AMMA - Mata Amrtanandamayi Devi - The Hugging Saint of India

Mātā Amṛtānandamayī Devī (born as Sudhamani Idamannel

Amritanandamayi is an Indian Swamini from Parayakadavu (now partially known as Amritapuri), Alappad Panchayat, Kollam District, Kerala in 1953 in the state of Kerala. Born to a family of fishermen, she was the third child of Sugunanandan and Damayanti. Unlike her parents, Sudhamani had a very dark complexion. At the time of birth, Sudhamani reportedly did not cry; her legs were reportedly found to be in yogic posture (Padmasana) at birth.

Like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sudhamani displayed an intense love for God right from very tender age. Her favourite God was Krishna. She started praying, crying and shedding tears seeking the darshan of Krishna and she composed and sang impromptu several devotional songs on Lord Krishna right from childhood.

Her education ended at the age of nine, when she began to take care of her younger siblings and the family domestic work full-time.

As part of her chores, Amritanandamayi gathered food scraps from neighbours for her family's cows and goats, through which she was confronted with the intense poverty and suffering of others. She would bring these people food and clothing from her own home. Her family, which was not wealthy, scolded and punished her. Amritanandamayi also began to spontaneously embrace people to comfort them in their sorrow. It was not permissible for a 14-year-old girl to touch others, especially men. But despite the reaction of her parents, Amritanandamayi continued.[4] Regarding her embracing of others, Amritanandamayi commented, “I don’t see if it is a man or a woman. I don’t see anyone different from my own self. A continuous stream of love flows from me to all of creation. This is my inborn nature. The duty of a doctor is to treat patients. In the same way, my duty is to console those who are suffering.”

Despite numerous attempts by her parents to arrange her marriage, Amritanandamayi rejected their efforts.[6] In 1981, after various seekers had begun residing at her parents' property in Parayakadavu in the hopes of becoming Amritanandamayi's disciples, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, a worldwide foundation, was founded.Amritanandamayi serves as chairperson of the Math. Today the Mata Amritanandmayi Math is engaged in many spiritual and charitable activities.

In 1987, at the request of devotees, Amritanandamayi began to conduct programs in countries throughout the world. She has done so annually ever since.

on 27 September 1953), primarily known simply as Amma ["Mother"], is a Hindu spiritual leader and guru, who is revered as a saint by her followers. She is widely respected for her humanitarian activities.[1] She has been described as "The Hugging Saint".

Awards and honours

    1993, 'President of the Hindu Faith' (Parliament of the World's Religions)[1]
    1993, Hindu Renaissance Award (Hinduism Today)[67]
    1998, Care & Share International Humanitarian of the Year Award (Chicago)
    2002, Karma Yogi of the Year (Yoga Journal)[68]
    2002, Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence by The World Movement for Nonviolence (UN, Geneva)[69] · [70]
    2005, Mahavir Mahatma Award (London)[71]
    2005, Centenary Legendary Award of the International Rotarians (Cochin)[72]
    2006, James Parks Morton Interfaith Award (New York)[73]
    2006, The Philosopher Saint Sri Jnaneswara World Peace Prize (Pune)[74]
    2007, Le Prix Cinéma Vérité (Cinéma Vérité, Paris)[75]
    2010, The State University of New York awarded Amma an honorary doctorate in humane letters on 25 May 2010 at its Buffalo campus.[76]
    2013,Awarded first Vishwaretna Purskar (Gem of the Word Award) by Hindu Parliament on 23rd April 2013 at Tiruvananthapuram (India)[77]


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