Worshiping to Heal Mother Earth: Bronx, NY
Every April, the global community of Sathya Sai Baba devotees observes Aradhana Mahotsavam1 honoring beloved Lord, Sri Sathya Sai Baba. This year, the Sri Sathya Sai Group of Bronx held its celebrations on April 18, 2026, bridging ritual and environmental responsibility just days before Earth Day. With participation by members from all Sai centers in New York City, this observance recognized that the Earth is not just our home—it is the very vesture of the Divine.
The Samaradhana2 Ceremony began with the Havan (sacred fire ceremony), which is an act of Yagna (sacrifice), and was conducted by Dr. Bangaruraju, the SSSIO’s National Medical Committee vice chair. Over the years, with Sai’s blessings and grace, Dr. Raju has served as a priest for several Atirudra Mahayagnams3 in the U.S., India, Africa, and at Mt. Kailash.
As the participants offered ghee, grains, and medicinal herbs into the flames, it reflected the practice of "Ceiling on Desires." Shanta Atwaru, the group’s lead, noted that “The ghee represents a "melted heart" surrendered to God, while the grains symbolize the seeds of past karmas being "parched" by the fire of wisdom. By offering the earth’s best back to its source, we are making a collective vow to protect the planet’s resources.”
Following the Havan, the team performed Abhishekam (ceremonial bathing of the Divine form) for the special Murti (idol) of Sri Sathya Sai from India that had been gifted to the Bronx group by one of its elder members several years ago after being consecrated by Vedic priests. “Sri Sathya Sai taught that Nature is our school; thus, the Abhishekam honors the five elements and serves as a reminder to keep the Earth’s water pure and its soil fertile,” Atwaru explained. “Just as we wash the sacred idol with reverence, we must treat our oceans and rivers with the same sanctity. Every drop of water used became a prayer for the restoration of the world’s ecosystems.”
The atmosphere of the celebration was heightened by a profound sense of Divine Presence. During the Vibhuti Abhishekam, a moment of collective awe occurred as sacred ash—Vibhuti—miraculously flowed from the photographs of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, an event that has occurred continuously at this sacred place in the last year. This manifestation served as a powerful reminder that our beloved Sri Sathya Sai is not a figure of the past, but a living Presence continually responding to the devotion of His children.
The sacred ash represents the ultimate residue of a life burnt of ego—a symbol of the purity we strive to bring to ourselves and to our planet. Unlike other offerings that perish, ash is the final state of matter; it cannot be burnt or changed further. It serves as a stark reminder that the physical body and the material world are temporary. By applying or receiving this ash, devotees are reminded that while the world is transient, the Spark of Divinity (the Atma) within is eternal.
Following the Abhishekam, the group chanted the Ekadasha Rudram 11 times. Later, in a second miraculous example of Divine Presence, the diya (lamp) that was lit continued to burn for several more days without any refilling of the oil. It shows that the spiritual energy of the ritual was sustained, purifying the environment, attracting positive vibrations, and blessing the space with continuity, devotion, and divine grace.
The participants concluded with the chant, "Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu"—May all beings in all the worlds be happy. Atwaru noted that human happiness is inseparable from the health of our planet, and the group recognized that by healing the Earth they honor Sri Satya Sai Baba and his teachings. “By loving Nature, we love God.”
Following the ritual, participants pledged to transform their worship into service by committing to the following green initiatives for Earth Day:
- Waste Audit: Eliminating single-use plastics to make "less is more" a daily habit.
- Planting native saplings as "living Homas 4" that breathe life into the atmosphere.
- Water Conservation: Implementing saving techniques in our daily lives to honor the water element.
- Adopting Eco-Friendly Habits: Using biodegradable leaf plates for all community meals.
Concluding the ceremony, the group prayed to Sri Sathya Sai that by offering worship at His Lotus Feet, they extended their love to the Earth that sustains us. They prayed, “May the air be pure, the water clean, and the soil fertile. May we realize that the same Atma (Spirit) that dwells in us, dwells in every leaf, every creature, and every stone. Grant us the wisdom to walk lightly upon this Earth and the strength to protect Your creation as our own."
"… all this is Vaasudeva, God. So, tread softly, move reverentially, utilize gratefully.”
Footnotes*
1 Aradhana Mahotsavam is a spiritual observance dedicated to Sri Sathya Sai baba, celebrated annually on April 24 and marks the remembrance of His life, teachings and impact on His devotees. It is a reminder of the enduring presence of Swami in their lives, and the importance of living a life of love, service and devotion.
2 Samaradhana is a unique Hindu ritual focused on honoring and offering food and water to the departed souls, symbolizing sustenance for their souls, and a way to express gratitude and maintain connection with the ancestors.
3 Atirudra Mahayagnam is the highest and most powerful Vedic ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva, performed over 11 consecutive days to invoke His grace, blessings, and protection for all living beings.