Photo from this page - Sathya Sai with Students: When Sri Sathya Sai was at two places at the same time...
Dental filling - after darshan - caught A2 (parents) near railway gate, drove myself part way. Alembic too. (In those days, one of the places for devotees to stay near Brindavan Ashram was at the Alembic factory on the other side of the railway gates.) Teaching Sampath (roommate, one year junior to me) - Your way of keeping me away from Sunday magazine (newspaper supplement).
You came out early, gave Sevadal shirt/pant material. S. G. Sir late. Mr. Narasimhan at Trayee - "കടുവ" by Rakesh Menon as Swami asked 'what is tiger' - spoke of Parthi changes - Swami said helipad on top of new roof. Then, Anil Kumar Sir said He is changeless, told of Venkatagiri days, song Swami used to make them sing, idols created by Swami.
Swami started off, telling stories. Raja was a polo player. King George learnt from him. Ladies in zenana behind curtain only - orthodox. Even son, after he turns 16, can't see mother. Water clock to strike gongs. Hunting - went to ease himself, tiger! Caught it, rubbed it against tree, killed it! Sadhu Samaj - top people, Ganapathi Sastry etc came. Vijayanagaram Raja also came. All Rajas - Baroda also came, made Prasanthi Nilayam crowded. When Raja went to ease himself in the morning (only trees, no toilets in those days), a boy came and asked for a beedi - when he said he doesn't smoke, said, "Donkey, can't do that also?" Raja spoke to villagers, God is here, should learn manners.
CM of Tamil Nadu Bhaktavalsalam also. Meeting arranged, LS Rao had challenged, walk on water, drink acid etc. Raja blasted, said if Swami doesn't reply, will take life. Swami said, "Challenge is only among equals". B said, "Please elaborate, Swami". Man eats food (rice). Cow eats grass. Tiger eats flesh. Pig eats excreta. If a man challenges, 'Can you eat as much as me', can meet his challenge. But if a pig challenges? There were Jaikars for 15 minutes. A pool was specially made, 1 lakh. 20 lakh from tickets. LS Rao fell into the water! Devotees wanted to thrash him, Swami sent telegram, don't.
Raja did pada pooja 9:30 to 2! Was supposed to stop by 11! Rani said, never again. Queen Mother also very staunch. Youngest son, Kelanga Raja, developed friendship with Santa Kumari, actress. Immediately, 'I don't want to see his face again, nor he mine.' Died as sari caught fire during Arati - last wish, he shouldn't see my dead body also! So, he was locked up in the guest house till cremation.
Very good Raja. Queen once cooked for Swami and Raja - no salt - blasted - said will taste - "You are not Sabari, no right." Mountbatten joked of Parthi trips. Raja said, 'My Viceroy is there.' Photo with M and R - Swami's so small! Used to walk Queen Mary's college to bridge with Raja in Madras. Rama-Lakshmana sang Arati first. Tirumalachar composed Suprabhatam - all Venkatagiri festive Nov 23, now also.
Kanchi Shankaracharyar came - 2 bags of rice buried - "None should eat what we ate" - Raja wanted to throw them out - Swami said, 'For My sake, don't.'
Such noble souls will always be remembered. Again Exam enquiry.
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