Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh

Puttaparthi is a town situated in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It was also the residence of the notable spiritual teacher Sathya Sai Baba.

The town's main attraction is Baba's Prasanthi Nilayam ashram, the presence of which has given a huge boost to the local economy, in the form of hotels, lodges, restaurants and shops which are largely frequented by visitors to Prasanthi Nilayam.

Transport

Places to See:

Sathya Sai Baba Ashram

In the historical year 1926, a blessed soul appeared on the earth in the form of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The legend experienced divine powers when he was barely 14. Acclaimed as the incarnation of Sai Baba (Shirdi), the prophet is one amongst the most revered spiritual guides of the 20th century. 

Birth Place of Sri Sathya Sai

In Puttaparthi village, the birth place of Satya Sai Baba today serves as the venue of a Lord Shiva temple. This shrine was opened by the seer himself in 1979. Though the real birthplace of Baba is not known, it is believed to be somewhere across the river. People visit this place to feel the spiritual aura of the prophet. 

Sathyabhama Temple

Sathyabhama is believed to be the consort of Lord Krishna. In Puttaparthy, there is an exclusive temple dedicated to her. This is one and only temple in the world devoted to the lord's consort. Since it is a distinct temple, people usually pay a visit to the goddess. 

Sri Raju Kalyana Mandapam

In 1945, Sri Raju Kalyana Mandapam was erected and Sai chose it as a place for his darshans. At the same site, there had been a temple that is now used for marriages in the village. 

The Village Mosque

In 1978, a mosque was constructed in the village on the directions of Sri Satya Sai Baba. On the outskirts of Puttaparthi, accidents had become a regular feature and people asked Sai to help them. The prophet asked people to dig a certain spot, where a plate was unearthed. Subsequently, the plate was placed in the new mosque and all the accidents came to a halt. 

Anjaneya (Hanuman) Swamy Temple

Flanked by Kalyana Mandapam and Sathyabhama Temple, Anjaneya Swamy Temple embraces the sculpture of Lord Hanuman in a cave. At the feet of Lord, there is a pool that always remains filled with water. It is believed that the water represents the tears of the Lord. 

Kalpa Vriksha

Located on the banks of the Chitravati River, Kalpa Vriksha literally means 'Wish Fulfilling Tree'. This old tamarind tree is the standing testimony to the Sai's childhood. It is said that Sai used to show his extraordinary powers to his playfellows by asking them to think of any fruit and the same would appear hanging off the branches of the tree. In the present day, Kalpa Vriksha has become a major spot for people. 

Chitravati River

Chitravati River is regarded like the new Ganga, since Sai used to bath in it and played on its banks. Today this river is the main source of sand for all the construction work in Puttaparthi. Even today, the clothes of the seer are washed in the river. 

Samadhi 

On the Samadhi Road, the Samadhi of Sai's parents - Sri Pedda Venkappa Raju and Smt. Easwaramma are to be found. Eswaramma Day, i.e. May 6th, is celebrated here every year, when special Bhajans are sung and hundreds of the poor are fed. 

Sai Gita - The Elephant

Sai Gita is actually an elephant that was gifted to Sai by Madras Zoo. In India, it is considered propitious to have real elephants in the temple, as they are considered to be the representatives of Lord Ganesha. She was a small baby, when received and later got quite spoilt with the love of the prophet. Next to the Mandir, it is her compound where she stays. 

Sathya Sai Nagar

Sathya Sai Nagar is a settlement of the Harijans (outcastes) of the village, where they have been given shelter by Sai. These people became homeless after the sudden flooding of Chitravati River in 1975. 

Gokulam

Gokulam is the ashram dairy, which provides milk for the schools, the hospital canteen and the ashram. The cows at Gokulam are properly looked-after and offer the best quality milk. At the entrance of Gokulam, there is a beautiful image of Sri Krishna. Long ago, the artistic 'fill-ins' on Sri Krishna's face was done by Sai himself............
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