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Puttaparthi Sightseeing

AttractionArea/Distance
Prashanti Nilayam AshramLocated close to the Puttaparthi Main Road right in the heart of the city
Sri Sathya Sai UniversityLocated at the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram complex in Puttaparthi
Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre Located in the Sri Sathya Sai Vidyagiri campus
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences OR Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty HospitalLocated in the proximity with the Sri Sathya Sai Airport of Puttaparthi
Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium Located in the Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School Campus
Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri Music CollegeSituated at the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram
Hanuman Temple (Anjaneya Swamy Temple)Located on the northern side of Pedda Venkama Raju Kalyana Mandapam on the Gopuram Road
Shiva Temple (Shivalayam)Located in the Puttaparthi village down the Sathyamma Temple
Sathyabhama (Sathyamma) Temple On the outskirts of the town
Kalpa Vriksha Located at the slope of Obuladevara Gutta Hill close to the riverbed of Chitravathi
Meditation Tree / Vata Vruksha Located on a small mound on the way to the university in the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram premises
Gopalaswami Temple
Subramaniam Shrine Positioned to the south of the Ganesha Temple
Gayatri ShrineLocated opposite the Puttaparthi Post Office is in front of the Round Building No.4
Prashanti Mandir Located within the premises of the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram
Shirdi Sai Baba Statue Located on the way to General Hospital from the Prashanti Nilayam in the Ashram premises
Ganesh Mandir Located at the entrance of the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram
Village Mosque
Gopuram (Ganesh Gate) The main entrance of the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram
Gokulam Located within the ashram premises
Sarva Dharma Aikya Stambha Located in the garden adjacent the Sai Kulwant Hall
Sri Raju Kalyana Mandapam Located between Sathyabhama and Gopalakrishna temples.
Poornachandra Auditorium Located within the periphery of Prashanti Nilayam Ashram of Puttaparthi close to the Sai Kulwant Hall
Sai Kulwant Hall Positioned between the ‘Yajur Mandir’ (Sathya Sai Baba’s residence) and the Prashanti Mandir
Samadhi Shrine / Samadhi of Baba's Parents Situated close to the Gopuram along the Samadhi Road in the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram
Chaitanya Jyoti Museum Positioned on a hill slope overlooking the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View stadium
Spiritual Museum / Sanathana Samskruti Museum Situated adjacent the administrative office of the University
Chitravathi River Located close to 'Kalpa Vriksha’
Lepakshi Located approximately 64 kilometers away from Puttaparthi
Penukonda Fort Located in a small town Penukonda of Anantapur District at the distance of about 43 kilometers from Puttaparthi


Prashanti Nilayam Ashram

Location: Close to the Puttaparthi Main Road right in the heart of the city
Prashanti Nilayam Ashram located close to the Puttaparthi Main Road right in the heart of the city is the headquarters and the main residence of Sathya Sai Baba; the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi. The term ‘Prashanti Nilayam’ literally means ‘the abode of the utmost peace’. The foundation stone of the Ashram was laid on 23rd November1950; the 24th Birthday of Sathya Sai Baba and the construction work reached its completion in next two years. Furnished with a hospital, Yajur Mandir; Sathya Sai Baba’s residence, Poornachandra Auditorium, the Sarva Dharma Stupa, Sai Kulwant Hall, The Eternal Heritage Museum, the Chaitanya Jyothi Museum, various temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Gayatri, Indian Canteens, Western Canteen, the administration buildings of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, etc. the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram is a gigantic complex that can accommodate more than thousands of people at a time.
Accredited as one of the prominent religious organizations in the world, the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram of Puttaparthi used to be thronged by millions of devotees of Sathya Sai Baba every single day with the hope of getting the auspicious ‘darshana’ of the God embodied. Even today after the demise of Baba, the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram receives hordes of devotees coming from every corner of the world, particularly on the occasion of Baba’s birthday. Sathya Sai Baba used to reside at Prashanti Nilayam Ashram from June to March. The Ashram has some rules and regulations and the residents as well as visitors are expected to strictly abide by them. For example it is compulsory to wear simple, sober and clean clothes, maintain silence and not to indulge in vices like smoking, drinking, eating nonveg, gambling etc. Moreover, men and women are not allowed to mix with each other without any actual work.

