Puttaparthi

Puttaparthi is located in the south-western part of Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi is surrounded by the arid and rocky hills bordering Karnataka. Famous for its Sathya Sai Baba Mandir, it is one of the famous religious tourist destinations of the world. A number of domestic as well as foreign tourists visit this place every year just to have a glimpse of the legendary Sathya Sai Baba and also to see his most talked about ashram. It is believed that the present Sai Baba is the reincarnation of the former Sai Baba of Maharashtra popularly known as Sai Baba of Shirdi. The income of the ashram has been used for the establishment of a number of public utility services. Although there is not much to see in Puttaparthi, the ashram itself keeps the attention of the visitor with its varied attractions. Puttaparthi belongs to the Bangalore Circuit of South India.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba:
Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the most colourful and multifaceted prophet, modern India has produced, is believed to be the very avatar (incarnation) of love and the voice of one's own innermost heart speaking to each individual externally. The teachings of the Baba are based on the famous 'five props' of Sathya (truth), Dharma (righteousness) Santhi (peace), Prema (universal love) and Ahimsa (non violence). Prasanthi Nilayam, over the years, has attracted people from all over then world.

The Ashram:
It has its own code of conduct, which every visitor should follow. The Ashram also has museums, stadiums, educational institutions, the Sai Space Theatre etc. The 23rd of November is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by the devotees of Baba at the Prasanthi Nilayam as Sai Baba was born on this day in Puttaparthi. Over a million people gather here on the occasion of the Baba's birthday. The atmosphere around the Ashram is undeniably peaceful, and the growth of such a vibrant community in this once forgotten backward area is not a small miracle.

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'.

Festivals & Events:
Many festivals are celebrated in Ashrams, throughout the year. Few specific ones are:

Makara Sankranti:
This festival is dedicated to the Sun God. During this season the sun is energizing and invigorating all life after winter seasons. This six-month period is considered specially suitable for sadhana and is very auspicious.

Vaikunth Ekadashi:
This festival marks the famous event narrated in the Bhagavatham when Lord Vishnu incarnated as the Tortoise. On this day, the gates of Vaikuntha (Heaven) are said to be open for the souls of spiritual aspirants to enter.

Maha Sivarathri:
Swami has said self-realization can be obtained on this night itself with the right intensity and effort as the influence of the moon on the mind is the weakest of the year. In Puttaparthi bhajans will be conducted all night and it is expected that one observe full fast and dedicate the day to prayer and spiritual practice to not waste the opportunity. Sivarathri night is the most sacred night in India of all festivals.

Guru Purnima:
This festival is dedicated to the Guru and the betterment he brings to his followers life through his knowledge and by sharing this knowledge with the people.

Onam:
This festival, specially important in the state of Kerala, marks the day on which Bali, emperor of this region, famed for his deep devotion to the Lord and great solicitude for the happiness and well-being of his subjects was blessed and granted liberation by the Supreme Divine.