Amritapuri
Amritapuri (Malayalam: അമൃതപുരി, Sanskrit: अमृतपुरी), originally Parayakadavu, is the main ashram of Indian Hindu spiritual leader, guru and humanitarian Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, often known as Amma ("Mother"), who is revered as 'the hugging saint' by her followers.
This name reflects the spiritual nature of the ashram as a space dedicated to the pursuit of eternal truths, self-realization, and Amma's teachings.
From a very young age, Amma exhibited deep spiritual tendencies, spending long hours meditating and chanting the names of God.
During this period, Amma began traveling more extensively within India, drawing attention from spiritual seekers and ordinary people alike.
In the 2000s, Amritapuri continued to serve as the center for Amma's vast humanitarian network, which grew to include projects in environmental sustainability, women's empowerment, and healthcare.
In 2005, the term "Embracing the World" was coined to represent the growing network of humanitarian efforts that Amma and her organization were leading around the globe.
This name encapsulates Amma’s vision of embracing all people, regardless of caste, creed, race, or nationality, with love and compassion.
The ashram became the headquarters for many charitable projects, including free medical care, housing for the poor, disaster relief, and educational initiatives.
Amma’s message of selfless service and unconditional love resonated across the world, and people from various cultures and backgrounds began visiting Amritapuri.
The Amritapuri campus is closely linked to Amma’s humanitarian mission, and its founding marked a pivotal moment in the university’s development.
On December 26, 2004, a massive undersea earthquake triggered a series of devastating tsunamis across the Indian Ocean, causing widespread destruction and loss of life in many coastal regions, including Amritapuri.
The area around the ashram experienced significant flooding, which displaced a large portion of the local population, especially the fishing communities that lived in nearby coastal villages.
In addition to immediate relief, the ashram undertook long-term rehabilitation initiatives, including the construction of homes, schools, and healthcare facilities for the displaced.
Thousands of homes were rebuilt by the ashram in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other affected regions in India and Sri Lanka.
The ashram has led research efforts through Amrita University in fields such as sustainable development, disaster management, and artificial intelligence for social good.
