Prashanti Nilayam (Abode of Supreme Peace), at
Puttaparthi in
Anantapur District of
Andhra Pradesh, is the main
ashram of
Sathya Sai Baba and an internationally famous pilgrim center. Inaugurated in 1950, it has grown from a modest two-storeyed granite house to a majestic mansion of over 7500 sq ft, comprising huge bhajan rooms, dining halls and massive sculptures. Sathya Sai Baba himself was the architect and engineer of the renovation of the Mandir in 1974, and even transported huge girders by his miracles.
The ashram has a museum which contains models of various religious structures including the
Golden Temple of Amritsar and the mosque of Mecca. In front of Prasanthi Nilayam, amidst greenery, is the yogic pillar, each of its rings signifying a different stage in yogic discipline. The three gates to the Prayer Hall are symbolic of the
Tamasic stage of ignorance, the Rajasic stage of worldliness and the Sattvic stage of spirituality.
Everyday, the ashram starts functioning at very early hours of the morning. The recitation of Suprabatham (verses in praise of the Lord) and Nagarsankirtan (circling the township while singing bhajans) are major activities. During the hour of Darshan, Sathya Sai Baba meets his devotees. He also provides personal interviews with selected devotees. There are several temples, mosques and other sacred places around the ashram.
Sri Sathya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam Railway Station and Sri Sathya Sai Airport provide easy access to Prasanthi Nilayam. There are regular buses as well.
