Life History
His Life – A Summary
Sri Sathya Sai Baba was born in Puttaparthi on Nov 23, 1926 – an auspicious Monday in the lunar month of Kartika, when Lord Shiva is especially adored. He was given the name Sathyanarayana Raju. What intrigued His mother Easwaramma, most was the unbounded compassion her little Sathya had particularly for the poor and downtrodden. Even as a toddler, He insisted that the beggar at the door be served well in spite of their own limited means and would often give His own share to the needy. When He began school, His playmates were inspired by His ability to lead them to be socially responsible, spiritually aware, endowed with individual and national character. His friends were often fascinated by His extraordinary powers of creating things out of thin air, knowing the future, deep understanding of scriptural wisdom and so on.
The inexplicability of His actions greatly disturbed His father Sri Ratnakaram Pedda Venkama Raju, and on May 23, 1940, he angrily accosted Sathya to reveal His true identity. Sathya just took a few flowers and flung them down which arranged themselves to read “I am Sai Baba.” Later that year, on the morning of Oct 20, halfway through the school day, Baba suddenly returned home, cast aside His books and dramatically declared, “I am no longer your Sathya… I am Sai. I have my work, I cannot wait any longer.” Thus, that day forward Sathyanarayana Raju became Sathya Sai Baba.
From that epochal moment on, kings to commoners started thronging to His presence seeking solace and succour as Baba cancelled an incurable disease of one, sorted out familial problems of another, and likewise. His growing fame, accompanied by rising ridicule from envious quarters, rattled His elder brother Seshama Raju, who wrote a letter cautioning Him of His activities. In His reply, dated May 25, 1947, Baba emphatically stated that He has a ‘Task’ to ‘foster all mankind with bliss’, a ‘Vow’ to ‘lead all onto the path of righteousness’, and a ‘Work’ of ‘removing the suffering of the distressed’, also assuring that He would never give up on those who attach themselves to Him.
Towards this end, in the 1960s Baba germinated the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations in India, through which people across religions, class and caste, could collectively engage in selfless service and foster the eternal values of Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love and Non-violence, for their own spiritual uplift. In no time the movement grew global to more than 126 countries with Prasanthi Nilayam being its epicentre.
While millions of inspired individuals took to practising selfless love, to create working models for them to emulate, Baba founded the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust in 1972. Since then this umbrella institution is engaged in the implementation of trailblazing projects like free primary to tertiary-care hospitals, free education from primary schooling to doctoral research, free drinking water to remote villages, free housing rehabilitation initiatives, etc., demonstrating to the world new paradigms to raise society’s quality of life inspired by love, service and universal brotherhood. Baba, Himself exemplified this higher life incessantly for 86 years where the power of pure love was in glorious action.
On His 83rd and 85th Birthdays in Nov 2008 and 2010, on His devotees’ request, Baba rode on a golden chariot. Only later did everyone realise, those were indeed symbolic of the golden culminating moments of Baba’s earthly sojourn. Baba discarded His bodily vesture on April 24, 2011. The devotees miss His physical form, nevertheless, they continue to experience His guidance and grace, as enigmatically as ever. The Universal Consciousness that is Sri Sathya Sai eternally lives on.
The Childhood Sage
The Raju family of Puttaparthi was noted for its piety since the days of the renowned sage, Venkavadhootha, a saintly ancestor who was looked upon as a Guru in hundreds of villages around. Not only did the family build and endow the Gopalaswami Temple (dedicated to Lord Krishna), but Sri Ratnakaram Kondama Raju, the grandfather of Baba’s physical frame, dedicated a temple to Sathyabhama, consort of Lord Krishna, a deity to whom this type of homage is seldom offered in any part of India. Peasants by vocation, they were known for their musical and dramatic talent and were much involved in the propagation of the sacred scriptures through village plays and musicals. Consequently, the family was given the name ‘Bhat Raju’ (Bhat – priest).
Some years passed and Easwaramma longed for another son. She prayed to the village gods, performed Sathyanarayana Puja and observed a number of rigorous vows. One day, an extraordinary incident occurred that heralded the descent of the divine into her womb. Easwaramma had gone to the village well to draw water. There, she noticed a strange bluish glow that transformed itself into a luminous orb. The ball of light then glided towards her and entered her being. Shortly thereafter, to the joy of her family, Easwaramma found herself in the family way.
Sri Kondama Raju was a pious soul who lived out his hundred and ten years of earthly existence in the unceasing contemplation of the Lord. His wife Srimathi (Smt) lakshmamma predeceased him by twenty years. They had two sons who were both named after Sage Venkavadhootha – Sri Pedda Venkama Raju and Sri Chinna Venkama Raju. Sri Pedda Venkama Raju, the elder son, was married to Easwaramma, daughter of Sri Meesaraganda Subba Raju of Kolimigundla of Kurnool district. Sri Pedda Venkama Raju and Smt Easwaramma were blessed with a son and two daughters in that order, Seshama Raju, Venkamma, and Parvathamma.
Divine Prelude
After a while, mysterious indications of the impending incarnation occurred in Sri Pedda Venkama Raju’s house. For example, there was the twang of the tambura! Since the brothers and the father were all interested in the village operas, there was a big tambura (a string instrument) and a maddala (drum). As the birth of the son for whom Mother Easwaramma prayed, announced itself as imminent, the house was awakened at midnight, and sometimes even later, by the tambura twanging automatically, and the maddala beating rhythmically as if an expert Hand was playing on it! One Shastri (Vedic scholar), whom Sri Pedda Venkama Raju approached for an explanation, said that it was an auspicious occurrence: it meant the presence of a Shakthi, a beneficent Power, conferring harmony, spiritual elevation and joy.
