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Puttaparthi Travel Guide
There are perhaps very few places in the world which have attained such prominence as Puttaparthy, in Andhra Pradesh, India. The reason is not too difficult to fathom.
In a country where there is no dearth of religious and spiritual leaders, one name is revered by followers around the world. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is worshiped as a "Living God" and his abode Prashanthi Nilayam at Puttapathy, attracts millions of visitors from all over, who come seeking spiritual solace and mental peace.
PLACE OF INTEREST
Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital: Free Medical facilities are provided at the hospital which has a casualty department open till 24 hours. The Out patient 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 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 and the spiritual. It is the foundation of the educational system established by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The institute has been recognized by the university Grants Commission as a Deemed University, It conducts courses in under graduate and post graduate studies in Arts, Science and Professionals subjects. Apart from this institute of Higher learning, there is primary Schools and a High School. There are good hostel facilities .Education is free in all these institutions.
Prashanthi Mandir: A two storied-granite structure, built in 1949, it has a Central Prayer Hall flanked by rooms on either side with a 'Verandah' in front and a corridor in the rear. The walls on each side of the altar have five symbols representing the unity of religions. Omkar Suprabhatnam at dawn, daily bhajans and spiritual activities are conducted here. Baba gives interviews in the room behind the altar.
Ganesh Mandir: This temple was built around the same period as the main Mandir and is located at the entrance of Prasanthi Nilyam. Ganesh is the commander of Shiva's army and as Vigneshwar, Obeisance is made to him for the removal of all obstacles.
Subramanya Mandir: Situated to the south of Ganesh Mandir. Subramanya Mandir was constructed in 1977.
Sarva Dharma Aikya Stambha: An impressive 500- feet high made of reinforced concrete, it symbolizes the unity of all religions. Located in the middle of a Garden to the West of the Sai Kulwant Hall, it was erected in 1975 on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the advent of the Avatar and the World Conference of Bhagwan Sathya Sai Seva Organisation.
Gayathri Mandri: Situated opposite to the "Seva Dal" block, this temple was consecrated by Bhagwan Baba on 9th October 1998. The five faced Goddess, Gayathri, the mother of the Vedas is the Presiding deity here.
Samadhi of Baba's Parents: The mortal remains of Baba's parents are housed in a mausoleum off the main Road, down Samadhi Road. It is made of black stone and always kept spotlessly clean. There is also a white Ganesha Idol nearby.
The Eternal Heritage Museum: A beautiful museum dedicated to Man's eternal quest for realizing the inherent Divinity, it is spread over three floors. Teaching of the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Gita and other religions, are all depicted here. Minature replicas of famous temples in India and around the world are on display. The eternal message of saints and sages down the ages about the oneness of religion, is brought forth through models, writings, audio and video Legends of Baba's early life and his declaration of avatar hood are emphasized. A reading room on the second floor is well stocked with a vast collection of books on spiritually and facilities for listening to Baba's discourses. The museum is open from 10 a.m to 12 Noon, every day of the week.
Vata Vruksha (Meditation Tree): The banyan tree planted by Bhagawan also has a metal plate with inscriptions 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 times only.
Mosque: For the convenience of the local Muslim population, Bhagwan had a mosque and a hall constructed and opened in 1978. Prayers are conducted regularly.
Village Temples: As you go into the village, you can see the Gopal Swami Temple (Krishna as cowherd), Hanuman Temple and a small temple of Satyabhama (consort of Krishna). There is also an old Mandir which is no used as a wedding hall.
Shiva Mandir: The birth place of Bhagawan Baba is now adorned by a Shiva Temple sanctified by Bhagawan in 1979. Puja is performed here everyday at dawn and dusk. Legends of his births and childhood leelas can be visualized.
Chaitanya Jyothi: A Museum on the mission and message of Bhagwan Sathya Sai Avatar was constructed to commemorate Bhagwan 75 birthday. On display are many exhibits about the life and Mission of Bhagawan arranged at 8 levels. The architecture represents a fusion of different cultures and architecture forms like Chinese Roofs, Gothic Arches and Moorish Domes.
Shridi Sai Baba Statue: Located on the way to the Hospital from the Ashram, the attractive seven foot tall statue stands on an elevated rock more than ten feet above he ground.
Sri Satya Sai Hill View Stadium: Located behind the higher Secondary School, opposite the hill, with towering statues of Hanuman, Krishna, Shiva, Buddha, Zoroaster and Christ, its present an imposing view, Bhagawan Baba addresses the mammoth gathering from the Shanthi Vedika (covered Podium) on the southern end of the stadium on his birthday on 23 rd November every year. Among other events is the sports and cultural meet for the schools and colleges held on 11th of January every year. The stadium is not open to public except when in use.
Access
Air: Indian Airlines operate biweekly flight between Mumbai and Prasanthi Nilayam on Wednesdays and Sundays when Bhagawan Sri Satya Sai Baba is at Prasanthi Nilayam. A Coach is available from and to the Sri Sathya Sai Airport, about 6 Kms. away from the Ashram.
Rail: The nearest station is at Dharmavaram, very well connected to Puttaparthi by bus. There are trains to Dharmavaram from Bangalore and Hyderabad
Road: Most people come down to Puttaparthi by road. There are buses from Bangalore and an overnighter from Chennai but the ride is bumpy. Long haul road journeys are better handled in a car. Hire a cab and the cabbie and you’re ready to roll.
