hamlet holds in its heart ‘Prasanthi Nilayam’ or Abode of the Highest Peace, one of the most important pilgrim centres of India and the world. This is the abode of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 73, perhaps India’s most known saint of modern times. Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the most colourful and multifaceted prophet, modern India has produced, is believed to be the very avatar (incarnation) of love and the voice of one’s own innermost heart speaking to each individual externally. The teachings of the Baba are based on the famous ‘five props’ of Sathya (truth), Dharma (righteousness) Santhi (peace), Prema (universal love) and Ahimsa (non violence). Prasanthi Nilayam, over the years, has attracted people from all over then world. The Ashram has a code of conduct which every visitor should follow. The Ashram also has museums, stadiums, educational institutions, the Sai Space Theatre etc. The 23 rd of November is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by the devotees of Baba at the Prasanthi Nilayam. Over a million people gather here on the occasion of the Baba’s birthday. The atmosphere around the Ashram is undeniably peaceful, and the growth of such a vibrant community in this once forgotten backward area is not a small miracle.
                                                                                                                    
Darshan :
The routine is (approximate times): morning Darshan and Bhajan from 6:45 - 9:30 AM and evening Darshan and Bhajan at 2:00 - 6:30 PM at the Mandir. Note that queues for admission begin about three hours before these times, and the lines are let in about an hour and a half before Swami's appearance. Swami comes out for Darshan and during these times He accepts letters, and also may call people for interviews. Note that you cannot take cameras and bags into the Darshan hall. During other times there are talks for devotees by some residents of the ashram, and you can visit the Sanathana Samskrithi museum. There is also a book stall where you can purchase books by and about Swami.

Tourist Attractions at Puttaparthy

The ashram itself is a huge complex with room for thousands, with canteens, shops, a museum and library, and a vast assembly hall where Sai Baba gives darshan twice daily (6.45-7.00 AM and 3.45-4.00 PM). Queues start more than an hour before the appointed time, and a lottery decides who gets to sit near the front. Parasnath Nilayam This is the township that abuts the village of Puttaparthi, and it is here that the Ashram is located

Ashram There is undeniably an air of serenity about the Ashram - an atmosphere that is scrupulously maintained by the volunteers who manage it. The Ashram comprises a series of concrete buildings with multiple domes, spires and turrets within a large enclosure. It is entered through a large archway with seven golden miniature spires over which are engraved the words: "You are in the Light. The Light is in you. You are the Light."

Ganesha Temple The first structure you hit upon as you enter the Ashram is the Ganesha temple, which is evidently the most popular shrine in the place, as shrines everywhere dedicated to this endearing elephant-headed deity are wont to be. The USP of this particular figure in the Hindu pantheon has traditionally been to remove obstacles from the path of his devotees. Not surprisingly, many flock here for the special morning prayer.

Subramaniam Shrine Constructed in 1997, this is to the south of the Ganesha shrine and is dedicated to Lord Subramaniam - or Kartikeya or Muruga, as this younger son of Ganesha, and the second son of Shiva and Parvati, is often known. Subramaniam is a particularly popular deity in South India, propitiated for the grace and protection he bestows.
                                                                                                                    

Gayatri Shrine The goddess, Gayatri, a manifestation of the goddess Durga, is worshipped in a small shrine in front of the Round Building No 4. The idol of this five-headed, ten-armed goddess of intelligence and wisdom was installed in October 1998 during the Paduka Mahotsava.

