Sai Ram once again and hope Swami is ever before your mind's eye.
Continuing on from the previous post of this blog about what had transpired for me
during the Maha Shivaratri Evening (10th March 2013) in Puttaparthi.
Sathyabhama Temple
Lord Krishna
Sathyabhama
Also called ‘Sathyamma Temple’, this is a temple dedicated to the worship of Mother Sathyabhama, the divine consort of Lord Krishna.
This is a unique temple because seldom in any part of India is this type of homage offered to Mother Sathyabhama.
This is a unique temple because seldom in any part of India is this type of homage offered to Mother Sathyabhama.
It was built by the pious Sri Ratnakaram Kondama Raju (the Bhagawan’s paternal grandfather) and in explanation of this unusual tribute to Sathyabhama, he said that he was persuaded to erect the temple, by events that occurred during a strange dream!
The Dream: In the dream, Kondama Raju saw Sathyabhama, alone, expectant and forlorn, waiting anxiously for her lord, who had gone on an errand to bring her the much-coveted ‘Parijatha’ flowers. The minutes increased to hours and the hours accumulated into days but still there was no sign of Lord Krishna! So, Sathyabhama broke into tears. There ensued a huge storm accompanied by thunder, lightning and a heavy shower of rain. Luckily, Her eyes fell on Kondama Raju who was passing across the place where she stood and she asked him to provide some shelter. This led to the determination of Sri Kondama Raju to raise a temple for the Consort of the Lord.
It was after 10pm in the evening.
Traditional village bhajans were being sung under a marquee in front of the Sathyabhama Temple.
I filmed the singers for awhile then headed off to the area of the Shiva Linga Temple, Old Sri Sathya Sai Bhajan Hall,
Shirdi Sai Temple and the Anjaneya Swami Temple.
Shirdi Sai Temple and the Anjaneya Swami Temple.
ShivaTemple
Shiva Linga
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
Anjaneya Swami Temple
The Hanuman Temple is located in the village of Puttaparthi at the northern end of the Gopuram road. The temple is associated with a remarkable incident that occurred during Bhagawan’s childhood days. One day, young Sathya and His friends visited the temple to perform the customary circumambulation. They had gone around the sanctum sanctorum once and preparing to go around again when Sathya suddenly stopped and stood rooted to the spot as if held by some invisible force. Some of his stronger mates tried to move Him but couldn’t. He explained to His wonderstruck friends that it was Lord Hanuman who was holding Him back, and even as He said these words the boys could see Lord Hanuman holding Sathya’s feet tightly and saying, “Lord, it is I who have to circumambulate you”.
Bhajans were being sung in the old Sri Sathya Sai Bhajan Hall.
I don't know the history of this place, but it must of been there since when Swami was young?
Thinking of how many a bhajan has reverberated through those walls.
Thousands upon thousands... no doubt!
I stayed for awhile enjoying the divine energy.
I wanted to go back to Sai Kulwant Hall, so I reluctantly left.
So here is some short video excerpts of some of these above moments.
It was around midnight, I think?
The village bhajans outside the Sathyabhama Temple were still continuing.
I figured they would be doing so till 6am in the morning.
After taking a short break back at the hotel,
I figured they would be doing so till 6am in the morning.
After taking a short break back at the hotel,
I could hear vedic chanting coming from where I had just been before.
I knew straight away a pooja was taking place. So back I went with the camera.
I knew straight away a pooja was taking place. So back I went with the camera.
The Shiva Temple!
Priests were performing abhishekams of water, milk, various fruit juices, honey, sugar, flowers etc etc
and chanting Sri Rudram to the Shiva Linga.
It was being broadcasted over a loudspeaker.
Here is a shortened version of this Linga abhishekams, as it went for around 2 hours.
Someone told me while I was there, that it is very rare to witness such a pooja to this Lingam.
This Linga from Kashi, was apparently installed by Swami Himself!
Named after the family deity, Easwara (another name for Lord Shiva),
Easwaramma (Swami's Mother) was born soon after her father Subba Raju, a great devotee of Lord Shiva,
constructed this Shiva Temple.
Shiva Temple
Hanuman Temple
Easwaramma would visit this Easwara Temple on Mondays, the Sathyabhama Temple on Tuesdays and Fridays
and the Venugopalaswamy and Anjaneya (Hanuman) Temples on Saturdays.
The camera battery finally gave up, so unfortunately could not film the last of it.
So for me, it was a sign to finally go back to Sai Kulwant Hall and spend the rest of the night till 6am in the morning.
So I did!
Pure Bliss!!!
Even the God's would of craved to be there, listening to the all night... Shiva bhajans.
Here's a link from 'Prasanthi Reporter'
http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/2013/03/night-long-vigil-ends/
Prasadam was distributed to all, after it finally ended.
Jai Sai Ram
Post No.7
Someone told me while I was there, that it is very rare to witness such a pooja to this Lingam.
This Linga from Kashi, was apparently installed by Swami Himself!
Named after the family deity, Easwara (another name for Lord Shiva),
Easwaramma (Swami's Mother) was born soon after her father Subba Raju, a great devotee of Lord Shiva,
constructed this Shiva Temple.
Shiva Temple
Hanuman Temple
Easwaramma would visit this Easwara Temple on Mondays, the Sathyabhama Temple on Tuesdays and Fridays
and the Venugopalaswamy and Anjaneya (Hanuman) Temples on Saturdays.
The camera battery finally gave up, so unfortunately could not film the last of it.
So for me, it was a sign to finally go back to Sai Kulwant Hall and spend the rest of the night till 6am in the morning.
So I did!
Pure Bliss!!!
Even the God's would of craved to be there, listening to the all night... Shiva bhajans.
Here's a link from 'Prasanthi Reporter'
http://www.theprasanthireporter.org/2013/03/night-long-vigil-ends/
Prasadam was distributed to all, after it finally ended.
Jai Sai Ram
Post No.7
