Retreat Centre · India

Sinai Divine Dhyana Ashram, Kurnool

NH 544 D, Pudur, Kurnool, India

"Sinai Divine Dhyana Ashram is located at Premagiri about 8 kms Kurnool and established in 1997"

Highlights

1Bishop Rayappa of Kurnool diocese donated the original 8.5 acres of land and an additional 3.5 acres of land was acquired to start the Ashram here
2This has now grown to be a major pilgrim centre with a miraculous Marian grotto
3In 1997, the pilgrim centre of Premagiri was started
4The main entrance gate and the grotto of Our Lady were constructed at the same time
5Residential block for the retreatants was built in 2005

Sinai Divine Dhyana Ashram is located at Premagiri, a small town with a beautiful landscape, about 8 km away from Kurnool city, on the Vijayawada highway. Bishop Rayappa of Kurnool diocese donated the original 8.5 acres of land, and an additional 3.5 acres was acquired to start the Ashram here.

Foundation

In March 1998, Very Rev Fr James Chelapurath, the Assistant Provincial Superior, inaugurated Sinai Divine Dhyana Ashram, and the Bishop declared it a new parish. When the Ashram was started, there was already a shrine in the property. This has now grown to be a major pilgrim centre with a miraculous Marian grotto. People visit this centre to offer, amongst other things, saris in thanksgiving and for the fulfilment of their prayers and requests.

The Pilgrim Centre

In 1997, the pilgrim centre of Premagiri was started. The main entrance gate and the grotto of Our Lady were constructed at the same time. The Bishop invited Brigittine Sisters to be a part of this parish, to assist in parish ministry as well as at the Retreat Centre. In the beginning, the fathers stayed in KDSSS (Kurnool Diocesan Social Service Society) and looked after the centre. Slowly a small shed with tin sheets was put up and the retreats were started. During residential retreats, the Brigittine sisters provide food and accommodation to the retreatants.

The residential block for the retreatants was built in 2005. The main retreat hall was blessed on 12 December 2013, and the Adoration chapel was blessed on 14 December 2014.

The Parish

The diocese entrusted the Premagiri parish with two substations, namely Noothanapally and Gargeypuram, which were bifurcated from the Cathedral parish of Kurnool. In the beginning, all the parish activities were conducted in the village chapel at the military colony. A new parish church was built in Premagiri, and the solemn blessing of the church and the pilgrim centre took place on 30 August 2000. In September 2002, a Vincentian house cum presbytery was built and blessed.