Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM

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Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM1

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAMTHAPOVANAMSRI SATHYA SAISATHCHARITHRASacred Life Story ofBhagavan Shri Sathya Sai BabaHOLY BOOK FOR DAILY RECITATION2

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM3

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAMTHAPOVANAMSRI SATHYA SAISATHCHARITHRASacred Life Story ofBhagavan Shri Sathya Sai BabaHOLY BOOK FOR DAILY RECITATIONSantrisriJANDHYALA VENKATESWARA SASTRYPrashanti NilayamEnglish Translation by :M S B PrasadJANDHYALA B G TILAK4

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM5Sree Puttaparthi NilayuduKaapaadunu ninnun epudu KarunaakarudaiCheypatii ninnu broachunuYepattuna Viduvakunda Yelunu ninnun- BabaThe Lord of PuttaparthiProtects you always; the Ever-MercifulHolds your hand in help,Never leaves you abandoned.

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM6FOREWORDHere is Another Anna Saheb DabholkarThe Lord declared that He would incarnate again and againon earth for the resurrection of Dharma, the righteousness.The basic nature and purpose of the incarnation of the God(avathar) on earth is beyond the comprehension of humanmind. It is widely held that incarnations of God are ofvarious types: some are said to be complete incarnations,fulsome incarnations (poorna avathar) of the Supreme Lord;some are said to be partial; and some others are meremanifestations of divinity. It is also held by many thatincarnations take the form that is appropriate to the timesand the context. Many believe that it is only in India theSupreme Lord Himself incarnates; and that in othercountries, His messengers, preachers of His divinity, saints,sages, and philosophers, partially imbibing His nature andcharacter are born.The present incarnation of the Supreme Lord in the form ofBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the most unique of allincarnations. The fame and glory of the earlier incarnationsin India were known only to the Indians. But the wholeworld is familiar with the magnificence and splendour ofBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Hence it may be observed thatthe mankind of the present Kali Yuga is luckier than theearlier generations. We should indeed feel greatly fortunatethat we are the contemporaries of the Lord, Who walksamongst us, Who speaks to us, Who loves us more than amother and above all, Who takes care of us all the time.The story of the God incarnate, His nature, His life etc.,cannot be meaningfully and adequately comprehended byany one. It is beyond human capability to provide a full

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM7account of the Supreme Lord or His incarnate. But anattempt can be made to put together at least some part ofthe unimaginably vast and infinite glory of the incarnation ofthe Supreme Lord and enjoy it oneself, and also help othersin enjoying it. Thapovanam: Sri Sathya Sai Satcharithra is agreat attempt of this kind. This is a holy book of dailyrecitation of the Sacred Life Story of Bhagavan Sri Sathya SaiBaba. The author has explained the appropriateness of thetitle, Thapovanam.The author of the Satcharithra, the life-story of SaiBaba ofShirdi was Sri Anna Saheb Dabholkar. The author of thepresent Satcharithra is Jandhyala Venkateswara Sastry. Thepenname of Sri Dabholkar was Hemand Pant. The pennameof Sri Venkateswara Sastry is Santisri. Sathya Sai Baba ofthe present days is the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi.Then, Sri Anna Saheb Dabholkar and Sri JandhyalaVenkateswara Sastry should be one and the same. SriDabholkar lived in the close vicinity of Sai Baba of Shirdi forseveral years; he was lucky to enjoy the compassion of SaiBaba, and with His permission he authored the Satcharithra.In the same way, Sri Venkateswara Sastry is blessed tocontinue to live in the close proximity of Bhagavan SriSathya Sai Baba for several years and to enjoy His darshan(sight), His sparshan (touch), shravanam (listening to Him),and sambhashan (conversation with Him). Sri VenkateswaraSastry is also fortunate to have been an eyewitness toinnumerable miracles and marvels of Bhagavan Sri SathyaSai Baba and to have received His love and compassion inabundance. Thapovanam is a fabulous result of the greatefforts he has made with the permission of the Lord. SriVenkateswara Sastry has indeed done a great service tohumanity by providing this unique holy book.It has been a great tradition in India to recite daily sacred lifestory of the Lord and His incarnations. It is considered a holyritual. This Thapovanam is prepared most suitably for dailyrecitation, like the great epics and the Holy Scriptures, such

