Situated in Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi is the abode of
renowned sage Sri Sathya Sai Baba. He is said to be the reincarnation
of Shridi Sai Baba and has a large following worldwide. Puttaparthi is
increasingly being recognized as a revered religious center, not only
India but globally as well
Born on 23rd November, 1926 in Puttaparthi, Sathya Sai Baba is
the epitome of love and divinity. His motto has always been "help ever
hurt never" and he urges all his disciples to follow this motto in
life. Thousands of books have been written about Baba and his
miracles, by devotees who have been fortunate enough to have
interacted with him. Stories of his miracles are astounding, be it
bringing a dead body back to life or curing acute illnesses or giving
sight to the blind. Baba himself states that he wants people to know
of these miracles as this is his way of attracting people to Parthi
and to Gods own world of spirituality, peace and happiness.
Some fortunate devotees have had the chance to personally
interact with Sai Baba and seek his blessings, while some others have
received a gold chain or vibhuti that Baba instantly creates for them,
as a symbol of his blessings.
Nestled in the village of Puttaparthi is the Prashanthi
Nilayam, which is Sai Babas ashram. Prashanthi Nilayam means the
abode of supreme peace. It was built by Babas devotees a few decades
back and was inaugurated in 1950. This ashram is a huge complex that
houses thousands of people at any given time. It is home to various
museums including the Chaitanya Jyoti museum and the Sananthana
Samskruti. It also has a number of canteens, stadiums and educational
institutions. The Hill View stadium in Prashanthi Nilayam is famous
and hosts an annual sports meet which sees a strong participation. The
Sathya Sai space theatre (planetarium) is also a popular tourist
attraction.
23rd of November, which is Baba's birthday, is celebrated with
great vigor and enthusiasm by Baba's devotees every year. Millions of
devotees world over assemble in Puttaparthi for this occasion. The
ambience is serene, joyous and simply beautiful. Although it is very
crowded during this time, it is the best time of the year to visit
Purraparthi and seek Baba's blessings
Other attractions in Puttaparthi
Sathya Sai Baba's birth place: A small Siva temple in
Puttaparthi signifies the birth place of Sathya Sai Baba. The temple
was opened by Baba in the late 1970s.
The Satyabhama temple, Gopalswami temple and Hanuman temple are
other famous temples in Puttaparthi.
A village mosque, samadhi of Bhagwan's (Baba) parents, Kalpa
Vriksha (The tree that fulfills wishes) and the Chitravati river are
other places worth visiting.
History/Sathya Sai Baba
Sathya Sai Baba was born on 23rd of November 1926. He was the
fourth child of a humble, hardworking couple and was named Sathya
Narayana Raju. In May 1940, at the age of 14 he disclosed that he was
the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi. This Sai Baba of Shirdi,
although a Brahmin by birth, lived the life of a Muslim fakir in the
village of Shirdi until his demise in 1918. He is revered as a Saint
or God-man by millions in the northern states of India.
Sathya Sai Baba, also known as 'Sai Baba' or simply 'Swami' to
millions of people in the world is revered by many of his followers as
a Divine Teacher. He is revered as Divine because he is seen to
exhibit divine characteristics. He is also revered as a Teacher, as he
has come to teach humanity the path to blessedness, which has been
forgotten. He is believed to be an avatar of Lord Shiva and also a
reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba. Sathya Sai Baba is considered as a
humanitarian by those that don't follow him. He has taken unto himself
the task of having to supply drinking water and electricity to many of
the villages in Andhra Pradesh.