The Advent
23rd of November, 1926, the Hindu year of Akshaya, meaning, the Never-declining, the Ever-full. It was the time of sunrise and the villagers were chanting the names of Lord Shiva, remembering that the day was Karthika Somavara, a Monday of the Holy Month of Karthika, devoted to the puja (worship) of Shiva. That day was made even more auspicious for Shiva worship because the ascendant star was Ardra (the star of Shiva). On this day, when these rare and propitious signs came together, the people thronged the temples of the Lord to offer special pujas and pray for His benediction.
The Mother had also just finished her Sathyanarayana Puja in accordance with her vows, for, even while she was going through the final rituals, the pangs forewarned her. When Easwaramma announced the pangs, word was sent to the mother-in-law, Smt Lakshmamma, the pious lady of the house; but, it became known that she had gone to the house of the priest to perform the Puja of Sathyanarayana; the messenger discovered her there and urged her to return; but she was so confident of the Grace of Lord Sathyanarayana, so steadfast in her devotion, so disciplined in her religious adherence, that she refused to be hustled!
She sent word that she would bring with her the sacred offerings after the Puja and that on no account would she allow her prayers to be interrupted! She finished the entire ritual with full concentration, came home and gave her daughter-in-law the flowers and the sacred water. Easwaramma partook of the blessings of the Lord. Next moment, the Lord was born and the Sun rose above the horizon!
The Divine Child
A very significant event occurred soon after the birth of the child, which revealed the divinity of the baby. One day, it was noticed that the bed of clothes on which the baby was lying was being moved up and down in a peculiar way by something underneath. They watched with bated breath and when they looked under the bed they found a cobra underneath! The snake was playing the role of Sesha to the Seshasai! (Sesha, according to Hindu belief, is the serpent on whose bed of coil Lord Vishnu rests.)
The baby was named Sathyanarayana because there seemed to be a significant relationship between the worship to that God and the realisation of the mother’s cherished desire. When the Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony) was performed and the name was whispered in the ear; it seems the baby smiled, for the suggestion to give that name must have emanated unobtrusively from Itself! The embodiment and exponent of Truth could not give Himself a more appropriate name.
The little “Brahmajnani”
Little Sathya soon became the pet of the entire village of Puttaparthi and the farmers and cowherds vied with each other in fondling it and feeding it and playing with its lovely silken curls. Its charming smile attracted everyone. Like a lighted lamp, Sathya moved about the house and laughter tinkled in the street when He lisped His sweet vocabulary of sounds.
So distinct was His behaviour that a wag once nicknamed Him “the Brahmin child”! Yes, it was a fitting description. Little did that wag know that, while in the previous body, this child, so laughed at now, had declared at Shirdi, “This Brahmin can bring lakhs of men on the White path and take them to their destination!”
The villagers soon started referring to Him as “Brahmajnani”, the knower and proponent of Brahman or Godhood. Even at a young age, Sathya was known for His extraordinary love and compassion towards creation and aversion towards harming any creature. His heart melted at human suffering. Whenever a beggar appeared at the door and raised his cry, Sathya abandoned His play and rushed in, to force His sisters to dole out grain or food. The elders in the house tried to dissuade Him saying, “Look here! You may give him food; but, mind you, you will have to starve.” That did not daunt the child; He used to run inside and bring food to the hungry man at the door; and stay away from dinner or lunch, himself. Nothing and nobody could persuade him to come to His plate, which was left untouched!
While others in the family relished non-vegetarian food, little Sathya would advise them to desist from such cruel habits. Whenever such food was cooked in the household, the boy used to run to the Karnam’s (village chief) house, and partake of the food offered by Subbamma, the aged lady residing there, for they were Brahmins and vegetarians.
THE EARLY SCHOOL DAYS
At the age of eight, Sathya was declared fit to proceed to the Higher Elementary School at Bukkapatnam, about two and a half miles from Puttaparthi. He had to start early, after a meal of cold rice and curds or cooked ragi (maize), rice and chutney, carry the afternoon meal in a bag, and with His companions make the arduous trek daily to Bukkapatnam.
Sathyanarayana was a precocious child, learning more things than anyone could teach Him and much quicker than most; He could sing all the songs and Stotras (prayers) that were recited at the village operas. He even composed at the tender age of seven or eight, some touching songs for the cast, which was gladly accepted by them for public presentation!
The Pandhari Bhajan group
When He was about ten years of age, Sathya formed a ‘Pandhari Bhajan’ group in the village of Puttaparthi. The group consisted of about sixteen to eighteen boys dressed uniformly in ochre clothes, each holding a flag in the hand and wearing jingling anklets. They all danced to the tune of folk-songs and ballads, describing the yearning of pilgrims for Lord Panduranga’s Darshan. He also added some Bhagavatha songs of His own. It was noticed that He added to these traditional themes, songs on a pilgrimage to a new shrine of which no one had heard, and the majesty of a new Deity of whom they had not even the faintest idea, Shirdi and Sai!
Moreover, it was observed that when an infection of cholera swept like a poisonous miasma over the area and wiped out entire families in the surrounding villages, Puttaparthi did not feel the blast of death. Wise men told one another that the Divine Atmosphere generated by the Bhajan group was responsible for saving their lives.
At Kamalapuram
Sathya had to move to Kamalapuram, a small town about 200 kilometres from Puttaparthi, with His brother Seshama Raju. His parents planned to give Sathya a college education, so that He may become an officer! And hence, they were prepared to part with their beloved son and send Him to Kamalapuram to the Board Middle School there, so that His studies could be continued.
Sathya was a quiet, well-behaved boy and the favourite of His teachers. Once, He sang the prayer song before the curtains went up on a drama in the town and those who heard His sweet voice spread the news that a ‘fine musician’ had come to town. Prayer songs at functions like public meetings became His monopoly thereafter.
