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Ugadi

Shri Manmatha Naama Ugadi Samvatsara

Festivals are occasions for rejoicing, for wearing new clothes and for enjoying delicious meals which

comprise special dishes. However, understanding why these festivals are celebrated gives more

meaning and significance to their ‘raison d’être’. All festivals, whether social or religious, have some

special message. They also explain the development of culture and civilization of the people who

celebrate them. Understanding why the rites and rituals are performed during the festival brings joy

and gives peace to the mind.

Normally, occasions such as religious festivals are marked with ceremonial baths, observing fasts,

visiting temples, offering prayers and inviting priests to perform ‘hawans’ (sacrifices) and ‘pujas’ at

home. These traditions form part of the rich legacy handed over to us by our forefathers who came

to Mauritius during a time of great hardship.

Ugadi is one of the festivals which are celebrated by Indians, particularly by Telugu speaking Hindus

from Andhra Pradesh, a state in India. Ugadi is the first festival of the Hindu calendar, at the

beginning of the Lunar year. Ugadi is a modified form of Yugadi which is made up of 2 words:- Yuga

(Uga) and Adi. Yuga (Uga) means a period or an era and Adi means starting. Thus, Yugadi means the

beginning of a new period, the beginning of the year.

Ugadi, the first Hindu festival, falls on the first day of the month of Chaitra (March/April). Ugadi,

the new year festival, is celebrated in late March or at even the beginning of April. The explanation

lies with the Hindu Calendar which starts with Chaitra (March/April) and is different from the

European Calendar.

There is every reason to believe that Ugadi is the first festival of the Hindus. It is generally

accepted that the Creator started the act of creation on this particular day. The Purusha Sukta and

the Nasadiya Sukta of the Rig Veda explain creation in this term: “In the beginning other than ‘That

One’ (The Supreme Being), there was nothing. Life and death did not exist, neither day nor night,

neither the firmament nor the earth, did exist. The original primordial matter (global structure of

the Universe) was born from the Supreme Being. The original primordial matter expanded, separated

and earth came into existence .” This is the first festival which comes in the first season, i.e,

Ugaadi – Osrap March 2015

‘vasanta ritu’ (Spring). The Hindu Calendar is a lunar one and it starts with the Sukla Paksha (lunar

fortnight) in the first month (Chaitra) and on the day on which the new moon appears.

Ugadi also recalls the victory of Shalivahana, the King of Satvahanas over the invading Shakas, a

tribe from central Asia. These Satavahanas were called Andhras because they were of Andhra origin.

Gautamiputra Satakarni has been regarded as a most outstanding among the satavahanas who

flourished after the defeat of Shakas, Yavanas and Pahlavas. The boundaries of the Satavahanas

empire extended and the rulers enjoyed imperial titles like ‘Samrat’(Emperor), the ‘Lord of

Dakshinapath’ etc. The armies of Satavahanas reached as far as the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea

and the Indian Ocean. It was the golden age of Telugu culture. Just like the European calendar

mentions B.C and A.D. the National Calendar of India mentions Shalivahana Shaka as year 78 A.D and

the Vikrami Samvat as year 57 B.C.

In Andhra Pradesh, Ugadi is celebrated with great pomp and splendour. In Mauritius too, this festival

is celebrated among the Telugu Community with great joy and enthusiasm. Houses of Telugu speaking

Hindus are beautifully decorated: fresh mango leaves are tied to form a garland and hung on the

doorway. While the floor is also decorated with “mooggu-rangoli” (colourful rice and powder). It is

believed that these help to ward off evil powers.

On this auspicious day, early in the morning after the ceremonial bath, everyone wears new clothes,

sit down for prayers. “Ugadi Pacchadi” made up of (neem) lilas flowers, green mango, tamarind,

jaggery,salt and chillies prepared specially for that occasion is presented as ‘prasadam’ (offering) to

God. This offering is a mixture of six ingredients representing the different aspects of life. Neem,

for example, is extremely bitter and jaggery is extremely sweet. Tasting this symbolical blessed

offering means that we are ready to accept life with its successes and failures, its ups and downs,

union and separation, joy and sorrow, pain and pleasure.

