A North Indian Tour with Sri Sathya Sai...
Sri Sathya Sai: The Divine Tourist
Sunday, July 14, 1957 to Wednesday, August 14, 1957
Swami left Puttaparthi by car on the 14th July 1957. He halted at Medkurthi
near Madanapalli, to unveil the silver image of Shirdi Sai (Ayodhya Ashram,
Medkurthi). He reached Madras on the 15th, and after a 4 day sojourn, embarked
on a plane to Delhi on the 20th. He was very amused when He found 'Mr. S. S.
Baba' on His ticket! He had a hearty laugh over the word ‘Mr’.
The holy town of Rishikesh
On 22nd July, Swami left for Rishikesh by car. At Rishikesh, Swami visited the
Sivananada Ashram. He materialised Vibhuti and Japamala for Swami Sivananda. He
transformed the water of the holy Ganges into medicinal syrup and handed it to
Swami Sivananda along with some fruits and Vibhuti. This mixture was meant as
medicine for Swami Sivananda’s rheumatism. It is needless to say that Swamiji
became well soon after.
Swami Sivananda at the
Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh
On 26th July, Swami took all the devotees and inmates of Sivananda Ashram to
the Gharwal Palace along the banks of the Ganges. Swami spent a long time with
the devotees clearing their doubts. He plucked the Jambu fruits from the tree
outside the palace and distributed them to the devotees with His own hands. On
their way back from the Gharwal palace, Swami had the bus pull over after He
spotted a thin name plate that read ‘Vasishta Guha’. Swami got off the bus and
proceeded towards the cave. His gait seemed to suggest He had visited that
place quite often in the past, and as if someone waited for Him inside the
cave.
With Swami Purushottamananda
at Vasishta Guha
The occupant of the cave for the past 30 years, Swami Purushottamananda,
welcomed Swami as if he was expecting Him. Swami reminded him of the travails
he endured when he first entered the cave. Swami repeated the visit to the
Vasishta Guha the following day evening as well. Swami sang many songs
including a Tyagaraja Kriti, for the Swamiji. Swami materialised a candy for
Swami Kalikananda as medicine for his stomach-ache. Swami materialised a
Spatika Japa Mala for Swami Purushottamananda. Swami then asked all the
devotees to leave the cave, while He decided to stay on with the Swamiji.
Sri Subbaramiah, President of the Divine Life Society, who was with Swami on
that day, stood at the entrance of the cave and could see what was happening
inside through a small opening in the cave. He saw Swami placing His head on
the lap of Swami Purushottamananda and laying Himself down. Swami’s body was
bathed in Divine brilliance. Rays of splendour emanated from His face. The time
was about 10:00 pm. Later, when the devotees enquired, Swami informed them that
it was a vision of Jyotir Padmanabha (which was the form of Divinity worshipped
by Swami Purushottmananda).
Padmanabha - The lotus-navelled form of Lord Vishnu
Swami took leave of Swami Sivananda on the 28th and proceeded to Delhi. On the
30th, He proceeded to Mathura-Brindavan by car. He pointed out to various
spots, identifying them as places where He performed Leelas in His former
Avatar as Lord Krishna. In the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple of Radhe Shyam,
He created twin idols which were exact miniatures of the images installed
there.
The holy towns of Mathura-Vrindavan on the banks of river Yamuna
On 2nd August 1957, Swami left for Srinagar by plane and reached the Kashmir
valley at 12 noon. Even though the head of the Shankaracharya Matt requested
Swami to stay with them, Swami chose to stay in a houseboat called ‘Alexandra
Palace’. The stream of devotees to Alexandra Palace continued unabated for 2
full days during Swami’s stay there.
The scenic spots of Gulmarg and Kilanmarg in Kashmir
Swami left for Gulmarg and Kilanmarg on the 3rd August. He wanted to show His
entourage the snows of the Himalayan Ranges. Swami organised for horses for all
the devotees accompaniying Him. The horse Swami chose for Himself was called
‘Raja’. Swami trekked a distance of 12 miles (14,000 feet above sea level) on
horseback.
Sri Sathya Sai and His entourage in the hills of Kashmir
Swami left for Madras via Delhi on the 6th of August. After a short stay at
Madras, He reached Puttaparthi on the 14th.
Source: Sri Sathya Sai Digivijayam – Part 1 (1926 – 1985)
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