Spiritual center PUTTAPARTHY Information

Introduction
Life History
His Writings
Baba on Himself




You are in Ashram Information


Introduction
Places of Interest
Annual Events
Ashram Schedule (Darshan, Bhajans, Spiritual Talks, etc.)
Accommodation
For Indian Citizens
For Non-Resident Indians
For Foreign Citizens
Food:
South Indian Canteen
North Indian Canteen
Western Canteen
Snacks Joint
Bakery
Medical Care:
General Hospital
Super Specialty Hospital
Banking Services (Foreign currency conversion, ATM)
Travel:
Airlines
Railways
Bus
Taxis


Convenience Stores:
Shopping Centre
Fruits and Vegetables
Books, audio & video on Swami:
Books / Audio / Video Stall
Library
Ashram Magazine(Sanathana Sarathi)
Telephone Booth
Postal Counter
Fax / Telegram / email
Maintenance Office
Cloak Room
Safe Deposit Locker
Wheel Chairs for the Handicapped

Emergency / Security Office
Places of interest
Advisory Information
Public Relations Office


I. Ashram ScheduleBhagawan has laid down the daily schedule to be followed in the Ashram. Every activity of the Ashram routine is suffused with deep spiritual significance. See the table below for the Ashram schedule:
Time
Activity
5.20 a.m.
Aumkar and Suprabhatham
5.40 a.m.
Veda Chanting and Nagar Sankeertan
Around 7.00 a.m.
Morning Darshan
9.00 a.m.
Bhajans
9.30 a.m.
Arati
10.00 to 11.00 a.m.
Spiritual Talk
Around 3.00 p.m.
Evening Darshan
5.00 p.m.
Bhajans
5.30 p.m.
Arati
After the evening Arati
Meditation for Overseas Devotees
7.45 p.m.


Video Show

Aumkars: Aumkar is the chanting of ‘Aum’, the primordial sound, also called the ‘Pranava’. The vibrations that emanate from chanting ‘Aum’ have the potency to purify the inner personality of an individual as well as the surrounding environment. That is why the day at Prasanthi Nilayam begins with the chanting of 21 Aumkars.
Suprabhatham: ‘Su’ signifies good, auspicious and ‘Prabhath’ means morning. ‘Suprabhatam’ refers to the morning prayers that are chanted in praise of the Lord to awaken the divinity present within each individual. It is the act of dedicating oneself to the Lord and praying for His blessings right at the start of a new day. For the text and MP3 audio of the prayer, click here.
Veda Chanting: Vedas are ancient spiritual scriptures revealed to great sages and seers while in communion with God. Chanting or listening to these hymns confers spiritual as well as physical benefits. That is why Bhagawan gives a lot of importance to Vedas and encourages everybody to chant these hymns and understand their meaning. The students of Bhagawan chant these hymns in the early hours of the morning while circumambulating the mandir complex, and also during Darshan hours in the morning and afternoon sessions in the mandir.
Nagar Sankeertan: ‘Nagar’ means city or locality and ‘Sankeertan’ means devotional singing. After Suprabhatam, devotees circumambulate the mandir complex while singing devotional songs and clapping their hands keeping beat. It charges the atmosphere with holy vibrations and one begins the day with the name of the Lord on one’s lips.
Darshan: ‘Darshan’ means the sight of a spiritual personage that confers immense spiritual benefits to the beholder. Every morning and afternoon, Bhagawan comes out of His residence to Sai Kulwant Hall where multitudes gather to have a glimpse of Him. Bhagawan moves amidst the devotees, accepting their letters, listening to their prayers, clarifying their doubts, solving their problems, healing their illnesses be it physical, mental or spiritual and uplifting them. Sometimes, He chooses an individual or a group for a personal audience in the ‘interview room’.
Baba on Darshan: This is what Baba Himself says about Darshan:
"Always find a quiet corner after my darshan, where you may enter the stillness and receive the completion of my blessings. My energy goes out from me as I pass by you. If you proceed to talk to others, immediately after darshan this precious energy is dissipated and returns to me unused by you. Rest assured that whatever my eye sees becomes vitalised and transmuted. You are changed day by day. Never underestimate what is being accomplished by this act of darshan. My walking among you is a gift yearned for by the gods of the highest heaven, and here you are, daily receiving this grace. Be grateful."