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM8as the Ramayana, the MahaBhagavatha, the Bhagavad Githa,the Guru Charithra, and the Satcharithra of Sai Baba ofShirdi. There are eighteen chapters in the Thapovanam, justas in Bhagavad Githa. The recitation of Thapovanam can bestarted on any Thursday of the week, and following a dailyprogramme for a week, it can be concluded on Wednesday.The recitation can be restarted on the next day, i.e.,Thursday. For the pilgrim, every section of the Thapovanamis like an important stage on the banks of the holy river, theGanges.gIta g gaedkm pITva punjRNMa n iv*Wae ,GÍthā Gangódakam pÍthvā punarjanma na vidyathéSong about Gita Mahatmya from Padma Purana by Veda Vyasais the saying in Sanskrit. Now it can be said:sa sTcirta m&tm pITva sveR ya tI pra gtIm .Sai Satcharitāmrutam pÍthvā sarvé yānti parāngathimSantisri, the author of Thapovanam is a very distinguishedscholar and authored several splendid works. The eminentscholar deserves both congratulations and our gratitude, forhe provides us with a distinctive opportunity to enjoy thetaste of nectar that flows from the Sacred Life Story ofBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.Aist igir sm Syat kJjlm isNxU paÇesurtruvr zaoa leonI pÇm vIR ,iloit yid g&hITva zarda svR kalmtdip tv gu[ana z par n yait.asita giri samam syāt kajjalam sindhu pathrésura taruvara shākhā lékhanÍ patram urvÍ

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM9likhati yadi gruhitvā shāradā sarvakālamtadapi tava guNānāM Ísha pāram na yāthi This is the Sanskrit sloka hailing the glory of Lord Shiva.Similarly, no one can pen the complete story of Bhagavan SriSathya Sai Baba. Santisri produced in a simple style and in ashort form, a magnificent one viz. Thapovanam that providesa glimpse of the most glorious life story of Bhagavan. SriSathya Sai Baba, daily recitation of which will usher in peaceand prosperity to the whole mankind. After all, though theauthor of Thapovanam is Santisri, the real author is theSupreme Creator, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Himself.I feel it a privilege to have been given this opportunity towrite the foreword to this great sanctified work and I amgrateful to Santisri for the same.ySyaSit sd Nt ivmzR ÉaGym!ikNwSy suZkEScplEivRnaed EYasyāsti sad grantha vimarsha bhāgyamKinthasya sushkaischapalairvinódai1-8-117/2 Chikatipalli.Hyderabad 500 020B. Rama RajuNational Research Professor

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM10PREFACEMy first darshan of Lord Sathya Sai Bhagavan is the mostmemorable event in my life. I felt something unique, andrather uniquely divine. His charming beauty, perfect calmand affection attracted me most. In the very first interviewHe asked me to give lectures daily on the Sri MahaBhagavatha for an hour in the Mandir in Prasanthi Nilayam. Iwas taken aback, felt a little nervous and was hesitant to say'yes.' "Why fear, when I am here," Swami said mostaffectionately looking at me. Yes, He has been there with meall the time. Otherwise, how could I give lectures on theMaha Bhagavatha, which I never did earlier, except teachingschool children? I could deliver lectures for two and halfyears continuously, that too in the inside Mandir of the holytemple of the Lord, Prasanthi Nilayam and to the greatlearned devotees. I noted that I was speaking, the MahaBhagavatha, but I also realised that it was He who wasspeaking through me. He was the source of my lectures andHe was also the subject of my lectures.As days passed, I slowly realised that He was not an ordinarySwami or even a great sage, but indeed the Lord Himself. Irealised beyond doubt that He is Lord Siva, Goddess Sakti,Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, in fact, He is all-in-one. He is Lordof Lords, and the embodiment of all religions and faiths. Ifurther realised that He's my closest friend, my philosopher,guide and everything to me. Ekam sat . bahushyam. Hiswords and actions proved it. The proof is I could prepare Hislife story.I have been only an instrument in the divine hands of Swamiin penning His Sacred Life Story here for the benefit of themillions of fellow devotees around the world. I have the rareprivilege of staying in the very presence of the Lord for the

