pathway to prasanthi

July 10th – July 17th, 2022

Pilgrimage
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We are most fortunate that by His Grace we have been blessed to be able join together on an inner and outer journey to Prasanthi Nilayam!  What is the purpose of a pilgrimage? Swami answers this important question during His Divine Discourse, 28th February, 1964:

"As a result of the pilgrimage, your habits must change for the better, your outlook must widen, your inward look must become deeper and become more steady. You must realise the omnipresence of God, and the Oneness of Humanity. You must learn tolerance and patience, charity and service. After the pilgrimage is over, sitting in your own home and ruminating over your experiences, you must determine to seek the higher, the richer and the more real experience of God-realisation. I bless you that you may form that determination and strive step by step to achieve that Goal”.
SSSGC-Zone 1 logo_Color_ENGLISH
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
In short, the entire process, from pre-pilgrimage, pilgrimage, to post-pilgrimage is that of transformation using the principles of Love, Sacrifice, and Unity. Leading up to the pilgrimage, we should intensify our personal and group 1008 Day Sadhana Initiatives that were started in August of 2021.  During the pilgrimage we should resolve to stay the entire duration, keep our focus on Swami, and attend all the uplifting activities planned for our benefit.  After the pilgrimage, we should reflect, pray, and show our appreciation to Swami by being better human beings who are closer to earning the designation of “devotee”.

Latest
Updates
Below

Devotion Updates :

Latest Devotion Updates ——- 6/10/2022 : Group Song Download Open

SSSE Updates :

Latest SSSE Updates ————– | 6/27/2022 : SSSE Daily Schedule – Download PDF   |  6/27/2022 : SSSE Discipline Dresscode – Download PDF | Open
Scarves / Saris Ordering
Sairam! Please click the button for more details. Scarves and Saris
Pathway to Prasanthi Information

Sairam! Please find below details for various required logistical information. Also for the benefit of those who want to download the information at it’s entirety, please click the button.

Printable informational booklet pdf file download

Travel & Transportation

Sai Ram! This section provides more information about Travel/Transportation on how to reach Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi.

Accommodation

Sai Ram! This section provides more information about accommodation at the Ashram, Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi.

Ashram Stay

Sai Ram! This section provides more information about weather, shopping, meals etc.. during your stay at Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi.

Spiritual Activities

Sai Ram! This section provides more information about the day proceedings.

Ashram Etiquette

Sai Ram! This section provides details related to discipline to be followed by one and all.

FAQs

Sai Ram! This section provides most frequently asked questions and help details.

FAQs
 
Help
CONTACT US

LET US ALL TrAVEL TOGETHER

Musical Offering
July 15th 2022

 

 

 

 

 

Sairam

SSSGC Zone 1
SSSE Field Trip

Sairam

SSSGC Zone 1
Scarves and Saris

Sairam! Please see the details below… Payment deadline June 25th 2022

  • Cost for a set of 3 Saris is $84 US or $105 Canadian.
  • The cost of each scarf and badge is $6 us or $8 Canadian.

USA Devotees: Payment Details

  • Zelle Payment:You can send a Zelle payment from their bank , payable to email address
    “treasurer@saiservice.org”.
  • A second option is to send checks payable to “Sarva Dharma Service Center” and
    mailed to 144 West Farms Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727.


Note:
Make sure to add “Pilgrimage”, your name, email address and phone number
in the memo section of your check or a Zelle payment.