Coconuts, bananas and flowers are also offered and later distributed to relatives, neighbours and

friends. In fact, it is believed that the prayer performed on that day would be incomplete without

“Ugadi Pacchadi”. Everyone is cheerful and happy. Being happy and doing good deeds on the occasion

of Ugadi, one will see the whole year free from worries and anxieties. It is also the auspicious day for

a person to embark on new ventures and he is more likely to prosper in his life.

The Telugus prepare various dishes. Relatives and friends are invited to share the meals. The day

thus offers an opportunity for the whole family to make new acquaintances, renew and strenghen

friendship, to enjoy delicious food and wish ‘Happy Ugadi’ to everybody. Heads of families make it a

point to invite sons-in-law and daughters-in-law on this special occasion and offer them presents.

On that day all the members of the family go to the temple to attend a common prayer and take

cognizance of the ‘Panchanga’, the almanac of the year, by the priest. It is to be noted that the

‘Panchanga’ (the almanac) is released on this day. That is why Hindu almanac is made available in

Mauritius on the day of Ugadi.


In Treta Yuga, Ugadi was being celebrated on the first day of RAMAYANA in ( Ayodhya ) Uttar

Pradesh as Lord Brahma created the earth, Traditional Ramayana “Ugadi Pacchadi” (chutney) – The

famous pickle made up of all six ingredients corresponding to the six qualities was prepared.

The Lord Himself comes every year in the form of Time (Kalam) as New Year to bless us and remove

our difficulties. The six ingredients of Ugadi pickle makes us remember that life is a mixture of all

six types of experiences which we have to remember as grace of God and These six tastes are

symbolic to the six seasons and signify the sweet, sour and bitter tastes of life. Each taste conveys a

special message of life.

To be able to face life - ups and downs traditional “Ugadi Patcchadi” (chutney) is distributed as

prasadam. The famous pickle made up of all six ingredients corresponding to the six qualities is

prepared. The Lord Himself comes every year in the form of Time (Kalam) as New Year to bless us

and remove our difficulties. The six ingredients of Ugadi pickle make us remember that life is a

mixture of all six types of experiences which we have to remember as grace of God and these six

tastes are symbolic to the six seasons and signify the sweet, sour and bitter tastes of life. Each

taste conveys a special message of life.

Ugadi patcchadi or gojju must be prepared and served.

• Raw mango pieces and tamarind (sour) – Sad moments in life.

• Neem flowers (bitter) – Unhappy moments in life.

• Jaggery (sweet) – Sweet and happy moments in life.

• Salt (salty) – Adds taste to life.

• Chilli powder (hot and spicy) – Angry moments in life.

• Zamblom - macon vert ( akt ) – bitterness in life.

Everyone should taste this pickle on an empty stomach after brushing. This is very effective in

relieving all stomach problems and other common ailments due to the change of season. People clean

and wash their houses and decorate their houses with mango leaves and muggulu designs and

encouraged everyone to write “Rama Koti” which will remove our obstacles.


How to Celebrate Ugaadi?

1. Wake up early at the auspicious time, around 4.00 to 5.00 am to invoke and meditate

on the primeval sound “ OM ” of the Universe that vibrates in the heart.

2. Take auspicious bath. Anoint the body with til-oil, then apply paste made up of dholl, rice,

turmeric and take a (tala snanam ) head bath. Wear new clothes.

3. Decorate the house with tooranaalu, a set of 18 mango leaves nicely tied at the threshold.

Muggulu , drawing of colourful designs made out of attractive coloured home cereals.

4. Prepare Ugaadi Pachchadi

5. Perform special pooja in the home with the whole family, create that divine vibration by

reciting in unison Gayatri Mantra 21 times.

6. Attend Mandiram for the morning special rituals, then take thirtham and prasadam. Share

with one and all.

7. Convey Ugaadi Shubhankankshalu to one and all.

8. Attend Panchaanga Shravanam. Listening to the happenings forecasted according to our new

Hindu Almanac, at the mandiram in the afternoon of the auspicious day of Ugaadi.

9. Enjoy the day at home with the family and friends. Spend the day of Ugaadi joyfully by making

others happy. Share with all the Ugaadi pachchadi. Consume (Sathwika Padarthaalu ) clean and

pure food.