A merchant by name Kote Subbanna who sold medicines, tonics, glassware, umbrellas, etc. came to know of Sathya’s talents and approached Him for a ditty to market his new product. He gave Him the necessary information and by evening, Sathya was ready with an attractive Telugu song, which was sung in chorus by His friends and Him. They used to march along the streets, with placards in their hands, singing Sathya’s slogan-filled jingle and evidently enjoying their task!
A word may be said about Sathya and His involvement in the theatrical activities at school. Sri Thammi Raju, the teacher-in-charge, once asked Sathya, who was only twelve years old then, to produce a play in Telugu. Sathya plunged into the work very enthusiastically. The drama was a great success, not only because the hero of the play was a little boy, a role enacted by Sathya himself, but, chiefly because it had as its theme the eternal sin of man – hypocrisy. The title of the play was “Cheppinattu Chesthara?” meaning “Do we practise what we preach?”
Meanwhile, Seshama Raju was transferred to Uravakonda. He decided to take Sathya along with him with the intention of admitting Him at the Sri Karibasavaswami District Board High School there. Accordingly, Sathya accompanied His elder brother to continue His studies at Uravakonda. The town of Uravakonda would be witness to the grand and mysterious events that would mark the momentous transformation of the young child into a great spiritual master who would change the very destiny of mankind.
Mysterious Turn of events at Uravakonda
Sathya was sought after by people who had lost articles of value, for He had brought with Him to Uravakonda the reputation for intuitive perception, which revealed to Him the place where anything was! Baba says that in those days, He used to give His friends only the first and last letters of the names of the persons with whom the lost articles could be found. He left them with their own resources to recover the goods.
On March 8, 1940, the whole town was shocked to hear that a big black scorpion had stung Sathya in the twilight hours of the evening. However, Sathya slept that night without any sign of pain! Everyone felt relieved, only to become anxious once again when the next evening, Sathya fell unconscious and became stiff; He would not speak and breathing appeared faint. Seshama Raju brought in a doctor, who gave an injection and left behind a mixture. Sathya was apparently unconscious throughout the night. The doctor came again in the morning and declared that the boy was out of danger!
An incident happened in the night which showed that Sathya was not ‘unconscious’ but, that He was actually subconscious! Someone suggested that the local deity be propitiated, because the condition of the boy may be due to some evil spirit that possessed Him. So, volunteers hurried to the temple and offered worship, placed flowers and incense, and broke a coconut at the altar. At that very moment, Sathya, who was to all intents ‘unconscious’, said, “The coconut has broken into three pieces,” and when the volunteers came home with the offerings, they had with them three pieces and not the usual two!
Sathya got up in a day or two and began to behave in an extraordinary way. Baba has said that He Himself initiated the process of manifestation, for He could not wait any longer, playing about as a mere boy, with ‘brother’ and ‘sister’ and ‘classmates’ and other secular bonds. He wanted to demonstrate that He was beyond both ‘Visha’ and ‘Vishaya’, that neither the poison of the scorpion nor worldly attractions could ever affect Him.
Meanwhile, Sri Seshama Raju had informed his parents at Puttaparthi about the state of affairs at Uravakonda. He had written that Sathya was not answering anyone who spoke to Him, that it was a herculean task to make Him accept food, that He was spending the time mostly in silence but, sometimes bursting into song and poetry or reciting long Sanskrit slokas (hymns) and at times, expounding the highest Vedantic philosophy. The parents took about a week to reach the place, because of unforeseen and inexplicable difficulties.
Seshama Raju got nervous as to why the parents had not arrived. He decided to send someone to Puttaparthi to find out the reason for the delay. But, Sathya interposed and said, “You need not send for them now, they will be here in half an hour,” and true to His words, they came in, exactly thirty minutes later.
Divine Fortitude
The parents were beside themselves with worry at the condition of Sathya; He sang and spoke and behaved in such a queer manner. It was all so mysterious. At that time, someone gave information to the worried parents that there was an expert exorcist before whom no evil spirit dare wag its poison tail! He will cure Sathya perfectly and make Him fit to go to school, they assured.
The exorcist was a gigantic figure, terrible to behold, with blood-red eyes and untamed manners. He tried all his craft which he dared not experiment even with strong adult patients! For example, he shaved the head of the boy and, with a sharp instrument scored three ‘X’ marks on the scalp, from the top towards the forehead. Sathya sat through the pain without wilting. With the scalp injured and bleeding with those markings, the witch doctor poured on the open wound the juice of a lime, garlic, and other acidic fruits.
The parents who were watching the proceedings in utter despair were surprised, for there was not even a tear or a gasp of pain from the boy! But the exorcist was unrelenting and put the boy through even more terrifying trials until the parents could bear to see it no more. They wanted to save the boy from the jaws of that Yama (God of Death) in human form; they had seen and suffered enough. They paid him full fees and also gave some unasked gifts, and thanked him for all the ‘learning’ he had utilised.
When asked later as to why He chose to go through this diabolical adventure, Baba remarked, “Even after seeing all that fortitude and the miracle of a little boy passing unscathed through all that terror, even now, you are not convinced that I am Baba; how then would you have reacted if I just made the announcement one fine day? I wanted to make known that I am Divine, impervious to human suffering, pain or joy.”
Meanwhile, Sri Krishnamachari, a lawyer-friend from Penukonda, heard of these occurrences in the Raju household and came to the village to study the situation and offer whatever help he could. He had a good look and told Venkama Raju, “It is really more serious than I thought; take Him immediately to the Narasimha Temple (Lord Narasimha – the Man-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu) at Ghatikachalam; that is the last chance”. On hearing these words, Sathya said, “Funny, is it not? I am already there at Ghatikachalam and you want to take Me to Myself!” The lawyer had no further inclination to cross-examine.
