspected the pit that has been dug for Sai
geetha. This pit is inside the new new shed itself. One point I would like
to mention here is that exactly 6 months after Sai Geetha's new shed was
inaugurated, she has given up her life. Recall, Nov 22, 2006. yesterday was
May 22, 2007.
The new shed has become the memorial, the memorial built in the name of the
true lover of the Lord. Sai geetha will rest in "Geetha
Mahal"
Let us all pray once again for her.
email received on 23.05.07 from KM
Sai Geetha Saga of Love and Devotion
Sai Ram all
This is an excerpt from an article on Sai
Geetha:
"It was on a trip along with few devotees
to the Muddumalai forest in 1962 that Swami first noticed the tender and
tiny toy of joy that Sai Geetha was then. His love and affection for this
infant elephant that had lost her mother immediately after her birth, was
phenomenal. When the forest officers offered the elephant calf to Swami, He
gladly accepted.
Soon arrangements were made and the little
lady arrived in Puttaparthi in an airy and comfy vehicle escorted by four
Sai volunteers. And since then the motherless child has never missed her
parents. In fact, the love and warmth she has received, no other being in
the whole animal kingdom - nay, the living kingdom - can dream of it. She
was blessed with a mother who made all other mothers in the world pale by
comparison.
Yes, with Sai Geetha and Swami, from the
beginning it has been a sweet mother-child relationship in every way. It was
Swami who named her, fed and fondled her everyday, found medical experts to
check on her, appointed people and allotted tasks to take care of her every
need, and as a hardly three-feet cute kid she followed Swami everywhere,
even into the interview room!
Years later, Swami confirmed this to Sri
B. N. Narasimha Murthy when He said, 'What you have seen is nothing, she
used to come to my room along with me!' Her first living space was, in fact,
right next to Swami's bedroom.
A small shed with a thick cushion of
sand-bed was constructed attached to the Prasanthi Mandir on the western
side wall and Swami could see her anytime from His bedroom. Sai Geetha grew,
enveloped in His loving and guarding grace, into a disciplined and devoted
soul. She was an example to emulate even as a kid."
RADIO SAI
another email form Soniya......courtesy
Saibabanews
Sai Buddha
celebrations
Sai Ram Heavenly Family
The second day of celebrations for Buddha poornima commenced yesterday
evening. One young man in traditional dress played small cymbals and drums
for Baba, after which beautiful Geisha like women in colorful silk dresses
performed an elegant dance with fans
and flowering trees. Next, the group sang devotional songs in I think
Japanese and English.
Swami watched it all with great interest.
Priests in Golden robes performed a special yagna, and prayed that all our
karmas be burnt in the fires of Swami's Divine Love.
The Lord of the Universe invited the
priests to come closer after the yagna and stared at them for quite a long
time. He called one in particular over and blessed him, touching his head
and heart. It was a nectarine moment of utter sweetness.
I was able to view the celebrations very
closely as the Divine and most gracious Lord granted me #1 token. Heaven on
earth! Then late last night we heard the news that Sai Geetha had died, this
morning our Lord came through the mandir early and gave Darshan briefly
around the grounds then exited going over to where Geetha lay in state to
bestow Blessings on her.
More Sai Bliss later.
Lots of prema
Soniya ki
Courtesy saibabanews - emailed on
23.05.2007
Sai Buddha
Sai Ram Sai family
Yesterday was long, extremely warm but superbly wonderful. Swami commenced
Buddha Poornima, starting off the program with Balvikas children's dance and
drumming. Also ritual bathing of the Buddha, and an offering of an ancient
scroll with powerful mantras to Swami. The afternoon's Darshan was even more
marvelous. Two Buddhist monks delivered lectures. They were not Sai Devotees
but honored Baba as Sai Buddha. The second speaker particularly, extolled
Swami's great humanitarian projects and love as the essence of Buddhahood.
Both speakers elaborated on the life of Buddha, His love, compassion, and
teachings. Swami materialized something for the second speaker, not sure
what it was, but you could see the undiluted joy radiating from the monk's
thrilled face.
Topping off the afternoon was a tender and touching play on the life of
Siddhartha the Buddha, it was so well expressed it brought tears to my eyes,
Swami too appeared to thoroughly enjoy the performance, He went down amongst
the actors afterwards and spoke with them bringing great happiness.
Our Lord did not come out this morning, still the sweetness from the
previous day lingers on. More Bliss later.
Lots of Prema
sonya ki
email sent on 22.02.2007 - Courtesy saibabanews
Buddha
Poornima Celebrations
SAI RAM.