It is a common belief of the Telugus that whatever action is done on Ugaadi Day will have an

effect during the coming year.

An Exposé by Sri Sathya Sai baba

Meaning Of ugaadi

"Yugadi means the commencement of a new era. It denotes the beginning of Kali Yuga, not Krita Yuga

or Treta Yuga. This is the beginning of Nutana (new) Samvatsara (Year)"

Sai Baba. SS. 4/99, p. 87

"Today (24 March 1993) is celebrated as Yugadi, because it is the first day in the month of the New

Year, marking the beginning of the spring season (Vasanta Ritu)."

Sai Baba, SS, 4/93, p. 87


"Today is Yugadi day. It is commonly believed that this day marks the beginning of a New Year. No. It

is the beginning of an aeon (Yuga). The Lord is the beginning and the end of every aeon. Hence, He is

called 'Yugadhikrit (the creator of the Yuga=aeon). God is not only the creator of each aeon, but He

is also described as the sustainer of the Yuga."Sai Baba, "Uniqueness of Swami and His Teachings" by

Dr. A. Adivi. Reddy, p. 256

Significance Of Yugadi

'Today is the beginning of the New Year (Yugadi). What is the first season (Ritu) of this year? It is

the season of Spring (Vasanta Ritu). What is the most important month in year? It is Chaitra-Maasa

(the first month of the New Year). The bright fortnight (Shukia Paksha) is the better part of the

month. Among the days, the first day of the Lunar Year is important. As all these important elements

are present today, it has special significance as marking the commencement of New Year described

as Yugadi."


Purpose

"Yugadi or New Year Day is a festival that teaches lessons in selfless service. It is not intended for

feasting. It is a sacred day when wholesome wisdom should dawn and enlightenment should blossom in

the hearts of people."

Sai Baba, SS. 5/94, p. 122

"The New Year Day proclaims the truth that God is the Master of Time. Unfortunately, man fails to

understand the power of God. He wastes three-quarters of his time in unworthy earthly pursuits.

Spiritual pursuit is the right way of making use of time. It calls for mutating good feelings and doing

good deeds without selfish motive."

Sai Baba, SS, 5/94, pp. 122 & 123

God's Other Appellations

Akshya Kaalah

"God is the embodiment of time. Time is eternal. It has no end. It is boundless. As against the eternal

time, the life span of man is very limited. Because of limited time-span, man is bound by the passage

of time in terms of hours, days, months and years. All the latter, by their intrinsic nature, are

transient. The Lord declares: 'I am the Eternal Time' ('AkshyaKaala')."

Sai Baba, SS. 4/99. p. 85

Kaala-Garbha

"Because He (God) contains within Himself everything and protects everything. God is also called

'Kaalagarbha' (The One who is the womb of Time)." Sai Baba, SS. 4/90. p. 89


Kaalatma

"Because time is consumed by the spirit. God is known as 'Kaalatma' (Time-spirit)." Sai Baba,

"Uniqueness of Swami and His Teachings" by Dr. A. A. Ready, p. 256

Kaalaatmaka

"Because time is the essential spirit of God, He is also known as Kaalaatmaka (The Time-Spirit)."

Sai Baba, SS. 4/98, p. 89

Samvatsara

"Time is the embodiment of God. Hence, one of the names of God is Samvatsara."

Sai Baba, SS. 4/90. p. 89

Yugadhara

"In sustaining the Yuga, the Lord is all-powerful. He is omni-competent. Hence, He has the appellation

'Yugadhara' (the supporter of the Yuga)." Sai Baba, "Uniqueness of Swami and His Teachings" by Dr.

A. A. Ready, p. 256

Yugandhara

"He is also known 'Yugandhara'. Divinity is the power behind the creation, sustenance and dissolution

of every aeon." Sai Baba, "Uniqueness of Swami and His Teachings" by

Dr. A. Adivi. Ready, p. 256

Yugadikrita

"God is also known as the Lord of Aeons because He creates and dissolves aeons like Krita Yuga,

Dwaapara Yuga and Kali Yuga. God is thus not only creator of Yugas (aeons) but also their

extinguisher. Hence, God is described as 'Yugadi-krit'.


