Puttaparthi

History And Mythological Belief:

The history of this place revolves around Sai Baba. Actually for the other parts of the world this site means Sai Baba itself. This small hamlet features all the infrastructures of a modern metropolis like Railway Station, Airport, Super Specialty Hospitals and a wide range of educational institutions. Since his babyhood, Sathya Narayana was an extraordinary kid and it is supposed that he has presented extraordinary qualities from his childhood. With passing time this unusual boy transformed into a religious figure. He and his principles are followed by staunch followers who can be found in each part of the world. He is regarded as the re-incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba.

After the downfall of the Cholas, this place was ruled by a number of dynasties including the Pandyas, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks, Thanjavur Marathas, Vijaya Nagar Empire and the British.

Major Attractions In Puttaparthi:

Sathyabhama Temple : There is a shrine for Sathyabhama, on the other side of the road. It is a rare holy place exclusively set up for Sathyabhama. He is generally recognized as Lord Krishna’s consort. It is the only shrine in the whole world that is devoted to Sathyabhama.

Birth Place of Sathya Sai Puttaparthi : A Siva temple located in this hamlet symbolizes as Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s native land. The place of worship was inaugurated by Baba in 1979. The real place of birth, unfamiliar for most of the people is is isted across brook in a small depilated residence.

Anjaneya (Hanuman) Swamy Temple :This temple lies between Sathyabhama temple and the Kalyana Mandapam. At the doorway, Lord Shiva’s Lingam, which is brought from Kasim by Bhagawan has been installed. The place of worship looks as if Anjaneya has been carved in a guha standing inside a cave. There is also a steam at the feet of Hanuman portraying his tears that he sheds in his worship and desire for Lord Rama.

Sri Raju Kalyana Mandapam : This ancient place of worship was built in the year of 1945. Bhagavan chosen a new site for His darshans (view) and a new temple, the present one, was erected in 1950. After that this ancient mandir has been utilized as marriage hall (Kalyana Mandapam) and is contributed for free marriages in the rural community.

Samadhi : Bhagavan's parents Samadhi including Smt. Easwaramma and Sri Pedda Venkappa Raju, is situated in the Samadhi Road, which is a few blocks away from the Ganesh entrance. Every year on May 6th during Eswaramma Day, special Bhajans are organized and hundreds of poor citizens are fed.

Kalpa Vriksha :There is an ancient 'wish-fulfilling' tree, which is still there from Bhagavan's infancy. The Kalpa Vriksha is renowned from the life story of Bhagavan in the Sathyam-Shivam-Sundaram series of Prof. Kasturi. In His childhood, Puttaparthi Sai baba marvels used to flaunt His phenomenal powers to his playmates by demanding any fruit, in or out of time and the exact would come into view hanging off the branches of this tamarind tree. Hence the name was given as ‘wish fulfilling tree’.

Sathya Sai Nagar : This is a settlement of 58 dwellings where the outcasts (Harijans) of the rural community have been offered shelter by Bhagavan. Sai provided them the shelter as a consequence of their exile after an unforeseen flooding of the Chitravati River that took place in 1975. For medical assistance to these locals, there is also a Sai baba Puttaparthi hospital situated over here.

Sai Gita-The Elephant : It is the temple elephant of Bhagavan and is regarded propitious in Indian shrines to have a real elephant dwelling in the holy place as a symbol for Ganesh. It was born in 1965, and was presented as a gift to Bhagavan from the Zoo in Chennai, when she was just a baby elephant. She was quite loved by Swami as a baby and he even, had built a small compound for her near to the Mandir.

Gokulam : From the ashram, the dairy is about half a kilometer far along the main highway (Main Road) in Vidya Giri. This is the place from where all milk for the hospital canteen, the schools, and the ashram comes.

Top sights in Puttaparthi :

The village mosque | Chitravati River

How To Reach:

Air : Bangalore airport is the nearest airport, which is located at a distance of 120 kilometers from Prasanthi Nilayam.

Train : The railhead, which is close by is 'Sri Sathya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam'. It is situated 8 kilometres away from the ashram. One can also catch trains from Chennai.

Road : The site is well linked by highway to Bangalore. The remoteness between Puttaparthi to Bangalore is about 120 Km. this can be covered easily via car or bus.

Fast Facts

• Best Season : Sept- Feb
• Languages : Telugu
• Weather :Summer 23 to 41°C, Winter 14 to 31°C