The Abode of Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba
Puttaparthi, once a sparsely populated village, has shot
into national and international fame as the abode of Bhagwan
Sri Satya Sai Baba. The original name of Sai Baba is "Satyanarayana
Raju". He was born on November 23, 1926 in Puttaparthi.
He started showing unusual talents and purity and compassion
from an early age. Baba's supernatural abilities caused
some concern to his family, who took him to Vedic doctors.
After being pronounced to be possessed by the divine rather
than the diabolical, at the age of fourteen he announced
that he was the new incarnation of Sai Baba, a saint from
Shirdi in Maharashtra who died eight years before Satya
was born. Number of devotees, from all over the world flock
to this small town every year to have a glimpse of the Baba,
and be touched by him.
His disciples have constructed the 'Prashanti Nilayam'
an ashram, which attracts large number of devotees throughout
the year. Prasahanti Nilayam means 'the abode of peace".
The ashram was inaugurated in 1950. The ashram is a huge
complex with room for thousands, with canteens, shops, a
museum and library, and a vast assembly hall where Sai Baba
gives 'darshan' twice daily. A considerable number of devotees
turn out for his birthday celebrations in Puttaparthi, where
he delivers a message to his devotees.
The Museum
The most often-visited place in the ashram is the museum,
which is located on the nearby hillock. The museum contains
models of various temple structures including the Golden
Temple of Amritsar, the Mecca mosque, etc. The museum also
depicts the story of Satya Sai Baba, right from his birth
to the time he attained 'Nirvana'.
How to Get There
Air:
The nearest airports to Puttaparthi are Bangalore and Tirupati
at the distance of 250-km and 300-km respectively.
Rail:
The nearest railhead - Dharmavaram at a distance of 30-km
on Secunderabad - Dharmavaram and Pakhal - Dharmavaram line.
Road:
Puttaparthi is situated at 150-km from Anantapur and 30-km
from Dharmavaram. Regular State buses from Hyderabad and
major towns of A.P. Taxis are also available from Bangalore.
Local Transport:
Taxis are available from the railway stations.
Where to Stay:
Ashram guesthouses are available for accommodation at
Puttaparthi. Tourist lodges are also available at Dharmavaram,
and Penukonda. Tourist Lodges and hotel accommodation are
also present at Anantapur.
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