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Putta Parthi
A small village in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi is today on the world map, and the person responsible for it is “Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba” considered as a living God by millions. Prasanthi Nilayam (Abode of Peace) is an imposing edifice at Puttaparthi built by the devotees in reverence to the living God at his birth place. people seeking peace ofmind and solace make a beeline to this village from all over the world.

There are perhaps very few places in the world which, though physically small and geographically remote, have attained such prominence PUttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh , India . The reason is not too difficult to fathom.

In a country where there is no dearth of religious and spiritual leaders, one name is revered by followers around the world. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is worshiped as a 'Living God' and his abode Prashanthi Nilayam at Puttaparthi, attracts millions of visitors from all over who cme seeking spiritual solace and mental peace.

The hamlet of PUttaparthi has an interesting history of its own. The name is derived from an amalgamation of the words 'Putta' (Anthill) and 'Parthi' (Multiplied). It was known earlier as Gollaplli or home of Cowherds. Legend has it that once a cowhered noticed that one of his cows did not have any milk in her udders when she returned from grazing. Intrigued, he followed her the next dayand was amazed to see a caobra emerge from an anthill and start sucking the milk from the cow's udders. Enraged at the loss of milk, the cowherd hurled a stone at the snake's head. Mortally injured, the serpent uttered a curse on all the 'gopalas' that the entire village be covered with anthills which would keep on multiplying.

The curse came true and the area was soon transformed into a landscape dotted with innumerable anthills. The cattle population dwindled drastically and the village came to be known as Valmikipura, after the Sanskrit word for anthill 'Valmika' or as the locals referred to it in their parlance 'Puttaparthi'.

In an effort to negate the curse, the stone that injured the cobra was installed in a temple and worshipped as Gopalaswami, Lord Krishna as a cowherd. The stone has a reddish streak on it which is believed to be the blood of the serpent.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba gave instructions for the stone to be washed and smeared with sandalwood paste. Lo and behold, a clear outline of the image of Lord Gopalaswami, playing the flute, was visible! From that day, the curse appeared to lose its effect and cattle once again began to flourish at Puttaparthi.

Located at a distance of 85 Kms from Ananthapur and 160 kms from Bangalore , Puttaparthi has a population of around 8000 and a climate that is moderate and favourable.