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM11last 18 years, daily having darshan of the most beautifulform of the Lord, sparshan of the soft and delicate LotusFeet of the Lord, shravanam of the Lord’s melodious andaffectionate voice, and also sambhashan with the blissfulLord. He has been with me day and night, and has given me,with immense compassion and boundless love, everything Iasked for and even those that I did not ask for. Above all, Hegave me health and energy to accomplish this gigantic task.How can I express my gratefulness to the ever-mercifulLord? This book is offered at His Lotus Feet as a very smalltoken of my homage to Him.*******My heartfelt homage to the Lotus Feet of Bhagavan SriSathya Sai Baba, my Lord. In His boundless mercy, He isattracting the entire universe with divine love, spreading Hishappiness and protection to all. No man can adequatelydescribe that tender love and compassion. It is Baba Himselfwho kindly created in me the urge to write a book about theblessed life of Sri Sathya Sai, so that it could serve countlessdevotees as a Parayana Grantham (i.e. a sacred book fordaily recitation, to be read from beginning to end as aspiritual and devotional exercise dedicated to the Lord).That is how this book has taken shape. The Upanishadsdeclare that not even a blade of grass can move without thedivine will. That I was made instrumental in writing the lifestory of Bhagavan is nothing but an indication of Hisimmense love and grace.Baba is the manifestation of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu,descended on earth from Vaikunttha. He Himself declaredthis in the presence of countless devotees many a time. Theword Vishnu means, the Omnipresent. And Puttaparthi isverily that Vaikunttha on earth. It is the divine home ofPrasanthi (Supreme Peace), destroying sin granting

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM12redemption and conferring eternal bliss. This is visible, evento the naked eye. As Lord Sri Rama gave shape to the city ofAyodhya, Lord Sri Krishna to the city of Dwaraka and Sri SaiBaba to Shirdi, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai with His Divine Will,shaped Puttaparthi and moulded it into a holy place ofspiritual glory.Due to Baba's unfathomable grace, I am blessed with thegood fortune of spending my days in His immediatepresence in Prasanthi Nilayam. I consider this as my PunyaPhalam, the reward for spiritual merit earned during manyprevious lives. There are thousands like me who have settleddown in this place and are experiencing the bliss of seeing,touching and conversing with Him. Besides this, thousandsmore flock here every day. On festive occasions, countlessdevotees crowd into every inch of the available space. Eachone of them can recount several exhilarating episodes ofBaba's grace. If one were to set about chronicling theirspiritual experiences, it would run into innumerablevolumes of immense size. Baba once said: "Let the hill ofAnjana (collyrium) be mixed in the waters of all the oceansto prepare writing ink. Let quills be fashioned out of thebranches of the Kalpa Vriksha, the celestial wish-fulfillingtree. Let the whole earth be made into a vast pile of writingpaper. And let the Goddess of Learning, Saraswathi herselfbe the scribe to record, with all that vast material at herdisposal, the immense range of Swami's Leelas -- the gamutof His personality, manifestation, sport and divine play. Evenso, the task shall for ever remain unfinished." Nevertheless,in all humility I feel that it is not impossible, at least in somemeasure, to reflect a mountain in a small mirror. I havetherefore ventured to do so, i.e., to try to describe within thenarrow confines of this book, that Ultimate Reality who isOmnipresent, Sri Sathya Sai Parabrahma, the UniversalEternal Principle. In His graciousness too profound forwords, Baba blessed my efforts on the auspicious day of

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM13Gurupoornima (20th July 1997), by vouchsafing. His Divinetouch to my manuscript.In all humility, I appeal to every devotee - Invite Lord Saiinto the temple of your mind; offer the flower of your heartat His Lotus Feet; let punya phalam, the fruit of good deedsand merit acquired dunng past lives be the offering(naivedyam} to Him. Wash His Divine feet with your tears oflove and pure joy. And may you attain salvation throughparayanam of this holy book.PROCEDURE OF PARAYANAMIn Sanskrit Pār' means 'end'. Pārayanam comprisesdevotional reading of a sacred book from beginning to end. .The contents of the book are so ordered that it can be readthrough, in daily stages, in seven consecutive days. Thereading may be commenced on a Thursday and concludedon the following Wednesday. Every event and incidentdescribed here will take the devout reader closer to spiritualrealisation. Completion of the reading with devotion anddedication makes one's heart shine pure, bright and crystalclear.At the commencement, the devotee is to have a bath andwear clean clothes. With a picture or photo or image of SriSathya Sai placed in front of him, the devotee should seathimself and humbly pray to the Lord in a relaxed and sereneframe of mind, expressing gratitude to Him for having beengranted another day of life. He should visualise in mind thescene at Prasanthi Nilayam when Baba moves slowly andgraciously among the gathered devotees, nears thedecorated throne and takes His seat with befitting dignity.That throne should be deemed by the devotee as the throneof his/her own heart. It is useful to recall, for somemoments, the immense benefits conferred on humanity by

