Features | Experience of the Divinity of Bhagavan by Devotees | Group VI | Ms. Tanya Kapoor

Ms. Tanya Kapoor, I B.Sc. (Hons),
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning,
Anantapur Campus.

Ms. Tanya Kapoor, a student of the first year B.Sc. (Hons) of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus narrates her experiences of the Divinity of Bhagavan in her own words.

'In October 2001, we got a great chance to perform a dance-drama 'Perfect Harmony is Divinity' in His Presence, on behalf of the Sri Sathya Sai Organization, Haryana. We had practised for more than five months. When we reached Prasanthi Nilayam, we came to know that our dance-drama was cancelled because of the heat on the stage due to the yajna being performed during the Dasara festival.

It is said that 'prayers must emanate from the heart where God resides and not from the head where doubts and doctrines clash.' So, we prayed to Swami from the core of our hearts. Finally, Swami gave His consent for the performance of the drama, and made provisions to cover the yajna-kunda. I was to play the role of Ardhanaarishwara. We had to perform in the evening of the 27th October. I was sitting in the dressing room with my heavy make-up. Swami came back stage; He asked me something in a language I did not understand. I presumed that Swami was asking me 'where are you from?' and, so, I replied 'from Haryana, Swami.' He then continued 'what are you?' I replied 'Swami, Arthanaarishwara.' Swami's casual yet significant reply was revealing. He said, 'Aadhaa Shiva - Aadhaa Parvati. Shiv Shakti kaa roop, Sathya Sai kaa roop (half-Shiva, half-Parvathi - the form of Shiva-Shakti is the form of Sathya Sai). Truly, He is the Cosmic Dancer, and the Director of the drama of our lives.

Soon the 'Director' became one among the audience watching the drama in the 'drama'. After the performance, we started singing in chorus: 'Sathya Sai, we love You.' Swami gently walked up the stage. I was crying. The tears just kept rolling down in profusion. I offered my salutations to Him. He said 'don't cry. Why are you crying? Stop crying. Get up. Come near.' Then, He distributed saris to us and promised us many more of such opportunities. I then stepped forward to perform the aarati. When He lit the aarati, the camphor fell on the silver plate I was holding. As a result, the whole plate was on fire. Immediately, Swami put His hand on the fire, and then on my hand. From that day, I feel I have been recharged with His divine grace. After performing in the dance drama, I developed an intense desire to become a Sai student.

I joined the Anantapur Campus, as a student, on May 31, 2005. On June 3, I had an amazing experience. I was sitting in front of a photograph in which His eyes were closed. After looking at the picture, I thought to myself 'what kind of photograph is this? - Baba's eyes are closed!' Suddenly, the picture disappeared, and in its place I saw in quick succession Lord Shiva, Baba with a flute, Lord Ganesha, Shirdi Sai Baba, and Bhagavan with His third eye. I was thrilled! Words are inadequate to describe the experience. Indeed, faith fosters fervour, fervour brings experience.'

-- Ms. Tanya Kapoor

(As extracted from the souvenir Ananta Prematarangini published by the Anantapur Campus of the SSSIHL on the occasion of the 80th Birthday of Bhagavan)