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All Pilgrims have the opportunity to stay inside the Prasanthi Nilayam Ashram. Zone 3 devotees travelling to Prasanthi for the Pilgrimage have been allocated accommodation rooms in N3 and N4 Blocks. All rooms have been recently refurbished and include modern facilities like hot water.
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Both blocks have working lifts for easy access. Each room has 3 single beds with clean sheets, a blanket and pillow.
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Rooms inside the Ashram for Pilgrims will be available from 18 - 30 December, 2022. Devotees arriving before the 18 December will need to get rooms directly from the Ashram Accommodation Office.
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Cost of the Rooms
The cost of the room is INR 1,000 to 1,300 per night.
The rough cost in AUD or NZD A$19 - $25 /night/room. NZ$21 -$28/night/room (note - this is just an estimate and please check your exchange rates before you travel).
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Important Information on your arrival:
After you arrive in the Ashram, please head over to our Pilgrimage Information Office in N3 (North Block) where you will be allocated your room.
You will then be required to make your payment (in Indian Rupees) for the room at the Accommodation Office. Payment will need to be made for the entire duration of your stay in Prasanthi using cash or Indian Bank issued card.
Note - you will need to complete the Sri Sathya Sai Accommodation Office, Prasanthi Nilayam (Form C) - and include a passport photo of each person travelling. The Accommodation Office will need to also see the passports of all members who will be residing inside the Ashram
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Link to Form C - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d-8DLUWnxatsGRwPSSTNTqqU0MFu8guF/view?usp=sharing
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The Prasanthi Ashram Gates close at 9 PM each evening after which vehicles are not permitted to travel into the Ashram.
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We have made special arrangements for our members arriving after 9 PM. For members who arrive after 9 PM, please ask your driver to go to N3 (location of our Pilgrimage Information Office) after you enter the Ashram.
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Prasanthi Nilayam has a number of options for your daily meals : South Indian Canteen, North Indian Canteen and Western Canteen.
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In addition, there is a bakery, a coffee shop and snack & ice cream shop too.
It is also highly recommended to drink fresh coconut water on a daily basis. A small stall right inside the Ashram (near our Accommodation Block) sells fresh drinking coconuter water.
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The Shopping Centre is adjacent to South-6 block, near the Sri Sathya Sai Sadhana Trust (Publications Division) building. Day-to-day needs of devotees ranging from stationery, grocery and home needs to clothing and travel goods are available at very reasonable prices.
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The opening hours for the Shopping Centre is as follows:
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Morning (Only for Ladies) : 9.30 AM. to 12.00 PM
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Evening (Only for Gents) : 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM
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Payment can be made by Indian Rupees as well as by most credit cards.
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"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” - Sri Sathya Sai.
Contact your Zone 3 Prasanthi Pilgrimage Team via email if you need for more information.
For Australian devotees, please email: pp2022@sai.org.au
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For New Zealand devotees, please email: pp2022@sai.org.nz
It is important that you see your local General Practitioner prior to the pilgrimage to ensure that your vaccinations are up to date and check your general health status. If you take regular medication please make sure that you bring it with you and it is carried in its original packaging. There will be a medical team composed of fellow pilgrims who are health professionals.
The information contained below is general in nature. Should you require specific individualised advice please consult your health care professional.
Recommended Vaccinations for All Travellers to India
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Hepatitis A
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Typhoid
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Influenza
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Covid
Ensure that your Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Booster is current.
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Please note: See your usual GP as soon as possible if you are unsure about your vaccine status and too discuss other vaccine considerations for your trip to India.
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Infectious Disease Considerations & Other Medical Information:
Mosquito Borne Infections:
Malaria and infections such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika and Japanese encephalitis are carried via mosquitoes.
We should observe both day and night insect precautions. Please see your GP regarding medication to prevent malaria.
Bring ample mosquito repellent and apply to exposed areas every 6-8hrs. Use a repellent containing DEET or, a repellent containing picaridin (≥ 20% concentration). Mosquito coils can be bought at the supermarket in the ashram.
COVID-19 Travel Recommendations
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All travellers should be fully vaccinated and up-to-date (i.e. boosted) on COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their trip.
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Proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose of the primary series received at least 14 days prior to arrival will need to be provided.
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Travellers must electronically obtain a travel vaccination certificate prior to departure.
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All travellers should follow destination recommendations for masks and social distancing. This will be updated on arrival at the ashram based on ‘current’ guidelines.
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It is highly recommended that you bring several masks and wear masks throughout your travel during the pilgrimage as much as possible.
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It is recommended that you minimise leaving the ashram once arriving.
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It is recommended that you carry several rapid Covid test kits for your personal use should you or your family members show symptoms.
Sanitation and Hygiene
Poor hygiene is a cause of several illnesses.
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Always wash your hands before and after meals using soap and free flowing water or alcohol based hand sanitiser.
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Bring adequate soap, liquid hand wash and hand cleaners or cleansing wipes.
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Be considerate of others when you dispose of soiled personal material.
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Do not share personal use items such as water bottles.
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Dust in the rooms is a very common trigger of allergies and infection. Consider bringing along the following items to keep your rooms clean and hygienic.
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Bathroom: detergent, toilet brush, toilet duck/cleansers, floor mat
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Hand gel and dish washing liquid
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Hooks for clothes, pegs and clothesline
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Brooms, mops, dust pan, bucket.
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Often these items may already be available within the rooms or can be purchased at the supermarket located on the ashram grounds.
Hydration:
Please drink at least 2-3 litres of fluid a day (unless advised otherwise by your GP). Drink only bottled water (check that the seal is unbroken), canned drinks and hot drinks.
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Coconut water helps to maintain hydration, replenish electrolytes and maintain your immunity. The coconut stand is located outside North Block.
Avoid drinking or using tap water, e.g. do not rinse toothbrushes in tap water. Do not use ice unless it is made from boiled, bottled, or purified water. Freezing does not kill the organisms that cause diarrhoea.
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Food in the ashram:
You are strongly advised to eat only food and drinks from within the ashram.
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Suggested Medication to bring:
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All regular medication
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Panadol and Nurofen (headaches, fevers, aches and pains)
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Imodium or Gastrostop (for diarrhoea), Stemetil or Maxolon for nausea or travel sickness
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Gastrolyte: fluid replenishment
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Band aids and antiseptic cream
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Anti malarial medication
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Telfast or Clarityne for mild allergies (rash, hives, itching)
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Cold and flu meds e.g. Codral cold and flu
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