Canada Devotees: Payment Details

  • Electronic Payment: Canadian Participants should e-transfer funds to sister Jayanthi,
    SSSGC Canada Treasurer at jamuna@jruben.com
Pathway to Prasanthi
Travel Checklist:
  • Closest airport is Bengaluru (BLR – airport code)
  • Purchase tickets to arrive no later than July 9th and depart after July 17th
  • Request for Vegetarian Meal (note that “Hindu” meal is not vegetarian) and special services (wheelchair)
  • For each traveler bring:
    • Passport valid through travel dates
    • Indian visa or Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card
    • 2 Passport size pictures
    • Photocopies of above documentation in case originals lost during travel
    • Note: please visit India Air Suvidha portal for more Covid19 travel updates Air Suvedha (India)
  • Provide flight arrival and departure information to planning committee when requested
  • Phone number for Taxi pickup driver


Address for ashram:
Accommodation Office (beside N9)

Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi

Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh – 515134, India

Telephone: (+91) 8555-287390 Ext 2208

Email: enquiry@prasanthinilayam.in

Private Taxi Details:

  • Private Taxi’s to pick you up from the airport can be arranged ahead of time:
    • The following taxi companies in Bangalore have been used by many devotees:
      • _____________
      • _____________

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Health Checklist

  • In addition to a full series of vaccinations, a booster shot is highly recommended prior to travel
  • Original / Copies of Vaccination Card is required
  • Bring several N95 or KN95 masks and use throughout your travels and during the pilgrimage. Wear them as much as possible:  in airport, airplane, taxi, as well as inside the ashram during the pilgrimage.  Minimize leaving the ashram once arriving.
  • Bring several rapid COVID test kits to test yourself in case you develop symptoms
  • Remember to bring your regular prescription medication
  • Wash hands and use hand sanitizers frequently
  • Expect high heat and humidity so please stay well hydrated

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
What to bring?
The accommodation includes one room with 2 cots, 2 mattresses, and 2 pillows with an attached bath. Additional mattresses might be available in the accommodation office. Please bring your own linens, blankets. Rooms may or may not have AC and bathrooms may or may not have hot water geyers and do not come with tissue/toiletries. **

Each building has a couple of designated individuals who provide laundry service. Generally, they wash the clothes and bring them back the next day. You can also opt to wash your own clothes. There are clothes lines available outside the room for drying them.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

Personal Toiletries: General Items:

  • Bath towel / wash cloth
  • Shampoo / conditioner
  • Soap and Lotions
  • Sunscreen
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Room Slippers
  • Clothes detergent

  • N95/KN 95 masks preferable; otherwise other masks
  • Comfor- table Clothing and Shoes / Sandals / Slippers
  • Contact lens case / solution
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Other essential personal Items
  • Personal medications
  • Umbrella / Rain Ponchos
  • Hand Fan
  • Combination Lock
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Personal Lock / Keys for Room

SSSE Items Note:

  • Water Bottle
  • Comfor- table shoes for outdoor activities
  • Sun Hat
  • Sun Block
  • Books and Other Games

** Please note that basic toiletries, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies may be available in the shopping center in the ashram. However, the shopping center has very specific timings when it is open for men or women; So if you are going to be arriving at night, you may want to bring the items you will require immediately.

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Arrival
Please plan to arrive Prasanthi Nilayam by July 9th evening. For your safety, we do not recommend travel from Bangalore Airport to Prasanthi Nilayam (and back) in the dark. A list of available Taxi Services is provided. The average cost of taxi from Bangalore airport to the ashram is in the range of Rs. 2500 – Rs. 3500.

If you are planning to stay in the ashram, you must enter ashram premises by 6:30 pm. Ashram gates are closed between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am. Accommodation office is closed between 7:30 pm and 6:30 am. Per night room rate is about Rs. 250.

If your family has outside accommodations, you can stay outside the ashram, provided you will be in the ashram and with the group for all group activities during the day.

Upon arrival, please report at the Online Booking, Check-in Counter at the Accommodation Office (next to the N-9 block, behind North Indian Canteen). View map here. The office is open from 6.30.a.m. IST to 7.30.p.m IST.

