A small village in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi is today on the world map. And the person responsible for it is "Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba" considered as a living God by millions. Prasanthi Nilayam (Adobe of Peace) is an imposing edifice at Puttaparthi 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.

Bhagawagn Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Born on November 23, 1926 Sathya Sai Baba's life has been a consistent manifestation of his divinity right from his childhood. His birth itself was accompanied by a strange phenomena. The musical instruments in the house started playing on their own & a cobra was found lying under the child's bed. He was against any form of violence and refused to touch meat. Even as a toddler, he identified himself with all living beings. At a tender age of 4 he displayed infinite compassion & generosity. By the age of 8 he organized groups of his age to sing the glory of the Lord and taught them bhajans composed by himself. At the age to 14 he declared to his family that he did not belong to them and set out with his devotees to launch his divine mission in the service of mankind. Right from childhood he was able to perform miracles and cure devotees of maladies not easily curable. To enchant his devotees he performed many miracles like distributing sweets from an empty bag, plucking a variety of fruits from a tamarind tree (since known as Kalpavriksha). Devotees overseas are spread across 155 countries covering about 1900 Sai centres and groups. In India there are over 6000 Sai Samithis and groups all over the country.

PLACES OF INTEREST INSIDE THE 'ASHRAM'
Prasanthi Mandir
This prayer hall was built in 1949. It is the centre of Prasanthi Nilayam. Omkar Suprabhatam at dawn, daily Bhajans and other spiritual activities are held in this hall. Ganesh Mandir: This was built around the same period as the main Mandir and is located at the entrance of Prasanthi Nilayam. Ganesh is the commander of Shiva's armym and as Vigneshwara obeisance is made to him for the removal of all obstacles.

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 October 1998. The five faced Goddess, Gayathri, the mother of the Vedas is the presiding deity here.

Sai Kulwant Hall
This is where the daily darshn 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.

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 success of those who meditate under it. Devotees are allowed to meditate during the day time only.

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 artifacts to convey the eternal message of saints and sages of all religions of the world. Legends of Bhagwan'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, regardless of chronology or country. The architecture of this building is in shikara style and is also the administrative building of the university. The museum is open between 10:00 AM and 12 noon daily.

Sarva Dharma Stupa
This 50 feet 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 Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the advent of the Avatar and the World conference of the Sri Satya Sai Seva organizations held in Prasanthi Nilayam.

ACCESS
Prasanthi Nilayam is located in Puttaparthi, Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is 80 kms from Ananthapur town and 120 kms from Bangalore.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Bangalore-Puttaparthy-Bangalore (2 nights / 3 days)

Day 01: Bangalore-Puttaparthi: Morning depart for Puttaparthi enroute visit Le Pakshi-famous for the Temple built in Vijaynagar style and dedicated to Lord Shiva and shrine Dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Arrive Puttaparthi - a tiny village thronged by people in search of peace and truth. And stay will be in the Ashram. Chosen as the adobe by Bhagwan Shri Satya Sai Baba, the place has been Transformed into a seat of knowledge transcending the materialism of the world. Meals and overnight at Ashram with simple and basic facilities.

Day 02: Puttaparthi: Full day at Ashram witnessing miracles during the Vibhuti ceremony and Listening to discourses. Meals/overnight stay at Ashram.

Day 03: Puttaparthi-Bangalore: Back to Bangalore in the morning. On arrival at Bangalore, transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.