Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram in Puttaparthy
· Summer: March-June (23°C - 41°C)
· Winter: November-February (14°C - 31°C)
Monsoon: July-October
Best time to visit:
September-February
Opening Time: 05:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 06:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: N/A
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
Set up by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, an Indian guru and spiritual leader, Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram is well-known for its calming atmosphere away from the chaotic city life. Nestled amidst hills and overlooking River Chitravarthi, the ashram’s settings justify its name which translates to ‘the Abode of Supreme Peace’. The entire premises boast of superlative architecture painted mainly in blue, yellow and pink.
Among the top ashram highlights are the two museum buildings called Chaitanya Jyoti and Sanathana Samskruti Museum, each flaunting splendid architecture and some amazing exhibits. The Space Theatre or Planetarium, which organizes interesting shows of astronomy, is another amazing site inside the ashram campus. Visitors, especially devotees, also like to visit the ashram’s temples like Lord Shiva Temple (marking Sai Baba’s birthplace), Lord Dattatreya Temple, Gopalaswami Temple, Satyabhama Temple and Hanuman Temple. Ashram’s attractions also include two holy trees – the Meditation Tree (a banyan tree) and the Wish-Fulfilling Tree (a tamarind tree).
Visitors to the ashram can attend chants, religious performances, prayers and other activities throughout the day. The ashram also offers accommodations at extremely cheap prices. Visitors are not allowed to bring items like mobile phones, cameras, electronic goods, bags and purses. Smoking, alcohol, non-vegetarian food and gambling too are prohibited.
Connectivites
Road:
The ashram has its own bus terminal in the close proximity. Regular bus services from the cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mysore and Chennai ply to the ashram which can also be conveniently visited in a private car or taxi.
Railway:
Sri Sathya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam Railway Station is only about 8 km. from the ashram and offers rail connectivity with many important cities across India. Another good option is Dharmavaram Junction (about 43 km. away). Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available from these stations to the ashram.
Airway:
The international airport of Bangalore is about 131 km. from the ashram. Visitors from India and abroad can conveniently travel from the airport to the ashram in taxis.