Darshan Timings:
Morning
Around 7.00 a.m.


Afternoon
Around 3.00 p.m.


Procedure for Darshan Seating: Devotees are allowed in to the Sai Kulwant Hall about an hour before Darshan. Ladies and Gents are seated separately for Darshan. There is no discrimination whatsoever based on religion, nationality, status or caste.


Procedure: Devotees queue up outside the Darshan Hall in rows. The order in which the rows are sent into the Hall is decided by drawing lots. This procedure is conducted separately for ladies and gents.


No money collected: No amount is collected from anybody for Darshan.


Articles prohibited during Darshan: Devotees are not permitted to carry along with them articles like pens, books, bags, mobile phones, cameras, radio or any other electronic gadgets in to the Darshan Hall. These articles can be kept in the cloakroom located within the Ashram, separately for ladies and gents.


Bhajans: Bhajans means “Singing aloud the glory of God”. Bhajans in the divine presence of Bhagawan Baba are unique as they are universal in their scope and appeal and emphasise the unity of faiths. For Bhajans MP3, click here.


Arati: Arati: ‘Arati’ is the ritual of waving lighted camphor to the deity to mark the culmination of worship. During arati, devotees sing a devotional song in praise of the Lord and end with a prayer for universal peace. Arati MP3,



Spiritual Talk: Talks on various spiritual subjects are delivered almost every day between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Double Decker Building (situated adjacent to the Books & Publications Trust building) by some eminent speakers and senior devotees of the Sai family.


Video Show: Video Shows are organized at the Double Decker Building (situated adjacent to the Books & Publications Trust building) at 7.45 p.m. for about an hour. The show is generally on the life and teachings of Bhagawan Baba and festival celebrations in the Divine Presence.



II. Accommodation

Accommodation
For Indian CitizensThe Accommodation Office for Indian citizens is located in Room No. 9 in front of the South Indian canteen. Allotment of accommodation and extension of stay for Indian devotees is done here.
Timings: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily



Type of accommodation: The Accommodation available is of two types - Rooms and Dormitories. Allotment of any type of accommodation is subject to availability. All rights of admission or allotment are reserved by the Ashram authorities.



During festivals usually there are large crowds. Hence at such times, room accommodation may be difficult to secure and only dormitories may be available. (Click here to view the ‘Events Calendar’)


Note: No separate room is allotted to an individual. However, rooms may be allotted if two or three persons of the same gender agree to share a room.


Advance reservations: No advance reservations are made for individuals and families. However, large groups may make arrangements in advance by contacting the Accommodation Office.
Arrival at non-office hours: For Indian devotees who arrive in Prasanthi Nilayam during non-office hours (between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.), accommodation will be provided for a day in the dormitories, as allotted by the Sevadal volunteers at the Ashram entrance. These devotees are required to report to the Accommodation Office later during office hours and collect their accommodation receipt in order to extend their stay in the Ashram.
Payment: All payments towards room or dormitory charges should be made in cash in Indian rupees only. Payment by credit card is not accepted. See the table below for charges:


Type of Accommodation
Dormitory
Rooms
Charges
Rs.5 / head / day
Up to Rs.75 / day
Note: The receipt must be carefully preserved during one’s stay in the Ashram and produced whenever asked for.


Service of Porters: Service of authorised porters at fixed tariffs is available for shifting of luggage at the time of arrival or departure.

Laundry service: There are authorised dhobis (laundry personnel) who collect the laundry outside the building every morning after 7 a.m. The clothes are usually returned within a day or two.

Note: Accommodation is not provided inside the Ashram when Bhagawan Baba is not at Prasanthi Nilayam, usually during the summer months (April and May). Devotees are therefore advised to confirm whether Bhagawan is at Prasanthi Nilayam by calling Public Relations Office: 0091-8555-287390, or visit http://www.srisathyasai.org.in/ before embarking on their journey.