I am Sai Baba
On 23rd May 1940, Sathya rose from the bed as usual, but after some time, He called the members of the household around Him, gave them sugar candy and flowers taken from nowhere. At this, the neighbours too rushed in. He gave them each a ball of rice cooked in milk, flowers and sugar candy concretised by a mere wave of the hand. Meanwhile, Sri Venkama Raju came and he was incensed by what he thought was a trick, hiding things somewhere and producing them by sleight of hand. He wanted the chapter to be closed before it lengthened into a tragedy.
So, arming himself with a stick, he accosted Sathya and asked, “Are you a God, a ghost or a madcap? Tell me!” Prompt came the answer, the Announcement, that had been held back so long, “I am Sai Baba.”
At this, Venkama Raju was stunned into silence; the stick slid from his hands. He stood staring at Sathya trying to grasp the implications of that announcement – “I am Sai Baba.” But, Sathya continued, “I belong to Apasthamba Sutra; I am of the Bharadwaja Gothra; I am Sai Baba; I have come to ward off all your troubles; keep your houses clean and pure.”
The elder brother, Seshama Raju went near Him, and asked, “What do you mean by ‘Sai Baba’?” He did not reply but only said this much – “Your Venkavadhootha prayed that I will be born in your family. So, I came.” The father felt that Sai Baba was a Muslim spirit speaking through the boy and so, he asked, “What are we to do with you?” Prompt came the answer; “Worship Me!” “When?” “Every Thursday! Keep your minds and houses pure.”
One Thursday, someone challenged Sathyanarayana and asked Him, “If you are Sai Baba show us some proof, now!” Baba replied, “Yes, I shall” and asked for some jasmine flowers. With a quick gesture, He threw them on the floor and said: “Look.” They saw that the flowers had formed while falling, the Telugu letters, ‘Sai Baba’!
Divine Omnipresence
On an invitation from some townsmen in Hospet, Seshama Raju decided to take Sathya on a picnic to see if it might improve the mental health of the boy. Hospet is a few miles away from the ruins of Hampi, the capital city of the Emperors of the ancient Vijayanagara Kingdom in what is now the state of Karnataka.
There, they visited the temple of Lord Virupaksha, the patron deity of the Vijayanagara royal family. While the others in the party went into the temple to offer worship at the sanctum sanctorum, Sathya stood outside admiring the height and majesty of the Gopuram (tall pyramid-shaped roof of a temple). When the priest waved the flame of camphor before the Lingam (ellipsoid structure worshipped as Lord Shiva), they saw to their utter amazement, Sathya there inside the shrine! He was standing in a place of the Lingam, smiling and accepting their salutations.
Thinking that Sathya may have slipped into the shrine evading everybody’s notice, Seshama Raju went outside to verify whether He was still there. Yes, indeed Sathya was there, leaning on a wall and staring at the horizon! He rushed inside the sanctum sanctorum and, yet again, he found Sathya standing there and blessing everybody.
This incident confirmed their faith in Sathya as a Divine Manifestation. They offered special Puja (worship) to Him that day. Hospet was on its toes with expectation and excitement. The story that He was seen as Virupaksha had spread to that town long before they reached it. The next day He cured a chronic tuberculosis patient by His touch and made him get up and walk a mile; He materialized a variety of articles for the devotees and the enthusiasm of the people knew no bounds. Bhajan and Namasankirtan (singing the name of God) continued far into the night.
The Mission Begins
On the 20th day of October 1940, the day after they all returned from Hampi, Sathyanarayana started for school as usual. However, within a few minutes, He returned to the house. Standing on the outer doorstep, He cast aside the books He was carrying and called out, “I am no longer your Sathya. I am Sai”. The sister-in-law came from the kitchen, only to be blinded by the splendour of the halo around Baba’s head! He addressed her, “I am going; I don’t belong to you; Maya (delusion) has gone; My Bhaktas (devotees) are calling Me; I have My Work; I can’t stay here any longer.”
When the brother hurried home on hearing all this, Baba only told him, “Give up all your efforts to ‘cure’ Me. I am Sai; I do not consider Myself related to you”.
In spite of repeated pleas, Sathya would not step into that building again. He moved in, into the garden of the Excise Inspector Sri Anjaneyulu’s bungalow, and sat on a rock in the midst of the trees. People came into the garden from all directions bringing flowers, fruits, incense and camphor to worship Him. The garden resonated with the voices of hundreds singing bhajans (devotional singing) and following the lines of the first prayer that Sri Sathya Sai taught them.
“Manasa Bhajare Gurucharanam Dusthara Bhava Sagara Tharanam “
(O Mind! Meditate on the Feet of the Guru, which will take you across the wearisome sea of Samsara or worldly existence.)
A photographer came with a camera to capture a beautiful picture of the young Swami. He wanted to remove a crude stone that was right in front of Him, but Baba did not heed to the prayer. He clicked nevertheless and lo! When the photo was developed, the stone had become an image of Shirdi Sai Baba!
Sri Sathya Sai Avatar
This was the story of the Advent of the Avatar and the early years of His life and mission, a mission that would bring millions to His Lotus Feet to taste the bliss of Divine Love and thus transform their lives. In a letter He wrote to His brother Sri Seshama Raju way back in 1947, Sri Sathya Sai Baba emphatically declared the grand purpose for which He has come.
He said:
I have a Task: To foster all mankind and ensure for all of them lives full of Ananda (Bliss).
I have a Vow: To lead all who stray away from the straight path, again into goodness and save them.
I am attached to a Work that I love: To remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack.
I have a reason to be proud, for I rescue all who worship and adore Me.
