Baba’s samadhi to be built in Kulwant Hall

April 24: Satya Sai Baba’s mortal remains will be placed in a special Samadhi to be constructed inside his favourite Kulwant Hall in Prashanti Nilayam. The Sri Satya Sai Central Trust took the decision in consultation with Baba’s close relative, Mr R.J. Rathnakar.

Sources said that the trust has decided to promote Baba among devotees as a saint akin to Shiridi Sai Baba, whose Samadhi is located in Shiridi. Since Baba has not anointed his successor his mortal remains in Samadhi will be the guiding spirit for his devotees. They believe that Samadhi of Baba alone will attract thousands of devotees to Puttaparthi again.

“His mortal remains will be placed in a Samadhi inside Prashanti Nilayam,” said Ms J. Geetha Reddy, a devotee of the Baba and minister for major industries. “We will discuss the time and other things with his family members.” Baba belongs to Batrajulu community who traditionally conduct burial of mortal remains. The tombs of Baba’s parents, Pedda Venkama Raju and Easwaramma are located on Samadhi Road here. On May 6 every year, the death anniversary of his mother is observed as Easwaramma Day.

Astrologers say that Baba passed away at an auspicious time of 7.40 am, which is Sapthami, Purvashada Nakshatram. According to them it would have been highly inauspicious if he had passed away on Sunday after 9.45 am. Devotees, though saddened deeply by the death of their teacher, are also finding solace in his promise that he would return as Prema Sai.

In a much-remembered discourse on July 6, 1963, the Guru Poornima Day, Baba revealed the secret behind his advent. He said the Sai Avatar is a triple incarnation of the Shiva-Shakthi principle. Shiva came as Shirdi Sai Baba, Shiva and Parvathi took the form as Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the Shakthi Principle will incarnate as Prema Sai in the Mandya district of the state of Karnataka. Devotees and Satya Sai Seva Dal members assert that Baba was an incarnation of Shiridi Sai Baba and he would reappear as Prema Sai.