- Sai Baba's Lack of Utility to Uravakonda
Uravakonda, October 20:
The town of Uravakonda in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, served as a historic and pivotal stage in the life of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It was here that Sathyanarayana Raju, transitioning from his childhood, made his divine Declaration of Incarnation as Sathya Sai Baba.
The Background of the Declaration
Sathya Sai Baba (Sathyanarayana Raju) lived in Uravakonda during 1940, studying at the Sri Karibasava Swamy High School along with his elder brother, Seshama Raju. He was also known for being a school-level champion in running races. It was during this time that his extraordinary spiritual behaviour began to manifest.
* The Onset of Change: In March 1940, Sathya was seemingly stung by a scorpion (or exhibited unusual behaviour). Following this incident, his health deteriorated, and his conduct underwent a significant transformation. He became indifferent to worldly matters, spoke only on spiritual topics, and frequently recited ancient Vedic hymns he had never learned.
The Declaration of Incarnation (October 20, 1940)
Disturbed by Sathyanarayana Raju's behaviour, his father, Peda Venkamaraju, approached Sathya with a large stick and angrily questioned him, "Who are you? Are you God, ghost, or madcap? Tell me!"
* The Divine Reply: Sathyanarayana Raju calmly and solemnly answered, "I am Sai."
* The Next Question: His bewildered father then asked, "What are we to do with you?" to which Sathya Sai Baba replied, "Worship Me every Thursday."
* Renunciation and Departure: Following this, at the age of 14, on October 20, 1940, he cast aside his books and declared, "My devotees are calling me. I have my work. I cannot stay here any longer," and left Uravakonda.
This event marked the end of Sathyanarayana Raju's formal education and worldly life. He travelled from Uravakonda to his native village, Puttaparthi. From the moment of this declaration, he dedicated his life to the upliftment of humanity.
Ongoing Celebrations in Uravakonda
To commemorate the day of Sathya Sai Baba's Declaration of Incarnation, devotees in Uravakonda celebrate grand festivals every year. Sathya Sai's portrait is carried in a chariot procession (Rathotsavam), and service activities like mass feeding (Annadanam) and distribution of clothes (Vastradanam) are undertaken. This day is celebrated as Avatar Declaration Day.
Lack of Utility to Uravakonda
Despite having pursued his education in Uravakonda and making his divine proclamation there, Sathya Sai Baba is often perceived as having done nothing directly beneficial for the town of Uravakonda itself. However, the town gained international fame across continents because it was the site where he emerged as an Incarnation of God. It is worth noting that he is credited with recognising the drinking water needs of the district residents and successfully implementing the Sathya Sai Drinking Water Scheme across the entire district.
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