The decades that have rolled by since that epochal letter was written have been witness to the grand manner in which His vision has taken shape. The world-class super-speciality hospitals that offer tertiary level medical care free of charge, schools and colleges that impart values-based education, the mammoth drinking water supply projects and the numerous other service projects undertaken by Him stand as a testimony to His selfless Love and His compassion for humanity. However, even more, significant than these activities have been His tireless efforts towards spreading the message of spirituality and inculcating love and brotherhood throughout the world. Through the Sri Sathya Sai Centers and the Education in Human Values (EHV) programmes, thousands all over the world have sanctified their lives by putting into practice His precepts, and by participating in service programmes such as Narayana Seva (feeding of the poor) and free medical camps. Truly, the Sathya Sai Avatar has heralded a golden era in the history of mankind.
Timeline
1926
Puttaparthi hamlet, 1926: Eashwaramma (meaning: mother of God) draws water from the well when a big ball of blue light descended towards her and merged into her being.
Startled at what seemed to be a bizarre phenomenon, Eashwaramma fainted, yet that auspicious moment indicated the entry of divine incarnation into her womb.
The thatched house in which young Sathyanarayana Raju was born on the morning of 23rd November 1926.
Baba’s father Pedda Venkama Raju had a small shop in the adjacent room.
Sathya’s friends witness a huge monkey stopping the young lad from circumambulating the precincts at Hanuman Temple. Only after Sathya came to a halt, did the primate vanish from the scene.
Later, Sathya revealed that the monkey was indeed Hanuman, the monkey god of thretha yuga, who protested that as a devotee & servant he should go around Lord Rama, who was His master & saviour, and not the other way around.
Appeasing the hunger and call of every being, be it human or animal, was the proclivity of the kind and compassionate Sathya, as he led by example.
Often starving, Sathya gave away his share of the food/clothing to beggars, and to all those in need!
Sathya was instrumental in bringing a spiritual reformation in the town, as he founded the ‘Pandhari bhajan group’. Consisting of sixteen to eighteen boys, Sathya led the group as an organizer, treasurer, composer and lead singer.
Compositions comprised of songs from Bhagavatham, the yearning of the pilgrims for Lord Panduranga’s Darshan, mellifluous music on an unknown saint Sai Baba of Shirdi, among others.
When an infection of cholera wiped out several families in the surrounding villages, Puttaparthi remained unaffected. The divine potency & energy created by the young bhajan group came to light, and the growing popularity got the boys to soon perform in neighbouring villages as well.
At the age of eight, Sathya had to walk to the neighbouring village of Bukkapatnam, about two and a half miles from Puttaparthi, to pursue his middle school learning.
Starting early, after a meal of cold rice and curds / cooked ragi (maize), rice and chutney, Sathya had to carry the afternoon meal in a bag, and the monsoon season meant wading through neck-deep water, with a school bag on his head.
When young Sathya did not write the notes dictated by his teacher Kondappa, only to affirm that he can answer all the questions, Kondappa ordered him to stand on the bench for three consecutive periods.
English teacher Mehboob Khan, who came in to tutor the pupils for the next hour, explained that Sathya could in fact reply, and requested that he be made to sit down. Kondappa didn’t concur to the advice and tried to get up as the bell rang, only in vain.
Mehboob Khan commented, “We should never punish people without a reason, even if they are our students. This boy may appear as an ordinary boy, but there is immense divine power in Him. Ask Him to sit down, at least now.” Kondappa soon ordered Sathya to sit down, and the teacher could now get up from his chair.
Baba later remarked that this drama was not staged to humiliate the teacher but to slowly make people aware of his latent divinity.
1930
In the late 1930s, Sathya had to move to Kamalapuram in the neighbouring Cuddapah District with his elder brother Seshama Raju and sister-in-law’s family. The Raju family felt the education there would bestow on Sathya a better future.
Not happy with the prospect of housing Sathya in their premises, the in-laws made the young boy in-charge of several household chores. Sathya took to all tasks silently and cheerfully, including the arduous job of fetching good drinking water from a nearby well.
Little Sathya woke to the bell of a steam engine at 4.00 every morning, carrying two pots full of water, before going to school.
Despite any money to foot the trip expenses to Pushpagiri’s annual cattle fair, Sathya joins the scout boys to render service!
Walking the entire distance on foot, while others reached by bus, the young lad carried out the duties sincerely. Unable to afford the scout uniform, he wore the only piece of clothing he had; living frugally, spending little on food, Sathya skipped many meals and drank water to fill his stomach. The little boy even saved some money to pick up gifts for his family in Kamalapur, yet what awaited him was a severe punishment, for his absence led to a lack of drinking water supply.
Baba later revealed that he deliberately created such painful situations to impart the value of forbearance and equanimity.
1940
On 20 October 1940, standing on brother Seshama Raju’s doorway, Sathya cast aside his schoolbooks and proclaimed, “I am no longer your Sathya. I am Sai.”
The sister-in-law stood stupefied, blinded by the splendour of Baba’s halo.
He addressed her thus: “I am going; I don’t belong to you! Maya has gone. My devotees are calling me: I have my work; I can’t stay here any longer.”
Despite repeated pleas, Sathya did not step in.
On 23 May 1940, when Sathya gave sugar candy and flowers out of nowhere to his family, neighbours too rushed in. With a wave of the hand, he gave them each a few goodies.
Infuriated by what father Venkama Raju thought was a trick, he decided to put an end right away. Arming himself with a stick, he confronted Sathya: “Are You a God, a ghost or a madcap? Tell me!”
Sathya promptly responded, “I am Sai Baba.” Venkama Raju was stunned into silence, as the stick slid from his hands.
Sathya continued, “I belong to Apasthamba Sutra; I am of the Bharadwaja Gothra; I am Sai Baba; I have come to ward off all your troubles; keep your houses clean and pure.” The elder brother, Seshama Raju went near him, and asked, “What do you mean by ‘Sai Baba’?” He did not reply but only said this much – “Your Venkavadhootha prayed that I will be born in your family. So, I came.”
Disbelieving Sathya’s strange claim, a villager challenged him: “If you are Sai Baba, show us some proof. Now!”