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM14Bhagavan Sri Sai. This process will render the devotee’sheart tender and receptive.The moment that one's heart is thus prepared is the mostsuitable time for commencing the parayanam. The image orrepresentation or replicas of Bhagavan’s Lotus Feet(Padukas) may be worshipped according to the proceduregiven in the following pages (including the Ashtothara SathaNamavali, i.e., the 108 Sacred Names). After completing thereading in seven daily stages from Thursday to Wednesday,worship of Sri Sathya Sai on the following day (Thursday)brings the parayanam programme to its conclusion.Pārayanam of this Sathcharithra will earn the grace ofBhagavan Sri Sathya Sai and also bring about a noticeableelevation in our inner being. That would be the fruit of thisspiritual effort. The ritual and disciplined process of readingthis book induces in us a glimpse of the inner self andcontemplation of the self, which eventually leads us to selfrealisation. Simultaneously, we should consciously make upour mind to discard our evil qualities and, at the same time,to add one or two good traits to whatever little stock wealready possess. Service to the needy, sacrifice, compassion,patience, love, honesty and sincerity – these are the qualitiesthat deserve to be inculcated assiduously. That, indeed is theworthy offering we could place at the Lotus Feet ofBhagavan. Our aim should be to reach a stage when we canunreservedly surrender ourselves to Baba. That is the finalculmination of human life the spiritual goal, and the ultimatefulfilment. Nothing else excels it; it is the very essence of allthe exhortations of the vedas and Upanishads.*****This holy book has taken the present form with valuablecontributions of many Sai devotees. At home my wife hasbeen a constant source of help and inspiration at every stage

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM15of my life. My children Suman, Tilak, Sekhar and Jyothi havecontributed with valuable Inputs at various stages ofpreparation of this book. My son Dr Suman Babu, the authorof the popular book, Sri Krishna-Sri Sathya Sai* edited theTelugu version which formed the basis for its translationinto English and other languages. Shri M.S.B. Prasad has putin a lot of time and effort willingly and enthusiastically intranslating it into English. My son, Professor Tilak, ablysupplemented his efforts. Professor B. Ramaraju, an ardentSai devotee and a scholar of eminence, has kindly written anice foreword to the book.Let Swami's Grace be showered on all!I dedicate this humble offering to Bhagavan, the EternalProtector of all:I lay at your Lotus Feet, my Lord, your SatcharithraComposed by me as Parayana Grantham;Be pleased to accept this little flower graciously,And fulfil the righteous desire of every reader. "Hail the glory of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba!PRASANTH! NILAYAMAndhra Pradesh*'Santisri'Jandhyala Venkateswara SastrySri Krishna-Sri Sathya Sai* A beautiful comparative study of Lord Krishna and

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM16CONTENTSForewordPrefacePRAYER21SAL POOJA- SANKALPAM23(PROCEDURE OF WORSHIP OF BHAGAVAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA)ARCHANAASHTÓTHARA SATHA NAMAVALLSAL EASWARA ASHTAKAMSRI SAL ASHTAKSHARI MANTHRAMA SUBMISSION232527383941DAY 1 : THURSDAY47CHAPTER 1 - THAPOVANAM47ENTERING THE THAPOVANAMPRANAVAMSUPRABATHAMNAGARA SANKEERTHANSANDARSHAN"EVEN CELESTIAL BEINGS WAIT FOR ME"PEDDA BOTTU'S EXPERIENCERAJA REDDY'S VISIONBHAJAN475154586064656668CHAPTER 2 - SHIRDI SAI PARTHI SAI71JODI ADIPALLI SOMAPPAPREMA KUTEERAMBABA, THE SIVA-SAKTHILIFE STORY OF LORD SHIRDI SAISHIRDI SAI'S PROMISEBODIES ARE TWO, BUT DIVINITY IS ONEBABA IS ALL PERVASIVE"I KNOW, YOU DON'T"7273757986899293DAY 2 : FRIDAY96CHAPTER 3 - SAMBHAVAMI YUGE YUGE (I INCARNATE AGAIN AND AGAIN)96PUTTA VARHADHANIEASWARAMMASWAMI'S INCARNATIONNOT CONCEPTION, BUT ADVENTDIVINE TOUCHTHE TEACHER'S CHAIRTIGER-HUNTER CHIDED9799100103107109111