Sri Sathya Sai University

Location: At the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram complex in Puttaparthi
Sri Sathya Sai University, also known as ‘Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning’ is the academy established by Sathya Sai Baba in the year 1981 at the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram complex in Puttaparthi. Other than the Puttaparthi Campus, Sri Sathya Sai University is also located at Anantapur and Whitefield in Bangalore. Sathya Sai Baba himself served as the chancellor of this residential university based on the ‘Gurukula’ system prevalent in ancient India. In the Sri Sathya Sai University the entire education from Kindergarten to Post Graduation is provided for free. The university follows the open admission policy and the students are selected based on their merit. Sri Sathya Sai University happens to be the only university in India that has been accredited with A++ rating from the NAAC. Also recognized as a Deemed University, Sri Sathya Sai University is endowed with autonomy and admitted as a regular member of the Association of Indian Universities. The main aim of the university is to offer the best of ancient traditions and modern advancements with special emphasis on the development of character and values. The university highlights the noble principles of truth, righteousness, peace, love and non violence. In Sathya Sai Baba’s own words, “The main purpose is to help you to cultivate self-knowledge and self confidence…… Our hope is that by your lives, you will be shining examples of spiritual awareness and its beneficial consequences to the individual and society”

Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre

Location: In the Sri Sathya Sai Vidyagiri campus .
Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre located in the Sri Sathya Sai Vidyagiri campus is a planetarium established with the aim of providing information about various disciplines of science including astronomy, physics and mathematics. Inaugurated by the hands of Sathya Sai Baba Himself on 22nd November 1985, this planetarium has the capacity of accommodating 200 people at a time. Every Thursday a light and sound show is conducted at the Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre which, through a stimulation of night acquaints the audience about space, its elements and the law of nature that works behind it. This show is performed both in English as well as in Hindi. To create the impression of the night sky ‘Spitz Space System–512’ is used in this planetarium. Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre is a brilliant venture to enlighten the public about the marvels of astronomy. This planetarium is built in such a way that it can even be used as a classroom and the planetary shows and demonstrations are handled by the control system that is completely computerized and automatic. This automated control system has been developed by the planetarium itself. A full-dome projection system has been generated using the mirror-dome technique. The English show is presented between 10:00 am and 10:45 am while the Hindi show is carried out from 11:00 am to 11:45 am. The tickets for the shows are sold at first come first serve basis.

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences OR Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty Hospital

Location: In the proximity with the Sri Sathya Sai Airport of Puttaparthi
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences is the territory health care hospital that is instituted with the aim of providing health facilities to the patients free of cost. Their motto is to offer the sick and ailing the free medical care with dedication, love and the best of skills so as to cure them in body, mind and spirit. They aspire to dispense the high quality medical care in the environment of love and care to all irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or financial status. The higher medical education is provided here without any fees and the doctors also serve here without expecting any remuneration. Run by the ‘Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust’ this hospital located in the proximity with the Sri Sathya Sai Airport of Puttaparthi was founded on 22nd November 1990 and inaugurated on 22nd November 1991. Over the years, the Super Specialty Hospital continued to expand adding numerous new departments to it such as Cardiology, Nephrology, Urology, Ophthalmology, and Lithotripsy Center etc. Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty Hospital of Puttaparthi spread across the 150 acres of land was designed by Professor Keith Critchlow from the Prince of Wales Institute of Architecture; London. Adorned with a magnificent central dome, this imperial structure is a huge complex of four interconnected buildings. They say that the central building of the hospital stands for Sathya Sai Baba’s heart while the other buildings with the connecting curved corridors symbolize Baba’s two spread out arms embracing the entire humanity. Today the Super Specialty Hospital of Puttaparthi holds the capacity of 300 beds. A similar hospital has been established at Whitefield of Bangalore.

Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium

Location: In the Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School Campus
Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium of Puttaparthi located in the Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School Campus is the stadium where all the cultural ceremonies associated with the birthday celebration of Sathya Sai Baba as well as the ‘Annual Sports and Cultural Meet’ of the Primary School, the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School and the three University campuses of Anantapur, Brindavan and Prashanti Nilayam are organized. The Annual Sports and Cultural Meet held on 11th of January every year is the sports and cultural festival where students perform March Past, adventure shows, creative group performances, extremely well coordinated musical group drills, and many other worth witnessing demonstrations. Various sports and cultural competitions are also held at the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium while the Valedictory Function and the Prize Distribution are also arranged here. Apart from that, on the auspicious occasion of Sathya Sai Baba’s Birthday the arena used to be cram packed with over 30,000 people when Baba used to address the large gathering from the dais of this stadium. The additional attraction of Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium is the extraordinary statues of Shiva, Krishna, Jesus Christ, Zoroaster Buddha, Shirdi Sai Baba etc. erected here. A cataract that gushes down the statue of Lord Shiva creates the semblance of the heavenly river Ganges falling down on the earth from His hair. This stadium is opened for general public only at the time of cultural and other ceremonial events.

Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri Music College

Location: At the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram
Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri Music College is an academy that aims at training its students in Indian classical music both Hindustani Vocal and Carnatic. Established in the year 2001 at the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram of Puttaparthi, Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music provides training in various musical instruments viz. mridangam, tabla, veena, sitar, and many others. The college offers both foundation as well as diploma level courses. The most noteworthy attraction of this Music College is an assortment of musical instruments installed in the campus to adorn the college building and at the same time create the musical ambience. Moreover, a small museum set up in the college edifice exhibits a wide range of musical instruments collected from different parts of the globe. The students of this music college used to present their debut concerts in the college campus itself in the divine presence of Sathya Sai Baba.

Hanuman Temple (Anjaneya Swamy Temple)

Location: On the northern side of Pedda Venkama Raju Kalyana Mandapam on the Gopuram Road
Anjaneya Swamy Temple located on the northern side of Pedda Venkama Raju Kalyana Mandapam on the Gopuram Road is a shrine dedicated to the ardent devotee of Lord Ram i.e. Lord Hanuman. The figurine of Lord Hanuman is carved in such a way that the sanctum of this temple depicts Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya Swamy) standing inside a cave. A pool of water is created at the feet of Lord Anjaneya which signifies the tears shed by him yearning for his beloved deity Sri Ram. At the entrance of the temple a Shiva Lingam is consecrated which is said to have brought by Sathya Sai Baba from Varanasi. The ambience of the temple is extremely composed and sanctified and it soothes and pacifies its visitors to no extent. An interesting anecdote that is linked with the history of this temple suggests that once when Sathya Sai Baba was circumambulating the temple, the presiding deity of the temple Lord Anjaneya Swami stopped Baba saying that He should be paid reverence and respect.

Shiva Temple (Shivalayam)

Location: In the Puttaparthi village down the Sathyamma Temple
The Shiva Temple of Puttaparthi also popularly known as ‘Shivalayam’ is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva which is set up at the very place where in a very small house Satyanarayana Raju (the future Sathya Sai Baba) was born to Sri Pedda Venkappa and Srimati Eeswaramma on 23rd November, 1926. Constructed in the year 1979 under the patronage of Baba Himself, this temple is located further in the Puttaparthi village down the Sathyamma Temple. Every Monday, the lingam of Lord Shiva and other temple idols are immersed with holy Abhishekam i.e. ceremonial bath.

Sathyabhama (Sathyamma) Temple

Location: On the outskirts of the town
Sathyabhama was one of the eight cardinal consorts of Lord Sri Krishna who is exalted in Indian Mythology for accompanying Krishna in His battle against the powerful demon king Narakasura. The Sathyabhama Temple of Puttaparthi locally known as ‘Sathyamma Temple’ happens to be the only temple in the country dedicated to Goddess Sathyabhama. Originally built by Late Kondama Raju; the grandfather of Sri Sathya Sai Baba on the outskirts of the town this temple is now incorporated in the heart of Puttaparthi owing to its rapid expansion. As the legend goes, Sri Ratnakaram Kondama Raju established this temple after getting inspiration from a miraculous dream he had. One day in his dream he saw Goddess Sathyabhama waiting for Lord Krishna to return with Parijatha Flowers. As Lord Krishna didn’t come back, Sathyabhama broke into tears. At that time Ratnakaram Kondama Raju was passing by. Sathyabhama saw him and asked him to build her an abode. The modern day Sathyabhama or Sathyamma Temple of Puttaparthi is the same old temple that has been revamped by a devotee of Sathya Sai Baba. This temple enshrines several idols of Lord Krishna and the sanctum of the shrine holds a three feet high image of the presiding deity of the temple Goddess Sathyabhama. Daily ritualistic poojas are performed in the temple in a ceremonious way and this shrine of Goddess Sathyabhama receives thousands of visitors every year.

