A recent Kazhakoottam Samithi Incident

A Blessed Sai Incident at Kazhakoottam Samithi

It is indeed a great blessing to narrate a divine incident that took place recently in our Kazhakoottam Samithi.

During March–April 2022, some maintenance work was undertaken in the Samithi, particularly replacing a few ceiling sheets. By Swami’s will, this also required shifting the sanctum sanctorum, which eventually led to redoing the entire Thiru Sannidhi area. Our plan was to complete the work quickly so that regular Thursday Bhajans could resume in the Samithi itself. However, as often happens, additional tasks kept piling up, and the timeline stretched over two months. Once the major work was completed, we also took up painting to give a finished look.

During this final stage, only two youngsters were working inside the Samithi, while another gentleman was engaged in cleaning activities outside. The two workers are not Sai devotees so asked them to be a bit careful as the place was a functioning Samithi with full-fledged activities. They had been instructed earlier about the discipline and reverence to be maintained inside the Samithi.

One afternoon, after lunch, the two entered the hall, casually conversing while resuming their work. Suddenly, to their utter shock, they heard Omkaram “AUM”—resonating clearly within the empty hall followed by a Clear Voice chiding them for their unnecessary talks. The sound was distinct, powerful, and continued for more than a minute. Startled and frightened, they dropped their work and ran outside, trembling.

It is important to note that the hall was completely cleared for maintenance. All photos, chairs, and even the sound system had been removed to avoid dust and damage. There was nothing inside that could have produced the sound and none was there to scold them for their unnecessary loud discussions.

Hearing their commotion, the gentleman working outside assumed they were fooling around by chanting loudly or making some fun. Being a regular devotee and Bhajan attendee who had also visited Prasanthi Nilayam, he rushed inside to scold them—only to realize they were genuinely shaken. In fact, the Omkaram and the chiding was so loud that even a nearby resident, a few meters away, heard it clearly and thought it was their mischief.

The workers, still trembling, called their contractor who was away for noon break for some relief. When he too heard the account, he was equally baffled. The incident was soon shared with Samithi members, who consoled the youngsters by narrating Swami’s divine leelas. But the boys couldn’t continue their work that day.

During later conversations, these youngsters revealed that they had survived a major accident when their vehicle skidded to avoid a speeding car in the same morning when they were coming for work. They narrowly escaped falling under it. This near-death experience, followed by the divine incident in the Samithi, made them realize Swami’s invisible hand in protecting them and also guiding them for proper conduct. Truly, it was a reminder of His boundless grace.

This incident strongly reaffirms Bhagawan’s declaration:
“Samithis are My branches, and I reside wherever My name is chanted with reverence.”

With hearts full of gratitude, we completed the maintenance work and resumed Samithi activities with greater devotion and enthusiasm. It was a living reminder of Swami’s omnipresence and His ever-flowing love and protection for all His children.

Sairam