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The sacred occasion of Maha Shivaratri at Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam was marked by profound devotion and artistic excellence. The day commenced with the auspicious Ekadasha Rudra Homa and Abhishekam, setting the spiritual tone for the celebrations. As night fell, the atmosphere resonated with divinity through Akhanda Bhajans and an array of cultural performances, including Hindustani and Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, and instrumental recitals. The twelve-hour-long vigil immersed devotees in an experience of devotion, unity, and artistic brilliance, and concluded with the Mangala Aarti at dawn.
Sacred Rituals Mark the Morning Celebrations
The morning ceremonies on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri featured the sacred Ekadasha Rudra Homa and Ekadasha Rudra Abhishekam, performed with deep reverence.
The priests conducted the Abhishekam for Sri Sarvaantaratmeshwara Swami using Pancha Dravyams, culminating in a magnificent Alankaram and the offering of Mangala Aarti.
The atmosphere was filled with devotion as the Rudra Homa unfolded, with the collective chanting of Ekadasha Rudra bringing everyone together in a unified prayer for the welfare of the world.
Alongside, the sacred beats of traditional instruments by the troupe evoked a profound sense of being in Kailasha itself, their powerful rhythms resonating with divine energy.
Villagers and devotees eagerly participated, giving the Shivaratri festivities a profound and spiritually uplifting start.
Shivaratri Evening: Akhanda Bhajans and Cultural Offerings
The Maha Shivaratri night at Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam was a divine spectacle filled with music, dance, and ceaseless devotion. The evening began with the auspicious lighting of the lamp, followed by soulful bhajans and energetic medleys by the Geetha Sudha team and the students of Sangeeta Maadhuryam, invoking the divine presence of Lord Shiva.
Hindustani Classical Recital: A Divine Invocation
The first offering was a mesmerising Hindustani classical concert by senior students of the renowned Vidushi Smt. Vasudha Narasimhamurthy. The soulful renditions by Shri Samvatsara, Shri Sridhar, and Kumari Sriranjini, accompanied by Sri Dattatreya Joshi on Tabla and Dr. Gajanan on Harmonium, left the audience spellbound. The vibrations of their ragas continued to resonate in everyone’s hearts, reminding all of the eternal beauty that exists beyond the material world.
Nritya Maadhuryam: The Grace of Young Bharatanatyam Dancers
The students of Nritya Maadhuryam, hailing from nearby villages, presented a vibrant Bharatanatyam performance. Having trained diligently for 1.5 years under their Acharyas, the young dancers showcased a compilation of adavus and hastas, the foundational elements of Bharatanatyam. The performance was guided by sisters Sourabha Bhat, Aparna Krishnan, and Sathvika Krishnan, with Mridangam support by brother Krishnan. The dedication and discipline of these young artists were evident in their graceful movements and synchronized rhythms.
A Bharatanatyam Recital by Senior Dancers of Natyavedalaya
Following this was a captivating Bharatanatyam recital by senior students of Bangalore-based dance teachers Smt. Chitra Vinod and Smt. Jayanthi Tyagarajan of Natyavedalaya. Dancers Athira Varma, Harishri KJ, Smriti Mohan, Sushma S Bhat, Swathi Manoj, and Tanmayee Ramkumar offered a stunning presentation, featuring powerful compositions like Subramanya Kauthvam and Shiva Panchaakshari Stotram. Their exquisite choreography, technical precision, and expressive storytelling left an indelible mark on all present. It was also a source of great inspiration for the students of Nritya Maadhuryam to witness such artistry, devotion, and mastery.
Sitar and Flute Recital: Strings of Devotion
As the sacred vigil continued, the devotees were treated to a soul-stirring Sitar and Flute recital. Sri Sanjeev Korti, a master sitar player from the Gwalior gharana, performed alongside Dr. Gajanan Sabhahit on the flute, with Sri Karthik Krishna providing rhythmic support on the Tabla. Their soulful play with Raag Yaman brought a sense of peace and transcendence, as the divine melodies resonated in the hearts of all present.
Carnatic Vocal Concert: A Soulful Offering
The next offering was a Carnatic vocal concert by the young, talented Shri Anirudh Subramanian, accompanied by Shri Vaibhav Ramani on the violin and Shri Kaushik Sridhar on the Mridangam. More than just a performance, it was a journey through the rich traditions of Carnatic music, leaving the audience immersed in its devotional essence. The concert featured significant songs such as “Vishweshwar Darshan Kar,” “Chandrachooda Shiva Shankara Parvati,” and “Bho Shambho,” each invoking deep spiritual fervor and devotion.
Bhajan Offering: Devotion in Every Note
The devotional fervor continued with an offering by the bhajan troupe from the nearby villages of Uyyamballi and beyond. For two hours, their heartfelt and energetic bhajans filled the hall with unity and divine presence.
The Akhandam Continues with Seva Team Bhajans
Following this, the seva teams of brothers and sisters sang bhajans that transported everyone to a higher realm of spiritual bliss.
Stotrams and Closing Session
As the night progressed, the bhajan group chanted stotrams, celebrating the mesmerising Nada Swaroopa that Lord Shiva personifies. As dawn neared, the Sai Suprabhatam was sung, followed by a final round of bhajans. The night culminated with the final Aarti offered to Sri Sarvaantaraatmeshwara Swami, Sri Vaatsalyambika Deva, and Sri Guru Guha Swami.
The Akhanda Bhajan session concluded with Mangala Aarti to Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the distribution of Prasadam. Shivaratri served as a poignant reminder of life’s true purpose—the unity experienced in divine focus and the unparalleled joy found in selfless love.
