26 April,2011 06:21 AM IST | | Sheetal Sukhija
As the passing of Sathya Sai Baba sank in, devotees from across the globe made their way to pay last respects to the godman amid touching scenes of sorrow and devotion
Scenes of despair and sorrow were evident on the crowded streets of Puttaparthi, which many are now calling God's abode on earth, as devotees from across the world swarmed to get a last glimpse of the late Sathya Sai Baba.
Over 8,000 devotees thronged the town where the godman breathed his last on Sunday, as a result of multiple organ failure.
The Anathapura police were faced with the difficult task of controlling the crowd yesterday, and were pushed to the limits and even resorted to mild lathi charges now and then.
Devotees began gathering in droves outside the gates of Prashanti Nilayam as early as 4 am yesterday, where Baba's body has been kept in a glass casket for everyone to pay their last respects.
Baba's demise came as a shock to devotees and many have travelled from across the globe to pay their last respects.
Anju, a devotee from UK said, "I've been a devotee for the past 20 years and I and my husband spent almost ufffd2,000 to come down to seek his blessings for the last time. Although there may be controversies surrounding his ashram, I have placed complete faith in his righteous path."
While many devotees shared the same emotion, one thing was quite evident amongst all his devotees irrespective of their religion and caste came together, this putting his key principle God is one regardless of religions to effect.
Strict security
With stricter security in place, the Anathapura police installed barricades across the area overnight and an undeclared curfew has been imposed in the area.
A police official confirmed, "Around 10,000 devotees are expected from South India.u00a0 There are already over 3,000 foreigners here at moment. Besides, several groups from USA, England and Germany are expected to reach here today."
Several political leaders addressed devotees and the media at the spot and informed that the body will be open to darshan until 6 pm tomorrow.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi are also expected to reach Puttaparthi today at about 4 pm, amongst many other prominent public figures who will be coming down to pay their last respects to the Baba.
No food, shelter: Devotees still keep coming
Devotees faced difficulties in finding lodging and food. Lack of proper hotels around the area left many hungry.
While there about 20 lodges in the area, many people were observed sleeping at the ashram gates or in the ashram backyard.
However, to cope with problem of food shortage, some devotees from nearby cities carried fruits, which they distributed amongst people waiting in the serpentine queues. Groups of devotees were seen carrying huge water cans on their backs, distributing water to those waiting in the scorching sun.
Ashram officials also installed huge tankers at the start of each lane, which was a great relief to those waiting in the queue for over
6 to 7 hours.
Sachin gets emotional
When a visibly emotional Sachin Tendulkar arrived at Prashanti Nilayam at 10.30 am, he humbly bowed his head at the feet of the one he owes his success to.
Known as Baba's biggest devotee, the legend arrived with wife Anjali and stayed for about 45 minutes at theu00a0 Baba's resting place. Sachin spoke to other devotees and was seen talking to Baba's family members too.
The cricketing icon has been Baba's follower for over 30 years now, and has often said that every time he makes a record, he looks up to the sky to thank the holy man for his countless blessings.