Kalpa Vriksha

Location: At the slope of Obuladevara Gutta Hill close to the riverbed of Chitravathi
The term ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ means the ‘wish fulfilling tree’. An ancient tamarind tree that stands on the banks of the river Chitravathi in Puttaparthi Town has been bestowed upon the title of the Kalpa Vriksha. This tamarind tree positioned at the slope of Obuladevara Gutta Hill close to the riverbed of Chitravathi played a prominent role in the early life of Sathya Sai Baba. As per the prevalent anecdote in his childhood Sathya Sai Baba used to perform his miracles in front of his friends at this site. He used to gather his friends under the tamarind tree and ask them which fruit they wanted. Magically, by the miraculous powers of young Satyanarayana the same fruit; in or out of season used to appear hanging off the branches of the tamarind tree. As a result of these incredible phenomenons, the tamarind tree came to be known as the ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ i.e. the wish fulfilling tree. Even today the devotees of Sathya Sai Baba pay a visit to this holy tree and ask for blessings. The Kalpa Vriksha can be reached from the Chitravathi Road from where a flight of steps lead to this sacred spot.

Meditation Tree / Vata Vruksha

Location: On a small mound on the way to the university in the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram premises
A banyan tree or ‘Vata Vruksha’ to be found on a small mound on the way to the university in the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram premises is deemed as the ‘Meditation Tree’ of Puttaparthi. Planted by Sathya Sai Baba Himself, this meditation tree plays a significant role in the daily life of the residents of the Ashram. It is said that Sathya Sai Baba had placed a thick metal plate at the root of this banyan tree which was materialize by Baba Himself. Due to the presence of this marvelous plate, the brooding spirit among those who meditate here is enhanced. The area surrounding the Vata Vruksha is featured as a special meditating zone in the ashram. At this place separate quarters for men and women have been established where they can sit and meditate for hours. However, women are not allowed to remain around the meditation tree before sunrise and after sunset. The adjoining area of the banyan tree has been designated as the silent zone where the devotees of Baba spend hours together in contemplation and introspection. Apart from the religious importance of this Vata Vruksha located within the periphery of the ashram, it is also believed that banyan tree has the power to disinfect and sanitize the surrounding air.

Gopalaswami Temple

Location:
Gopalaswami Temple of Puttaparthi dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna is a small temple that enjoys a status of great importance in the history of Puttaparthi Town. Originally Puttaparthi was known by the name ‘Gollapalli’ which means the ‘abode of cowherds’. In ancient days this settlement was prosperous with cowherds who yielded abundant milk. One day a shepherd noticed that a certain cobra used to drink the entire milk of his cow. The enraged shepherd threw a stone at the cobra which lethally wounded it. The dying cobra cursed all the shepherds i.e. Gopalas of Gollapalli that their cattle will be diseased and dead. Soon majority of the cattle declined and the place was filled with anthills. Subsequently, the name of the village was changed from Gollapalli to ‘Valmikipura’ which in local dialect means ‘Puttaparthi’. To get rid of the curse the Gopalas found the stone that killed the cobra and installed it in a temple. On washing this stone they discerned a clear outline of Sri Gopalaswami i.e. Lord Krishna – the Lord of Gopalas. Gopalaswami could be clearly seen playing a flute and on putting ear to the stone the breath of the Lord passing though the flute could clearly be heard. This miraculous arrival of Lord Gopalaswami to the Puttaparthi village diminished the power of the curse and the community again flourished with prosperity. Thenceforward the Lord Gopalaswami was regularly worshipped in Puttaparthi with great devotion and reverence.

Subramaniam Shrine

Location: To the south of the Ganesha Temple
Subramaniam Shrine of Puttaparthi positioned to the south of the Ganesha Temple is dedicated to Lord Subramaniam; the elder son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Also worshipped by the names ‘Lord Kartikeya’ and ‘Lord Murugan’ this deity is very famous in southern India as the guardian God of grace and protection. This shrine of Lord Subramaniam was constructed in the year 1997 and draws myriads of tourists every year.

Gayatri Shrine

Location: Opposite the Puttaparthi Post Office is in front of the Round Building No.4
Goddess Gayatri is the second wife of Lord Brahma and an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The Gayatri Shrine of Puttaparthi dedicated to Goddess Gayatri is located opposite the Puttaparthi Post Office is in front of the Round Building No.4. The idol of the presiding deity ‘Goddess Gayatri’ having five heads and ten arms is portrayed seated on a lotus flower. This statue of the Goddess was enshrined in the temple in October 1998 during the Paduka Mahotsava celebrated at that time. It is believed that if you pray at the feet of Goddess Gayatri you will be blessed with intelligence, wisdom, fluent speech and protection.