Checking Out: The checkout time is 12 noon.
After locking the room, the room key must be deposited in the Accommodation Office before departure. If the departure is during non-office hours, the key may be dropped in the key box on the office door.


Please ensure that the room is left clean and tidy with all the lights and fans switched off, and taps, doors and windows closed before departure.


General Instructions:
Cooking is not permitted in rooms and dormitories.
If the room keys are misplaced, it must be immediately brought to the notice of the Accommodation Office for taking necessary action.


For any help or guidance, one may approach the Sevadal Volunteers (wearing blue/yellow scarves) posted in one’s accommodation block.

Contact Address: Indian Accommodation Office, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India – 515 134.

For Non-Resident IndiansNon-resident Indians need to carry their valid Indian passports while registering themselves at the Registration and Accommodation Office for Overseas Devotees located in North-8, A-1.

For Foreign CitizensThe Registration and Accommodation Office for Overseas Devotees is located in North–8, A-1. All overseas devotees seeking accommodation in the Ashram are required to report here on arrival for registration and allotment of accommodation.

Office Timings: From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all days.

Registration: For the registration process, every overseas devotee must produce his/her valid passport and visa. A recent passport-size photograph also has to be submitted. In case one does not possess one, there is provision to take a digital photo in the office.
The visitors are required to fill in a registration form to complete the registration process. This form is available at the registration office or it can be downloaded in advance. Large groups with more than 25 members are advised to keep the filled-in registration forms ready so as to save time.


Note:
An official of the State Police Department is available at North-7, A-1 on all Mondays from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. [ Phone: (08555) 288833 ] One can consult him for issues regarding visa extension, etc. If need be, one may also consult the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Puttaparthi [ Phone: (08555) 287333 ] or the Foreigner's Registration Office of the Superintendent of Police, Anantapur on all week-days between 10-00 a.m. to 5-00 p.m. [ Phone: (08554) 232105 ]
Types of Accommodation: There are three types of accommodation available for overseas devotees:
Rooms Rooms are generally allotted to families and not to a single person. However, if two or three individuals of the same gender agree to share a room, they may be allotted a room. All rooms have two cots and mattresses. Additional mattresses will be provided on request.
Dormitories Dormitories are allotted to ladies only, with up to eight ladies per dormitory.
Common Halls Common halls are allotted to gents only.
All Dormitories and Common halls are provided with cots and mattresses.
Advance reservations: No advance reservations can be made. However, large groups may be able to make arrangements in advance, preferably by contacting the Accommodation Office well before the planned time of arrival.
Single people under 25 years: Individuals below 25 years of age are not permitted to stay in the Ashram premises alone, unless they arrive in a group or with their family. They may however participate in all the Ashram activities like Darshan, Bhajans, etc. and can use the common services such as canteens, shopping complex, etc. while making their own arrangements for their accommodation.
Arrival at non-office hours: For Overseas devotees who arrive in Prasanthi Nilayam during non-office hours (between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.), accommodation will be provided for a day in the dormitories, as allotted by the Sevadal volunteers at the Ashram entrance. These devotees are required to report at the Registration and Accommodation Office for Overseas Devotees located in North–8, A-1 later during office hours to extend their stay in the Ashram.
Payment: All payments towards accommodation charges must be made in cash (in Indian rupees) only. There is a bank counter inside the Ashram premises where devotees can exchange their foreign currency for Indian rupees.
Type of Accommodation
Dormitory (only for ladies)
Common Halls (only for gents)
Rooms
Charges
Rs.25 / day / Person
Rs.10 / day / Person
Rs.100 / day for the room
Service of Porters: Service of authorised porters at fixed tariffs is available for shifting of luggage at the time of arrival or departure.
Laundry service: There are authorised dhobis (laundry personnel) who collect the laundry outside the building every morning after 7 a.m. The clothes are usually returned within a day or two.