Meaning Of Samvatsara

"Yugadi is also celebrated as the festival of the New Year (Samvatsaraadi). What is the meaning of'

Samvatsara' ? Samvatsara means God, the one who dwells in everything. For Samvatsara (the year),


the underlying spirit is Atma. Another name for "Samvatsara' is 'Kaala' (time). Because time is

consumed by the spirit. God is known as 'K-aalatma' (Time-spirit). Yugadi, therefore represents the

form of the Divine. The cosmos itself is the form of the Divine (Vishnu). 'Sarvam Khalu Idam

Brahmam' declares the Upnishad. The four Yugas (aeons) - Krita, Treta, Dwapara and Kali - are

permeated with Divinity. Hence, God has also the name of Chaturaatmaka' (the four-fold-Spirit).

We hail the New Year as "Samvatsara' because it signifies the omnipresence (in time and space) of

the Divine. 'Samvatsara' does not merely mean a period (of a year) made of minutes, hours, days and

months. Every moment is 'Samvatsara', because without seconds, minutes, etc., there cannot be a

year." Sai Baba, "Uniqueness of Swami and His Teachings" by

Dr. A. A. Ready, p. 256

Meaning Of Vatsara

"Vatsara is another name of God. That is why God is extolled Vatsara-swarupaaya Namah (salutation

to the one who is the embodiment of Vatsara).

Time is God. Vatsara is its cosmic form. So, Time and Vatsara connote the same Divinity."

Sai Baba. SS, 4/99. p. 87

Presiding Deity Of Time

"Anaadi-nidhanam Vishnum Sarva-loka Maheshwaram Loka-adhyaksham Sthuvan-nityam

Sarvaduhkhajito bhavet.

'Anaadi-nidhanam' is a name attributed to God in relation to time. 'Sarva-loka Maheshwaram'

signifies that God is the illuminating overlord of the all the worlds. 'Loka-adhyaksham sthuvan-

nityam", He is the presiding ruler of the cosmos. Who is He? He is the Sun. Time is marked by the

Sun. Hence, the Sun is the visible manifestation of God. He is the effulgence that is common to all

nations, all creeds and all people. Hence, Shankar hailed the Sun as 'Anaadi-nidhanam Vishnum', the

presiding deity for the year ('Samvatsarara') as the overlord of time. 'Samvatsara' is the appellation

given to the Time-spirit (Kaalaatmakaaya). Because the Lord is the very soul of time, Shankara

described Him as 'Kaalaatmakaaya namah' (Prostration to the One who is the Spirit of Time)."

Sai Baba. SS. 4/96, p 85

The Cycle Of Yugas

"This day is called Yugadi. It is related to the Krita, Treta, Dwaapara and Kali Yugas. These Yugas are

believed to last some thousands of years. But they are continually coming in a cycle like days of the

week. Nor should they be considered as coming one after the other, after long durations.


If the matter is properly examined, it will be found that Yugas appear in a cycle every day. From 4

a.m. to 12 noon, it is Krita Yuga. During this period, man can devote himself to Dharma (envisaged as

an animal with four feet). From 12 noon to evening 6 p.m., it is Treta Yuga. During this period, Dharma

is said to 'have lost one of its legs. This means that a part of the powers in man has been lost. During

this period, Dharma survives on three legs. From 6 p.m. to 12 midnight, it is Dwapara Yuga, during

which Dharma has only two legs. This means that man's capacities have suffered a further decline

and only the Manomaya and Vijnanamaya capacities are present. From midnight to 4 a.m., it is Kali

Yuga. In this period, Dharma has only one leg to stand on. Dharma, in this period, means to be plunged

in sleep, oblivious to everything else. There are four goals (Purushaartha) in life for man: Dharma,

Artha, Kama and Moksha. In the period from 4 a.m. to 12 noon, man has the capacity to pursue all the

four Purushaarthas.

In giving the duration of the different Yugas and estimating the life of Brahma (the Creator) in

terms of the Yugas, the scriptures have given the life-span of Brahma as extending over many crores

(millions) of years. As these crores (millions) convey no meaning by themselves, scriptures have

described Brahma as 'Anaadi' (beginningless). Scientists today are trying to fix a date for the

beginning of creation. Instead of declaring that creation began so many billions of years ago, is it not

more sensible to say that it is 'Anaadi' (beginningless)? If Brahma is described as "Anaadi', it is

treated as a superstition, but if some fabulous date is given, it becomes science. This passes for

knowledge today. These are futile exercises. What is relevant today for man is the awareness of the

changes taking place in a single day."

