Prasanthi Nilayam
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Prasanthi Nilayam, the Highest Abode of Peace is the crest jewel of the now internationally famous village of Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh. With the construction of this monument of Love and Peace in 1950 by the dedicated and loving devotees of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba a new Movement itself for the regeneration of human society has started. It soon became the cynosure of all eyes of the world as it housed the Ultimate in human form. People belonging to all creed and all walks of life cluster here for the coveted Darshan (sight) of the most beautiful human form on earth descended to confer Grace, Peace and Love on one and all, black or white, east or west, young or old. Over a period of years, this structure gathered a rare beauty and grandeur making it now an architectural jewel. Its serene atmosphere that proclaims its alchemic influence on the visiting multitudes is atonce unique and elevating. Here silence is more eloquent than speech. Service is more rewarding than chanting or meditation. Absorbing the atmosphere is a treat to all human faculties. Senses get controlled and groomed, and mind silenced and attentive. Originally a small temple in 1950 when it was first dedicated to the Lord, it has now grown into a much bigger size, covered with a beautiful roof, covering a Darshan area of some 10,000 square yards. The expanse of the sitting space on both sides and in the centre can accommodate 30-40 thousand people, the crowd milling around and squeezing in to another half of it during celebrations. The irresistible and most powerful Love-Waves emanating from this Abode of Highest Peace will not spare any spot on the world map from its care whether it be hard rock or dry sand.

The subtle influence of the Avatar is so compelling that the impact of a visit to Puttaparthi is great. Absorbing the spiritual atmosphere here, one feels refreshed and recouped. It is atonce enchanting and entrancing. People of different nationalities and cultures realise the Brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God here. Devotees from abroad are attuned to the atmosphere without much of an effort. After all who in this world is not related to Prasanthi Nilayam? It is everybody's home. The pathways leading to the Abode may look new, but the destination cannot be unfamiliar.

Those who have distanced themselves from Home, of their own volition, are again initiated into a purposeful, spiritual life of calm and quiet with no reprimand whatsoever. In short, a visit to Prasanthi Nilayam is a homecoming from far and near. The talkative, the extravagant, the egocentric, the arrogant, the ill-tempered and the short tempered are cut to size and proper shapes with no additional and visible labour. It is like a vehicle entering the workshop in a battered condition, but coming out in good running condition, the duration depending on the number and depth of dents. But reconstruction and reconditioning are sure to be. On return hard headed administrators become soft and friendly, hard hearted industrialists become kindly and accommodative, conscienceless politicians become honest and upright, headstrong mothers-in-law become loving and considerate, irresponsible husbands become sympathetic and co-operative, wayward children become obedient and disciplined, unhealthy family relations become healthy and strong, and so on. All for a sea change. All begin to realise that none can escape the eyes and hands of Sai. The realisation of the omnipresence of Sai effects the transformation. Decades ago Bhagawan Baba had declared that 'every step in the career of an Avatar is calculated'. This Divine workshop of Prasanthi Nilayam, the Highest Abode of Peace, is perhaps the first and foremost in this direction.