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Check In

  • Upon arrival, please report at the Online Booking, Check-in Counter at the Accommodation Office (next to the N-9 block, behind North Indian Canteen). View map here. The office is open from 6.30.a.m. IST to 7.30.p.m IST. 
  • Families will be accommodated in a room. Those traveling alone will be accommodated with other devotees from the USA based on gender. If you are a room donor, then you will have your own room. You do not need to make advance reservations for rooms inside the ashram. The pilgrimage planning team will block rooms and the accommodation office will have a pilgrimage attendee list. 
  • You will need your
    • Passport and
    • Indian Visa or Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card
  • Non-Indian Passport Holders without OCI / PIO cards will need to submit attached Form C plus two passport size pictures. Please bring these items with you.
  • You are strongly encouraged to plan to arrive at the accommodations office during their regular office hours between 8 am and 8 pm. We are unable to make arrangements for you to enter the ashram and get accommodation once the ashram gate/accommodation office is closed.

Room Assignment

  • Please do not book rooms online via the ashram as you will not be placed together with our group
  • Provide accommodation needs to planning committee when requested (number staying together, special needs, if a registered room donor, etc. )

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Weather in Prasanthi Nilayam
Please expect the days to be hot with sudden, heavy rains. Average highs of 33 degrees Celsius or 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Staying hydrated will be key for good health. Bottled water is available for purchase inside the ashram.
Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Meals
Inside the ashram, South Indian, North Indian and Western canteens offer nutritious affordable meals. As a discipline for our spiritual and physical well-being, we recommend not to dine outside of the ashram.

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: (can be variable)

  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.

The South Indian Canteen is located in front of the Indian Accommodation Office. It 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.

 

The North Indian Canteen is located near the North Block buildings. It serves north Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner only. There are separate dining areas 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.

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Shopping Center

The shopping center inside the Ashram is open to the public only at certain times during the day. Most essential items (toiletries, clothing, media, photos of Swami, cleaning supplies, utensils, snacks and food supplies) are available here.

The shopping center is open at different times of the day for men and women.

Timings:

Women and girls: Men and boys:
after morning darshan after afternoon darshan

*** The timings for men and women are switched on Sundays

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Book Store
The main book store within the ashram is located near the shopping centre.  Additional stalls inside the ashram are often set up during festivals.
Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Cultural Program Practice
The purpose of the music program is to present an offering to our Beloved Swami as a symbol of our love and gratitude. It is not the sole purpose of our pilgrimage to Parthi. We must all pray that He allows us to express our love for Him in this manner, but be prepared to accept HIS Will, whatever it is!

Rehearsals for the music program will be held inside the ashram, and the venue will be within walking distance.  Announcement will be made in Parthi about the venue and timings of these rehearsals. Individuals in wheelchairs who require assistance with transportation to the rehearsals will be assisted by volunteers.

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Daily Darshan & Group Seating
Since unity and discipline are really our greatest offerings to Swami, participation of the entire group in morning and afternoon darshans cannot be emphasized enough. The entire Sai Kulwant Hall area and Mandir (temple), is charged with Swami’s vibrations and presence, and His Mahasamadhi infuses us with Divine energy. Therefore, we must make every effort to enter this holiest of shrines as many times as we are blessed to do so.

Special seating will be provided by the ashram authorities for our group during each darshan. It is therefore imperative that our group members gather for each darshan in a timely manner at the location provided and jointly proceed for darshan. Unfilled seating or inconsistent attendance will likely result in fewer special arrangements for our group.

DAILY SCHEDULE – ADULTS

July 9th 2022

Timings Description of Activity Location
6:30 am to 7:30 pm Arrival and Check-in; you will receive packet/folder including:

1.    Your Badge and Scarf (needed for group seating)

2.    Sarees for women older than 16

N7 (North 7) Building
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm Welcome / Orientation Meeting TBD