Prashanthi Mandir This is the main temple in the Ashram, consisting of a two-storey structure built in granite. Constructed in 1950, it has a central prayer hall where bhajans (or devotional music, so strong in the Sathya Sai tradition) are held daily. The omkar (chanting of the sacred mnemonic, Om) and the suprabhatam (morning invocation to Sai Baba) are also held here in the early mornings at 4 am. Ornately decorated with silver and gems, the shrine contains large images of Shirdi Sai Baba (interestingly his robes here are saffron instead of white) and Sathya Sai Baba. These are flanked by columns displaying the symbols associated with the major religions of the world. There is also a large marble idol of Shirdi Sai Baba on a silver throne to one side, and an empty gold throne representing the seat of the living deity to the other side.It is particularly moving to visit the place during the omkar and bhajan when the air is resonant with the cadences of human voices united in a spirit of yearning and devotion. The morning prayers are followed by a two-minute meditative silence after which the congregation disperses and the temple lights are switched on.However, the blue and pink décor - muted, it is true - may be somewhat disconcerting to the aesthetic sensibilities of some visitors. Pink, blue and yellow does seem to be the colour code of all the major buildings at Puttaparthi and Whitefield. If the truth be told, the look is somewhat reminiscent of a Telugu potboiler film set. And yet, the fervour that permeates the place is undeniable.

Shirdi Sai Baba Statue This 7 foot tall statue of Baba's earlier incarnation is located on a rock that is more than 10 feet high, en route to the General Hospital from the Ashram.

ASHRAM ACTIVITIES:

The routine is (approximate times): morning Darshan and Bhajan from 6:45 - 9:30 AM and evening Darshan and Bhajan at 2:00 - 6:30 PM at the Mandir. Note that queues for admission begin about three hours before these times, and the lines are let in about an hour and a half before Swami's appearance. Swami comes out for Darshan and during these times He accepts letters, and also may call people for interviews. Note that you cannot take cameras and bags into the Darshan hall. During other times there are talks for devotees by some residents of the ashram, and you can visit the Sanathana Samskrithi museum. There is also a book stall where you can purchase books by and about Swami.

CLIMATE:

The coldest time in Puttaparthi is in December and January, when you may need a sweater in the evening and early morning, but at other times it is hot. December - February: climate is good. Cool temperatures & you should take light jackets or sweaters.
March - May: it gets very hot June - August: Hot, but also may be rainy season Sept - November: Hot, but cools off a bit by November

DRESS CODE:

Prashanthi Nilayam is a place of worship, and as such those visiting the ashram must dress in a modest and sober manner. Women should wear a wrap/shawl and also must not wear short skirts or shorts. Men should not wear shorts; and whites are preferable.

BASIC PROVISIONS:

There is a general stores complex within the ashram where you can buy toiletries, some clothing, stationary, snacks, etc.

MEDICAL FACILITIES:

There is a general hospital that caters to devotees and the local population. Serious cases are referred to the super specialty hospital. All medical treatment is free of charge. For minor medical needs, it is advisable to carry from home basic medication such as aspirin/Tylenol, pepto bismol, etc.
                                                                                                                      

Day 01 : Arrive Mumbai

Garlanding on arrival , meeting and assistance and transfer to hotel .

Afternoon city tour . Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 : Mumbai - Bnagalore – Puttaparthy

Morning transfer to airport to board flight for Bangalore . On arrival drive straight to to Puttaparthy . Arrive Puttaparthy and check-in at hotel .

Day 03 to day 05 : In Puttaparthy

Full day at leisure to perform prayers . Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 : Puttaparthy - Bangalore – Mumbai

Morning depart by surface to Bangalore airport to board flight for

Mumbai . Arrive Mumbai and transfer to hotel . Overnight at hotel .

Day 07 : Depart Mumbai

In time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

End of The Tour

• Meeting and assistance by our representative on arrival and Departures.
• All Transfers , Sightseeing and Overland drives as per the itinerary by non air conditioned Transportation ( Car / Coach )
• Services of local English speaking guide during sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Hotel accommodation on Twin / Triple sharing on bed and breakfast basis with attached bath for a total no. of nights as mentioned in the programme, inclusive of service charges and presently applicable taxes.
• Free surprise gift.
• One bottle of mineral water daily on Complimentary basis .

          Check-in/ out time at all the hotels is 12 noon.