Prasanthinilayam, Puttaparti
Prasanthinilayam,
the abode of peace at Puttaparthi is famous worldwide as the home of Sri Satya
Sai Baba.
All religions are respected here and all festivals celebrated. On 23rd November
the birthday of Sri Satya Sai Baba, millions of his devotees gather to greet
him and receive his blessings. Although Bhagwan Baba's programmes are unpredictable,
he is generally present in Prashanthi Nilayam from early June to the middle
of March. Summer months are spent in Brindavan, Whitefield in Bangalore as also
in the hills of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu. Sometimes he also visits other citiesof
India. Many festivals are conducted in Prashanthi Nilayam. It is always advisable
to ascertain the presence ofBhagwan Baba before planning a visit.
Climate: The climate is warm & dry almost throughout the year. Light
rainfall occurs during the months of June - August and October - December. Climate
is pleasant during December - January.
Places of interest in the Ashram
Prasanthi Mandir, The prayer hall was built in 1949. It is the centre of activity
ofPrasanthi Nilayam. Omkar Suprabhatam at dawn, daily Bhajans and other spiritual
activities are held in the hall.
Ganesh Mandir
This temple was built around the same period. The main Mandir and is located
at the entrance ofPrasanthi Nilayam.
Subramanya Mandir
Situated to the south of Ganesh Mandir, was constructed in 1977.
Gayathri Mandir
Situated opposite to the "Seva Dal" block this temple was consecrated by Bhagwan
Baba on 9th October1998. The five faced Goddess, Gayathri, the mother of the
Vedas is the presiding deity here.
Sai Kulwant Hall
This is where the daily darshan takes place besides many other festivities.
Divine discourses are delivered here. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000.
On the northern side entrance to Sai Kulwant Hall, the exquisitely carved icons
in white marble of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman were consecrated by
Bhagwan on 30th September 1999.
Sarva Dharma Stupa
This 50 feet high pillar celebrating the unity of all religions is located on
the south of Poorna Chandra Auditorium and was built in November 1975 on the
occasion of the GoldenJubilee Celebrations and the World conference of the Sri
Satya Sai Seva organisations held in Prasanthi Nilayam.
Poorna Chandra Auditorium
Built in 1973, it accomodates 15,000 people in the 60 X 40 meters area. With
its imposing appearance and columnless structure, it has inspiring murals of
God forms, Avatars, Saints and Seers from all religions and times. It is used
for conducting cultural programmes, conferences and yagna during Dassera.
Mosque
For the convenience of the local muslim population Bhagwan had a mosque and
a hall constructed and opened in 1978. Where prayers are conducted regularly.
Chaitanya Jyothi
A museum on the Mission and Message of Sathya Sai Avtar was constructed to commemorate
Bhagwan's 75th Birthday. On display are many exhibits about the life and Mission
ofBhagwan arranged at 8 levels. The architecture represents a fusion of different
cultures and architectural forms like Chinese roof, Gothic arches and Moorish
domes.
Meditation Tree
The banyan tree planted by Bhagwan has also a metal plate with inscription done
with Divine Sankalpa embedded by him at the roots in 1950. Located on the left
of the road uphill to the Spiritual museum, it enhances the spiritual success
of those who meditate under it. Devotees are allowed to meditate during the
day time only.
Sri Sathya Sai Hill view Stadium
Located behind the Higher Secondary School, opposite the hill, towering with
statues ofHanuman, Krishna, Siva, Buddha, Zoroaster and Christ, it gives an
imposing view. Bhagwan Baba addresses the mammoth gathering from the Santhi
Vedika (covered podium) on the southern end of the stadium on his birthday on
23rd November every year.
Siva Mandir The birth place of Bhagwan Baba is now adorned by a Siva
Temple sanctified by Bhagwan in 1979. Puja is performed here everyday at dawn
and dusk. Legends of his birth and childhood leelas can be visualised here.
Spiritual Museum
It is located on the top of a hillock on the southern side of the Ashram centered
around the experience of spirituality in man's evolution. It displays fascinating
artefacts to convey the eternal message of saints and sages of all religions
of the world. Legends ofBhagwan's early life and his declaration of Avatarhood
are emphasised in the displays. Sprawling over 20,000 sqft., it is designed
to evoke the spiritual quest of man,
Village Temples
As you go into the village you can see the temples of Gopal Swami (Krishna as
cowherd), Hanuman, and Satyabhama (consort of Krishna). There is also an old
Mandir which is now used as a wedding hall.
Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital
Free medical facilities are provided at the hospital which has a Casualty department
open all 24 hours. The Outpatient department functions in the mornings and evenings
daily. The hospital also has Maternity & Dental departments. Sri Sathya Sai
Super Speciality Hospital located 7 kms from the ashram has excellent modern
facilities to handle cases pertaining to Cardiology, Urology, Nephrology and
Ophthalmology.
Sri Sathya Institute of Higher Learning
Established in 1981 and situated in the Vidyagiri adjacent to the Ashram this
magnificent structure stands as the sentinel of the happy amalgamation of the
secular & the spiritual. It is the foundation of the education system established
by Bhagwan Sri Sathya Baba. The institute has been recognised by the University
Grants Commission as a Deemed University. It conducts courses in under graduate
& post graduate studies in Arts, Science and Professional subjects. Apart from
the Institute of higher learning, there are both Primary and High Schools with
hostel facilities. Free education is offerred it all these institutions.
Accommodation:
As soon as you arrive at the Ashram you are requested to proceed to the Accommodation
Office. Devotees are allotted accommodation according to the availability in
rooms, halls or dormitories. Foreigners are expected to proceed on arrival to
the office of overseas Registration & Accommodation to complete various formalities
& then proceed to the accommodation counters.
How to Reach This Place
Road : Puttaparti is 80 Kms away from Ananthapur. it is well connected
by road.
Rail : It is 80 kms from Ananthapur.
Air : Hyderabad and bangalore Airports. It is 120 kms from Banglore Airport.