July 10th thru July 17th 2022

Timings Description of Activity Location
5:10 am Aumkar (21 times Aum), Meditation, Suprabhatham (Awakening Prayer) Sai Kulwant Hall
5:40 am Veda Chanting and Nagar Sankeertan (Circum- ambulating the Mandir) Sai Kulwant Hall
7:00 am Line Up for Morning Darshan to Arrive together to Sai Kulwant Hall Outside N7 (North 7) Building
8:00 am to 10:30 am Veda Chanting; Bhajans; Darshan of Mahasamadhi Sai Kulwant Hall
10:45 am to 12:30 pm Music Program Practice or Speaker session TBD
12:30 pm to 3:30 pm Lunch, Rest, and Reflect
4:00 pm Line Up for Evening Darshan Outside N7 (North 7) Building
4:30 pm to 7:00 pm Veda Chanting; Bhajans; Darshan of Mahasamadhi Sai Kulwant Hall
6 pm to 7:30 pm Dinner
7:45 pm to 9:00 pm Music Program Practice (up until presentation date) or Speaker Session TBD
9:30 pm Lights Off

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Spiritual Activities

Aumkar:

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. &bbsp;

Suprabhatam:

‘Su’ signifies good, auspicious and ‘Prabhath’ means morning. ‘Suprabhatham’ 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. &bbsp;

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 Baba gives a lot of importance to Vedas and encourages everybody to chant these hymns and understand their meaning. The students of Baba 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. &bbsp;

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. &bbsp;

Bhajans:

Bhajans means “Singing aloud the glory of God”. Bhajans in the divine presence of Sri Sathya Sai Baba are unique as they are universal in their scope and appeal and emphasise the unity of faiths. &bbsp;

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.

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Sarees and Scarves
Details related to Sarees and Scarves will be provided here…
Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Ashram Etiquette & Discipline

1. Decorum

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. Any public display of affection is out of place. Putting hands around each others’ shoulders or holding hands while walking about is discouraged.

2. Silence

Kindly observe silence, and when it is necessary to speak, please speak softly. Do not play your music loudly. Please do not socialize or talk / laugh loudly in public areas (especially at Ganesha or other temples within the Ashram) and be a nuisance and disturbance to others. Do not shout loudly to call someone at a distance and talk loudly on your phone while walking around the Ashram. Lights-out time in the Ashram is 9.30 p.m., after which devotees are not encouraged to move about inside or outside the Ashram. The Ashram gates are also closed at 9.30 p.m.

3. Mobile Phone Manners

Mobile phones are not permitted inside Sai Kulwant Hall. However, while using them in the Ashram premises, kindly do not play any music or watch videos loudly from your mobile phones. Use your headphones. Keep your ringtone on silent or at a lower volume. Kindly do not talk loudly on your phone and be a disturbance to other devotees and trivialize the divine atmosphere of the Ashram.

4. Strictly Prohibited

The consumption or possession of tobacco / tobacco products, drugs, alcoholic drinks and non-vegetarian food, including eggs, is strictly prohibited. Gambling inside the premises is strictly forbidden.

5. Feeding Dogs / Animals

Feeding of dogs inside the Ashram premises is highly discouraged.

6. Children

Please be responsible for the discipline of your children in the Ashram. Please ensure that they do not disturb the silence of Sai Kulwant Hall or disturb other devotees in any way. Please be responsible for their manners in the Ashram.

7. Dress Code

Modest, Clean & Sober dressing encouraged – as befits a place of worship. Shorts, Half-lungis, Sleeveless Shirts or Salwars, Above ankle-length dressing or tight fitted and transparent clothing is not allowed.

8. Cleanliness

God walked this Ashram, so please lets keep it clean. After using the public Toilets, keep them clean and tidy for everyone to use comfortably. Don’t litter the food stall areas and kindly use the dustbins provided. It will be your contribution to the Ashram!

9. Cameras

Use of Cell Phones and Cameras is as per prevailing Ashram rules (Not allowed inside Sai Kulwant Hall).

10. Accommodation

If using ashram accommodation, please ensure that all dues are settled, room keys are dropped at accommodation office and the premises are left neat & clean while leaving.

11. Car Parking

Please abide by the Ashram Guidelines while Parking your car or two-wheeler. Honking within the ashram Premises is not allowed.