Sai Baba; SS, 4/91, pp. 96

"The Kali Yuga is a measure of time. It constitutes a measure for measuring the Krita Yuga, the

Dwapara Yuga and the Treta Yuga. There are certain rules prescribed for the use of this measure of

time. The measure of time for Kali Yuga is four lakhs thirty-two thousand years (4,32,000 years).

The Dwapara Yuga is two times of this unit or 8.64,000 years. The Treta Yuga is three times or

12,96,000 years. The Krita Yuga is four times or 17,28,000 years. The period that consists of all

these four Yugas together is described as Maha Yuga. The Maha Yuga therefore has 43,20.000

years. The difference between the duration of a Kali Yuga and that of a Maha Yuga’s the addition of

an extra zero to the former at the end. Just as the days, months and seasons repeat again and again,

the Yugas also repeat again and again periodically. During the confluence of these Yugas and at the

time of transition from one to another, various components of creation (such as) mountains, rivers,

habitations etc. undergo major changes. The aspect of Dharma also changes when Yuga changes. As a

result of these changes, several good things might change into evil."

Sai Baba, Summer Showers, 1978, p. 13

"We should not think that Avatar of Rama or of Krishna are confined to the Dwapara Yuga or the

Treta Yuga. They always come in all the Yugas and help humanity. After this Kali Yuga, there will be

another Mahayuga and the Dwapara Yuga. Dwapara Yuga and Treta Yuga will repeat themselves and

the aspects of Rama and Krishna will come again.


This is the manner in which events and situations will come in a cyclical form. If we have Tuesday

which comes to us today, the same Tuesday will come again on the eighth day from now. It is not right

to think that this is a different or a new Tuesday. The same Tuesday is coming again. What we call

the rainy season now, will come again after a year It is not an entirely different season, the season is

coming again."

Sai Baba, Summer Showers. 1978, p. 30

Sixty-Year Cycle

"Today (26 March 2001) starts a New Year (of Yugadi). According to the Indian calendar, there are

60 years in a cycle after which the cycle repeats itself. The names of these are Prabhava, Vibhava,

Shukia, Pramoduta, Prajotpatthi, Angiras, Srimukta, Bhava, Yuva, Dhathu, Eeswara, Bahudhanya,

Pramadhi, Vikrama, Vrisha, Chitrabhanu, Subhanu, Dharana, Parthiva, etc. These, in fact, are the

names of the children of Narada. As Narada desired that the names of his children should become

eternal, the years have been named thus. Narada was a great devotee of Vishnu. He chanted His

Name incessantly. Where ever he went, he kept chanting the Name of God."

Sai Baba, SS, 4/2001. p. 104

Means For Liberation During Each Of Four Yugas

"Of all the Yugas, this Kali Yoga is described as the most holy, the most beneficent. Meditation was

prescribed as the means of liberation for men in Krita Yuga, Tapas as the means during the Treta

Yuga and Archana (ritual worship) for the Dwapara Yuga. But, for the people of this Kali Yuga, the

simple remedy prescribed is just Namasmarana (the constant awareness of God's Name). In spite of

this, it is pity that men do not care for this path and so render their lives barren wastes."

Sai Baba, SSS, Vol. XI, p. 162

"Vishnu-Priya”

"The New year Day (Yugadi) begins with nature shining in all her glory, decked with flowers, with

tender leaves rustling in the wind and the cuckoo calling to its mate in mellifluous notes. The spring

(Vasantaa Ritu) has come in all its beauty and freshness. It is the season when nature presents her

most glorious appearance. The beauty of the season has been dubbed -VISHNU-PRIYA' (Beloved of

the Lord). Indeed, it is not merely dear to the Lord; it is the very form of the Lord. There are well-

known sayings: The Lord loves adornment ('Alankaaro Vishnupriyah'). The sun loves salutation

(Namaskaaro Arunapriyah'). The Lord loves the advent of Spring when every tree is in bloom. Today

we are welcoming this spring. But it is not enough to greet it on one day."