“Yes, I shall. Place those jasmine flowers in my hands”, replied a calm Sathya.
Sathya then threw those flowers on the floor with a quick gesture and said: “Look!”
All those present stood to witness the flowers reading out the Telugu letters: “Sai Baba”.
After his Avtaric Declaration on the morning of 20 October 1940, Sathya went straight to the garden of Anjaneluyu, an excise inspector & ardent devotee of Baba.
As he sat on a rock amid trees, word quickly spread gathering a crowd of both mystics and sceptics. The garden soon resonated to the voices of hundreds singing the first prayer that he taught them: “Manasa Bhajare Gurucharanam Dusthara Bhava Sagara Tharanam” (Meditate on the Feet of the Guru in thy mind, which will take you across the turbulent sea of Samsara / worldly existence)
A photographer then came to capture a picture of the garlanded young Sai on the rock, and he suggested to remove the crude stone that obstructed the view. Baba paid no heed to his request, and the developed photo shows to posterity an image of Shirdi Sai Baba, in place of the stone.
1945
In the early 1900s, Puttaparthi was a small hamlet with just two lanes at right angles, located not far from the Chitravathi River. It had an assorted cluster of mud huts, and a few brick-and-mortar houses, and a population of ~200.
With no direct roads, one had to first reach the neighbouring Karnataka Nagepalli village, situated on the other side of Chitravathi river, and then cross the river either by a bullock cart or walk across the sand and wade through the water.
Even by 1945, when Baba’s first ashram was inaugurated, travel to Puttaparthi continued to remain as difficult.
Two widowed, yet generous women Subbamma and Kamalamma were ardent devotees of Baba right from early years, who decided to formally transfer their vacant land to make it a ‘Sai Baba Matam’ (spiritual headquarters). As Baba did not want to own any property, his father Venkama Raju agreed to act as a land manager, and legal papers were signed.
As the two women did not have enough money to build a house for Baba, others pitched in and a small tin shed with an annexe was constructed for Baba to live in. Inaugurated on 14 December 1945, this was Baba’s first ashram, where he felt far more comfortable, and the ashram functioned as a community, with visitors pouring in from near and far.
This cluster became Baba’s home for five years, with the biggest room as the prayer hall. Behind the large shed in the front were the living quarters, with a well that provided water.
Once when Baba was resting with some devotees on the Chitravathi river sands, He announced: ‘Look! Naga Sai is coming!’
The crowd looked on, as a huge yet charming snake was slithering and winding gracefully, in a dancing fit, with a likeness to Adi Sesha, the divine serpent on whom the Trinity Avatar Vishnu reclines.
As it approached closer, its head suddenly transformed into the strikingly beautiful countenance of Baba. Despite the stunning sight, fear stuck a chord amidst those assembled, as it came near.
Swami, no! Please ask it to go away!’
Looking gently at the snake, he said, ‘Go now, Naga Sai’, making the snake disappear!
Kalpavriksha [OR] Wish Fulfilling Tree, is a tamarind tree atop a small hill adjoining the Chitravathi river, and it bore many a witness to the divine plays of young Sathya.
Baba would pluck a handful of leaves, giving a leaf to each assembled, and asking ‘em to keep their palms closed. As the crowd opened them at His command, they stood to see all kinds of things: sugar candy in one hand, rosary in another, peppermint in the third. On closing and reopening them as per his command, they would see only tamarind leaves; imparting in those assembled, the impermanence of material things.
At other times, Baba used to pluck an apple from one branch, a mango from another, an orange from the third, and pears and figs from a fourth and fifth. It didn’t matter if the fruit was in season or not!
Once Baba announced the arrival of the divine river Ganga to the ashram inmates, and told, “None of you should go even one inch beyond these outstretched hands of Mine. Look there! Ganga is rushing forth!’
The approaching ferocity & high tides along with the roaring noise, scared those around. As it almost touched the hem of Baba’s robe, his extended touch immediately quietened the water beneath His hand, whilst the waters beyond were still frighteningly turbulent.
Sacred items such as flowers, turmeric powder, kumkum were offered to the river Goddess, and Baba broke the coconuts. ‘We are very happy that you came to visit us. Ganga, now go back please!’ uttered Baba, affectionately patting the waves with both His hands. The river receded completely, and not a drop of water was seen anywhere.
Baba laughed at everyone’s nervous disbelief, and pointed to his feet, on which adorned a garland of jasmine flowers! He picked up the garland, smelt it, and distributed the flowers to everyone. Each jasmine bud was almost the size of a rose, softer than cotton, emanating ethereal sweet fragrance all around.
“I will never go back on my word”: Subbamma, an ardent devotee of Baba, had prayed that he be with her in the last moments of her life. However, when her ill health took a turn for the worse, Baba was in Chennai, and she breathed her last.
Questions soon arose on Baba’s absence, even as funeral arrangements were being made.
When Baba arrived a little later, the relatives commented bitterly, “Baba! Subbamma had great hopes till her last moment that you would come and pour a few drops of water in her mouth. Having served you for so long, could you not have fulfilled her desire at least?”
Even as ants were crawling over her lifeless body, Baba announced, “She is not dead. Please remain quiet.” With the tulsi leaves brought by Subbamma’s centenarian mother, Baba called Subbamma.
The devoted woman opened her eyes and held Baba’s hands tightly, as tears of joy and gratitude rolled down. After exchanging some personal words with the risen Subbamma, He poured the basil water in her mouth, and bade her to close her eyes; she breathed her last soon after, leaving everyone wonder-struck.
Once Baba decided to reveal the Third Eye to a group of devotees, and a gigantic head of Baba stretched across the entire sky, as an orifice appeared on his forehead with fiery sparks rising from the opening.