Note: Accommodation is not provided inside the Ashram when Bhagawan Baba is not at Prasanthi Nilayam, usually during the summer months (April and May). Devotees are therefore advised to confirm whether Bhagawan is at Prasanthi Nilayam by calling Public Relations Office: 0091-8555-287390, or visit http://www.srisathyasai.org.in/ before embarking on their journey.
Checking Out: The checkout time is 12 noon.
After locking the room, the room key must be deposited in the Accommodation Office before departure. If the departure is during non-office hours, the key may be dropped in the key box on the office door.
Please ensure that the room is left clean and tidy with all the lights and fans switched off, and taps, doors and windows closed before departure.
Orientation Talk: For the benefit of overseas devotees, an orientation talk is given on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 6.15 p.m. in the Double Decker Building (situated adjacent to the Books and Publications Trust building). All overseas devotees are expected to attend this lecture where important information regarding the principal guidelines and code of conduct in the Ashram is given.
General Instructions:
Cooking is not permitted in rooms or dormitories.
If the room keys are misplaced, it must be immediately brought to the notice of the Accommodation Office for taking necessary action.
For any help or guidance, one may approach the Sevadal Volunteers (wearing blue / yellow scarves) posted in one’s accommodation block.

Contact Address: Overseas Registration and Accommodation Office, Prasanthi Nilayam, Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India – 515 134.
III. Food
There are three canteens in the Ashram that cater to the varying tastes of the thousands who visit Prasanthi Nilayam from all over the world. They provide hygienically prepared vegetarian food at nominal prices.
South Indian CanteenThe South Indian Canteen located in front of the Indian Accommodation Office offers South Indian cuisine meals, snacks and beverages. It has separate dining sections for gents and ladies. Overseas devotees may find the food served here spicy and may prefer to dine at the Western Canteen.
Payment in the canteen is in the form of canteen coupons only. Cash is not accepted. Coupons may be purchased at the Counter located near West-2, opposite the gents entrance of the canteen.
Timings:
Breakfast
6-30 a.m. to 8-30 a.m.
Lunch
11-00 a.m. to 1-00 p.m.
Afternoon tea & snacks
3-30 p.m. to 4-30 p.m.
Dinner
6-30 p.m. to 8-00 p.m.

A bakery counter is kept open in the South Indian Canteen premises between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.
North Indian Canteen

North Indian Canteen
The North Indian Canteen is located near the North Block buildings, serves north Indian cuisine lunch and dinner. There are separate sections for gents and ladies. Only cash payment (in Indian Rupees) is accepted.
Timings:
Lunch
11.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Dinner
6.30 p.m. to 8.15 p.m.
No breakfast and afternoon snacks are served here.
Western Canteen


Western Canteen
The Western Canteen is located between Round Building-2 and Round Building-3. It caters to the continental palate. All payments in this canteen are made directly in cash (Indian rupees).
Timings:
Breakfast
Around 8 a.m. or 15 minutes after Darshan
Lunch
11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Dinner
6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
No afternoon tea or snacks are served here.
Snacks Joint Kiosks are located, one adjacent to the Shopping Centre and another near the North Indian Canteen, where snacks, beverages and ice-creams are served.
Timings:
Morning
9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Evening
5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
BakeryThe Bakery is located behind South–6 block flanking the Shopping Centre on the left side, where items like bread, bun, pizzas etc. are available.
Timings:
Morning
8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Afternoon
5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Another counter operates in the South Indian Canteen between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.
IV. Medical Care
General Hospital

General Hospital Puttaparthi
Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital is located adjacent to the Ashram precincts. The hospital has outpatient facilities and also provides casualty/emergency services. The hospital provides free diagnosis and treatment in General Medicine, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Timings:
Department
Timings
Casualty / emergency

Open 24 hours
Out Patient
Morning
8.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.
Afternoon
3.00 p.m. – 4.45 p.m.
However, patients with serious ailments relating to Cardiology, Urology or Ophthalmology are referred to the Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital, which is located 7 Kilometres from the Ashram.
Super Speciality Hospital

SSSIHMS Puttaparthi
The Super Speciality Hospital, also called the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram, is located 7 kilometres from the Ashram. The hospital offers tertiary care in the departments of Cardiology/Cardio-thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Urology and Ophthalmology completely free of charge. Click here to visit the Super Speciality Hospital pages
Timings: The hospital is open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all days except Sundays and public holidays.

