Photos: Maha Shivarathri Celebrations at Puttaparthy

The Evening celebrations of Maha Shivarathri 2016 witnessed the auspicious Lingabhishekam to the sanctified Sayeeshwara Lingam in Prasanthi Nilayam that was followed by a relay of Divine Discourse and commencement of Akhanda Bhajan at 1800 Hrs.

Earlier at 1610 Hrs, the proceedings began with a procession carrying the “Sayeeswara Lingam” to the venue in Sai Kulwant Hall, amidst the holy chants of Vedam and booming Panchavadyam.

Mounted on an elevated platform, the Lingam that was sanctified during the Ati Rudra Maha Yajna in 2006 in the immediate Divine Presence of Bhagawan, was the centre of attraction for the evening.

Ritualistic proceedings and Abhishekam were continued by the Vedic Priests. Beginning with Maha Ganapathi Puja, the Abhishekam was conducted with Holy Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey, Sugar, Turmeric, Vibhuti, Kumkum, mixed Fruits, Bilwa leaf, Lotus flower, Rudraksha etc., to “SAYEESWARA”. Chanting of Sri Sathya Sai Ashtothra Namavali and Adhi Sankara’s Lingashtakam were followed with flower offerings before Mangala Arathi was offered to the Lingam. The Lingabhishekam is aimed at Universal Peace and Global Harmony.

Divine discourse exhorting the esoteric significance of the auspicious night, Linga Tatwa and Shiva Tatwa was aired for the next twenty minutes and the Akhanda Bhajan was commenced by Bhagawan Himself with, “Sathyam Gnanam Anandam Brahma …”

The nightlong Akhanda Bhajan singing His glory will continue d till 0600 hrs this morning.