Puttaparthi is ever divine with the graceful presence
of Sri Satya Sai Baba. Tour to this pilgrimage and feel the splendid
charisma of the region. The holy place is full of features added by the
legend. Though Puttaparthy doesn't boast of attractions like
metropolitans, it certainly provides reasons to visit. The colossal
complex of Sai Ashram is the main attraction of the town and forms a
significant part of its sightseeing tours also. The Ashram has enough
places to keep you engrossed. There are also a number of places in the
propinquity that are worth-mentioning. Scroll down to know more about
the places of interest in Puttaparthi.
Sathya Sai Baba Ashram
In the historical year 1926, a blessed soul appeared on the earth in
the form of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The legend experienced divine powers
when he was barely 14. Acclaimed as the incarnation of Sai Baba
(Shirdi), the prophet is one amongst the most revered spiritual guides
of the 20th century.
Birth Place of Sri Sathya Sai
In Puttaparthi village, the birth place of Satya Sai Baba today serves
as the venue of a Lord Shiva temple. This shrine was opened by the seer
himself in 1979. Though the real birthplace of Baba is not known, it is
believed to be somewhere across the river. People visit this place to
feel the spiritual aura of the prophet.
Sathyabhama Temple
Sathyabhama is believed to be the consort of Lord Krishna. In
Puttaparthy, there is an exclusive temple dedicated to her. This is one
and only temple in the world devoted to the lord's consort. Since it is
a distinct temple, people usually pay a visit to the goddess.
Sri Raju Kalyana Mandapam
In 1945, Sri Raju Kalyana Mandapam was erected and Sai chose it as a
place for his darshans. At the same site, there had been a temple that
is now used for marriages in the village.
The Village Mosque
In 1978, a mosque was constructed in the village on the directions of
Sri Satya Sai Baba. On the outskirts of Puttaparthi, accidents had
become a regular feature and people asked Sai to help them. The prophet
asked people to dig a certain spot, where a plate was unearthed.
Subsequently, the plate was placed in the new mosque and all the
accidents came to a halt.
Anjaneya (Hanuman) Swamy Temple
Flanked by Kalyana Mandapam and Sathyabhama Temple, Anjaneya Swamy
Temple embraces the sculpture of Lord Hanuman in a cave. At the feet of
Lord, there is a pool that always remains filled with water. It is
believed that the water represents the tears of the Lord.
Kalpa Vriksha
Located on the banks of the Chitravati River, Kalpa Vriksha literally
means 'Wish Fulfilling Tree'. This old tamarind tree is the standing
testimony to the Sai's childhood. It is said that Sai used to show his
extraordinary powers to his playfellows by asking them to think of any
fruit and the same would appear hanging off the branches of the tree. In
the present day, Kalpa Vriksha has become a major spot for people.
Chitravati River
Chitravati River is regarded like the new Ganga, since Sai used to bath
in it and played on its banks. Today this river is the main source of
sand for all the construction work in Puttaparthi. Even today, the
clothes of the seer are washed in the river.
Samadhi
On the Samadhi Road, the Samadhi of Sai's parents - Sri Pedda Venkappa
Raju and Smt. Easwaramma are to be found. Eswaramma Day, i.e. May 6th,
is celebrated here every year, when special Bhajans are sung and
hundreds of the poor are fed.
Sai Gita - The Elephant
Sai Gita is actually an elephant that was gifted to Sai by Madras Zoo.
In India, it is considered propitious to have real elephants in the
temple, as they are considered to be the representatives of Lord
Ganesha. She was a small baby, when received and later got quite spoilt
with the love of the prophet. Next to the Mandir, it is her compound
where she stays.
Sathya Sai Nagar
Sathya Sai Nagar is a settlement of the Harijans (outcastes) of the
village, where they have been given shelter by Sai. These people became
homeless after the sudden flooding of Chitravati River in 1975.
Gokulam
Gokulam is the ashram dairy, which provides milk for the schools, the
hospital canteen and the ashram. The cows at Gokulam are properly
looked-after and offer the best quality milk. At the entrance of
Gokulam, there is a beautiful image of Sri Krishna. Long ago, the
artistic 'fill-ins' on Sri Krishna's face was done by Sai himself.
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