Important Note: Do not patronize impostors or quacks operating outside the Ashram premises. Certain persons have been reportedly claiming to be practitioners of some 'holistic' therapy or as healers with special powers supposedly delegated by Bhagawan Baba. Bhagawan has repeatedly made it clear in His discourses that He has no agents or intermediaries whatsoever. His connection with devotees is direct and heart to heart.
V. Bank
A computerised extension counter of the State Bank of India, Prasanthi Nilayam Branch is located at Room No. 5 opposite the South Indian canteen, where foreign exchange conversions also can be transacted. A few major banks have their branches and ATM facilities on the main road outside the Ashram.
Timings of SBI Extension counter:
Monday to Friday
Morning
9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon
Afternoon
3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

On Saturdays
9.00 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Closed on all Sundays and public holidays.
Note: Devotees are advised not to deal with any unauthorized persons for their foreign exchange transactions as it is prohibited under Indian laws.

VI. Travel
The Prasanthi Nilayam Township is adjacent to the village of Puttaparthi, in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, South India (Latitude 14° North, Longitude 78°1 East). It is well-connected through road, rail and air. Bangalore is the nearest metro at about 120 kilometres from the Ashram.
RoadThe Prasanthi Nilayam bus terminal is located just opposite the Ashram. It has a fully computerised reservation counter of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). [ Phone: (08555) 287210 ]
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) too runs bus services connecting Prasanthi Nilayam to Bangalore and Mangalore from this terminal. The KSRTC reservation counter is located in the building adjacent to the bus terminal towards the left. [ Phone: (08555) 288938 ]
The important cities from which there is direct connectivity through Road to Puttaparthi are given below. For further details, contact the authorities in the booking Counter at the Bus Station.
Bangalore
Hyderabad
Tirupati
Mysore
Chennai
Mangalore
Private Transport: There are a number of private bus and taxi operators who ply between Prasanthi Nilayam and cities like Bangalore, Chennai, etc. Please be advised that taxi fares between Bangalore and Prasanthi Nilayam are in the range of Rs. 1200/- to Rs. 1500/-.
RailThe ‘Sri Sathya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam’ railway station is located 8 kilometres from the ashram. There is a computerised railway reservation counter in the bus terminal just outside the Ashram [ Phone: (08555) 287355 ].

Railway Station - Sri Sathya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam
The important cities from which there is direct connectivity through Rail to Puttaparthi are given below.
New Delhi
Mumbai
Vishakapatnam
Bangalore

Hyderabad
For further details, contact the Station Master, Sri Sathya Sai Prasanthi Nilayam. [ Phone: (08555) 280125 ]
The nearest railhead is the Dharmavaram station, about 40 kilometres from the Ashram. Many trains connecting major cities pass through this station. One may disembark at Dharmavaram and travel to Prasanthi Nilayam by road. There are regular bus services between Dharmavaram railway station and Prasanthi Nilayam bus terminal.
For more information regarding railway services, go to
www.indianrail.gov.in
AirThe nearest major airport is the Bangalore airport located at about 120 kilometres from Prasanthi Nilayam.
VII. Convenience Stores
Shopping Centre

Shopping Center
The Shopping Centre is adjacent to South-6 block, near the Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust building. Day-to-day needs of devotees ranging from stationery, grocery and home needs to clothing and travel goods are available at nominal prices.
Timings:
On Weekdays
Morning (Only for Ladies)
9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Evening (Only for Gents)
5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
On Sundays
Morning (Only for Gents)
9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Evening (Only for Ladies)
5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Fruits and VegetablesThe Fruits and Vegetables Stall is located behind the Shopping Centre.
Timings:
Morning
9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Evening
5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
VIII. Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust

Books, Audio & Video Stall
Books, Audio & Video StallThe Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust is the central official body that undertakes the printing, publishing and sale of various books, audio & video cassettes, CDs & DVDs etc. relating to the life and teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Bhajans and festivals in the Divine Presence. The Trust also undertakes the sale of publications in other Indian and Foreign languages.
It is located behind South-6, near the Shopping Centre.
The Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust building is located behind South-6, near the Shopping Centre. It houses the sales floor where books, audio (cassettes & CDs) and video (cassettes, CDs & DVDs) are sold at nominal prices.

