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Shivaratri, one of the most awaited festivals, is celebrated with unparalleled spiritual fervour each year. This time it was doubly special, for it was the first Shivaratri in the newly-inaugurated precincts of the Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam, Uyamballi.
The morning celebrations commenced with welcoming Lord Shiva with a Poorna Khumbam and vedic chants, initiating all devotees to tune into and immerse themselves in His thoughts, sing and chant His glory, and invoke His blessings on the holy occasion.
Rudrabhishekam was performed in adoration of Sri Somasundareshwara, the beautiful marbled Shiva Lingam. Chants of Sri Rudram reverberated all around, creating a positive ambience that elevated devotees to experience oneness with the Lord.
The Abhishekam was performed with milk, curd, ghee – symbolizing the different stages in the life cycle until the lasting state of purity is achieved. Subsequently, honey, sugar, dry fruits, panchamrutham, tender coconut and fruit juices were offered as a representation of the sweetness and abundance of nature. Vibhuti abhishekam was offered next as a reminder to burn all material desires and negative thoughts. Sandal paste and Sahasradhara abhishekam were performed in the end with prayers for sanctity and auspiciousness to prevail. The morning program concluded with a string of bhajans and Maha Mangala Aaarthi.
In the evening, people gathered in large numbers from the neighbouring villages to experience the Shivaratri celebration. A palpable energy enveloped the ashram as powerful Shiva bhajans were sung to mark the beginning of the Akanda Bhajans until the break of dawn. Young boys and girls, too, participated in singing bhajans and enthused the audience with their faith and devotion.
The night was imbued with spiritual activity through various forms of dance and music recitals one after another, and the chanting of Sri Rudram every hour, culminating in Ekadasa Rudram by dawn.
The evening’s cultural offerings started with bhajans. It was later followed by a dance recital by sisters Aparna Krishnan and Saathvika Krishnan. The duo offered their salutations to the Lord of dance through their Bharatanatyam performance on the Shiva Panchakshari Stotram and the song Chandrachooda Shiva Shankara Parvathi. They embraced Shiva’s form, attributes and emotions as they displayed how the ever-compassionate Lord drank the venom (halahala) during the churning of the ocean (samudra manthana), extended the life of his devotee Markandeya and burnt Kamadeva to destroy his lust and desires.
The next musical offering was by Shri Abhinandan, a blessed Vainika, who transported all present to experience a bliss state as he strung the chords on the Saraswati Veena to compositions of Sri Muthuswamy Diskhitar – Parvathy Pathim, Sri Parameshwarou Vande and Jambu Pathey Maam Pahi. He was supported by Shri Krishnan on the Mridangam.
A devotional folklore presentation by the villagers in the middle of the night was a main highlight. Their expression or bhavam, the simplicity of the recital, the lively tune of music and the sound of instruments energized everyone, bringing the entire bhajan hall to rapturous applause.
The next musical offering was by Shri Abhilash Shet, a Hindustani classical singer. He presented a rendition of a Bandish, Saban Ke Dukh Haro, in Raag Jog, praying to the Lord to destroy all mental and physical afflictions and eradicate the pain and sufferings of all beings. He also presented his own composition on Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Sai Tum Humare Daata, calling out the various forms of God while underscoring the divine principle as One. He was supported by Shri Gajanana Sabhahit on the Harmonium, Shri Abhinandan on the Tanpura and Shri Santosh Hegde on the Tabla.
Indian Carnatic Classical vocalist Kum. Anjali Ravindra regaled the audience next through a set of Kritis by Saints Muthuswamy Dikshitar, Shri. Tyagaraja and Shri Purandaradasa in adoration of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi and Lord Subramanaya. Each song praised the form and formless attributes of the divine as the dispeller of sins and ignorance, seeking protection, guidance and eternal bliss. Shri Krishnan and Shri Abhinandan supported her on the Mridangam and Tanpura.
A melodious Hindustani-Carnatic Flute and Veena Jugalbandi was presented next by flautist Shri Gajanana and Shri Abhinandan in Raag Nat Bhairav depicting the elements of Shiva Tatva. They were ably supported by Shri Santosh on the Tabla.
The bhajan group sang energetic bhajans and slokas in the early morning hours. The program concluded with the divine message on the Shiva Tatva, of how one must realize that all are the embodiments of Shiva Himself and should pray for the welfare of all beings, not just on Shivaratri, but every day.
