Premamrutham Hall at Satya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, was beautifully lit up for Tyagaraja Aradhana, a musical offering by students and staff of Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam. The assembled audience of devotees eagerly awaited the arrival of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai.
Soon enough, Swami emerged wearing a glistening white robe, accompanied by His guest, Dr Nagesh V Bettakote, Vice Chancellor of Karnataka State, Dr. Gangubhai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Mysore and Sri B N Narasimha Murthy, the revered Chancellor of the Sri Sathya University for Human Excellence.
Swami walked among His devotees, receiving letters, and blessing them all before taking His seat facing the stage.
Dr. Sai Lakshmi introduced the honorable guest and gave the inaugural address.
The audience then viewed a video presentation of visits that Sadguru had made that morning to the Vidya Kendra and Pre-University sections of Sathya Sai Grama.
On the auspicious occasion of Tyagaraja Aradhana, the Department of Music was inaugurated and blessed by Sadguru. The music group offered before Swami a beautiful rendition of Hindustani and Carnatic music. Following this, the students and faculty of the Department of Music were blessed with special guidance from Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai.
Swami then proceeded to the Pre-University building to inaugurate the newly renovated labs and conference rooms. He also visited the library and classrooms. Swami blessed all the support staff and held Satsang in the Prayer Hall where talks were given by staff and students, after which all were blessed with Swami’s Divine Message.
Dr. Sai Lakshmi then gave a brief overview of the greatness of Saint Tyagaraja and his supreme devotion to his Aragya Devata, Sri Ramachandra, which formed the basis for his musical talents and his spiritual depth.
Brother Vijay Sai then shared his insights on the life, work, and legacy of Saint Tyagaraja.
The students and staff of Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam presented nine Tyagaraja Kritis, the longer format of Carnatic songs, that offer Saint Tyagaraja’s complete devotion to Lord Rama and are also said to contain the highest truths of Vedanta.
Then to the great delight of the audience, the curtains parted to reveal the talented group of singers and musicians who kept the audience enthralled with their beautiful renditions of Saint Tyagaraja’s devotional songs.
Picturesque illustrations accompanied by an informative and poetic narration of significant events in the life of this great icon of Indian Carnatic music and poetry enhanced the soulful experience of the evening.
At the close of the concert Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai graciously ascended the stage to bestow His blessings and gifts on the performers.
The devotees departed carrying in their hearts the memory of a supremely beautiful and devotional evening in the presence of none less than the embodiment of Lord Sri Ramachandra himself.