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Do's & Don'ts

Do’s

Don’ts

Do follow the rules and guidelines regarding dress code and code of conduct Do not speak loudly or excessively
Do attend EVERY darshan Do not discuss politics, sports, gossip, etc.
DO be on time for meetings, practices and darshan Do not cut ques for darshan or dining
Do attend all music practice sessions Do not dress inappropriately
Do avoid (or at least minimize) leaving the ashram Do not engage in public displays of affection
DO MAKE THE BEST OF THIS SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE Do not socialize with members of the opposite gender or visit their rooms

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
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.

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Items not permitted in Sai Kulwant Hall
Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Advisory Information

Self-Professed Intermediaries

  • Devotees are requested to be on their guard against strangers or newfound friends who claim association with Sri Sathya Sai Baba or claim to have inner or special messages from Baba. They are all spurious people.
  • Devotees are also requested to exercise utmost caution in visiting quacks, ‘healers with special powers’ supposedly delegated by Baba or spurious people parading as agents of ‘holistic’ or Indian therapies.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba 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 Institue of Higher Learning
  • Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust
  • Sri Sathya Sai Eswaramma Women’s Welfare Trust


Devotees are requested to note that the Trust does not solicit any donation through intermediaries or agents. Individuals, trusts and other bodies soliciting donations on behalf of Sri Sathya Sai Baba 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.

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.

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
FAQ's

Sairam! Please see below some frequently asked questions.

1. Do I have to organize my own flights and transfer to/from the Ashram?
Each devotee is responsible for making all travel arrangements to the ashram. The closest airport is Bengaluru and taxi’s can be prearranged to pickup from the airport to the ashram (approximately 2.5 hour drive). Contact for specific companies that other devotees have used in the past, may be provided at a later date. As an organization, we are not affiliated with, nor can we vouch for, any of these companies.

2. Do I need a visa to enter India?
A visa is required to enter India if you have a non-Indian passport. It is recommended that you check with Indian Embassy

3. This is my first visit to the ashram and would like to travel in a group. How do I sign up?
If this is your first trip to the ashram, please indicate in the registration form and we will include you in any orientation and Q/A sessions for first time travelers.

4. What immunization/medications should I bring?
Please consult your doctor for advice on this. Usually, it is a good idea to carry Analgesics and prescription medication you are required to take. It is strongly recommended to have been fully vaccinated for COVID in addition to having a booster dose.

5. What is the last day to register for the pilgrimage?

Registration will close on June 1, 2022.

6. How will the devotees be accommodated?

Families will be accommodated in a room. Those traveling alone will be accommodated with other devotees from USA/Canada/West Indies based on gender based on availability. If you are a room donor, then you will have your own room.

7. Can I use my phone in the Ashram?

Yes. However, it is important to note that one should keep in mind focused on the purpose of the pilgrimage and on Swami, His teachings, and values at all times. Phones are not allowed inside Sai Kulwant Hall.

8. What is the expected dress code?

Men/Boys: Long white trousers and white collared shirt. No sleeveless vests or shorts.

Girls age up to 17 years: White Salwar suits with white shawl (dupatta)

Ladies age 18 years and over : Uniform saris will be provided at the Ashram for a minimal cost.

9. What is the expected cost of the Saris / Scarves?

Cost for a set of 3 Saris is $84 US or $105 Canadian. The cost of each scarf and
badge is $6 us or $8 Canadian.

10. Where do I send the payment for Saris / Scarves?

USA Devotees:

  • Zelle Payment:You can send a Zelle payment from their bank , payable to email address
    “treasurer@saiservice.org”.
  • A second option is to send checks payable to “Sarva Dharma Service Center” and
    mailed to 144 West Farms Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727.


Note:
Make sure to add “Pilgrimage”, your name, email address and phone number
in the memo section of your check or a Zelle payment.