Prashanti Mandir

Location: Within the premises of the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram
‘Prashanti Mandir’, located within the premises of the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram of Puttaparthi is the temple of Bhagwan Sathya Sai Baba. This two storied lofty structure built in pure granite was constructed in the year 1949-50. This temple comprises a central prayer hall where daily Bhajans are recited. Embellished with silver and many other precious gems, the Prashanti Mandir Temple houses huge idols of Sathya Sai Baba. The statue of Sathya Sai Baba is surrounded by several columns those display the various symbols associated with the major religions of the world including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, etc. On one side a large marble idol of Sathya Sai Baba is installed on a silver throne while on the other side an empty gold throne is placed. The Central Prayer Hall of this temple is bordered by rooms on both the sides adorned with a verandah in front and a corridor at the back. Everyday in the early morning the ambiance of the temple is filled with the chanting of the Omkar Suprabhatnam while the rest of the day is spent in reciting bhajans and other spiritual activities. The room behind the altar was used by Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba to meet the interviewers. As soon as you enter the Prashanti Mandir premises you will experience the goodness and spirituality taking over.

Shirdi Sai Baba Statue

Location: On the way to General Hospital from the Prashanti Nilayam in the Ashram premises
Shirdi Sai Baba Statue is a beautiful white idol of Sathya Sai Baba’s previous incarnation; the Sai Baba of Shirdi. Located on the way to General Hospital from the Prashanti Nilayam in the Ashram premises, this 7 feet tall statue is erected on an elevated rock which is more than 10 feet high.

Ganesh Mandir

Location: At the entrance of the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram
The Ganesh Mandir dedicated to the elephant headed Lord Ganesh; the younger son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the God who destroys all the obstacles is sited at the entrance of the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram of Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi. This temple was constructed in 1949 AD.

Village Mosque

Location:
Due to some unknown curse or ill luck the travelers who passed from a certain border of Puttaparthi met with accidents or fell victim to some diseases. The distressed villagers ran to Sathya Sai Baba for help and asked him to intervene and save the people from the calamity. Sathya Sai Baba instructed the villagers to dig the land at certain place from where a metal plate was excavated. This metal plate bore inscriptions carved in Muslim script. The plate was shifted to a temple and enshrined there until a mosque was built at the excavation spot. The Village Mosque was completed in the year 1978 and the metal plate was installed in the mosque. After that all the catastrophes stopped and people were relieved from the misfortune. Today the Muslim community of Puttaparthi village uses this mosque and the prayer hall to perform Namaj prayers. Not to forget that if Sathya Sai Baba was the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba, the importance of a mosque in his life was enormous and inevitable.

Gopuram (Ganesh Gate)

Location: The main entrance of the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram
The main entrance of the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram of Puttaparthi through which Sathya Sai Baba used to enter or exit the ashram premises is known as ‘Gopuram’. This pulchritudinous fascia of the Ashram revealing the south Indian style of temple architecture was erected in the year 1975 and inaugurated on 23rd November, i.e. the birthday of Sathya Sai Baba. The façade of this spectacular and fascinating birthday memorial of Baba is festooned with a stunning idol of Lord Ganesha; the God that eradicates the obstacles. Due to the icon of Lord Ganesha that is put up on the Gopuram, this archway is also known as the Ganesh Gate amongst the devotees. Bejeweled with extravagant artwork and dexterous structural grandeur, the majestic Gopuram of the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram is regarded as one of the most staggering sites of this holy abode of Sathya Sai Baba.

Gokulam

Location: Within the ashram premises
Gokulam is the dairy located within the ashram premises and owned by the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram of Sathya Sai Baba. This dairy supplies milk to all the institutions that function under the authority of the Ashram. Gokulam imports milk from another dairy of Vidyagiri and the milk at Gokulam dairy is so fresh and unadulterated that this it is renowned for its high quality. The entry way to Gokulam is ornamented with an eye catching image of Sri Krishna whose face is believed to have highlighted by Sathya Sai Baba Himself.