Onlookers stood dazzled by the sheer brilliance yet fretted what would happen to their beloved Sai. Soon many fell down unconscious, making the rest fearful. As they began to cry, Baba suddenly appeared in their midst, giving them a gentle pat. Confused by this strange experience, and not knowing why people fainted, they hugged Baba and continued to weep.
As few regained consciousness, they gently enquired Baba’s well-being, and patted his face to ensure that he was really amidst them. With a hearty laugh, Baba assured ‘em and applied vibhuti on all their foreheads. The strange experience had made them feel like they were floating on air.
As the out-of-the-world experience remained with the onlookers the next day, Baba informed that this was a result of their prayers during many past lives. He added this was not even a thousandth part of the third eye’s brilliance, and He had to tone it down so they could withstand the spectacle! As Baba smeared vibhuti again on each forehead, they gained a semblance of normalcy.
On Vaikunth Ekadashi day, the 14th of December, 1945, a modest first mandir of Baba was inaugurated in Puttaparthi.
1947
25 October
Baba delivered the first-ever public speech in Karur in Tamil Nadu, starting the tradition of instructing through His divine discourses. Bhagavan Baba delivered thousands of divine discourses over the next 63 years.
1948
14 January
Foundation laid for Prashanti Nilayam – the Abode of Highest Peace that would in future become the spiritual capital of the world.
1950
November 23
On Baba’s 25th birthday, Prashanti Nilayam ashram was inaugurated.
1954
Foundation stone laid. Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital, Prashanti Nilayam was inaugurated in ‘56, making it the very first medical care facility in the entire region.
1957
Barely a decade after the fall of British colonialism, Baba presided over the 9th All India Divine Life Convention in Venkatagiri, a landmark event aimed at reviving the glory of Indian culture and spirituality. Swami Satchidananda of the Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh,was the Organizing Secretary.
1957
1 July
‘Vata Vriksha Sthapana’ Baba planted a Banyan Tree on a hill behind the Prashanti Nilayam that would serve the seekers as a sanctum for mediation.
1957
1 July
‘Vata Vriksha Sthapana’ Baba planted a Banyan Tree on a hill behind the Prashanti Nilayam that would serve the seekers as a sanctum for mediation.
1958
2 Feb
Baba’s first published writings began with the launch of Sanathana Sarathi that has served as an elixar to many devotees and readers of His message for decades. The Ashram started publishing its monthly magazine ‘Sanathana Sarathi’ to spread Baba’s message of universal love and selfless service across the country and overseas. Baba wrote 15 series of articles under varied titles including Prema Vahini, Dharma Vahini, Dhyana Vahini, Prashanti Vahini and Sandeha Nivarini, in simple spoken Telugu and continued to do so over the next quarter century thereby setting a record of sorts in spiritual journalism.
1960
The first volume of Baba’s biography ‘Sathyam Sivam Sundaram’ by noted historian from the Mysore University, Professor Narayana Kasturi was published, offering a well-researched and comprehensive account of Baba’s life till then.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba started the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, India.
1961
Baba visited the sacred shrine of Badrinath with the then Governor of Uttar Pradesh Sri B. Ramakrishna Rao. During this visit Baba’s reconsecrated the lingam that was placed in the inner sanctum of the shrine by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya many millenia ago.
1962
1 Oct
Veda Purusha Jnana Saptah Yagnya was inaugurated during Dussera. Vedic Scholars from across India discourses on the universality of the Sanathan Dharma as a harmonious way of life. A scholar from Sorbonne, France named Valestin came to Prashanti Nilayam, was blessed with an interview and was overwhelmed with Baba’s vision for the Vedic way of life.
1963
Guru Poornima
An extraordinary event took place when Baba cured Himself of paralysis, witnessed by hundreds. It was later in the discourse on that day, Baba revealed the secret of the Triune Sai avatars (Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai and Prema Sai) and declared that He is Shiva-Shakti swaroopa.
1964
Baba established the Brindavan Ashram in Whitefield, outskirts of the South Indian city of Bangalore. This ashram eventually became the second ashram of Sri Sathya Sai Baba after Prasanthi Nilayam, that enshrined the divine atmosphere of the ‘Braj bhoomi’ the land of Lord Krishna.
1968
12th May
Sri Sathya Sai Baba inaugurated Dharmakshetra, the Sai headquarters at Andheri, Bombay. The event coincided with The First World Conference of the Sathya Sai Seva organisations. Devotees from Ceylon, Singapore, Manila, Kuwait, Dubai, Casablanca, Mombasa, Nairobi, Kampala, Arusha and Malta, Hong Kong, Fiji, Tehran, Tokyo, West Indies, Peru, Brazil and the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of America attended.
30th June
Baba commenced His first and only international tour to East Africa. Bob Raymer of Los Angeles was part of the entourage along with a few devotees from India.
22 July
Sri Sathya Sai College for Women started at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, making it the lead college that become part of the Sai university network of campuses.
1969
Sri Sathya Sai Baba started the Mahila Vibhag (Womens’s wing) of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organizations, India.
9 Jun
Sri Sathya Sai College for Men started at Brindavan, Whitefield, Bangalore.
1970
Somnath Temple visit and reconsecration of the space by Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
1972
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust established for charitable social welfare projects.
May
The First Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality was held by the instructions of Baba for the youth of the country to propage the rich values and cultural heritage of India. This was the first of many summer courses that inspired thousands of youth. Baba Himself delivered discourses on various topics clarifying the message of the ancient scriptures of India. Many eminent guest speakers were invited to deliver talks. The students would also participate in rural service activities.
17 October
Inauguration of Poorna Chandra auditorium
1973
4 April
Baba’s Ashram in Hyderabad – Sivam was inaugurated.
1975
Baba inaugurated the Sarva Dharma Stupa in Prashanti Nilayam – symbolising the unity of world religions, on the occasion of the 50th Birthday celebrations.
1976
28 August
Inauguration of General Hospital in Whitefield, in the outskirts of the South Indian city of Bangalore.