SSSBPT Building
Timings:
Morning
9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Afternoon
4.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Library cum Reading RoomThe Book Trust building also houses a reading room that is a storehouse of Sai Literature with a large and varied collection of books on the life and teachings of Bhagawan Baba and experiences of devotees, in many Indian and foreign languages.
Timings:
Morning
9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Afternoon
3.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
The Ashram Magazine - Sanathana SarathiThe Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publications Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, publishes the spiritual monthly magazine in two languages – Telugu and English. It contains the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba besides covering the important events that take place in His Divine Presence. The magazine is also available in many Indian and foreign languages published by the respective state or national Sai Organisations.
Subscription: Subscriptions for the English and Telugu editions can be made by Inland subscribers in the ground floor and by overseas subscribers in the first floor. The maximum period of subscription is up to three years and the payments are accepted in cash only.
Subscriptions for all Indian language editions (except Oriya and Marathi) and English edition may be made at the counter in West-2, A-1 (adjacent to the Canteen coupon counter, opposite the gents entrance of the South Indian canteen).
For more information, please visit
www.sssbpt.org
IX. Telephone Booth
Inland and overseas telephone calls can be made from the telephone booths in the ground floor of the Sevadal Accommodation building located opposite the Round Block-5.
Timings: It is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
X. Postal Counter
A counter of the Post Office is located inside the Ashram premises in the ground floor of the Sevadal Accommodation building opposite to Round Building-5. All routine postal transactions except despatch of telegrams may be done here. The Prasanthi Nilayam Post Office is located a kilometre away from the Ashram beyond the Sri Sathya Sai Mirpuri Music College Campus.
Timings of Ashram Postal Counter:
Morning
8-00 a.m. to 11-00 a.m.
Evening
5-00 p.m. to 7-30 p.m.
Note: There is no courier service available inside the ashram. However, there are many courier service providers outside the ashram.
XI. Fax / Telegrams / Email
There is no facility inside the Ashram for sending fax, telegrams or email. However, there are a number of agencies outside the Ashram that offer these services. One may also avail the services of the Government Telegraph Office situated outside the ashram, near State Bank of India on the Gopuram road, for sending telegrams.

