Ratnakara means the sea, which is the treasure house of pearls and corrals, two of the nine Ratnas or gems. It also means the earth, which is the source of the seven other precious gems. We, who are benefitting by the gems of advice and inspiration, gems of grace, gems of glory and wisdom from Baba must be filled with joy and wonder that the family name of the Rajus of Puttaparthi is appropriately Ratnakara (Source of Gems).
Baba has said that for the Avathar, the Lord selects the appropriate family and place. The Ratnakara family had a Ratna in Kondamaraju, the centenarian saint and another gem in Peddavenkappa Raju, born by the grace of the great saint Venka Avadhutha and named after him.
His consort was Easwaramba, so named because she was born after her father constructed an Easwara temple and installed Iswara therein!
They systematically observed the Satyanarayana Vritha to propitiate God as Satyanarayana, and this gem among Avathars, 'SATHYA SAI BABA' came down, into their lap and into our lives. May we deserve His grace! May each of us become an efficient instrument for His use! May each of us become a straight and hollow flute transmuting His breath into the melody of Love!