Canada Devotees:

  • Electronic Payment: Canadian Participants should e-transfer funds to sister Jayanthi,
    SSSGC Canada Treasurer at jamuna@jruben.com

11. What if I don’t make Sari payment by the due date?

We are practicing Unity by dressing in uniform clothing. The payment should be sent to arrive no later than Saturday, June 25, 2022. It is very important that your payment is sent on time. Otherwise, your set will not be ordered.

12. What if I my plans change after I have paid for the Saris?

Please note that if your plans change after you have paid for the Saris, they will be donated at the Ashram. Refunds cannot be made once the order is placed.

13. Will there be a strict guidelines and daily structure during the pilgrimage?

Yes. Ashram and pilgrimage rules will apply at all times. The purpose of the pilgrimage, the sanctity of the Ashram, and omnipresence of God must be remembered at all times.

14. How much money should I bring?

We anticipate that for the duration of the pilgrimage, it will cost approximately $450 per person for meals, accommodation, travel between the airport and the ashram. The cost of roundtrip airfare from your home airport is separate and varies. It is encouraged to purchase the airline ticket at the earliest.

There may be additional costs for obtaining visa, passport, immunization, etc.

15. Can I join the group in Prasanthi Nilayam for a portion of the group dates?

The full group must be together for the entire time, beginning with morning darshan on July 10th till evening darshan on July 17th.

16. Can my family members who live in India join the group?

To be part of our group, one must be a Zone 1 resident/citizen and should be registered by the deadline. Family members from other areas may choose to be in Prasanthi Nilayam at the same time as group members; however, they cannot be considered part of the group. The group will not be able to include devotees’ families for accommodations, group activities or group seating for darshan. Group members will be expected to adhere to group discipline and participate in the group activities.

17. Can I or can my family stay outside the ashram?

It is highly encouraged to reside in the ashram, both for spiritual and physical protection. If your family has outside accommodations, you can stay outside the ashram, provided you will be in the ashram and with the group for all group activities during the day.

18. How do I get accommodations if I arrive at the ashram before the group trip dates?

If you arrive before July 10th, 2022, you should follow the standard ashram accommodations procedures and get accommodations for the entire length of your stay (including group dates).

Devotees staying after the group trip should notify the logistics team ahead of time so that we can inform the accommodation office.

19. Can I get information about traveling between the airport and the ashram?

The closest airport is Bengaluru and taxi’s can be prearranged to pickup from the airport to the ashram (approximately 2.5 hour drive). Contact for specific companies that other devotees have used in the past, may be provided at a later date. As an organization, we are not affiliated with, nor can we vouch for, any of these companies.

20. What service projects will we undertake during the pilgrimage?

Options are under investigation and may include, Narayana Seva (free distribution of food), volunteer in the canteens, international medical camp, managing lines, logistics and help with children and elderly.

21. Do we need to bring any special items or supplies?

No special tools, items or supplies are required, other than for your personal use.

22. Are we planning to offer any cultural program during our visit? If so, please provide some details.

Yes. There are plans to offer a multimedia musical program to Swami. This is open to SSE children, YAs and adults. Please provide information about any special skills you may have in this area (singing, playing musical instruments, design and graphics for multimedia presentation, etc.) during registration.

23. Would there be an opportunity to lead Bhajans in Sai Kulwant hall?
This opportunity is being explored, most likely with several individuals and groups taking turns leading together. Details will be communicated when we receive an update.

24. My question is not on this list. Where can I get my questions answered?
Please use the Contact Us tab to send an email with your question to one of the organizers.

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.
Help in Ashram
For Medical Help: Please go to the International Medical Camp between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. if need arises during July 10-13. For after hours or other dates, please go to the emergency room of the Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital.

For Operations Help: If things are not working in the room, please go to the operations desk located in the N7 building.

For additional Ashram information:  https://www.srisathyasai.org/pages/sai-prasanthi-nilayam.html#tab-position

Sai Ram! Please visit us back for updates.