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM17CHAPTER 4 - SAI BLOSSOMS113PUSHPAGIRI FESTIVAL"I AM THE SERVITOR OF ALL"DO DEEDS MATCH WORDS?THE MISSING HORSEDIVINE PUPPETEER ACTS THE DANSEUSETHE STING OF A SCORPIONTHE BESTOWER OF KNOWLEDGEFORBEARANCE"I AM SAI BABA"THE GREAT ANNUNCIATIONREFERENCES TO BHAGAVAN SATHYA SAI BABA IN ANCIENT TREATISES114115118120122124125127130133135DAY 3 : SATURDAY140CHAPTER 5 - RESURRECTION OF DHARMA140REVITALISATION OF ANDHARPURRESUSCITATION OF VEDIC DHARMAWHO ELSE KNOWS THE RIGHT MUHOORTHAMTHE YAJNA KALASAMAYUDHA POOJA141141143144146147148149152154155CHAPTER 6 - THE SUPREME DIVINITY159BABA TRANSCENDS EVERY OTHER GODAS SRI MAHA GANAPATHIAS SRI SUBRAHMANYA SWAMYAS LORD PARAMA SIVAAS LORD SRI RAMAAS SRI SHYAM SUNDARAS GAUTAM BUDDHAAS JESUS CHRISTTHE KABA IN BABA'S PALMAS SRI DATTATREYA"MY HUMAN FORM ENCOMPASSES DIVINE SAKTHIS OF ALL GODS"SWAMI PERVADES THE UNIVERSE"NETHI, NETHI"159161162164169171173174175176177178181DAY 4 : SUNDAY185CHAPTER 7 - THE ALL-POWERFUL - CREATOR, PRESERVER, DESTROYER185CREATION (SRISHTI)ANT BECOMES BEADSPARROT FROM BETEL LEAVESDIAMOND EAR-TOPS IN COOKIEMAINTENANCE (STHITHI)"YOU ARE EMBODIMENT OF ATHMA"185186186187188190

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM18THE SIMLA INCIDENTULTIMATE DISSOLUTION (LAYAM)"CREATION, MAINTENANCE AND DISSOLUTION ARE IN MY HAND"192193195CHAPTER 8 - THE LORD OF THE COSMOS197ALL ELEMENTS LIE IN HIS CONTROLRESCUE FROM FIRERESCUE FROM FLOODWATER TURNS INTO PETROLSUNSHINE IN THE HIMALAYAS197197198199200CHAPTER 9 - "WHY FEAR WHEN I AM HERE?"202CHILD SAVED FROM A TRUCKGOD IS CLOSER THAN HUSBANDGOD IS CLOSER THAN MOTHERSUICIDE AVERTEDHIS BOUNDLESS COMPASSION203205207208209CHAPTER 10 - THE MASTER OF TIME OM KALA SWAROOPAYA NAMAH211HE ABRIDGES TIMEHE ELONGATES TIME"TIME AND SPACE BIND ME NOT"ANEKA-ROOPA ROOPAYA(ASSUMING NUMEROUS FORMS)THE INCOMPREHENDIBLEHE ARRIVES UNNOTICED213215216217217220221DAY 5 : MONDAY222CHAPTER 11 - LOVING MOTHER SAI222LOVE OF A THOUSAND MOTHERSAGONY MOVES BHAGAVANTHE FLOWER OF LOVE"SHED A TEAR FOR ME"FLU DRIVEN AWAYSUPREMACY OF SPIRITUAL LEARNING"MY CHILDREN ARE MY ENTIRE PROPERTY"FROLICSOME GODTOLERANCE"BENEFIT FROM CLOSENESS TO BABA"222223225226229230232233234235CHAPTER 12 -THE TEMPLES OF HEALING237SUPER SPECIALITY HOSPITALSPOTENCY OF PRASADAMWHO HAS PERFORMED THE SURGERY?WHY HOSPITAL, IF GOD IS HERE?TO EACH, A DIFFERENT TREATMENT237242243245246CHAPTER 13 - PARAMAM VICHITHRAM LEELA VIBHUTHIM248VIBHUTHI CANCELS CANCER'DONO POLO'249250