Sai Baba. SS, 4/93, p.

Lord Of The Time Is a Silent Witness

"I have often told you how God represents time in its various aspects. God is described as

'Samvatsara". "Vatsara" means one who is engaged in sport. 'Govatsara', in referring to Krishna,


means one who sports with cows. 'Samvatsara' means 'playing with all'. The time is available equally

to all, whether he is a millionaire or a pauper. Even an emperor is subject to passage of time. Time is a

witness to what everyone is doing. On a stage, there are a number of lights. One light is turned

towards an actor in the robe of king. Another light is turned towards a beggar. Yet another light is

focused on a man reading the Ramayana. Another light may be focused on a fighting scene. Although

lights illumine a variety of scenes, they remain unaffected by the behaviour of the actors. The lights

simply bear witness to the actions but no blame attaches to them for what the actors do. The actors

alone are affected by what they do. In the same manner, the Divine, as the Lord of Time, remains

only as a witness to the passing show. Your actions may be unholy, but time remains untainted."


Power Of Time Is Incomprehensible

"We regard Yugadi as marking the beginning of a New Year. In fact, it is one of the forms of God.

The entire cosmos is bound by time. It is permeated by time. It is the product of time. It is

destroyed by time. No one can comprehend the power of time."

Sai Baba. SS, 4/90, p. 89

Value Of Time

"Time is the most precious in human life"

Sai Baba, SS. 4/96, p. 85

"Time is supremely precious. It waits for no one. Everyone has to submit oneself to time. It is not

subject to anyone. It is only when time is utilized properly through right actions, then the human can

rise to the level of Divine. Man's foremost duty is to make the right use of time through the bodily

vesture given to him."


"If money is lost, it can be earned again. If health is lost, it may be possible to regain it. But time is

lost, it can never be regained. So man should utilise time at his disposal in the right manner. Money

decreases only when you spend it. But man's life-span decreases on its own with the passage of time.

Every individual should be aware of the scimitar called time hanging over his head ever ready to

strike. You should not become its victim. If time is wasted, it cannot be regained. It is not like health

and money, which can be regained."

Sai Baba, SS. 7/2000. pp. 202 & 203

Right Use Of Time

"Your primary duty is to make right use of time. For this purpose, there is no need for you to wait for

the beginning of a New Year. Every moment is a manifestation of Time. From seconds to minutes,


from minutes to hours, from hours to days and months, and ' from months to a year - this is the

endless procession of time. The second is the basis for the year. Hence, every second should be filled

with purposeful action."

Sai Baba, SS, 4/90. p. 91

Relationship Between Time And Action

"As is the Karma, so is the consequence thereof These two are inseparable and interrelated. Time

acts as a link between these two. A day is one unit of time. Seven days make a week, fifteen days a

fortnight, thirty days a month and twelve months a year. Time is, moreover, divided into three

periods - past, present and future. Multifarious activities take place in these three periods of time.

What is time? What is space? Here are two flowers. The distance between these two flowers is

space. They were buds yesterday. Today they have blossomed and will fade away tomorrow. A bud

cannot become a flower instantly and the flower does not fade immediately. The change takes place

gradually. That which is the root cause for this change is time. You all know that the second-hand in a

clock rotates continuously making the sound 'tic, tic, tic...' You might wonder whether it takes rest at

all. Yes, it does. The time gap between two consecutive ticks is the period of rest.

The world is combination of Kaala (time). Karma (action) and Karana (cause). Every action has a

reaction. When your finger gets cut with a knife, blood oozes out immediately. Here the reaction is

instantaneous. There is no time gap whatsoever. On the other hand, the food, we partake of, takes at

least two hours to be digested. Take the case of a seed. A seed sown today takes three to four days

to sprout. Here the time gap between action and reaction is slightly more as compared to the

previous instances. On the other extreme, we have a case where it takes years for a sapling to grow

into a gigantic tree and yield fruit. Thus, the time gap between action and reaction may vary

depending on the nature of action. But, know for sure that none can escape the consequences of his

or her actions. It is impossible to say when, how and where one will face the consequences of one's

actions."

