Published Tuesday, August 31, 2011 @ 12:43 hrs.

The Abode of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Recently there have been several enquiries from devotees, particularly from overseas, desiring to know which location of Bhagawan in India is most appropriate for their pilgrimage.

Bhagawan’s Mahasamadhi is in Prasanthi Nilayam. The term ‘mahasamadhi’ here refers to the place of departure of an Avatar from His mortal coil. Such a place has profound significance in various faiths.

In some Muslim traditions, the holy tombs of saints are believed to be repositories of spiritual power where prayers would be particularly effective. Many scholars have noted that Buddhist communities were involved in relic and stupa (structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of the Buddha) worship after the death of the Buddha. In the Javanese belief system, cosmic forces are believed to be constantly present at the holy tombs. Even in the Christian religious tradition, some believe that the saint in Heaven is present in his tomb on earth. In Hinduism, the tomb or mahasamadhi of a realized saint is regarded by many as having an incorporeal presence. In fact, the Upanishads state: “na tasya prana utkraamanti”, meaning that the pranas (life forces) of the saints do not leave their body to take up another, since the individual self has merged with the Totality. Shirdi Sai Baba had reportedly said, “Believe Me, though I pass away, My bones in My tomb would be speaking, moving and communicating with those who would surrender themselves whole-heartedly to Me. Do not be anxious that I would be absent from you. You will hear My bones speaking and discussing your welfare." Thus, the remains of the holy persons is revered and given great importance by faiths all around the world.

Indeed, Bhagawan Baba's abode is the entire Universe. However, He took a physical form at Puttaparthi and spent 85 years of His earthly sojourn at Prasanthi Nilayam as His primary home. Other places in India and other countries will continue to be the centres for their particular activities as guided by Bhagawan, who is present wherever His work is done, wherever His glory is sung, and wherever His Name is uttered. However, Prasanthi Nilayam is the location of His Holy Shrine or Mahasamadhi and will continue to be the Centre of Bhagawan’s Mission.

This clarification is being issued to remove all doubts in the matter and to state the official position of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Sri Sathya Sai Seva organisations, and the Sri Sathya Sai International organisations.

Media Coordinator
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
Prasanthi Nilayam

Jai Sai Ram!