Founded by Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (also known as Amma), Mata Amritanandamayi Math is located in Kollam, approximately 120km north of Thiruvananthapuram and 120km south of Cochin. Actually the birthplace of Amma, Amritapuri Ashram is presently the headquarters of Amma�s worldwide mission and the spiritual abode of�thousands of followers and devotees of Amma.
Having worked rigorously over the years towards the development and welfare of the poor and the downtrodden, Amma is the propagator of peace, tranquility and brotherhood amongst mankind in this cruel world of avarice, jealousy and bloodshed. The Amritapuri Ashram, having started in a small way, has traveled long spreading the word of Amma across the world, amongst several believers.

In 1993, Amma was chosen as one of the presidents of the congress of global religions, in Chicago. In the same year, she was also honored with the �Hindu Renaissance Award� by Hinduism Today, an international magazine based on Indian culture. She was even requested to orate at the Interfaith Celebrations in New York in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. Amma famously in a unique gesture, hugs her visitors without uttering a single word. Mention that. Several educational institutions are also associated with the Amritapuri Ashram, one of the most visited tourist destinations in Kerala.



Day breaks at the Amritapuri Ashram at around 5:00 a.m. The Vedic chants and Amma�s Ashtotataram act like an aubade. This is followed by Lalitha Sahasranamam and Ganapathi Homam. 8.00 am to 9:30 am and 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm are the hours reserved for meditation. Rendition of devotional songs, led by Amma, starts at 6.30 pm and continues for one and half an hour every day. On Thursdays and Sundays, bhajans start at 5.00 pm and last till early hours in the morning.

For visitors there are good accommodation options, in the forms of rooms and dormitories in the Amritapuri Ashram. A caf� and a separate canteen are there to serve the foreigners. Other facilities include an Ayurvedic products counter, a bookstore, a general store and a cloakroom service for the visitors.

Reaching Amritapuri Ashram is quite easy by air, rail or road. Kochi (120 km away) and Thiruvananthapuram (120 km away) are the nearest airports here. The railheads at Kayamkulam and Kollam are the closest to the Amritapuri Ashram. Bus services operate regularly till Vallickavu from where you can avail of a ferry service to the ashram. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also accessible from Kayamkulam.

Log on to www.touristplacesinindia.com which gives online information on the Amritapuri Ashram on your tour to India.