Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba Ashram In South India

Puttaparthi in the early 40's consisted of only two lanes, which met each other at right angles in addition to a few mud huts. A western author, Arnold Schulman, who visited this hamlet in late sixties described this cluster of scattered huts as "ten minutes past the Stone Age". Bhagavan Baba has transformed this so-called Stone Age village into a modern township with a unique educational complex and a university, a super speciality hospital with all modern facilities and an airport of its own. The crest jewel of this now world-known place is Prashanthi Nilayam, where millions come every year from all corners of the world to receive the blessings of the Avatar.

The number of devotees kept on increasing with the result that in a few years the Old Mandir could not accomodate them. Even sheds and makeshift Pandals around the Old Mandir were inadequate during festivals. In answer to the prayers of the devotees, Baba agreed for a more spacious place. Thus, the idea of New Mandir was conceived and the same was constructed at a place to the south of the village of Puttaparthi. Bhagavan Baba inaugurated it on 23rd November 1950 on his 25th birthday and named it Prashanthi Nilayam (the abode of supreme peace).

Prashanthi Nilayam, the abode of Bhagavan Baba, bears testimony of Bhagavan's Divinity. The millions who throng this small township in a remote part of Andhra Pradesh in India experience its divine vibrations, which are soaked in its atmosphere. They come from all parts of the world, from nearly 180 countries spending their money and time to have Darshan and blessings of Bhagavan. When they return to their countries and places, they carry with them numerous stories of experiences, which describe the divine love of Bhagavan for the entire mankind. Bhagavan's presence has made Prashanthi Nilayam a township of love and peace. It is a different world altogether where Sathya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa permeate the entire environment. Though there are crowds evwerywhere, there are no jarring noises. There is cleanliness, order, discipline, courtesy and humility everywhere. This is a mini world in itself. People from different countries following different religions, speaking different languages live together, dine together and mingle with each other with sacred feelings of love and brotherhood. If one wants to see "brotherhood of man and fatherhood of God" not merely in theory but in practice, one can see it in Prashanthi Nilayam.