Sai Baba, SS. 10/99, p. 254

Significance Of The Advent Of The New Year

"What is the significance of the advent of New Year? It is not necessary to wait for twelve months

for the New Year to appear for one to do what he wants to do. The year is made up of seconds,

minutes, hours, days and months. Every second is a new moment in one's life. Why then wait for a

year? Everyone should strive to render help to the people every second of his life and lead a noble

and ideal existence."


'If the year has to be sanctified, every moment has to be sanctified. Every second constitutes a

year. It is not the New Year that matters. Every new second is significant. Hence, you should fill

every moment with sacred thoughts, pure feelings and pure action. Every' moment you should try to


get rid of bad thoughts and fill the mind with good thoughts." Sai Baba, "Uniqueness of Swami and

His Teachings" by

Dr. A. A. Ready, p. 257

Time And Mind

"Time is moving fast like a stormy gale. Man's life is melting away everymoment like a block of ice.

Months and years are rolling past in the Wheel of Time. Everything around is undergoing change, but

man's mind and intellect (Buddhi) remain unchanged. Years are passing before our very eyes. How

many eras are disappearing in our own epoch! Eras come and go, epochs roll on, but man's mind

remains as before. What can the greeting 'Happy New Year' mean in the context of such a human

predicament? It appears to be a scene in a drama on the worldly stage."


Worship On The New Year Day (Yugadi)

"The practice of offering worship and revering elders (on the New Year Day) also appear to be

artificial acts in a play on life's stage. When the source of all happiness is within you, if you go about

seeking happiness from others, it is unnatural. If you desire to elevate yourself and attain a higher

level, you have to adopt appropriate means."


The Yugas And The Avatar

"In this context, I shall tell you today the inner meaning of the different Yugas — Treta Yuga, the

Dwapara Yuga and the present Yuga.

In the Treta Yuga, the divine elements were on one side and the demonical elements were on the

other. At the time of the Rama Avatar, the divine elements were in Ayodhya and K-ishkinda and

demonic forces were in Dandakaranya. The two elements were in separate regions. Rama waged war

against the Raakshasas (demons) in Dandakaaranya (forest) and protected the Rishis (sages). This is

the inner meaning of the Rama Avatar in Treta Yuga.

In the Dwapara Yuga, the divine and demoniac elements, namely, the Pandavas and Kauravas, were in

the same kingdom. In such a situation. Krishna gave his army to the Kauravas, and without wielding

any weapon himself, gave his support to the Pandavas in the great battle of Kurukshetra. He used

others as instruments.

But today, these divine and demoniac forces are battling in each human being. This is the mark of the

Kali age. In Treta Yuga, Rama fought the battle in person. In Dwapara Yuga, Krishna played the role

of a witness, using others as His instruments. He did not engage in the battle himself. In the Kali


Yuga, because the two opposing forces are inside each individual, the Lord plays the role of a witness

and as the conscience. Man has to use the power of discrimination given to him to fight evil forces

within him. He has to foster the divine elements in him by his own efforts and listening to the voice

of his conscience. The freedom to choose has been given to man for this purpose. The freedom is to

be used to discriminate between right and wrong, good and evil and to foster divine qualities. This is

the unique feature of the Kali age. In this age, each individual has to fight against the demonic forces

himself and vanquish them. When this is accomplished, man's inherent divine nature will manifest

itself of its own accord."

Sai Baba, SS, 1987, p. 183

Kali Yuga Or Kalaha Yuga

"Of the four Yugas - Krita, Treta, Dwapara and Kali - the present Yuga is called Kai Yuga. In truth, it

is 'Kalaha Yuga', the Age of Discord. There is discord everywhere —between husband and wife,

between preceptor and pupil, and in every other relationship. What is the reason for this discord?

The absence of mutual trust. No one trusts another. As a result, hatred and bitterness are growing in

the social, ethical, political, and economic and every other field. There is discord in the scientific

field. The lack of trust has blinded people towards each other."


New Year Portents

"The advent of the New Year is viewed by people with apprehensions as what is in store for the

world, disasters and calamities. There is continual change taking place in almost every sphere, but the

mind of man alone has undergone no transformation. Pleasure and pain are not the products of time.

