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Monday, May 5 2025
SWAMI'S BIRTHDAY
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Date of Swami's Birthday: November 23
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Purpose:
Sathya Sai Baba, initially named as Sathya Narayana
Raju was born in Puttaparthi, a small village in South
India on 23rd November 1926. This is the day when the
Lord Himself came on earth in physical form, and is
hence celebrated every year by devotees of Sai Baba.
It is a day when we remind ourselves of what Swami stands
for, and what we should do as His devotees.
Story
relating to Swami's Birth:
Let me share with you one of the interesting events
related to Swami's birth. From week to week before Swami's
birth, musical instruments like the tambura and maddala
(or drum) used to play on their own in the middle of
the night. Swami's parents used to be awakened by the
tambura twanging automatically and the maddala beating
rhythmically just as if an expert Hand was playing it!
Many other incidents and intimations occurred that were
believed to be auspicious, and signified the presence
of a Shakti, a Divine Power.
Swami's message:
Most of all, it is important to remember and follow
Swami's messages on celebrating His Birthday. On many
occasions, Swami has said "As I come to the Sai
Kulwant Hall, many devotees greet Me with the words,
'Happy Birthday!' They should wish 'Happy Birthdays'
for those who are not happy. I do not need your birthday
greetings. The Divine is perennially in bliss (Nitya-Ananadam).
The Divine is ever blissful; confers supreme happiness
on others; is the ever embodiment of the highest wisdom;
has transcended the opposites; is as vast as space;
cloud-like in complexion; with perfect features. Like
the lightning in the heart of a cloud, wisdom should
illumine your hearts. That wisdom will reveal, the Divine
in you." What Swami wants is that all of us should
be happy all the time, rather than simply wish Swami
'Happy Birthday'.
Likewise, in many of His discourses, Swami has mentioned
that, "The day you practice all My teachings and
adhere to the Truth will be My Birthday". So what
Swami wants us to do is practice His teachings. When
all the Sai devotees adhere to His teachings, that will
be His Birthday. Therefore, we should adhere to His
teachings as a gift to Swami on His birthday.
How is the Festival celebrated
in Singapore:
In Singapore, Swami's birthday celebrations are
on for one full day. It is a happy occasion where all
the Sai devotees from different centres in Singapore
come together to produce spiritual vibrations by singing
the Swami's praise. We start early in the morning with
prayers and paduka pooja, followed by bhajans which
will continue till evening. A Mega Blood Donation Drive
is held (with the support of the Singapore Blood Transfusion
Centre) where we donate the Liquid Love the entire day.
After bhajans, youths from different centres offer drama
and dance performances.
On the day before Swami's birthday, the Sri Sathya
Sai Central Council Singapore invites a few hundred
senior citizens for lunch and devotees from all centres
collectively do seva by serving them food with love.
Here too, drama and dances will be performed to entertain
the senior citizens while they enjoy their vegetarian
meal. As you can see, this is the day where all Singaporean
devotees come together with unity and devotion to Swami
as His birthday present.
Jai Sai Ram
Sis Khushboo
SSEHV Group 4
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