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Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital:
Free Medical facilities are provided at the
hospital which has a casualty department open
till 24 hours. The Out patient department
functions in the mornings and evenings daily.
The hospital also has Maternity & Dental
departments, Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality
Hospital, located 7 kms from Ashram, has
excellent modern facilities to handle cases
pertaining to Cardiology, urology, Nephrology
and Ophthalmology.
Sri Sathya Institute of Higher Learning:
Established in 1981 and situated in the
Vidyagiri adjacent to the Ashram, this
magnificent structure stands as the sentinel of
the happy amalgamation of the secular and the
spiritual. It is the foundation of the
educational system established by Bhagawan Sri
Sathya Sai Baba. The institute has been recognized
by the university Grants Commission as a Deemed
University, It conducts courses in under
graduate and post graduate studies in Arts,
Science and Professionals subjects. Apart from
this institute of Higher learning, there is
primary Schools and a High School. There are
good hostel facilities .Education is free in all
these institutions.
Prashanthi Mandir:
A two storied-granite structure, built in 1949,
it has a Central Prayer Hall flanked by rooms on
either side with a 'Verandah' in front and a
corridor in the rear. The walls on each side of
the altar have five symbols representing the
unity of religions. Omkar Suprabhatnam at dawn,
daily bhajans and spiritual activities are
conducted here. Baba gives interviews in the
room behind the altar.
Ganesh Mandir:
This temple was built around the same period
as the main Mandir and is located at the
entrance of Prasanthi Nilyam. Ganesh is the
commander of Shiva's army and as Vigneshwar,
Obeisance is made to him for the removal of all
obstacles.
Subramanya Mandir:
Situated to the south of Ganesh Mandir.
Subramanya Mandir was constructed in 1977.
Sarva Dharma Aikya
Stambha:
An impressive 500- feet high made of
reinforced concrete, it symbolizes the unity of
all religions. Located in the middle of a Garden
to the West of the Sai Kulwant Hall, it was
erected in 1975 on the occasion of the Golden
Jubilee of the advent of the Avatar and the
World Conference of Bhagwan Sathya Sai Seva Organisation.
Gayathri Mandri:
Situated opposite to the "Seva Dal"
block, this temple was consecrated by Bhagwan
Baba on 9th October 1998. The five faced
Goddess, Gayathri, the mother of the Vedas
is the Presiding deity here.
Sai Kulwant Hall:
This is where daily darshan takes place besides
many other festivities. Divine discourses are
delivered here. It has a seating capacity of
about 20,000. On the northern side entrance to
Sai Kulwant Hall, the exquisitely carved icons
in white marble of Sri Rama, Sita, lakshmana and
hanuman were consecrated by Bhagwan on 30th
September 1999.
Sarva Dharma Stupa:
This is 50 feet high pillar, celebrating the
unity of all religions, is located to the south
of Poorna Chandra Auditorium and was built in
November 1975 on the occasion of the advent of
the Avatar and the World Conference of the
Bhagwan Sri
Sathya Sai Seva organisation held in Prashanti
Nilyam.
Poorna Chandra Auditorium:
Built in 1973, it can comfortably seat around
15,000 people in the 60 X 40 meters area. With
its imposing appearance and column less
structure, it has inspiring murals of God forms,
Avatars, saints and Seers from all religions and
times. It is used for conducting cultural
programmes, conferences and Yagna during Dassera.
Samadhi of Baba's Parents:
The mortal remains of Baba's parents are housed
in a mausoleum off the main Road, down Samadhi
Road. It is made of black stone and always
kept spotlessly clean. There is also a white
Ganesha Idol nearby.
The Eternal Heritage Museum:
A
beautiful museum dedicated to Man's eternal
quest for realizing the inherent Divinity, it is
spread over three floors. Teaching of the Vedas,
the Upanishads, the Gita and other religions,
are all depicted here. Minature replicas of
famous temples in India and around the world are
on display. The eternal message of saints and
sages down the ages about the oneness of
religion, is brought forth through models,
writings, audio and video Legends of Baba's
early life and his declaration of avatar hood
are emphasized. A reading room on the second
floor is well stocked with a vast collection of
books on spiritually and facilities for
listening to Baba's discourses. The museum is
open from 10 a.m to 12 Noon, every day of the
week.
Vata Vruksha (Meditation Tree):
The banyan tree planted by Bhagawan also has a
metal plate with inscriptions done with Divine
Sankalpa embedded by him at the roots in 1950
Located on the left of the road uphill to the
Spiritual Museum, it enhances the spiritual
success of those who meditate under it. Devotees
are allowed to meditate during the day times
only.
Mosque:
For the convenience of the local Muslim
population, Bhagwan had a mosque and a hall
constructed and opened in 1978. Prayers are
conducted regularly.
Village Temples:
As you go into the village, you can see the
Gopal Swami Temple (Krishna as cowherd), Hanuman
Temple and a small temple of Satyabhama (consort
of Krishna). There is also an old Mandir which
is no used as a wedding hall.
Shiva Mandir:
The birth place of Bhagawan Baba is now adorned
by a Shiva Temple sanctified by Bhagawan in
1979. Puja is performed here everyday at dawn
and dusk. Legends of his births and childhood
leelas can be visualized.
Chaitanya Jyothi:
A Museum on the mission and message of Bhagwan Sathya
Sai Avatar was constructed to commemorate
Bhagwan 75 birthday. On display are many
exhibits about the life and Mission of Bhagawan
arranged at 8 levels. The architecture
represents a fusion of different cultures and
architecture forms like Chinese Roofs, Gothic
Arches and Moorish Domes.
Shridi Sai Baba Statue:
Located on the way to the Hospital from the
Ashram, the attractive seven foot tall statue
stands on an elevated rock more than ten feet
above he ground.
Sri Satya Sai Hill View Stadium:
Located behind the higher Secondary School,
opposite the hill, with towering statues of
Hanuman, Krishna, Shiva, Buddha, Zoroaster and
Christ, its present an imposing view, Bhagawan
Baba addresses the mammoth gathering from the
Shanthi Vedika (covered Podium) on the southern
end of the stadium on his birthday on 23 rd
November every year. Among other events is the
sports and cultural meet for the schools and
colleges held on 11th of January every year. The
stadium is not open to public except when in
use.
Lepakshi
Among the most famous pilgrim centers
of South India. Lepakshi is located 124 kms from Ananthapur. It is renowned for
the Lord Veerabhadra Temple. Which is a sterling example of the Vijayanagara
style of architecture. Built in 1530 AD, it is famed for a huge 100-pillared
dance hall, adorned with exquisite sculptures, which has a 21' high dome
reminiscent of a giant lotus. One can see a life-size granite sculpture of
Veerabhadra, a giant monolith of Nanandi as well as carvings of Naga
linga,
flying Gandharvas, Ganesha etc. The 10-day Asvayuja Masam festival celebrated in
February attracts tourists from far and wide. Special pujas are conducted every
Monday.
Penukonda Fort
Situated 60 kms from
Ananthapur, the imposing hill fort with seven bastions was built during the
reign of the Vijayanagara rulers. It has a moat encircling it, which is believed
to have crocodiles as a means of defence. Impressive sites here include the
Summer Palace, the Gagan Mahal which was a munsif court built by the British and
the Bhogasamudaram, a huge lake that was used as a public bathing place.
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