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM19TRIBAL LEADER SURRENDERS TO HIMWONDROUS POTENCY OF VIBHUTHI250252DAY 6 : TUESDAY256CHAPTER 14 - DIVINE MIRACLES BEYOND BOUNDARIES256THE ETERNAL SAVIOURJOHN HISLOP AND THE IMAGE OF JESUSINDRA DEVIDR FRANK BARONOWSKIDR ART-ONG JUMSAI"BE HAPPY; THAT IS THE ONLY THING I ASK OF YOU"JAGADEESANMALA, VIKSHEPA, AVARANA256256260266270274278279DAY 7 : WEDNESDAY283CHAPTER 15 - "I AM AWARE OF THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OFEVERYONE"283EVIL BEGETS EVIL"PICKING UP THE FOOD THROWN AWAY THEN"OCEAN OF MERCYNAMA SMARAN AND ROOPA DHYANRELEASE FROM RETRIBUTION283286288290291CHAPTER 16 - SIGNIFICANCE OF NAMASMARAN293293THULASAMMANAMA SMARAN MEANS SUMMONING GODNAMA SMARAN MEANS TELEPHONING GODMAYA, THE TERRIBLE DOGEARNEST PRAYER"I AM EVER WAITING FOR YOU""THE OPPRESSED ARE MY CHILDREN"GOAT AND MIND294296296297298300302305CHAPTER 17 - MANAVA SEVA IS MADHAVA SEVA307"TAKE ONE STEP TOWARDS ME; I WILL TAKE A HUNDRED TOWARDS YOU"HANUMAN AND VIBHEESHAN IN DISCOURSESERVICE LEADS TO HEAVENMAINTAIN SPIRITUALITY THROUGHOUT LIFE309310312314CHAPTER 18 - DEAR TO THE DEPRIVED AND NEAR TO THE NEEDY316ADVERSITY BRINGS GOD CLOSER"I TOO, FEAR HER!"NINE TYPES OF BHAKTHI316319321CONCLUSION325BENEDICTION (PHALA SHRUTHI)325MANGALA ARATI328

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAMPart 1APPROACH TO DIVINITY20

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAMPRAYEROmkāra Bindu Samyuktham,Nithyam Dhyāyanthi Yóginah,Kāmadam Mókshadam-ChaivaOmkārāya Namó Namah.Shukla-Ambara Dharam Vishnum,Shashi Varnam Chatur-Bhujam,Prasanna Vadanam Dhyāyèth,Sarva Vighnó-pashānthayè.Siva-Sakthe, Namas-ThubhyamVaradè, Sai Roopini,Kavyā -arambham Karishyāmi,Siddhir Bhavathu Mè Sadā.Deeksha-Ambara Dharam Sathyam,Kārunya Rasa Sāgaram,Sayiswaram-Aham Dhyāyè,Sarva Mangala Siddhayè***21

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM22Meaning[Indivisible from the primordial sound of Pranavam,You are ever meditated upon by yogis, You grant everydesire, and salvation too, Oh, Omkar, I salute You indeepest humility.Clad in white robes, ever present everywhere, Shiningbright as the moon, with arms four, Oh, remover ofevery obstacle, and every peril, I meditate on Yourbenign form.Oh, Siva-Sakthi, my salutations to You, Bless me. Oh,Mother Sai, As I commence this holy book, May You beever with me.Eternal truth, adorned in sacred garments, Ocean oflove and mercy, I meditate on Sai-Easwara, LordSai Who bestows bliss and happiness on all.]

