Visiting Sai Baba at Dharmakshetra, Mumbai
This page last updated:23 September 2012
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.
Sathya Sai Baba at Dharmakshetra Ashram, Mumbai, May 1968
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.
Devotees at Function, Sathya Deep, Mumbai
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.
Sathya Sai is Welcomed to Mumbai
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.
Sathya Sai Baba arrives at Sathya Deep, Mumbai
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.
Devotees in Shanti Deep Hall, Dharmakshetre
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.
Sathya Sai Baba leaving Sathya Deep for Jalan Mandap
Devotees with Sathya Sai Baba at Jalan Mantap
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.
Pandal for Darshan at Jalan Mantap
Darshan at Jalan Mantap
Taking Sathya Sai Darshan at Jalan Mantap
Spiritual Activities include Bhajans every evening, Nagasankeertan twice weekly, study circles, etc, etc.
40 Years of Sai Seva at Dharmakshetra, Mumbai
Sathya Deep at Night - Swami's car at front
Visitor Contact
Free Transit Accommodation is also provided to overseas groups on their way to Prashanthi Nilayam or Brindavan.
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 Sathya 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
Websites:
www.dharmakshetra.org
or
www.isseindia.org
Sathya Deep at Night
20-12: Anniversary of Dharmakshetre
Installation of Idol
In the beautifully landscaped area near the Sarvadharma Sthoopa, there is a balcony like place, from where Swami used to bless devotees, in His Physical form, when they assemble after Nagar Sankeertan, in the twilight of the day.
In the morning hours of 12-5-2012, the Idol was unveiled by Sri. Indulal Shah after preliminary poojas were over. Sri. Indulala Shah opened up the Murthi for public Darshan, and garlanded the Divine form.
The day coincided with the Anniversary of Dharmakshethra, and a huge continent of devotees who arrived in the evening, took the Divine Darshan.
