NEWSLETTER - 3rd Quarter 2019

Dear Sai Brothers and Sisters,

            Sai Ram Jai Maruthi Jai Maruthi! We hope that this last quarter has been eventful and full of love and joy! This past quarter was quite busy and full of festivals, food, and joy!

            August festivities started off on the 24^th, when we celebrated Janmashtami, which marks the day of Lord Krishna’s birth, with lots of earnestness and zeal, as always. Janmashtami was celebrated by chanting Vishnu Sahasranamam and Krishna Ashtotram while elaborate prasadams were offered to Lord Krishna at the Panduranga shrine, along with an evening puja. Our devotees sang many bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna, and the day was full of love and joy!

            September began with Ganesh Chaturti on September 2^nd.  In our ashram, we performed an abhishekam to all the Ganapatis in the temple and ashram, and offered lots of grass to Lord Ganesha. On this day, we pray to Lord Ganesha so that every new activity that is started is successfully completed without any obstacles. Continuing the quarter of festivities, Navaratri, began on September 29^th and was celebrated by performing a Kali puja on each day. Usually Kali in most parts on India is feared for her ferocious nature, but here in the ashram she expresses her all powerful, yet divine motherly love to all who take her darshan. There was a special alankara and Sahasranama archana that was performed each day, and daily rendering of Sri Lalitha Sahasranama. A different variety of sundal and payasam was made for offering, on all 9 days! We were overwhelmed by Mother Kali’s divine grace and presence!

            On the ninth day of Navarathri, ‘Navami,’ Saraswati Puja was done in the morning along with carrying out all the customs followed by all students. Usually on this day, students keep their books in front of Goddess Saraswati during the puja. And on the following morning on Vijayadashami, students read one or two lines from those same books, seeking the blessings of Saraswati for a promising year in their academics.

            Every Navaratri is more special for Sai devotees because it culminates with Baba’s Mahasamadhi Day, which falls on Vijayadashami-which this year, fell on October 8^th. On this day, devotees did a special abhishekam for the idol of Shirdi Baba! Bhajans were also sung to commemorate this auspicious day and to honor and worship our beloved Shirdi Sai Baba. This was followed by annadhanam in the afternoon which was attended by approximately 350 people! Vijayadashami is the day that our dear Shri Shirdi Sai Baba left his mortal coil to merge with the cosmic universe.  Though Baba is omnipresent, Vijaydashami is the single most celebrated day of the year to receive the grace and worship our Sai Baba.

On Dashami, we also performed Ayudha Puja, which in simple terms, means “worship of instruments.” On this day, all the tools that are used on a daily basis are worshipped. All the tools and instruments used by the staff in the ashram and in the annadhanam hall, were worshipped. This included the worship of our pots and pans, utensils, the car, lawnmower, and so many other items that are used for daily living. Flowers were offered, decorations were made, and sweets were distributed to commemorate this day!

            Although this quarter was full of festivity and joy, Sri Sai Darshan and our ashram family, suffered an irreparable loss. Our beloved dog, Lily, passed away on the 18^th of September. With Baba’s grace, Lily didn’t suffer in her last moments, and she passed away silently, at Maa’s feet. Losing her, has left a void in all our hearts, and will never be replaced. May we always remember her for always greeting everyone with a smile and excitement in her step, her unstoppable-wagging tail, her continuous affection, unconditional love, as well as for being Mickey’s best friend, and a true friend to one and all.

A memorial for Lily is in the process of being constructed, with the first phase of the memorial done. Once complete, the memorial will include a Brindavan, with a shrine and a tulsi plant in between.

            As we look forward to this next quarter, upcoming events include Deepavali and Kartigai Deepam. Our next big function is our annual December function! This year, it will be held starting on the evening of December 17th through the 22nd. The program includes Chandi Homam, Palki Procession, Homam to pray for plentiful rain, Nama Japam, 108 Sumangli Pujas, as well as 108 Purusha Pujas, Ekadasha Rudram, and also Radha Kalyanam. A detailed program will be sent out soon, outlining the events for the entire function! We hope to see everyone there!

            The monthly programs, including the Bhajans performed by the Bhagavatars, medical camp, Purnima Puja, Pradosha Puja, and Thursday annadhanams have been happening without fail. We thank you, all devotees and well wishers, for your continuous support.  Here’s to another fantastic quarter filled with love and happiness!

May Baba’s grace and Maa’s blessings be showered on us all.

Jai Sai Ram Jai Maruthi Jai Maruthi!