The world has come a long way since evolution of mankind and every race that contributed to the growth has a culture and every culture holds some beliefs. When it comes to visiting places of religious importance, those who do not confine themselves to certain barriers love to have an essence of everything that nature has to offer without tags. Whatever beliefs one holds, they enjoy the architecture displayed in any place of worship. Such persons respect the efforts and skills of artisans and they find beauty in every thing they see. When one hears of Puttaparthi, the immediate thought that flashes is its association with certain beliefs. Let us explore the place and list 8 places to visit in Puttaparthi.
1. Sai Kulwant Hall
Sai Kulwant Hall is a two-storied sanctum, which also stands as a symbol of religious tolerance. The balcony doors on the second floor display symbols of various faiths across the world. The ground floor houses a prayer hall.
2. Chaitanya Jyoti Museum
Chaitanya Jyoti Museum was thrown open in the year 2000. The museum houses collections of various artifacts that depict Sai Baba’s life since the time he was a child. The architecture used in the construction of the museum is amazing. It is a blend of Chinese, Thai and Japanese style of architecture and it is one of its kind in India. Gothic arches, Chinese roofs and a synthesis of various architectural styles make the museum unique. The Chinese roof seen here is the biggest of Chinese roofs in the world if you exclude China. The museum is constructed on the slope of a hill and it looks great viewed from every possible angle.
3. Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre
This planetarium was launched in the year 1985. The aim of Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre is to offer information on Astronomy, Mathematics and Physics. Planetarium shows are conducted every week and they are offered free of cost. The planetarium has updated technology and it helps to stimulate interest on the secrets of the sky.
4. Sri Sathya Sai Hill View Stadium
The stadium bustles with activity when Sathya Sai Baba’s birthday is round the corner. Various sports events and cultural programs are conducted in the stadium in connection with the birthday celebrations of Sai Baba. Sai Baba used to address the gathering from the stadium’s podium.
5. Gopuram
Gopuram is the entry and exit point for Sai Baba to Sathya Sai Ashram. Sai Baba had used Gopuram to visit and return and now it is open for devotees to use during darshan timings. Gopuram stands proof of the architectural grandeur of South India. The structure was inaugurated in the year 1975 and the colorful Gopuram is a visual delight.
6. Anjaneya Hanuman Swamy Temple
This temple is situated at the Gopuram road. A marvelous Shiva Lingam adorns the entrance of the temple. Sai Baba had brought this Shiva Lingam from Kasim. The deity in the sanctum looks as if carved on a cavern. A pool of water at the deity’s foot is considered tears of Hanuman, which shows the depth of Hanuman’s devotion to Rama, the Lord.
7. Village Mosque
Village Mosque was constructed in the year 1978. The reason for the construction of the mosque seems interesting. It is believed that certain untoward incidents occurred in the place and after the mosque was constructed on the land, such incidents did not occur. Moreover, it is believed that a plate with Islamic inscriptions was found on the site on which Village Mosque was constructed.
8. Chitravathi River
Chitravathi River is considered as new Ganges by the devotees of Sai Baba. The river gains the status of being sacred as Sai Baba used to bathe in the river. The banks of the river were where Sai Baba played many miracles.
A great part of Puttaparthi, which is one of the tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh is associated with certain belief. Looking beyond such faiths, you could enjoy the style of architecture and the life style of people where the level of tolerance towards other beliefs is higher than seen in many other places.
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