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM23SAl POOJA- SANKALPAM(Procedure of Worship of Bhagavan SriSathya Sai Baba)Apavithraah Pavithróvā Sarva-Avastha-Angathopi Vā,Yasmareth Pundarikāksham, Sa Bāhya-Abhyantharah Suchih.AchamyaA spoonful of water is poured into the right palm, which isthen taken to the lips and sipped after intoning the first ofthe following names of Sri Maha Vishnu. A similar sip afterthe second name and the final sip after the third namefollows:Om Keshavāya Swāhā.Om Nārāyanāya Swāhā.Om Mādhavāya Swāhā.Then, folding both palms in namaskaram, the devotee willutter the following names of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu:Om Govindāya Namah. Om Vishnavè Namah. OmMadhusoodanāya Namah, Om Thrivikramāya Namah, OmVāmanāya Namah,Om Shridharāya Namah, OmHrushikèshāya Namah, Om Padmanābhāya Namah, OmDāmodarāya Namah, Om Sankarshanāya Namah, OmVāsudèvāya Namah, Om Pradyumnāya Namah, OmAniruddhāya Namah, Om Purushothamāya Namah, OmAdhokshajāya Namah, Om Nārasimhāya Namah, OmAchyuthāya Namah,Om JanārdanāyaNamah, OmUpendrāya Namah, Om Harayè Namah, Om Shri K.rishnāyaNamah.Uthishthanthu Bhootha Pishāchāh, Ethe Bhoomi Bhārakāh,

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM24Etheshām Avirodhèna, Brahma Karma Samārabhè.PrānāyāmOm Bhooh, Om Bhuvah, Om Suvah, Om Mahah, Om Janah, OmThapah, Om Sathyam, Om Thath Savithur Varényam BhargóDevasya Dhimahi, Dhiyó Yónah Prachódayāth, Om Āpó JyothiRasómrutham, Brahma Bhoorbhuvassuvaróm.SankalpamMama Upāttha Duritha Kshaya Dvārā, Sri SāyiswaramUddishya, Sri Sāyiswara Prithyartham, Subhe, Sóbhané,Muhoorthe, Sri Maha Vishnórājnayā, Pravartha Mānasya,Adya Brahmanah, Dvithiya Parārthé, Svetha Varāha Kalpé,Vaivaswatha Manvantharé, Kaliyugé, Prathama Pādé,[Those outside India may omit the following words withinbrackets:](Jamboo Dvipé, Bharatha Varshé, Bharatha Khandé, MerórDakshina Digbhāgé, Sri Sailasya Easanya Pradeshé, Krishnakaveri-yór, Madhya Desé, Sri Sathya Sai Mandiré, SamasthaDevathā Sannidhow, Asmin, Varthamānené, Vyāvahārtka,Chāndra Mānéna Samvathsaré . āyané . Rithow . Māsé .Pakshé . Thidhow . Vāsaré, Subha Nakshathré, Subha Yógé,Subha Karané, Évam Guna Visheshana Vishishttāyām, ShubhaThithow, Asmingrāmé, Sarvéshām, Bhaktha Janānām ChaSarvópadrava Sānthyartham, Sarvé Jana-AbhiVruddhyarthamMama . . . Góthrasya) Sriman/Srimathi . (here name of thedevotee is to be given), Nāmadhéyasya, Dharma Pathnisaméthasya (together with wife), SahaKutumbasya (together with family), Saputhrakasya (togetherwith children), Sabāndhavasya (together with relatives),Saparivārasya (together with others). Kshéma, Sthairya,Dhairya, Vijaya, Abhaya, āyuh-ārógya, Aishvarya,

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAMAbhivruddhyartham, Dharma, Artha, Kāma, Móksha,Chaturvidha, Phala, Purushārtha, Siddhyartham, Ishta,KāmaArtha, Phala, Siddhyartham, Sri Sathya SāyiswaraPrithyartham, Sri Sathya Sai Devathā Poojām Karishyé.ARCHANADhyānam(Meditation)Om Namah PranavārthāyaMangala Prada Moorthayé,Prasanthi Nilayasthāya,Sathya Sāyin Namó Namah.Āvāhanam(Invitation to theLord)Easwarāmbā Sutha, Sreeman,āgachcha Prapithāmah,Mahā Vishnó, Māhadévah,Sathya Sāyin Namó NamahSimhāsanam(Throne is offered)Thrisathya, Nithya, Sath, Dharma,Santhi Rathna Pradeepakah,Simhāsanam, Gruhāna !damSathya Sāyin Namó NamahPādyamSathya Deva Parambrahma,(Water is offered for Sarva Dharma Prabódhakawashing feet)Pādyam Prabhó, Gruhāna !dam,Sathya Sāyin Namó NamahArghyamAbhra Gangā Jatā Joota,(Water is offered for Paramānanda Vigraha,washing hands)Gruhāna-Arghyam, Mayā Dattham,Sathya Sāyin Namó NamahĀchamaneevamDévadéva, Jagannātha,(Water is offered for Préma-Amrutha Rasa-Ambudhi.drinking)Gruhāna āchamanam Déva,Sathya Sāyin Namó Namah.25

