Prasanthi Nilayam
Prasanthi Nilayam is the spiritual and ogranisational centre of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation, ‘Prasanthi Nilayam’ literally means 'abode of perfect peace.' It is a large compound located just outside the village of Puttaparthi where Sai Baba was born. Puttaparthi is located 160 kms north of the city of Bangalore in the state of Anandhra Pradesh in India. Prasanthi Nilayam can be reached by road, air and a soon to be completed a rail line. The official address is:
Prasanthi Nilayam - 515134 Anantapur District (AP) INDIA.
Sai Baba established Prasanthi Nilayam in the early 1940s. It has grown from a simple room surrounded by sand that catered for a few devotees to a large compound with numerous prayer halls and residential facilities. Prasanthi Nilayam now serves as:
- the main residence for Sai Baba;
- headquarters of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation;
- publishing and distribution centre for Sai books and periodicals; and
- residential quarters for a large number of visitors and some long-term residents.
During a typical day at Prasanthi Nilayam (non-festival time) there is a schedule of activities that runs from 5:30 am to 9 pm. As well as the twice-daily audiences by Sai Baba (where He walks amongst the people), other activities at Prasanthi include the devotional singing and spiritual discourses. During audiences, Sai Baba often takes letters and stops to speak with individual aspirants. It is at this time that He invites small groups of people to His rooms for more personal audience or 'interview'.
From time to time, Sai Baba also delivers discourses to audiences at the Kulwant and Poornachandra Halls or the Hillview Stadium, which is located in the outskirts of Prasanthi Nilayam.
Prasanthi Nilayam is like a small city and has the facilities to cater for the large number of people that are constantly passing though it. During the larger holy festivals it is the focal point for literally hundreds of thousands of people who come to see Sai Baba.
Most visitors stay at Prasanthi Nilayam for a short period - less than a month. The cost of food and lodging while staying in residence at Prasanthi Nilayam is nominal. There is a behaviour and dress code for all residents of Prasanthi Nilayam.
As well as serving the many functions that it does, Prasanthi Nilayam also provides aspirants with the opportunity to come in close contact with Sai Baba and further develop their own spirituality in an atmosphere of perfect peace.
This site last updated 15 May 2007
© 2006, Sathya Sai Organisation of Australia and PNG
