Perfunctory reading might term this as a challenge from one illustrious scholar to another, perhaps to sufficient accuracy. Yet, beneath this lay a promise. A promise to act as a medium between the seeker and the Truth, between actions and their fruits, between the children and their Lord. Countless ages have passed since then, but this promise remains unbroken.

With the rains being Nature’s way of replenishing itself, Puttaparthi dons a fresh tint of green during the month of Bhadrapada. A modest veil of gray now covers the afternoon sky, which would have been otherwise profuse in its luminosity. The air is refreshing, a stark difference from the oppressive heat of the summer months. The seekers, in white, can be seen hurrying back to the hostel after an engaging day. Although the situation invites a sense of calm and tranquility, there is an underlying eager anticipation coursing through each of their minds. Ideas, plans, and discussions permeate every conversation as they prepare to welcome Ganesha.

The Divine Origin

The senior boys hostel has never been a stranger to Divine encouragement and participation. Right from the early days of Prasanthi Nilayam, Ganesh Chaturthi has been an occasion when Swami used to be personally involved in the festivities. During the early 80’s, clay idols were not available in and around Puttaparthi. They had to be sourced from Bangalore. It was the warden’s duty to consult Swami regarding the specifics of the idol. “Typically, the idol would be about 3 feet tall, and Swami would estimate its price to be around 300 rupees”. With just a single SRS bus running between the two locations, a day’s journey to Bangalore had to be made to procure the idols. Swami’s involvement in the selection and purchase of the idol was a special tradition that added to the spiritual significance of the event.

A senior professor vividly recalls that on the morning of every Ganesh Chaturthi, boys were expected to be at the mandir for Darshan. Following this, Swami would accompany the students to the hostel. In the dining hall, everyone gathered as Swami delivered His Divine Discourse. This was followed by Bhajans. At times he used to participate in the Puja being conducted in the hostel, inquiring about the little details that made the day. “Once He got involved, the entire mechanism used to get activated — right from the Vice-Chancellor to the Warden and the students.”

Ganesha – the Medium

Swami would always deliver a living discourse to those who are eager to listen and follow, as is the case with the majority of activities in the Divine presence. This festival was no exception. Opportunities materialised and were exquisitely veiled by the Lord. These were opportunities for transformation: a chance to bolster their faith, a chance to uncover their inherent potential, and a chance for them to organise and work as a team. Observing Swami’s meticulous and nuanced attention to detail during the celebration was an amazing experience…

He had consistently iterated on the multifaceted nature of education provided at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL). On one hand, there was the significance He perpetually assigned to our culture and traditions. On the other hand, secular education was given utmost priority. A former warden recalls a specific incident. Swami would provide precise instructions regarding the date and time that must be adhered to for the events that occur during the Puja, from the very beginning. In a particular year, tradition mandated that Tuesday be avoided in order to facilitate the immersion of the idol. Regrettably, the university had examinations scheduled for the following Thursday (the next convenient date for immersion). Swami was informed of this and promptly suggested that the immersion be conducted on Tuesday, despite the fact that it was against tradition. The welfare and convenience of His children were of paramount importance to Him. Idol immersion has been held on the third day ever since, regardless of any stray implications.

A recollection common over multiple batches was how Swami would apparently be dissatisfied with the students as the festivities approached. This served as a warning to the students that their endeavours may not have been adequate. Subsequently, these endeavours saw increased innovation and effort in order to capture His attention and appease Him. Swami’s demeanour would always undergo a transformation by the third day, which was typically the day of the idol immersion. He would return to a joyful state and engage in warm conversation with the students.

Thus, these festivities were just a medium, where in His unique execution, Swami would guide and guard His children.

When the chariots rolled in

There were two Ganesha idols during the early years: one at the university and one at the higher secondary school. Sai Kulwant Hall hadn’t come to be yet, so they were transported to the Mandir in palanquins. An important milestone for the celebrations in SSSIHL was the creation of the first chariot, which occurred around 1992. The kitchen trolley served as the chariot’s foundation during that period. Even though there were some reservations at first, the fears quickly faded when everyone witnessed the chariot being led into the Mandir, and Swami being overjoyed at seeing it. “Swami was so happy that He almost climbed the chariot to stand next to Ganesha and take pictures,” reflects an alumnus. This was the year that an additional element was added to the connection between the students and their Lord — the element of innovation.