Srimathi Eswaramma High School was inaugurated in Puttaparthi.
1979
Inauguration of college at Prasanthi Nilayam
1981
Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s Ashram in Chennai – Sundaram was inaugurated.
15 Jun
Inauguration of the Sri Sathya Sai Primary School and Higher Secondary School.
22 Nov
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Deemed University) was inaugurated in Prashanti Nilayam on November 22 in the presence of the then Chief Justice of India, Justice Y.V. Chandrachud and a host of other dignitaries and heads of state.
1983
The Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications was established. Aimed at fostering human values through Baba’s noble teachings via various publications spread over different media, SSSBP has been relentlessly on the task over the past quarter century, serving as a lifeline between Prashanti Nilayam and the world. (www.sssbpt.org).
1985
22 Nov
Sri Sathya Sai Planetarium inaugurated at Prashanti Nilayam.
1990
Sanathana Samskruthi – the Eternal Heritage Museum was inaugurated at Prashanti Nilayam
Sri Sathya Sai Baba inaugurated the 65 feet high statue of Hanuman – the acme of devotion on the top of the mountain in the Hill View Stadium at Prashanti Nilayam on the occasion of the 65th Birthday Celebrations.
1991
22 Nov
Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty Hospital inaugurated in Prashanti Gram by the then Prime Minister of India Sri P.V. Narasimha Rao.
15 Nov
Sri Sathya Sai Airport inaugurated at Prashanti Nilayam.
1995
9 July
Inauguration of Sai Kulwant Hall in Prashanti Nilayam to accommodate up to 20,000 devotees at a time for Baba’s daily darshans.
Sri Sathya Sai Drinking Water Supply Project-Anantapur dedicated to the people of India on the occasion of Baba’s 70th Birthday celebrations by the then President of India Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma.
1997
First Sai Youth World Conference at Prashanti Nilayam is attended by thousands of youth from hundreds of countries. Sai movement is poised for continuity and renewal.
Unity Cup Cricket Match held between India XI against World XI at Hillview Stadium in Prashanti Nilayam.
1999
Sri Sathya Sai International Centre at New Delhi inaugurated. (www.saidelhi.org)
2000
Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music inaugurated in Prashanti Nilayam.
Chaitanya Jyoti Museum – a tribute to Bhagavan Baba’s life and message on the occasion of the 75th Birthday celebrations was inaugurated.
Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty Hospital at Whitefield, Bangalore inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Sri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Sri Sathya Sai Water Project launched in Medak and Mahbubnagar.
Radio Sai Global Harmony launched from Prashanti Nilayam to take Baba’s message of love and harmony to the world 24/7 via internet, satellite radio, and e-zine Heart-to-Heart www.radiosai.org
2002
Chennai Water Project launched
2003
UGC Golden Jubilee Seminar on Ethics and Education held at Prashanti Nilayam; renowned academics and heads of many universities across India participate in the proceedings in the presence of Baba.
2005
Interfaith Conference, Prasanthi Nilayam
Sri Sathya Sai 8th World Conference on the theme ‘Unity, Purity, Divinity’ held in Prashanti Nilayam.
2006
Sri Sathya Sai International Centre for Sports and Indoor Stadium inaugurated by then President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Athi Rudra Mahayajna conducted at Prashanti Nilayam by Baba for Universal peace and welfare; installation of the Sayeeshwar Lingam at Prashanti Nilayam.
2007
Baba visits Chennai, much to elation of devotees from Tamilnadu.
Athi Rudra Mahayajna for world peace and prosperity conducted in Chennai in the presence of Baba; establishment of Sai Sundareshwar Lingam at Sundaram.
Over 6000 youth from 85 countries attend Sai World Youth Conference on the theme ‘Ideal Sai Youth – Messengers of Sai Love’ in Prashanti Nilayam.
Sri Sathya Sai World Education Conference on the theme ‘Sathya Sai Education in Human Values’ was held in Prashanti Nilayam.
2009
August
A high profile conference on Ethics and the World of Finance held at the Sai University where India’s leading bankers and financial experts participate; Baba addresses the valedictory function of the Conference.
November
Odisha Housing Project
2010
Sri Sathya Sai 9th World Conference held in Prashanti Nilayam.
Baba visits Delhi
Baba inaugurates Sai Ananda Vilas at Shimla.
November 23
85th year of Bhagavan Baba’s Divine Advent celebrated across Bharat and 125 countries. Baba gives his last discourse on the occasion of the 29th Convocation of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning at Prashanti Nilayam in the presence of the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh and a host of other dignitaries.
2011
The Eternal merges into Eternity. His legacy of Love and Selfless Service lives on through millions.
The Advent
Books
Miracle of Pure Love
A scientist’s narration of the life, teachings and works of Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Professor G. Venkataraman holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Bombay. He served as a Senior Scientist, Department of Atomic Energy in the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay, from 1955 to 1973. From 1973 to 1987, he worked as Director – Physics and Electronics Group, Head of the Computer Centre, Head Library and Information Service, at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam.
Thereafter, till 1992 in his position as the Director, he led the ANURAG project in the Defence Research and Development Organisation, holding the rank of a Distinguished Scientist. He retired from that post on superannuation to serve as the 5th Vice-Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prashanthi Nilayam. He is a recipient of many professional awards and also the prestigious Padma Shri conferred by the President of India.
Prof. G. Venkataraman has authored dozens of books on scientific topics. However, since 1992, he has turned his attention to serious spiritual enquiry, writing books on the various facets of the Sri Sathya Sai mission, teachings and glory.
Message of Pure Love – in a way is a culmination of his understanding of the phenomenon that is Sri Sathya Sai, whom he had an opportunity to intimately observe for fifteen continuous years.
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
To view a video series on this book by Prof. G. Venkataraman, click here.
