Puttaparthi Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Puttaparthi

Prasanthi Nilayam is the holy abode of Satya Sai Baba. The Name Prasanthi Nilayam literally means ‘abode of peace’ and every year thousands of devotees come to the Ashram to seek peace of mind and soul. The ashram was inaugurated in the year 1950. The Ashram has all the modern facilities including educational institutions, stadiums, etc.

Visitors have to strictly comply with the rules and regulations of the Ashram. The Ashram has an assembly hall where Baba gives Darshan to his devotees. The ashram is also the headquartes of the Sri Satya Sai Seva Organisation and the Sir Satya Sai Central Trust.

The Eternal Heritage Museum is a beautiful museum dedicated to Satya Sai Baba and his eternal quest for realizing the inherent Divinity. Spread across three floors, teaching from various religious books of different religions are depicted here. There is also an exquiste display of miniature replicas of famous temples in India.

The eternal message of various Sages and Saints who have talked about the oneness of religion comes across here through models, writings, audio and video displays. The life of Satya Sai Baba is also emphasised in this museum. There is a reading room which stocks a vast collection of books on spirituality in the museum. Timings: 10 am-12 noon every day.

The Satyabhama Devi Temple has been constructed by Satya Sai Baba’s grandfather, Late Kondama Raju. The temple is dedicated to mother Satyabhama, consort of Lord Krishna. The temple depicts various images of Lord Krishna. The Sanctum of the temple has a three feet high Idol of Satyabhama.

The temple is the only known temple dedicated to mother Satyabhama. Kondama Raju constructed the temple as he saw a dream of Satyabhama waiting for her husband who had gone to get the Parijat flowers for her.

When Lord Krishna did not return she broke into tears leading to a huge storm. Satyabhama requested Kondama Raju to provide her with shelter from the storm in his dreams. Hence he was inspired to construct a temple for her.  

The Vata Vruksham or the meditation tree is a Banyana tree that was implanted by Satya Sai Baba inside the Ashram. The tree is supposed to enrich the brooding spirit among those who meditate at the ashram. There is a heavy metal plate positioned at the base of the tree. It is considered as a distinct zone for meditation.

There are separate areas for men and women in the site. Women are not allowed to be in this area before sunrise and after sunset.

The Poornachandra Auditorium constructed in 1973 has a seating capacity of 15,000 people in its area of 60 m by 40 m dimensions. It has a columnless structure and imposing appearance. Mural of Avatars and God forms, Seers and Saints from all religions and times can be found here.

The auditorium, which is used for cultural events, discourses and conferences contains several balconies and domes. The Yagna during Dassera is also conducted here.

The Anjaneya Swami Temple is located on the Gorupuram Road and can be entered through an entrance marked by a Siva Lingam. This Lingam was brought from Kasim by Satya Sai Baba. The temple has a sanctum on which the idol of the deity is installed in such a way that it looks etched on a cavern.

At the foot of the deity, there is a pool of water which symbolises Lord Hanuman’s devotion for Lord Rama. It is believed that the pool represents Hanuman’s tears.

Legends state that the deity stopped Satya Sai Baba, by saying that it is the god who is to pay respect, when he was about to observe circumambulation at the temple. The image of the temple shows carvings of Hanuman standing inside a cave.

The birth place of Sri Sathya Sai Baba now adorns a Shiva temple which was sanctified by Baba himself in 1979. On 23rd November 1926, Baba was born at the very same place where the temple stands in a tiny house. Every Monday morning a ceremonial bath of the idols of the temple is performed. Puja is performed here from dawn to dusk every day.

The Gayatri Devi Temple is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Gayatri who is a manifestation of Lord Durga. The temple was installed in October 1998 during the Pudaka Mahotsava. There is an idol of the five headed and ten armed goddess of intelligence and wisdom. Goddess Gayatri is the mother of the Vedas.

Kalpa Vruksham is in fact the tamarind tree where Satya Sai Baba would put on a show, his miraculous powers to his friends during his childhood. This tree is situated on the slope of Obuladevara Gutta Hill on the bank of the river Chitravathi. The Kalpa Vruksham can be accessed from the Chitravathi Road from which steps lead down to the holy spot.

The Ganesh Temple was built around the same time as the Prasanthi Nilayam in the year 1949. The temple is at the entrance of the main temple, and it is believed that Lord Ganesha should be worshiped before beginning any prayer. Ganesh is the commander of Lord Shiva’s army, and it is believed that worshiping Lord Ganesh could remove any obstacle from one’s path.

The samadhis of Satya Sai Baba’s parents have been preserved in a mausoleum that lies off the Main Road and Samadhi Road. The mausoleum, which is made of black stone is always kept neat and clean. A beautiful idol of Lord Ganesh is installed nearby.

Sarva Dharma Aikya Stambha is a 50 ft tall pillar which celebrates the unity of all religions. The pillar was constructed in November 1975 to mark the advent of the Avatar. The pillar was constructed during the same time when the world conference of the Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Seva organisation was held in the Prashanti Nilyam.

The Village Mosque was constructed at the instructions of Satya Sai Baba in the year 1978. At the spot in which the mosque stands, a plate with Muslim inscriptions was found. It is said that the land was dug at the spot in which a large number of unfortunate incidents and accidents were taking place.

On Baba’s instruction, the villagers dug the spot and found the inscription and a mosque was constructed in its place. After the construction of the Mosque, all accidents stopped.

Venu Gopala Swami Temple is a small temple, but it is considered significant by the village folk. There is an idol of Lord Krishna in the temple. The place is well connected by roads and has a few budget hotels nearby.