Puttaparthy

Introduction>

Puttaparthy, a small village in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, is today on the world map. And the person responsible for it is "Bhagawan Sri Satya Sai Baba" considered as a living God by millions. Praasanthi Nilayam (Abode of Peace) is an imposing edifice at Puttaparthy built by the devotees in reverence to the living God at his birth place. People seeking peace of mind and solace make a beeline to this village from all over the world.

Places you can see

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.

Sai Kulwant Hall

This is where 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 is 50 feet high pillar, celebrating the unity of all religions, is located to the south of Poorna Chandra Auditorium and was built in November 1975 on the occasion of the advent of the Avatar and the World Conference of the Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Seva organisation held in Prashanti Nilyam.

Poorna Chandra Auditorium

Built in 1973, it can comfortably seat around 15,000 people in the 60 X 40 meters area. With its imposing appearance and column less 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.

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.

Lepakshi

Among the most famous pilgrim centers of South India. Lepakshi is located 124 kms from Ananthapur. It is renowned for the Lord Veerabhadra Temple. Which is a sterling example of the Vijayanagara style of architecture. Built in 1530 AD, it is famed for a huge 100-pillared dance hall, adorned with exquisite sculptures, which has a 21' high dome reminiscent of a giant lotus. One can see a life-size granite sculpture of Veerabhadra, a giant monolith of Nanandi as well as carvings of Naga linga, flying Gandharvas, Ganesha etc. The 10-day Asvayuja Masam festival celebrated in February attracts tourists from far and wide. Special pujas are conducted every Monday.

Penukonda Fort

Situated 60 kms from Ananthapur, the imposing hill fort with seven bastions was built during the reign of the Vijayanagara rulers. It has a moat encircling it, which is believed to have crocodiles as a means of defence. Impressive sites here include the Summer Palace, the Gagan Mahal which was a munsif court built by the British and the Bhogasamudaram, a huge lake that was used as a public bathing place.