Puttaparthi signifies Put-Apart-I

Puttaparthi stands for the seat of Divinity (God) or the Presence of God, while ‘I’ stands for ego that draws a curtain between Man and God. If one must have the vision of God, or the real Self, he must strive to set aside his ego, i.e., the false self, that is the root cause of all ills in the world. Once the ‘I’ or ‘mamakara’ or egoism is put apart, the God-ward path is straight and clear. Coming to Puttaparthi should mark the beginning of this process.

What is the meaning of the name Puttaparthi? ‘Parthi’ in its name means effulgence. It is the beacon of light. Earlier it was called Puttavardhini, ‘Putta’ means anthill. There used to be anthills and snakes everywhere. The Ramayana has a close relationship with anthills in the sense that anthills grew over its composer, Sage Valmiki. He was completely covered by anthills and snakes were moving in and out of them. There are many snakes with wicked qualities in the anthill of your heart. When you do Namasmarana (remembering the Divine Name) all the snakes of bad qualities will come out. Namasmarana is like Nadaswaram, which attracts snakes and brings them out of anthills. This Nadaswaram is your Jivaswaram and Pranaswaram (Breath of life). One has to repeat God’s Name in order to get rid of the evil qualities. (SS May 2002, pp. 145-146)

You will witness this Puttaparthi becoming Mathura Nagar. None can stop or delay this development. I will not give you up, nor can you give Me up.. My life-blood is prema; I am repository of daya. Understand Me and My nature right…… Your lives are intertwined with My earthly sojourn. Act always in way that befits this great privilege. (SSSm Vol.5, p. 11)