Sarva Dharma Aikya Stambha

Location: In the garden adjacent the Sai Kulwant Hall
Sarva Dharma Aikya Stambha erected is in the garden adjacent the Sai Kulwant Hall is a 50 foot high column built in blue unbreakable concrete. As the name clearly suggests, this column represents the idea of the fundamental unity of all religious faiths in the world. This structure was built in the year 1975 on the auspicious occasion of the 50th birthday of Sathya Sai Baba. At this time the golden jubilee celebration and the World Conference of Sathya Seva Organizations was held at the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram of Puttaparthi.

Sri Raju Kalyana Mandapam

Location: Between Sathyabhama and Gopalakrishna temples.
Sri Raju Kalyana Mandapam constructed in the year 1945 was formerly used by Sathya Sai Baba for delivering sermons to his devotees and followers and for giving them his blessed darshana. Later, in the year 1950, a new darshana hall was established. Subsequently, the old hall was assigned the role of ‘Kalyana Mandapam’ where the marriages of the Puttaparthi village are presently held.

Poornachandra Auditorium

Location: Within the periphery of Prashanti Nilayam Ashram of Puttaparthi close to the Sai Kulwant Hall
Poornachandra Auditorium, located within the periphery of Prashanti Nilayam Ashram of Puttaparthi close to the Sai Kulwant Hall is the theatre hall that was constructed in the year 1973. This auditorium that has the capacity of accommodating more than 20,000 people at a time is used for organizing summits, conferences, discourses, cultural and religious events, Dasara Celebrations, etc. Covering the total area of 60 X 40 meters, this auditorium is garnished with several domes and balconies. The walls of this auditorium exhibit various quotes of saints and motifs of Gods and Goddesses. Poornachandra Auditorium is particularly reckoned for housing a 2400 square meters wide column which happens to be the biggest column in entire Asia Continent.

Sai Kulwant Hall

Location: Between the ‘Yajur Mandir’ (Sathya Sai Baba’s residence) and the Prashanti Mandir
Sai Kulwant Hall positioned between the ‘Yajur Mandir’ (Sathya Sai Baba’s residence) and the Prashanti Mandir is a spacious enclosure where daily darshana of Sathya Sai Baba used to take place. This white-domed two-storied edifice decorated in multiple colors consists of several rooms bordered by a balcony on the second floor, whereas the ground floor accommodates the prayer hall. A huge pair of silver doors in the balcony is embellished with various religious symbols while the northern side entrance of the hall bears the exquisitely carved motifs of Lord Ram, Devi Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman. The gigantic Sai Kulwant Hall holds the seating capacity of roughly 20,000 people at a time.

Samadhi Shrine / Samadhi of Baba's Parents

Location: Close to the Gopuram along the Samadhi Road in the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram
‘Samadhi Shrine’ situated close to the Gopuram along the Samadhi Road in the Prashanti Nilayam Ashram is the Samadhi or cenotaph built in the honor of Sathya Sai Baba’s Parents; Sri Pedda Venkappa Raju and Srimati Eeswaramma. This Samadhi Shrine which contains the mortal remains of Baba’s parents is built in black stone and always kept immaculately clean. An imposing idol of Lord Ganesha white in color is enshrined in the proximity of the Samadhi Shrine. Every day in the morning from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and in the evening from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm prayers are offered at the Samadhi. ‘Eeswaramma Day’ celebrated on the 6th May every year commemorating the death anniversary of Devi Eeswaramma; the blessed mother of Sathya Sai Baba is the annual festival of the Samadhi Shrine. On this auspicious day Bhajans, Keerthans and other prayers are offered to the Samadhi and ‘Narayana Seva’ i.e. community feeding is also organized here. The Samadhi Shrine of Puttaparthi is the symbol of Sathya Sai Baba’s love and gratitude towards his parents.