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAMSnānamNānā Rasa-Amruthaih, Theerthaih,(Water is offered for Samgruhāna Jagatha-Pathé,Snāpa-ishyāmi Aham Bhakthyā,bathing)Sathya Sāyin Namó Namah.Kāshāya-Ambara Divyānga,Soundarya Rasa Ranjitha,(Clothes are offered) Vasthram Sweekuru Lakésha,Sathya Sāyin Namó Namah.VasthramUpaveetham(Sacred thread isoffered)Gandham(Sandalwood Pasteis offered)Yajna Bhókthā, Yajna Karthā,Yajna Priya, Yajushpathi,Upaveetham Gruhāna !dam,Sathya Sāyin Namó Namah.Sri Gandham Seethalam Subhram,Dehé Thé Lépayami Aham,Sevanam Sweekuru Sreeman,Sathya Sāyin Namó Namah.Tulasee, Kunda, Mandāraih,Vakulaih, Satha Pathrakaih,Poojayāmi Gruhāna !dam,Sathya Sāyin Namó. Namah.Pushpam(Flowers areoffered)Tulasee, Kunda, Mandāraih,Vakulaih, Satha Pathrakaih,Poojayāmi Gruhāna !dam,Sathya Sāyin Namó Namah.26

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM27ASHTÓTHARA SATHA NAMAVALl(This is the worship of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba,invoking His 108 sacred names. At the end of each line endingwith Namah, a flower is to be offered at His Lotus Feet.)1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.Om Sri Sathya Sai Babāya Namah(My humble Salutations to Bhagavan Sri Sathya SaiBaba)Om Sri Sai Sathya Swaroopāya Namah(Salutations to Him, Who is the embodiment of Truth)Om Sri Sai Sathya Dharma Parāyanāya Namah(Salutations to Him, Who solely adheres to Truth andRighteousness)Om Sri Sai Varadāya Namah(Salutations to Him, Who is the giver of boons).Om Sri Sai Sath Purushāya Namah(Salutations to Him, One who exists eternally)Om Sri Sai Sathya Gunāthmane Namah(Salutations to Him, The one who transcends all thethree gunas -Sathva, Rajas and Tamas)Om Sri Sai Sadhu Vardhanāya Namah(Salutations to Him, Who increases the goodness of thepeople of the world)Om Sri Sai Sadhujana Poshanāya Namah(Salutations to Him, Who looks after and sustains goodpeople)Om Sri Sai Sarvajnāya Namah(Salutations to Him, Who is omniscient)

Shri Sathya Sai Sathcharithra - THAPOVANAM2810. Om Sri Sai Sarva Jana Priyāya Namah(Salutations to Him Who is dear to all)11. Om Sri Sai Sarva Sakthi Moorthayè Namah(Salutations to Him, Who is the embodiment of allDivine Powers)12. Om Sri Sai Sarvesāya Namah(Salutations to Him, Who is the Lord of all)13. Om Sri Sai Sarva Sanga Parithyāginè Namah(Salutations to Him, Who has given up all attachments)14. Om Sri Sai Sarva-Antharyaaminè Namah(Salutations to Him, Who is Omnipresent)15. Om Sri Sai Mahimāthmanè Namah(Salutations to Him, Who is a great and glorious soul)16. Om Sri Sai Maheswara Swaroopāya Namah(Salutations to Him, Who is the embodiment of LordSiva)17. Om Sri Sai Parthi Grama Udbhavāya Namah(Salutations to Him, Who is born in a village calledPuttaparthi)18. Om Sri Sai Parthi Kshethra Nivāsine Namah(Salutations to Him, Who resides at the holy region ofParthi)19. Om Sri Sai Yasah-Kāya Shirdi Vāsine Namah(Salutations to Him, Who was famous in the previousincarnation as a resident of Shirdi)20. Om Sri Sai Jodi Adipalli Somappāya Namah(Salutations to Him, Who indeed is Somappa or themale and the female aspects ofLord Siva--

Sathya Sai Baba. Santisri produced in a simple style and in a short form, a magnificent one viz. Thapovanam that provides a glimpse of the most glorious life story of Bhagavan. Sri Sathya Sai Baba, daily recitation of which will usher in peace and prosperity to