Over the years, Sai Kulwant Hall has witnessed brilliant chariot ideas being brought forth, some involving varied interpretations of philosophical intricacies, while others seeking to impress with their sheer beauty.

A New Custom

At this point, one might recall the story of a certain student who felt a close connection to the festivities, as his birthday coincided with Ganesha Chaturthi. It was the year 1994, and Sai Kulwant Hall was being constructed. Contrary to customs, Swami had decided to stay in Brindavan for the festivities. The mood in the Prasanthi Nilayam campus was sombre. A sudden burst of inspiration led him to believe that an idol could be created in the hostel itself. Abrupt decisions are seldom accompanied by pragmatism; therefore, this idea was vetoed. Yet, there were rumblings of intuition that the extra effort might improve the situation.

Following their instincts, clay was brought in secrecy, and an idol was created in the central dome of the top floor of the hostel by a group of 5- 6 boys. It was the 8th of September when word arrived that Swami was indeed coming back to Puttaparthi, and He would visit the hostel. The heavy four-foot Ganesha, made of solid unbaked clay, was gently lowered down.

Swami immensely approved, rendering all other opinions and dismissals irrelevant. This then became the norm for a few years. Even though the idol’s construction was later halted, it was realised that Ganesha could mediate the proximity and attention of Swami.

Not long after, each class was given an opportunity to make a chariot for their own Ganesha. The celebrations reached a new level of magnificence. The new custom was blessed by Bhagawan, and this munificience extended to other Sai institutions like the Hospitals, Central Trust and Alumni. Swami would go around the Mandir, visiting the chariots and interacting with the students. He would painstakingly break coconuts before each chariot, with the water sometimes splashing His robe. He never cared about this inconvenience, as all that mattered to Him was the love, prayers and efforts that His boys put in to please Him.

The Doer, the Deed and the Divine

It would be unjust to assert that this journey was without any obstacles. However, each obstacle, as ordained by the Lord, was, in fact, a more significant stepping stone in one’s personal endeavor.

In an instance narrated by our alumnus, their chariot had suffered a snag while leaving the hostel gates. The idol it carried suffered a few noticeable cracks. Everyone was dismayed as the idol could not be presented to Swami. With hearts strewn with sorrow and reluctance, a last-ditch effort was made. Within minutes a new chariot was prepared. Though just a shadow of its predecessor, it would now carry the idol whose cracks were covered with mispositioned decorative patches. Later that day, Swami would spend more time with that chariot than any other, perhaps less out of sympathy and more out of the precedence He gave to one’s efforts..

In a separate incident, Swami’s divine intervention saved a student’s life. In those days, immersions used to be carried out in the well beyond the former Sai Geeta shed(currently part of the indoor stadium, opposite to the Senior Boys Hostel). The well was open to a limited number of individuals for a dip following the immersions. A student was unfortunate enough to end up with his foot ensnared in the quicksand at the bottom of the well. Being underwater for an extended period, he was retrieved in an unconscious state and rushed to the hospital. Surprisingly, very little water had entered his lungs, considering the time he spent under the surface. After intensive medical care brought him back to a stable conscious state, all he could recall was his failing will 20 feet underwater — until he beheld Swami there by his side. After the conclusion of every Ganesha immersion at SSSIHL, the little place seeks to settle in a profound yet joyous stupor, perhaps to reflect the hue of the skies. Look beyond this into the farther corners, and one may see the chariots being dismantled. The decorations that can be salvaged are meticulously preserved for the future. The rest is just taken apart, bit by bit. Soon, all that remains is a metal frame that looks deceptively estranged from the beauty it once held. For any artist, this would be a painful yet inevitable sight — to watch his creation disappear into the memories of a select few. Yet, this is a place where every thought, idea and action revolve around a single aim — to be appreciated by Him. Neither the actions nor its rewards hold any relevance beyond this core purpose. Without His presence and assurance, every emotion loses its tint. Here truly, the doer and the deed seek to walk with the Divine.