Timings:
Monday to Saturday
9-00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Closed on Sundays and Government Holidays
Email: There is no internet facility in the ashram. However, there are a number of internet centres outside.
XII. Emergency / Security OfficeThis office is located adjacent to the South Indian Canteen, beside the Gopuram Gate of the Ashram. Any issues concerning the security of the Ashram and the devotees are dealt with here. Stretchers and First-Aid materials are also available here, in case of emergencies. One may also collect Vibhuthi prasadam from here when leaving the Ashram.
XIII. Wheel Chair facilityDevotees in need of wheelchairs may obtain them at North-8, A-10 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The accommodation office also allots ground floor rooms to such people on request, subject to availability. The wheelchairs are not supposed to be taken outside the Ashram premises and must be returned on the specified date.
XIV. Maintenance OfficeThe Ashram Maintenance Office may be contacted for any civil, electrical, water supply problems or any other complaints concerning one’s room or hall. It is located adjacent to the West-3 block on the southern end.
Timings:
Morning
7.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Afternoon
2.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
XV. Public Relations OfficeThe Public Relations Office is located in Room No. 12, opposite the South Indian Canteen. This office is open from 7.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. on all days. The ‘Lost-and-Found Office’ is also located here, where devotees can enquire about their lost belongings, or deposit any unclaimed articles found inside the Ashram. Any clarifications can be had by contacting the Public Relations Office at the Ashram.
Address:Public Relations OfficePrasanthi Nilayam Anantapur DistrictPin Code – 515 134Andhra PradeshINDIA Phone: (0091) 8555-287390.
XVI. Cloak RoomThe men's cloakroom is located adjacent to the Security Office next to the Gopuram gate of the Ashram and the women's cloakroom is situated next to the Public Relations Office, facing the South Indian Canteen.
The Cloak Room accepts only small articles such as mobile phones, handbags, etc. However, high-value articles such as jewellery, etc. and bulky items like suitcases, rucksacks, etc. are not accepted for safekeeping.
Morning
4.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.
Afternoon
1.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
XVII. Safe Deposit Locker
A safe deposit locker is made available to devotees at North-8, A-10 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for storing valuables during their stay in the ashram.
XVIII. Advisory Information
Dress Code
Devotees are expected to dress modestly, in clean and sober clothing, as befits a place of worship. Generally, people in the Ashram dress in whites.
Wearing of shorts or sleeveless shirts is strictly prohibited. Women are required to dress to their ankles. Tight-fitting or diaphanous dresses are not permitted.
Unorthodox hairstyles, over-matted hair, tall set hair etc. or large obtrusive hats are highly discouraged.
Ashram Discipline
Men and women are not expected to socialize and visit each other's rooms to indulge in idle talk or gossip inside the ashram. Indian customs and social behaviour are commonly observed inside the Ashram premises. Men and women indulging in physical contact or publicly expressing their greetings or affection are not approved of.
The consumption or possession of tobacco / tobacco products, alcoholic drinks and non-vegetarian food / food stuffs (including eggs) is strictly prohibited. Gambling inside the premises is strictly forbidden.
Kindly observe silence, and when it is necessary to speak, please do so softly. Do not play music loudly.
Lights-out time in the Ashram is 9.00 p.m., after which devotees are not encouraged to move about inside or outside the Ashram. The Ashram gates are also closed at 9.00 p.m.
Self-Professed Intermediaries
Devotees are requested to be on their guard against strangers or newfound friends who claim association with Bhagawan or claim to have inner or special messages from Bhagawan. They are all spurious people.
Devotees are also requested to exercise utmost caution in visiting quacks, ‘healers with special powers’ supposedly delegated by Bhagawan Baba or spurious people parading as agents of ‘holistic’ or Indian therapies.
Bhagawan has repeatedly made it clear in His discourses that He has no agents, no intermediaries, whatsoever. His connection with the devotees is direct and heart to heart.
Unauthorized Trusts / Bodies
No institution or individual other than the following are authorised to receive any donation inside the Ashram on any account:
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
Sri Sathya Sai Medical Trust
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning
Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publications Trust
Sri Sathya Sai Bhaktha Sahayak Sangh
Easwaramma Women’s Welfare Trust
Devotees are requested to note that Bhagawan does not solicit any donation whatsoever and the above-mentioned Trusts have no intermediaries or agents. Individuals, trusts and other bodies soliciting donations on behalf of Bhagawan or the above-mentioned trusts are doing so illegally. Individuals or Institutions making donations to such unauthorised bodies are doing so at their own risk, and the above-mentioned trusts are not responsible for their acts.
The Government of India has amended the schedule to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1950 to include the following as protected names and emblems under the said Act:
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
The following emblems

Sri Sathya Sai
In view of the above, no person shall use or continue to use for the purpose of any trade, business, calling or profession or any patent, trademark or design the aforementioned protected names / emblems or any colourable imitation thereof without the previous written permission of the Central Government. Any person who contravenes the above is liable to be proceeded against and punished under the provisions of the law.
Any person who is using the aforementioned names and emblem in contravention of the provisions of the Act is hereby notified and required to cease and desist from using the said names/emblems with effect from: 22nd July 2004.
Devotees are also required to beware of touts who collect money inside the ashram for any of the ashram services. Devotees are not required to pay to anyone inside the Ashram except for services like accommodation, food, etc. at the respective offices and canteens.
Bhagawan’s Schedule
Although Bhagawan Baba's programme is not generally known in advance, He is usually present in Prasanthi Nilayam from early June to the middle of March. However, it is advisable to call Public Relations Office, Prasanthi Nilayam at (0091) 8555-287390 or visit http://www.srisathyasai.org.in/ before embarking on the journey.
Summer months are usually spent in Brindavan, Bhagawan’s ashram in Whitefield, located in the outskirts of Bangalore city.