Visiting Dharmakshetra in Mumbai (Bombay)
Sai Baba's Center at Mumbai is called Dharmakshetra. Dharmakshethra,
sometimes called Sathyam, is one of three special spiritual centers established
by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the others being Sivam in Hyderabad and Sundaram in
Madras. These three spiritual centres are visible manifestation of his mission
to revive spiritual India. Sathyam, Sivam, and Sundaram are the attributes of
Divinity within and without.
Dharmakshetra (somewhat difficult to
translate) translates to the human body, which is kshethra, (the place) where
Dharma (right conduct) occurs.
Dharmakshetra was established in May 1968, on the eve of the First World Conference of the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation.
It is on the top of a small hillock in Andheri, a suburb of Bombay. As one
enters, the first thing to meet the eyes is a mural of the Sun God Savitri,
riding a celestial chariot, drawn by seven horses.
Over the years
a complex of buildings has grown up in Dharmakshetra, of which Sathya Deep is
the main focus. It is a circular building somehat like Trayee Brindavan, and is
the place where Sai Baba stays whenever he comes to Bombay.
Inside Sathya Deep are five big murals depicting Sathya, Dharma, Shanti,
Prema and Ahimsa. Bordering Sathya Deep are idols of the Ten Avatars. The
statues of Gayathri, Ganesha and Saraswathi are located in the neighbourhood in
attractive locations.
There is a congregational hall known as
Shanti Deep, and an auditorium known as Gyan Deep. Public functions are held in
Gyan Deep. Near Sathya Deep is a Sarvar Dharma pillar, somewhat different in
style from the one at Prashanti Nilayam.
Right at the entrance is Jalan Mandap, which is where the regular darshans take
place when Sai Baba is in Bombay. Adjacent to Sathya Deep is a small lodge
named Anand Kutir, with a few guest rooms, kitchen, and a small dining hall.
Enveloping Sathya Deep and Anand Kutir is a small, attractively
laid out garden, immaculately maintained.
Other buildings in Dharmakshetra include a Medical Center, an Eye Care Unit,
a Technical School, Legal Aid Center, Tailoring Class, a School for slum
children, etc.
Spiritual Activities include Bhajans every
evening, Nagasankeertan twice weekly, study circles, etc, etc.
Free Transit Accommodation is also provided to overseas groups on their way to
Prashanthi Nilayam or Brindavan.
Visitor Contact
Normally accomodation (transit accomodation for one or two nights) is given to
overseas devotees at Dharmakshetra, who are going to Puttaparthi or coming from
Puttaparthi(i.e, the devotees who are coming from abroad and going to
Puttaparthi via Mumbai or returning back from Puttaparthi/Brindavan to their
destination abroad via Mumbai).
For temporary transit
accommodation, you should have to a letter from their respective Sthya Sai
Center Organisation head stating you and your party are going to Puttaparthi,
and needs transit accomodation at Dharmakshetra in Mumbai.
There
is Dormitory type accomodation separate for Gents and for Ladies each room
having about 8-10 beds.
There are No Charges for same.
About half an hour taxi drive from the Mumbai airport to Dharmakshetra.
Pre-paid taxi fare about Rs.125/-.
If you are travelling from the airport, it is strongly recommended to take a
pre-paid taxi from airport.
You must carry the exact address as most taxi and auto drivers do
not know the place.
It is recommended you NOT to give any tips to any taxi driver in
India. That will show you are coming from abroad and they will
demand more.
Please visit the Dharmakshetra website also.
Dharmakshetra, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East, Mumbai 400093, Maharashtra, India. Telephone : +91 (22) 2837 7999 Fax: +91 (22) 2831 2211 Email: contact@dharmakshetra.org or contact@isseindia.org Web: www.dharmakshetra.org or www.isseindia.org