Features | Experience of the Divinity of Bhagavan by Devotees | Group VI | Ms. V. Lakshmi Sarala Devi

Ms. V. Lakshmi Sarala Devi, II B.A.,
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning,
Anantapur Campus.

Ms. V. Lakshmi Sarala Devi, a student of the second year B.A. of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus narrates her experience of the Divinity of Bhagavan in her own words.

'I had heard a lot of criticism about Swami in my school days. I was a non-devotee when I joined Swami's Institution at Anantapur. Nevertheless, I tried to follow the hostel rules and regulations. I followed almost everything except waking up for suprabhatam. I was very studious, and studied till late night. Seven days passed, and I had not attended the suprabhatam. The doomsday arrived when suprabhatam was made compulsory to all first year students. At this point of time I had not yet felt the physical presence of the most compassionate Lord. However, I followed blindly what everyone else did in the hostel. I turned to Swami for help. I prayed to Him 'oh Swami, I don't know how I'm going to get up tomorrow morning and attend the suprabhatam! I have seen you only in pictures. I am also feeling very homesick. Swami, please help me, wake me up for suprabhatam tomorrow.' I prayed thus and slept. When I was in deep sleep I felt I was in the proximity of my parents. The next morning, there was a voice which woke me up before the first stroke of the suprabhatam bell. From that day, the voice woke me up every morning. This happened for a month. Then I got used to it and woke up on my own. This voice, I believe, was none other than Swami's.'

-- Ms. V. Lakshmi Sarala Devi

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