In the mystical embrace of the Nilgiris Hills, Siddhagiri Sai Dharmakshetra stands as a beacon of divine grace and service. This sacred space was envisioned and established through the profound spiritual journey of Maa Sakthi Mayee, guided by celestial visions and divine interventions. From its original discovery as a simple holy shrine to a spiritually charged sanctuary at Siddhagiri Hills, the temple’s foundation is interwoven with the presence of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, Swayambhu Lingam, and countless deities who manifested their divine presence through the devotion of seekers. The Dharmakshetra thrives as a center of faith, social service, and spiritual evolution, touching thousands of lives through its outreach programs.
In the heart of the Nilgiris, enveloped by the whispers of the ancient forest, Sakthimayee Maa’s heart beat with a purpose that echoed the call of the divine. Her journey began with the humblest of steps, a small shrine for Baba in the quaint town of Ooty—a beacon of hope that sparked a greater mission.
Her spirits, hungry for deeper truth, were drawn to the sacred town of Shirdi. It was there, amidst the throngs of seekers, that Baba’s presence transcended the ethereal plane, gracing Her with a dharshan so profound it imprinted upon their souls. A silent beckoning then pulled her to Parthi, where Sakthimayee surrendered to an intense sadhana. In the solitude, she delved into the depths of her being, unraveling the fibers of her SELF, to emerge radiant with Shiva Consciousness.
With Baba's blessings, she drawn back to the soil of their birth. The Nilgiris awaited, cloaked in a timeless mist, whispering secrets through the winds. her search led them to the sacred grounds of Gathuguli Hatti, where the mountain goddess Hethai’s shrine stood as a sentinel. Here, Sakthimayee received the benediction of goddess Eera Maasi,the compassionate Mother of the mountains, in a vision so vivid, it felt like the mists themselves had woven it. The goddess’s assurance was clear, “You have come to do my work... go ahead... I will do it through you
Guided by celestial signs, She discovered the destined spot in Siddhagiri hills. There, She stumbled upon a story interlaced with faith—the tale of a Swayambhu lingam found by a village elder, revealed through dreams and a cow’s mysterious vigil. The lingam, heavy with sacredness at a precise geodesic point, became a testament to the land’s sanctity.
The Ashram rose, stone by stone, dream by dream— each a piece of the vision bestowed upon Sakthimayee. And in a moment that seemed as if time stood still to honor the divine, the silent sage Swami Sathyananda graced the Mandir with a marbled embodiment of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba. The pristine Makrana marble statue (one of the tallest in its composition at 7.6 feet) for the shrine was consecrated on Guru Purnima, the 22nd of July, 2013, sealing the bond between the divine and the devotees.The Guru Purnima day shone brighter than ever before, as the Prana Prathista infused life into the Mandir—a sanctuary of peace, a testament to faith, and a homage to the sacred silence that speaks volumes in the hearts of the devout.
Even today, it is a celestial sign that naturally happened in the very design of Baba’s alignment that during the Guru Poornima evening, the meditative eyes of Baba , in its elevation, meet the glory of the full moon
In the dawning year of the temple, a mystical tale of divine intervention came to light, echoing an ancient legend.
As quoted earlier, local folklore began with a simple discovery by a village elder, who found the linga to be unbearably heavy as he endeavored to move it. Surrendering to its will, he laid it upon the earth, marking the birthplace of what would become a center of spiritual gravity.
Around this focal point, the Dharmakshetra blossomed, its heart pulsing with an energy reminiscent of the lore of Ravana and the Atma Linga, which found its resting place in the soil of Gokarna, at the revered Mahabaleshwar temple. It is believed that the vision of such a sacred linga showers infinite blessings upon the beholder.The narrative took a celestial turn when, within its inaugural year, the Siddhagiri Linga was honored with an Ati Maha Rudra Yagna by over 108 Sivacharyas from Gokarna. This profound ceremony, coupled with the linga's anointment with holy waters, affirmed its identity as an Atma Linga by the revered Mouna Swami, enveloping the Siddhagiri in a sanctified aura that continues to draw souls seeking divine grace.
The core significance of the Kshetra lies in its latent spiritual energy, that invited the presence of a radiant soul named Sakthi Sundaram, now revered as Maa Sakthi Mayee, who embarked on a transformative journey that would leave an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals. Born on July 28, 1984, to Sundaram and Devagi, devout followers of Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Sakthi was imbued from a young age with a profound spiritual inclination and an unwavering commitment to service.Sakthi's early life in Athigaratty village (Ooty) was shaped by the values instilled by her family and the Bal Vikas classes at the village Samiti, where her longing to serve humanity first became evident. Excelling in her studies, she pursued higher education in technology, culminating in a distinguished career with Tata Consultancy Services in Chennai. However, Sakthi's true calling transcended her professional achievements, leading her to establish a hostel to ensure healthy living conditions for young women, a testament to her service-oriented nature.The turning point in Sakthi's life came when she experienced profound spiritual awakenings, leading her to deep meditation and an encounter with Baba, who initiated her into a spiritual path. Thus began her journey as Maa Sakthi Mayee, marked by the manifestation of Siddhi powers, the materialization of Vibhuti with healing properties, and her eventual attainment of Atmic powers, leading to self-realization and enlightenment.Maa Sakthi Mayee's mission evolved to address not only spiritual awakening but also the physical, emotional, and mental needs of the underprivileged. Recognizing the futility of preaching spirituality to those struggling with basic necessities, she focused on providing food, shelter, education, and healthcare, embodying the principle of "For the people, By the people."
Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.