PUTTAPARTHI, INDIA, April 26, 2011 (Times of India): An ocean of humanity with streams of devotees flowed from all directions on Tuesday, as hectic preparations were on for the mahasamadhi of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Number 9 was Sathya Sai Baba’s favorite and lucky number. When the clock strikes 9 in the morning, the final rituals will start and conclude by 10.30am. He will be buried in the organization’s Sai Kulwant Hall, where Baba sat, delivered discourses and blessed people. He expressed that would be his wish.
Only key family members and Sai Central Trust members would take part in the last rites. The construction of a memorial and fixing of a golden statue of Baba is planned to begin in a few days time.
Eighteen priests led by Kandukoori Kondavadhani from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh will perform the process in Aagama Shastra (vedic mantras while performing the service), while chanting Vedas. Priests from Kashi, nine peethas across the country, will also take part in the ritual. R J Ratnakar, Baba’s nephew and trustee of Sri Sathya Sai Baba Central Trust, is likely to perform the last rites.
“He was a Siddha Purusha, Godman. We are fortunate enough to participate in the rituals of Baba’s merging with the universe,” said Emala Purushottama Avadhani, one of the priests participating in the Wednesday’s ritual.