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TRANSCRIPT
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 Page 2
‘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.
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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.
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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
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"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."
Sai Baba, SS, 5/92, p. 91
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
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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'.
Sai Baba, SS, 4/90, p. 89
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),
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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.
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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.
Ugaadi – Osrap March 2015 Page 9
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,
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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."
Sai Baba, SS, 4/90, p. 91
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."
Sai Baba, SS, 1/90, p. 9
"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,
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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."
Sai Baba, SS, 4/96, p. 85
'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
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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."
Sai Baba, SS, 4/93, p. 85
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."
Sai Baba, SS, 4/93, p. 86
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
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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."
Sai Baba, SS, 4/93. p. 87
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.
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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
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"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 Baba, SS, 4/99, p. 87
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."
Sai Baba, SS, 4/99. p. 91
"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.