When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra

 Dr. Prabai Mall was a student and Research Scholar (1979-1987) in the Department of Biosciences at the Sri Sathya Sai institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam Campus. Currently, he is a Learning Mentor in Chennai.

It was a cool day with mild sunshine. The young lad of about sixteen was sitting alone in front of the cottage in Lidderwat near the Kolahoi Glacier in the Kashmir Valley. He was doing just nothing. His wandering eyes stopped near the peak of jagged rocky face just behind the cottage, which was the mountain. On the way he crossed the fast but shallow river. On reaching the base of the mountain he checked his climbing gear and started the climb. The climb was uneventful and after a few hours he was near the peak when a small cave caught his attention. He slowly neared the cave. He found the cave to be one of the most beautiful and serene ones he had ever come across.

The entire floor of the cave was covered with a thick layer of green moss—a natural carpet. In one corner was a small spring with a continuous supply of crystal clear water that was flowing in a small groove on the side of the cave. In other words, the cave had everything necessary for survival. But there was no sign of any being. The boy felt a strange aroma permeating the cave.

After the strenuous climb he was too tired to think about anything, so he sat down cross-legged. And then it all started. The moment he closed his eyes, there was total darkness and then an image started focusing like the zooming-in of a camera lens. He saw a large lake with blue water merging in the distant azure sky. On either side there was lush green vegetation and strangely the lake had golden yellow sand around it. The scene was coming closer and closer. There was a large crowd on the sands. Mostly they were all youngsters and then there were plenty of cows and calves charging around. It appeared that the center of attraction of the entire gathering was a young lad of curious complexion. He was very young and attractive. Many games were going on but all were around the young boy.

Now he was here, now there, and everywhere. The only drawback about this picture was that there was no sound. The young lad made all the cowherds tired and finally signaled them to sit in a large circle. Everybody opened his lunch and the boy went round inspecting each and every item. He then spread a sheet on every item of food that was placed there and with his small hands he started mixing everything. This tasty mixture was doled out to everybody by the small one. After the meal, most of the cowherds were looking expectantly at the young boy who was busy in his own childish pranks. Suddenly he became serious and started collecting the sand around him into the form of a mound. He flattened the top of the mound and made it smooth. Slowly he put his right hand inside the mound and with his left gesticulated at the youngsters as if asking them to guess what was in the mound, but none could. Finally, with a mischievous smile on his bluish face, the boy took out his hand with a large shining object.

The young blue boy raised the shiny object, which turned out to be a statue and showed it to everybody around, but they were not surprised. The boy in the cave, who was seeing this drama with his closed eyes, was awestruck because the golden statue was that of his Lord Sai. The young blue boy sat down with the statue in his lap. He pointed a finger at himself, then at the statue and told something to those gathered around him, but all this was inaudible to the boy in the cave. What he could guess was that the blue boy, now who he was sure and none other than Krishna, was trying to tell the cowherds around him that he will incarnate later and the form of that future incarnation was the golden statue. At this juncture, the entire silent picture started fading and shortly the boy in the cave found himself alone, but strangely relaxed.

This incident left an indelible impression on the mind of the young boy who since his childhood was fascinated by the tales of Sri Krishna. Years rolled by, and by the grace of Lord Sai he joined the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning at Prasanthi Nilayam. He completed his graduation and while doing his post-graduate course once he had the opportunity by the divine grace to be close to Lord Sai. He had a sudden urge and he asked something which he had never even dreamt of asking. He asked the Lord for a mantra [formula to repeat], which would always help him. He repeated his prayer. And then with a beaming smile, the Lord said, chant ‘Sai Krishna’. The boy was struck as if by a bolt. Was this not the name he had given to his Lord? The Lord only confirmed it and also the experience he had in that lonely cave. And now the same boy, who has completed his education, has the unique privilege to offer this flower at the Lotus Feet of his Lord on His 65th year of advent.

~Dr. Prabai Mall
Source: Sai Vandana, 1990 (65th Birthday Offering)
Sathya Sai with Students

When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra

The divine life of Sri Sathya Sai Baba has inspired millions of devotees across the world with miracles, teachings, compassion, and spiritual guidance. Among the many sacred incidents remembered by devotees, When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra remains one of the most touching and spiritually uplifting experiences. The event reflects the deep connection between devotion, faith, and the grace of the Guru. Through divine words and sacred vibrations, Baba transformed the lives of countless devotees who sought inner peace and spiritual awakening. Stories like When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra continue to inspire seekers who wish to walk on the path of truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence.

