"“I have come to light the lamp of love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added luster. I have not come on any mission of publicity for any sect or creed or cause, nor have I come to collect followers for any doctrine. I have come to tell you of this universal unitary faith, this path of love. … Cultivate the attitude of oneness between people of all creeds, all countries, and all continents. This is the message of love I bring.” — Sri Sathya Sai Baba, July 4, 1968
“I have come not to disturb or destroy any faith, but to confirm each in his own faith - so that Christian becomes a better Christian, the Muslim, a better Muslim, and the Hindu, a better Hindu.” — Sri Sathya Sai Baba
A Legacy of Devotion
California has long been a sacred home to many devoted followers of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Among them are several pioneering devotees—such as Dr. John Hislop, Walter and Elsie Cowan, Phyllis and Sidney Crystal, Diana Baskin, Charles and Faith Penn, and John and Camille Svenson—who significantly contributed to the Sai movement in the USA and worldwide. Their dedication and example continue to inspire generations to walk the path of love, selfless service, and truth..
The Birth of Sai Prema Nilayam
For decades, devotees across Southern California yearned for a permanent center for spiritual and service activities. This vision became a reality in October 2021, when a beautiful 6.76-acre former LDS Church property in Riverside was acquired on the sacred day of Avatar Declaration, October 20. The serene campus—with its 16,000-square-foot sanctuary, natural beauty, and peaceful surroundings—radiates spiritual energy and has become a blessed space for community gatherings, worship, and learning..
The Sacred Altar
A dedicated team of devotees lovingly designed the altar to embody divine harmony. Initially envisioned with idols of Lord Ganesha, Shirdi Sai Baba, and Sathya Sai Baba, the team later honored Swami’s presence symbolically with His chair and a majestic 12-foot lifelike image on the marble sanctum wall. Idols of Ganesha and Shirdi Baba, sculpted in Jaipur, India, arrived in 2022 and were consecrated through Vedic rituals in a traditional Prana Prathishta ceremony. Today, Sai Prema Nilayam hosts weekly devotional singing, spiritual education, and selfless service activities for the community.
Sathya Sai Society of merica
The Sathya Sai Society of America, a charitable tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1968 under the direct guidance of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Inspired by His Message that “Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity,” the SSSIO, Region 8, and the Society support a wide range of educational and service-oriented initiatives, including free medical care, education, clean water, food, shelter, clothing, and humanitarian and disaster relief, both in the U.S. and globally.
Each project embodies the universal values of truth, righteousness, peace, non violence, and above all, unconditional love. Aid is provided impartially, without discrimination based on religion, race, or background.
Since acquiring Sai Prema Nilayam in 2021, the Society has also overseen the management and operations of Sai Prema Nilayam.
Sathya Sai International Organization (SSSIO)
The Sri Sathya Sai International Organization (SSSIO) was established under the direct instructions of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. .
This global organization continues the work started by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, whose selfless love, universal spiritual teachings, and exemplary life dedicated to social service have touched the hearts of millions.
It has been active for over 50 years, with a presence in 126 countries worldwide.
Beginning in the late 1960s, overseas devotees in many different countries established Sri Sathya Sai Centers and groups to carry forward the message of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and serve His mission.
In the United States, there are over 200 centers spread across all 50 states, coordinated by the Sri Sathya Sai Council of America, which was established in 1975. SSSIO Region 8 has several centers in Southern California, Nevada, and Hawaii.
Members, representing diverse faiths, unite under a common purpose: to realize their innate divinity through the practices of love, self-reflection, and selfless service. Each center's members gather weekly (usually Thursday evenings) for devotional singing, the study of Sai Baba’s teachings, and local service activities. Participation is open to all who seek spiritual transformation.