21st and 22nd has been marked for the Buddha jayanthi festival
celebrations in Parthi in the Divine Presence.
Devotees
from Japan, Srilanka And many other countries have come for the
celebrations. Today morning Swami came after 9 am. there were some cultural
programmes which included some drum beats, dance, and bhajans. That was
followed by Abhishekam to the Buddha statue.
In the evening Swami came after 4 pm. There were two speeches by Buddhist
monks and then a play on Buddha's life history which included depicted the
life of buddha,how he was in palace, then how he came across the different
aspcts of life and renounced everything.
It also
depicted Buddha attaining enlightenment and His teachings.
After that Swami went inside for few minutes while bhajans were sung. Swami
took aarathi around 5:45 pm.
OM SAI RAM
emailed
on 21.05.07 by KM
Prasanthi Update
Swami was physically looking
pretty tired after a day long
travel yesterday. Today morning
Swami did not come in the
morning. In the evening Swami
came only at 4:50 pm. Swami then
took a full round and went
inside interview room. Bhajans
started at 5pm and then Swami
went inside Bhajan hall and
after that to Yajur Mandiram.
OM SAI RAM
by email received on 19.05.07
Swami Arrives in
Parthi
Celestial Darshan made in
Heaven
Sai Ram! Sai Ram! Sai Ram!
The Lord of the Universe arrived
in Parthi around 4PM. We all
waited in the sizzling hot sun
outside Ganesh Gate. Drums and
hearts pounding, whistles and
horns blowing, Swami sailed into
Prashanti amidst "Om Sai Rams"
and happy Jais. Blessed with a
perfect orange cameo of our
Swami looking straight ahead, I
placed that sweet Darshan inside
the golden locket of my heart.
After Swami passed Ganesh Gate
we all ran back inside to get
another glimpse. We ran to the
men's side of the Mandir.
Swami's car entered the Mandir,
He came out but was blocked from
view. I saw that there were
people inside the Mandir so I
huried over to the ladies gate,
it was locked, but would open
for bhajans in a half hour. So I
went search of a cool drink and
then returned to the Mandir for
bhajans. I sat at first in the
general section, then seeing
Gloria the Nurse from the
General hospital went over and
sat with her at the front of the
Mandir against the wall. We
exchanged pleasantries. I notice
that they were taking tokens for
entry into the inner Temple for
bhajans but was too late to join
the lines. After the token lines
had gone into the inner Temple,
I inquired if I could be
admitted, to my supreme delight
I was allowed to go in. I
received excellent seating near
the red carpeted aisle about mid
center in the temple.
Bhajans soon began. With our
hearts overflowing with Love and
Divine happiness we sang from
the depths of our being. Midway
through the bhajan our precious
Swami entered the inner temple.
What glorious Darshan. He was
seated in front of His red
velvet throne. The inner temple
is composed of exquisite,
matchless beauty. The walls and
ceilings are a heavenly pastel
blue and deep rose pink. At the
front of the temple are long
ivory columns with the symbols
of the major religions painted
on them: Hindu, Buddhist,
Christian, Muslim, Zoroastrian.
At the very top are huge
pictures of Shirdi Sai and
Sathya Sai. At the base are more
pictures of Swami. To the left
of the Temple is a beautiful
golden statue of Krishna and a
silver cow. Also an ivory idol
of Shirdi Sai. In the center is
a Lotus and a ivory colored
Ganesh idol. To the left is
Swami's dark, velvet red throne
and with gold and a beautiful
idol of Hanuman. In the center
of the ceiling a crystal
chandelier cascades suspended
from a huge pink lotus. There
are idols of various gods
running along the top edges of
the walls around the temple and
beautiful golden embellishments.
The doors are all carved with
elegant idols of deities.
Our Lord gazed at us with the
tender rose petal look of a
Mother softly, patting the back
of her sobbing child.
Occasionally, He looked
heavenward, His face glowing
with otherworldly splendor. Oh
what blessings, what thrills
words can't convey the supreme
Bliss.
After bhajans we watched as The
priest performed Aarthi directly
to Bhagavan.
Swami then left His Love gracing
the Souls of all present.
More Bliss later.
Lots of Prema
sonya ki
Courtesy: saibabanews 19.05.2007
Om
sairam to dearest Sai Family,
Swami out of His immense mercy,
surprised the lucky devotees of
Parthi, the Highest abode of
peace by preponing His Summer
abodes and flying directly from
Kodai via Coimbatore..