The year is not responsible for joy and sorrow. People's actions alone are responsible for the good

and bad things. The year does not bring any evil with it. Many people imagine that the New Year may

bring calamities. The year is part of repetitive phenomenon of day and night. Hence, time does not

bring in its wake any good or ill. Only human actions account for these reactions. Good acts produce

good results and bad actions have bad consequences. As you sow, so shall you reap.

Good and bad occur in succession in the usual course. A New Year does not account for anything

extraordinary. However, the almanac (Panchaangam) indicates some changes as a result of the

movements of the planets and the configuration of the constellations. The Hindu almanac refers to

five factors: the day of the week, the phase of the moon (Tithi), the relevant constellation, the

auspiciousness or otherwise of the particular day and the Karanam. The predictions in the almanac

have no relation as to what may happen to any particular person. The Siddhaantis (who produce the

almanacs) give their own interpretation of the astrological configuration.


Above everything, if one has firm faith in God, one can face the future with confidence. There is no

room for doubts as to who is God and where He is to be found. God is the Cosmic Form (Viraata-

Swaroopa). The whole universe is the manifestation of God."

Sai Baba, SS, 4/96.p. 86

"The year is not responsible for the unrest in the world. Human actions alone are responsible.

Everyone should strive to work well and achieve good results."

Sai Baba, SS, 4/96, p.89

"Man should be dedicated to action. Today he does not adhere to this principle. How can he then

expect the fruits? Men must work. They must perform good deeds and realise good results. They

must share the fruits of their labour with others. This is the foremost duty of man."

Sai Baba, SS, 4/96, p. 89 & 90

"Embodiments of Love! The New Year portends nothing, to be feared by the common people. However,

for those in high offices and for politicians, there are indications of internal conflicts of their own

making. Those who discharge their duties in a spirit of dedication have nothing to fear."

Sai Baba. SS, 4/96, p. 90

Significance Of The Yugadi Prasadam

"On Yugadi day, it is a practice among the rural folk to eat what is called Yugadi Pachchadi (Yugadi

chutney). This chutney is made from Neem flowers, mango juice, honey, sugar and other ingredients

with different tastes. The inner significance of this preparation is to indicate that life is a mixture

of good and bad, joy and sorrow, and all of them have to be treated alike with equanimity. Everyone

should make resolution that he would face calmly whatever happens, accepting with good grace.

Welcome everything. Do not bemoan over anything. Consider everything as for your own good. This is

the primary purpose of the Yugadi festival."

Sai Baba, SS, 4/99, p. Last cover page

True Spirit Of Yugadi Celebration

"You would have celebrated many Yugadi (New Year day) festivals in your life. Certain traditional

practices go with every festival, such as having a sacred bath, wearing new clothes, cleaning the

house and decorating with buntings of green leaves. Greatness lies in purifying our thoughts, not

merely the transient human body. The significance of a festival does not lie in wearing new clothes,

but cultivating new and noble thoughts. The house should be decorated not merely with the buntings

and green leaves, but with buntings of love. Share your love with everyone who visits your house. Only

then we would be celebrating the festival in its true spirit."

Sai Baba. SS. 4/99, pp. 86 & 87


"The New Year has to be sanctified by sacred thoughts and broad feelings. Today humanity is

stricken with fear and restlessness. Courage and strength are on the decline, because you have

unsacred thoughts and wicked feelings."


Sai’s Messages On Yugadi

"Today (Yugadi day, 18 March 1999) New Year has begun. With sacred feelings and divine thoughts,

cultivate the spirit of love in you. God is not found separately in a temple or in an Ashram etc. Truth

is God. Love is God. Dharma is God. When you worship God by following these principles. He will

manifest Himself then and there. There is no doubt about this. You should love God wholeheartedly."

"You must pray with a broad feeling: Loka Samstaa Sukhino Bhavantu (May the whole world be

happy!). Start the New Year with this prayer. Then you will lead a blissful and peaceful life full of

enthusiasm."


"You must use the time well for the benefit of all. As you think, talk and act, so will be the results.

Think of God and do good deeds by way of service to society, chanting the name of God."

Sai Baba. SS, 5/94, p. 126

Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu

May the whole world experience happiness.

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