Chaitanya Jyoti Museum

Location: On a hill slope overlooking the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View stadium
Positioned on a hill slope overlooking the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View stadium, the Chaitanya Jyoti Museum of Puttaparthi exhibits the artifacts related to the Life and Mission of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. With the intriguing multimedia presentations and interesting exhibits arranged in seven segments, this museum narrates the life story of Sathya Sai Baba starting from his birth and childhood, the miracles he performed, the prophecies he made and the most important milestones in the grand Mission of this reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi. Officially launched on 18th November 2000 commemorating the 75th birthday of Sathya Sai Baba, this museum, apart from being a precious chronicle of the life incidents of Baba is also celebrated far and wide for its incomparable architectural splendor. Chaitanya Jyoti Museum of Puttaparthi happens to be the only museum of India that presents a supreme mosaic of Chinese, Japanese and Thai orders of architecture. Designed by Art-ong Jum Sai; a scientist in NASA, this museum is a perfect potpourri of traditional and modern structural styles.
The central roof of the museum built in the distinctive oriental fashion of medieval arches is the biggest Chinese Roof existing outside the mainland China. On both the sides this roof is flanked by two Moorish spires built in Titanium. The semi-circular ends of the roof are crowned by Gothic arches while the two lift shafts are topped with Japanese style roofs. Adding to all this, the aesthetic beauty of this marvel of architectonics is further augmented by the ornate stapathi artwork which comprises of traditional Indian carving and engravings. Chaitanya Jyoti Museum is indeed a must visit destination of Puttaparthi both for the devotees of Sathya Sai Baba and for those interested in various architectural approaches. This museum is open all days of the week but Monday and it can be visited from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Spiritual Museum / Sanathana Samskruti Museum

Location: Adjacent the administrative office of the University
The Spiritual Museum of Puttaparthi, also known as the ‘Sanathana Samskruti Museum’ or the ‘Eternal Heritage Museum’ advocates one of the basic principles of Sai Baba’s teachings; ‘unity of all religions’. Situated adjacent the administrative office of the University, this heritage museum showcases the exhibits, idols, replicas and other artifacts promoting the fundamental ideologies of all the major religions in the world. Inaugurated by the hands of Sathya Sai Baba on 19th November 1990, the Sanathana Samskruti Museum of Puttaparthi also displays the lives and teachings of great spiritual masters of various religious faiths whose mission was to establish concord and harmony amidst all the religions and attain the spiritual uplift of the entire humanity. Moreover, the sermons and preaching of Sathya Sai Baba Himself are also preserved here. Built in the shikhara style of temple architecture, this edifice illustrates the unique features of the prominent Jain temples of northern India. The Spiritual Museum of Puttaparthi is open between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon and the entry to this museum is free of cost all days of week.

Chitravathi River

Location: Close to 'Kalpa Vriksha’
Chitravathi River of Puttaparthi on whose banks this holy abode of Sathya Sai Baba is nestled is the sacred river aggrandized next to the celestial river Ganges by the devotees of Baba. The Chitravathi River has attained the reputation and honor of the new Ganga as Sathya Sai Baba used to bathe in the waters of this river. Moreover, as a kid Baba also used to play on the banks of the Chitravathi River and he used to perform some of his initial miracles here. The much venerated ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ of Puttaparthi which is worshipped as the wish fulfilling tree is also situated on the banks of the river Chitravathi.

Lepakshi

Location: Approximately 64 kilometers away from Puttaparthi
Lepakshi, located approximately 64 kilometers away from Puttaparthi in the Anantapur District is a small village highly esteemed as the archetype of historical and archaeological legacy of ancient India. The archaic temples of Lepakshi, the chief of them being the shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Virabhadra are the outstanding paradigms of erstwhile Vijayanagar order of temple architecture. Also celebrated for its unparalleled mural paintings and age old Kannada inscriptions, the temples of Lepakshi are believed to have been built by Vishwakarma Brahmins with an aid from the heavenly architect Vishwakarma Himself. Some of the most noteworthy attraction of Lepakshi temples include Lepakshi Nandi, Chaviti Vinayaka, Open Air Kalyana Mantapam, Siva Parvathi Kalyanam, Vastu Purush, Rock Chain, Padmini Race Lady, Durga Paadam, Lapakshi Sari, Hanging Pillar, Ramayana and Mahabharata Stories, Eyes of Viroopaakshanna etc.

Penukonda Fort

Location: In a small town Penukonda of Anantapur District at the distance of about 43 kilometers from Puttaparthi
Penukonda Fort located in a small town Penukonda of Anantapur District at the distance of about 43 kilometers from Puttaparthi is a legendary fort dated back to the medieval era. Also popularly known as ‘Ghanagiri’ or ‘Ghanadri’, Penukonda served as the alternate capital of the Vijayanagar kings. Estimated to be built in 16th century AD, this citadel reveals a fine combination of Indian and Islamic styles of architecture similar to the structures found in Hampi. Boasting of its rich historic and archaeological heritage, today the Penukonda Fort is acclaimed as one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh.