Brindavan’ is the Ashram of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba located near Whitefield, a suburb of Bangalore. The Ashram is 24 km from the centre of Bangalore city and is located adjacent to the Whitefield Railway Station. It was inaugurated by Bhagawan Baba on 25th June, 1960. It enjoys the presence of the Divine for about three months during summer every year.

Climate
The city of Bangalore is about 3000 feet above the mean sea level. It enjoys a very pleasant and salubrious climate most of the year. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 37°C during the summer months (March to May), and 15°C to 27°C during the winter months (December and January). Bangalore receives rain during May-June and October-November.

Ashram

Trayee Brindavan: This beautiful lotus shaped edifice in yellow and pink was inaugurated by Baba on 26th of April, 1984. It serves as the residence of Bhagawan Baba whenever He is in Bangalore.

Trayee Brindavan

Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall: This spacious and elegant hall with an enchanting statue of Lord Krishna in the centre of the dais was built in 1992. This is the venue for daily Darshan and Bhajans as well as festival celebrations held during Baba’s stay in Brindavan. This hall has a seating capacity of six thousand.

Brindavan Campus: The Brindavan Campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning is located here. The students’ hostel is located within the ashram premises itself, adjacent to Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall.

Sai Krishan Kalyana Mandapam: This building is situated between the students’ hostel and Trayee Brindavan. Inaugurated by Bhagawan Baba on 25th of March, 1999, this auditorium serves as the venue for all cultural programmes and conferences.

Sri Sathya Sai Vriddhashram: About 2 km from the Ashram is located this ‘Vriddhashrama’ or ‘Home for the Aged’ which was inaugurated by Bhagawan Baba on Ugadi Day in 1999. The inmates are provided shelter, food and medical care completely free of cost.

Ashram Information

I. Ashram Schedule

Bhagawan has laid down the daily schedule to be followed in the Ashram. Every activity of the Ashram routine is suffused with deep spiritual significance. See the table below for the Ashram schedule:

When Bhagawan is not at Brindavan, Bhajans are held every Sunday morning from 9.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Nagarsankirtan is also conducted every Thursday and Sunday morning.

Nagar Sankeertan: ‘Nagar’ means city or locality and ‘Sankeertan’ means devotional singing. In the early morning hours, devotees assemble in the Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall and go to the surrounding areas and return to the Ashram. It charges the atmosphere with holy vibrations and one begins the day with the name of the Lord on one’s lips.

Darshan: ‘Darshan’ means the sight of a spiritual personage that confers immense spiritual benefits to the beholder. Every morning and afternoon, Bhagawan comes out of His residence to Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall where multitudes gather to have a glimpse of Him. Bhagawan moves amidst the devotees, accepting their letters, listening to their prayers, clarifying their doubts, solving their problems, healing their illnesses be it physical, mental or spiritual and uplifting them. Sometimes, He chooses an individual or a group for a personal audience in the ‘interview room’ in Trayee Brindavan.

Baba on Darshan: This is what Baba Himself says about Darshan:

"Always find a quiet corner after my darshan, where you may enter the stillness and receive the completion of my blessings. My energy goes out from me as I pass by you. If you proceed to talk to others, immediately after darshan this precious energy is dissipated and returns to me unused by you. Rest assured that whatever my eye sees becomes vitalized and transmuted. You are changed day by day. Never underestimate what is being accomplished by this act of darshan. My walking among you is a gift yearned for by the gods of the highest heaven, and here you are, daily receiving this grace. Be grateful."

Darshan Timings:

Procedure for Darshan Seating: Devotees are allowed in to the Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall about an hour before Darshan. Ladies and gents are seated separately for Darshan. There is no discrimination whatsoever based on religion, nationality, status or caste.

• Procedure: Devotees queue up outside the Darshan Hall in rows. The order in which the rows are sent into the Hall is decided by drawing lots. This procedure is conducted separately for ladies and gents.

No money collected: No amount is collected from anybody for Darshan.

Articles prohibited during Darshan: Devotees are not permitted to carry along with them articles like pens, books, bags, mobile phones, cameras, radio or any other electronic gadgets in to the Darshan Hall. These articles can be kept in the cloakroom located within the Ashram, separately for ladies and gents.

Bhajans: Bhajans means “Singing aloud the glory of God”. Bhajans in the divine presence of Bhagawan Baba are unique as they are universal in their scope and appeal and emphasize the unity of faiths. For Bhajans MP3, click here.

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. Arati MP3, click here.

Cloak Room

There are two cloakrooms, one each for men and women located on either side of the Ashram gate, just at the entrance of the Brindavan Ashram. Small articles are accepted here for custody during the Darshan time free of charge.

Timings:

Spiritual Talks: When Swami is in residence at Brindavan, talks on varied spiritual subjects are delivered almost daily between 10-00 a.m. and 11-00 a.m. in the Sai Krishan Kalyana Mandapam (located just beside Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall) by eminent speakers and senior devotees of the Sai family. The details of the talk are displayed on the notice board at the entrance gate of Brindavan ashram.

II. Accommodation

The accommodation facilities at Brindavan Ashram include:.

• Sri Sathya Sai Gokulam
• Dormitory accommodation

Sri Sathya Sai Gokulam

The Sri Sathya Sai Gokulam complex is located a few meters from the Ashram. It was inaugurated by Bhagawan Baba on 30th May, 1998.

Type of accommodation: It has six apartment blocks offering about two hundred and forty furnished rooms with geyser facility. Extra mattresses are provided on request.

Timings: It opens soon after morning Darshan and closes at 7.00 p.m.

Allotment: Allotment is purely based on availability at that point of time. All rights of admission or allotment are reserved by the Ashram authorities.

For the registration process, every overseas devotee must produce his/her valid passport and visa. A recent passport-size photograph also has to be submitted.

The visitors are required to fill in a registration form to complete the registration process. This form is available at the registration office or it can be downloaded in advance. Large groups with more than 25 members are advised to keep the filled-in registration forms ready so as to save time. Click here to view/download this form

For Foreign Citizens: All visitors who are not Indian citizens need to produce their valid visa and passport and get duly registered in the Accommodation Office to regularize their stay inside the Gokulam Complex.

People visiting alone: No separate room is allotted to a single person. Room may however be allotted if two or three persons of the same gender agree to share a room.

Single people under 25 years: Individuals below 25 years of age are not permitted to stay in the Ashram premises alone, unless they arrive in a group or with their family. They may however participate in all the Ashram activities like Darshan, Bhajans, etc. and can use the common services such as canteens, shopping complex, etc. while making their own arrangements for their accommodation.

Advance reservations: No advance reservations can be made. However, large groups may be able to make arrangements in advance, preferably by contacting the Accommodation Office well before the planned time of arrival.

Payment: The lodging charge per person per day is Rs. 50/-. All payments towards room charges have to be made in cash (Indian rupees).

Checking out: When checking out, keys should be returned to the personnel at the Accommodation Office. Visitors are advised not to hand over the key to any unauthorized persons.

The check out time is 11.00 a.m. In case the checking out time is outside office hours, keys must be handed over in the Security Booth after making suitable entries and signing the accommodation register kept there.

Occupants are also requested to ensure that the room is left clean before handing over the room.

Keys: Occupants are free to use their own locks, provided a spare key is given at the Accommodation Office for use in case of emergencies like water leaks, open windows, gas leaks, electrical faults and the like.

Closing time: The main gate of the complex is closed and lights are put off at 9.00 p.m. Occupants are advised not to move around after the lights-off time.

When Baba is not at Brindavan: Accommodation is not provided to anyone when Bhagawan Baba is not present in the Ashram. Visitors are therefore advised to confirm Baba’s presence in the Ashram before embarking on the journey by calling 0091-80-28452622.

First Aid: A First Aid Box is available in the Security Guard’s Room at the main gate.

Mail Services: Mail will be deposited in the mail box provided in each block. In case the block address is not given, the mail will be kept in mail box in the Reception Office.

Car Parking: Limited space for car parking is available inside the complex, behind B, C & D Blocks on the Southern side. This is meant for the use of residents only. Heavy vehicles viz. trucks, lorries and buses are not allowed inside the complex.

Maintenance: Any maintenance problem can be reported at the Reception Office for attention. A plumber and an electrician are always available on call.

Laundry: Laundry services are provided daily by authorized Dhobis (washer men) with identity cards. They are available outside the apartment blocks along the main pavement immediately after morning darshan for close to two hours. One may utilize their services at notified charges.

Contact Information: For further information or any enquiries, the following contact address can be used:

The Custodian
SRI SATHYA SAI GOKULAM
Kadugodi, Bangalore - 560067.

Phone / Fax: 0091 - 080 - 28452681.
Email: sssgokulam@sify.com

Dormitory Accommodation
Dormitory accommodation is available inside the Ashram just beside the Students’ Hostel.

Accommodation Type: Dormitory accommodation is given separately for men and women. Five to eight people generally share a room. The Reception Office provides mattresses on request.

Reception Office: The Reception Office is located just at the entrance of the building.

Timings:

Allotment: Allotment is purely based on availability at that point of time. All rights of admission or allotment are reserved by the Ashram.

For Foreign Citizens: All visitors who are not Indian citizens need to produce their valid visa and passport and get duly registered in the Reception Office to regularize their stay inside the Ashram premises.

For the registration process, every overseas devotee must produce his/her valid passport and visa. A recent passport-size photograph also has to be submitted.

The visitors are required to fill in a registration form to complete the registration process. This form is available at the registration office or it can be downloaded in advance. Large groups with more than 25 members are advised to keep the filled-in registration forms ready so as to save time. Click here to view/download this form

For Non-Resident Indians: Non-resident Indians need to carry their valid Indian passports while registering themselves.

Payment: The lodging charge is Rs. 25 per day per person. All payments towards accommodation charges are to be paid in cash (Indian rupees).

Safety and security: Since this is a shared accommodation, all visitors are advised to take maximum care towards safety and security of their belongings. All occupants are solely responsible for their belongings.

Closing time: The main gate of the Ashram is closed and lights are put off at 9.00 p.m. every day. Occupants are advised not to move around after the ‘Lights-off’ time.

When Baba is not at Brindavan: Accommodation is not provided to anyone when Bhagawan Baba is not in residence at Brindavan. Visitors are therefore advised to confirm Baba’s presence in the Ashram before embarking on the journey by calling the Accommodation Office at 0091-80-28452622.

III. Food

There are two canteens in the Brindavan that cater to the varying tastes of the thousands who visit the Ashram. They provide hygienically prepared vegetarian food at nominal prices.

‘Gokulam’ Canteen

This canteen is located inside the Sri Sathya Sai Gokulam complex. It offers Indian cuisine meals, breakfast, snacks, beverages etc. It has separate dining sections for gents and ladies. Hygienically prepared vegetarian food is available here at nominal prices. Overseas devotees may find the food served here spicy and may prefer to dine at the Western Canteen.

Timings:

Canteen coupons: Payment in the canteen is in the form of canteen coupons only. Cash payment is not accepted. Canteen coupon counters are located on either sides of the canteen building for gents and ladies separately.

Timings:

Western Canteen

The Western Canteen is located in the residential complex just in front of the Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall. It caters to the continental palate. Only cash payments in Indian rupees are accepted.

Timings:

Snack Joints

There are two kiosks that serve snacks and beverages:

Snack Joint inside the Ashram

It is situated adjacent to the Cooperative Shopping store inside the Ashram premises.

Timings:

Snack Joint in the Gokulam Complex

This is located behind the ‘A’ Block of the Gokulam Complex. This counter also sells Gokulam canteen coupons in bulk for the convenience of devotees who arrive in large groups.

Timings:

IV. Medical Care

The Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital

The Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital with sixty beds is situated about 5 km from the Ashram, towards the Whitefield town. It provides consultation, treatment and medication free of charge in general medicine, dermatology, paediatrics, general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, plastic surgery, urology, ENT surgery, ophthalmology, dentistry, obstetrics and gynaecology.

Timings:

Contact Info: Any enquiry about the hospital and the specialist clinics can be made at 0091-80-28453058 or 28452330.

Also, a timetable of specialist clinics at the hospital can be found in the ‘Helpline’ file at the Reception Office of the Gokulam Complex.

Super Specialty Hospital
The Super Specialty Hospital, also called as the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield, is located about 6 km from the Ashram.

Specialties: The specialities being provided here are -

(I) Cardiology and Cardio-thoracic and Vascular Surgery.
(II) Neurology and Neuro-surgery.

The Institute provides all services, including diagnostic, pre-operative, surgical and post-operative, as well as outpatient consultation in these two specialties free of charge.

Timings:

For Patients: The Hospital is open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. every day of the week except on Sundays and public holidays.

For Visitors: The Hospital is open for visitors from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. everyday except on Sundays and public holidays.

Contact Address: For any enquiries please contact:

The Public Relations Officer,
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences
EPIP Area, Whitefield
Bangalore - 560066.
Karnataka, India.

Phone: (080) 28411500   Fax: 28411502
e-mail: sssihmsblr@vsnl.com

Click here to visit the webpage of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Whitefield.

V. Bank

The Sathya Sai Branch of Canara Bank is located in the ashram premises close to the railway crossing. It offers foreign exchange transaction facilities.
Phone: 0091-80-28453030.

Working Hours

Weekdays: 9.30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.
Monday Holiday (except when Bhagawan is in Brindavan)

A few other banks have their branches and ATM facilities in the vicinity of the Ashram.

VI. Convenience Stores

Shopping Centre in the Ashram

This shopping store is located inside the Ashram in front of Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall. All items of daily need, souvenirs, audio-cassettes, CDs, etc. are available here at nominal prices.

Timings:

VII. Books, audio & video on Swami:

Sri Sathya Sai Book Centre

Books, Audio & Video Stall

The Book Centre is located just next to the Shopping Centre opposite Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall. It has a diverse collection of Sai literature. There are books on Bhagawan Baba written by Indian and Overseas devotees, and books containing His discourses and writings.

Audio-Video: The Book Centre also has a collection of audio cassettes, CDs, VCDs, etc. on the life and message of Bhagawan Baba and also the coverage of important festivals and events held in the Divine Presence.

A counter of the Book Centre opposite the dormitory accommodation complex sells souvenirs and gift items.

Timings:

VIII. Travel

Brindavan Ashram is located in Whitefield, a suburb of Bangalore, which is one of the major cities in India. Hence, it enjoys easy access by road, rail and air.

Road: Brindavan is about 24 km commute by road from Bangalore City Central Bus station. There are direct town buses plying from the Central Bus station at ‘Majestic’ circle and also from the City Market and Shivaji Nagar to Baba’s ashram at Brindavan (Kadugodi Village), the timings of which are given below:

Rail: The Whitefield railway station with all-India computerized booking facility is situated a few meters away from the Ashram. Local trains and a few long distance trains halt at Whitefield. Bangalore City railway station is situated about 25 km away from the Ashram. For more information regarding railway services, please visit www.indianrail.gov.in

Air: The Bangalore International airport is located 15 km from Brindavan. For information about flights to Bangalore you may visit, www.indian-airlines.nic.in

IX. Telephone Booth

There are two Public Telephone Booths of the Ashram providing Local, STD/ISD call facility.

Telephone Booth Inside the Ashram
Timings:

Telephone Booth In the Gokulam Complex

Timings:

X.  Post-Office

The Post Office is located in the Kadugodi Village (behind the Ashram campus) for all mail and telegraph needs.

Note: There is no courier service available inside the ashram. However, there are many courier service providers outside the ashram.

XI.  Fax / Email

The Telephone Booth in front of Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall also has fax facility. There is no email facility inside the Ashram. However, one may find a number of internet kiosks outside the Ashram.

XII.  Wheel Chairs facility

Wheel chairs are available at the Dormitory Accommodation Office located beside the students’ hostel.

XIII.  Advisory Information

Dress Code

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Unorthodox hairstyles, over-matted hair, tall set hair etc. or large obtrusive hats are highly discouraged.

Ashram Discipline

1. 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. Men and women indulging in physical contact or publicly expressing their greetings or affection are not approved of.

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

3. Kindly observe silence, and when it is necessary to speak, please do so softly. Do not play music loudly.

4. Lights-out time in the Ashram is 9.00 p.m., after which devotees are not encouraged to move about inside or outside the Ashram. The Ashram gates are also closed at 9.00 p.m.

Self-Professed Intermediaries

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

Bhagawan 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

1. 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
• Brindavan Bhakta Sahayak Sangh
• Sri Sathya Sai Vriddhashrama

2. Devotees are requested to note that Bhagawan does not solicit any donation whatsoever and the above-mentioned Trusts have no intermediaries or agents. Individuals, trusts and other bodies soliciting donations on behalf of Bhagawan 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.

3. The Government of India has amended the schedule to the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1950 to include the following as protected names and emblems under the said Act:

1. Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
2. The following emblems
   
   
   
3. Sri Sathya Sai

In view of the above, no person shall use or continue to use for the purpose of any trade, business, calling or profession or any patent, trademark or design the aforementioned protected names / emblems or any colourable imitation thereof without the previous written permission of the Central Government. Any person who contravenes the above is liable to be proceeded against and punished under the provisions of the law.

Any person who is using the aforementioned names and emblem in contravention of the provisions of the Act is hereby notified and required to cease and desist from using the said names/emblems with effect from: 22^nd July 2004.

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.

Bhagawan’s Schedule

Although Bhagawan Baba's programme is not generally known in advance, He is generally present in Brindavan during the summer months, from March till June. However, it is advisable to call Brindavan Ashram at 0091-80-28452622 before embarking on the journey.

XIII. Contact Information

For any enquiries or further information please contact:

The Custodian
Sri Sathya Sai Ashram, ‘Brindavan’
Kadugodi Post
Bangalore- 560067

Ph: 0091 - 080 - 28452622