Amritapuri

Amritapuri (celebrated globally as the international spiritual headquarters of Mata Amritanandamayi Math and the sacred birthplace of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, universally revered as 'Amma' or 'The Hugging Saint'), situated on an idyllic coastal peninsula between backwater lagoons and the Arabian Sea in Vallikavu just 30 km north of Kollam city in Kerala, is one of the world's most renowned, humanitarian, and cosmopolitan spiritual sanctuaries.

Evolving from humble fishing village beginnings in the 1970s at Amma's ancestral family home (Damayanthi Mandiram) into a sprawling international ashram complex sheltering over 3,000 resident monastics, international seekers from over 100 countries, and university scholars, Amritapuri is the nerve center for Embracing the World, a vast global humanitarian network providing disaster relief, free healthcare, orphanages, and green ecology programs worldwide.

It's the home of the colossal pink hued Main Darshan Hall accommodating over 10,000 devotees, the sacred Kalari temple where Amma first revealed divine Bhavas and Krishna Bhava, the monumental Sri Brahmasthanam Temple consecrated by Amma according to Vedic tantric rites, multi storied international residential blocks, holistic Ayurveda and Integrated Medicine research institutes, organic farming communes, daily Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM) classes, melodic evening Bhajans (devotional singing), and the unconditional personal maternal embrace (Darshan) bestowed upon millions of seekers without fee or discrimination.

It represents a rich spiritual, humanitarian, and educational sanctuary where ancient Sanatana Dharma teachings, universal selfless service (Seva), world class interdisciplinary scientific research at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and peaceful coastal backwater calm unite in Karunagappally taluk.

Located in Vallikavu across the backwaters from Clappana, it sits just 9 km from Kayamkulam Junction (KYJ), 12 km from Karunagappally Railway Station (KPY), 30 km from Kollam, and 95 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), connected by the pedestrian and vehicle bridge (Amrita Sethu) over the backwater canal.

The Motherly Embrace: Amma's Universal Darshan

Amma has embraced over 40 million individuals worldwide, listening patiently to personal sorrows, wiping tears, and whispering words of comfort to every seeker.

Darshan sessions at Amritapuri frequently continue unbroken for 12 to 18 hours through day and night, accompanied by uplifting devotional music and meditation.

Truth is, sitting in the vast meditation hall at twilight while harmonium melodies and Sanskrit chants resonate across the Arabian sea surf brings immense inner clarity.

The Brahmasthanam Temple & Kalari Shrine

Sri Brahmasthanam Temple: Consecrated with a unique four faced granite idol representing Shiva, Devi, Ganapathy, and Rahu, breaking traditional caste barriers in priestly installation.

The Ancestral Kalari: The sacred sanctum where Amma spent her childhood in prayer, preserved as a deep meditation cell open to ashram visitors.

Yoga, Meditation (IAM) & Selfless Seva

Daily Ashram Schedule: Visitors can participate in morning Archana (1,000 names of the Divine Mother), Yoga classes, Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM), and volunteer Seva in the dining halls.

The Amrita Sethu Bridge: The engineering marvel bridge spans the backwater canal, connecting the remote coastal village to the mainland and university campus.

After experiencing the spiritual peace of Amritapuri Ashram, visit the houseboat shipyards of Alumkadavu, explore the open air sand plains of Oachira Parabrahma Temple, or relax beside the tranquil waters of Sasthamcotta Lake.