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There's a Kabir's song that goes...Sai ki Nagari Parama ati sundar! Meaning that the God's world is the absolute beauty. Puttaparthi, the former abode of Satya Sai Baba is also known for being the Sai ki Nagari and God knows how the place turned from dust to gold. Puttaparthy was nothing but a small town in the Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh. During the life and times of this great man who called himself "a living god", Puttaparthi saw a golden age. It became a pilgrim hub for the world at large. Two first class hospitals, a good university, an airport, museums and stadiums, Puttaparthi was also a tourist hub.
Ever wondered what about life after the God? Remember the Avengers moment when Loki tested Thor's immortality!? Well, it was tested quite well here. After the death of Satya Sai Baba in April 2011, the economic engine of the city was slowed down if not completely shut. Satya Sai Baba was a spiritual leader of high caliber. He preached service and love to mankind. He did not ask his devotees to discard their faith, instead he asked them to hold it firmer still.
The Abode of Peace!
Puttaparthi lies on the banks of River Chitravathi and has many attractions that surround the birth and life of Satya Sai Baba. Apart from his Ashram, Prasanthi Nilayam, there are many other places that one might want to visit.
Of Temples and Gods
There is a Shiva temple constructed at the place where he was born; a Satyabhama temple in the vicinity was constructed by his grandfather; another Satyabhama temple was constructed on the Bangalore-Puttaparti route by his brother. A Dattatreya temple was inaugurated by him in the year 1986 which attracts tourists.
Chaitanya Jyoti
Chaitanya Jyoti, a house of exhibition exhibits the life and motto of Satya Sai Baba. It was built to commemorate the 75th birth anniversay of Baba. The Chinese roof of this building is the biggest outside of China.
Sanatana Samskruti
Sanatana Samskruti Museum or the Eternal Heritage Museum, leaves a message propogated by Baba, Unity of all Faiths! It is built to resemble the Jain temples of India that has adopted the Shikhara style of architecture.
Space Theatre
The Planetorium better known as the Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre can house 200 people at once to showcase the many wonders of astronomy.
Hill View Stadium
The place where the annual sports and cultural meet of the Satya Sai educational institutions takes place is the beautifully built Satya Sai Hill View Stadium. From the stadium one can catch glimpses of many statues of the leaders of different faiths!
Of Interesting Trees...
Nature and worship are two important parts of the people at Puttaparthi. Hence, a Wishing Tree or Kalpataru stands on the banks of the river as a witness to secretive lives! There's also a meditation tree in this world class town.
More than a Message!
The annual events such as the birthday celebrations of Satya Sai Baba held on 23rd Novemeber see huge number of devotees gathering! The Chariot festival held in November too is a grand event. The leader having multi-religious followers, most of the festivals belonging to all faiths are celebrated with great pomp and respect.
All images are taken from their international and national websites.