In many spiritual traditions, mantras are considered sacred sounds that carry divine energy. When uttered with devotion and purity, they calm the mind and awaken the soul. During one unforgettable occasion, devotees gathered around Baba in complete silence and reverence. The atmosphere was filled with devotion, and everyone waited eagerly for Baba’s blessings. It was during this sacred gathering that When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra became a cherished spiritual memory among devotees. Baba spoke gently about Lord Krishna, divine love, and the importance of remembering God in every moment of life.

Baba explained that chanting the name of Krishna purifies the heart and removes fear, sorrow, and negativity. He reminded devotees that Krishna is not merely a historical figure but the eternal divine consciousness present in every being. As devotees listened with folded hands and tears in their eyes, Baba lovingly gave them the Krishna mantra and instructed them to chant it with complete faith. The power of that divine moment became the essence of When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra, a story passed down with devotion and gratitude by followers around the world.

The experience transformed many lives instantly. Devotees later shared that their minds became peaceful, their worries disappeared, and they felt a deep spiritual joy after receiving the mantra from Baba. Some experienced healing, while others found answers to long-standing problems in life. Such miracles strengthened their belief that the Guru’s blessings are beyond human understanding. In spiritual communities connected with Devotional india, such sacred experiences are treasured as divine gifts that guide people toward self-realization and inner harmony.

Baba often taught that the easiest path to God in the present age is the repetition of the divine name. He encouraged devotees to sing bhajans, chant mantras, and engage in selfless service. The teachings associated with When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra emphasized that devotion should not remain limited to rituals alone. True devotion means purity in thoughts, kindness in words, and compassion in actions. Baba reminded everyone that God resides in every heart, and serving humanity is equal to worshipping the Divine.

The spiritual significance of Krishna’s name has been celebrated for centuries in India. Saints, sages, and devotees have described the divine bliss experienced through Krishna bhakti. Baba beautifully connected these ancient truths with modern spiritual life. During the event remembered as When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra, devotees felt that Baba himself embodied the divine qualities of Lord Krishna—love, wisdom, compassion, and protection. His words carried a spiritual energy that touched every heart present there.

Many followers from different countries traveled to Puttaparthi seeking Baba’s blessings and spiritual guidance. They came with different problems and expectations, but most returned with renewed faith and peace of mind. The story of When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra spread rapidly among devotees because it revealed Baba’s immense compassion and desire to uplift humanity spiritually. Even today, devotees chant the Krishna mantra given by Baba and feel connected to his divine presence.

The teachings of Baba continue to inspire spiritual seekers through bhajans, seva activities, meditation, and devotional practices. In the spiritual culture of Devotional india, the remembrance of saints and Gurus plays an important role in guiding people toward moral and spiritual living. Baba’s message of universal love crossed barriers of religion, language, and nationality. His guidance encouraged devotees to see unity in all faiths and recognize the same divine truth everywhere.

For devotees, When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra is not merely a historical incident but a timeless spiritual lesson. It teaches that the grace of the Guru can awaken devotion instantly and transform ordinary lives into journeys of spiritual growth. The Krishna mantra became a symbol of divine love and surrender, helping devotees remain connected with God amidst worldly challenges. The sacred memory continues to inspire people to cultivate faith, humility, and devotion in daily life.

Even today, spiritual discussions, bhajans, and gatherings inspired by When Sri Sathya Sai Gave the Krishna Mantra are conducted by devotees around the world. Through prayer and remembrance, they continue to experience Baba’s presence and blessings. The message remains simple yet powerful—chant the divine name with sincerity, serve humanity with love, and keep faith in God during every phase of life. In the traditions of Devotional india, such divine experiences remain eternal sources of inspiration for generations of devotees.

Shri Sathya Sai Baba Categories: Spiritual Teachings, Krishna Devotion, Sai Bhajans, Divine Experiences, Guru Blessings, Meditation, Mantra Chanting, Bhakti Stories, Spiritual Wisdom, Devotional Practices.

-Moments Made Special by Sri Sathya Sai