15–22 March 2026, Amritapuri <=> Ayodhya
Over the years, Amma has circumnavigated the globe with her children many times—by planes, cars, buses, campervans, sometimes ferries, and occasionally by train. Years ago, Amma traveled a few times with a small group on local train journeys. But the trip from Amritapuri to Ayodhya was unique in its size and scale. Normally, a trip of this length, size, and complexity would take months to prepare.
When Amma was first invited to attend the Ram Yantra Pratishta {news}, the invitation was intended only for her and a few senior disciples, with discussions about flying a small group to the event. But Amma wanted the whole Ashram to accompany her for this historic yatra, valuing the happiness and wellbeing of all her children. With less than two weeks to go, the question arose: how to transport, feed, and accommodate over 1,200 people in a place Amma had never visited and where no Ashram infrastructure existed?
After considering various options, the only feasible solution was to travel together by train. Despite the short notice, a 20-coach train was arranged, complete with a pantry car and berths, covering the 2,000 km journey from Amritapuri to Ayodhya. Normally, chartering a train of this scale would require months of coordination with Indian Railways, but through collective effort and grace, it was achieved in less than ten days.
Amma also used this journey as an opportunity to create seva for her children. All normal train services were canceled, and every passenger was organized into teams responsible for food, chai, cleaning, and waste management. Although the train made no scheduled passenger stops, it paused every few hours to replenish water, meals, and supplies. Branch ashrams along the route supplied meals, which were loaded during these service stops.
Sadhana in the train
On the train, Amma led all in meditation and bhajans every day, and even recorded a few bhajans herself.
She visited every person on the train, walking the full length four times, inquiring about their well-being and offering guidance on spiritual matters. Going to each compartment, meeting people individually, and uplifting them with her presence was a sight to behold. Amma reminded everyone that only the present moment is with us, and we must make the most of it. “If you lose money, you can regain it, but once time is lost, it never returns. Look through the window and enjoy nature. Imagine your Ishta Deva traveling with you on a chariot along the train—this way you see creation and the Creator simultaneously. Chant mantra with every breath and make the most of your time.”
Throughout the journey, Brahmacharis and Brahmacharinis were singing bhajans, chanting archana, dancing, engaging in spiritual discussions, meditating, and even practicing yoga on the train. The entire trip became a flowing spiritual sadhana under Amma’s guidance.
Accommodation and food at Ayodhya
As the train moved north, a team on the ground in Ayodhya prepared nine lodges, hotels, dorms, and dharamshalas for Amma and the group. A full kitchen was set up, with all the big vessels we carried from Amritapuri. A fleet of 50 electric buggies and a dozen electric buses ensured smooth transport between accommodations, food service areas, the Ram Temple, and the Sarayu River.
After three full days visiting Ayodhya’s sacred sites, the group reboarded the train to return to Keralam, repeating the same organized seva on the journey back.
Seva and logistics
Over 200 Swamis and Brahmacharis, 200 Swaminis and Brahmacharinis, 300 Indian families with children, and 400 international devotees, aged 4 to 88, and Indian devotees were in the yatra group.
The cleaning seva was meticulously organized. Eighteen coaches were maintained with professional precision, segregating waste into paper, non-degradable, and food items. Supplies were replenished, and waste handed to railway staff at service stations. Each compartment had green and black bags, mops, brooms, dustpans, bathroom brushes, sanitizers, soap, buckets, surgical gloves, and specialized liquids for bio-toilets.
By the end of the journey, the coaches were returned in pristine condition, perhaps cleaner than when they had first boarded.
Reflections and gratitude
Although Amma wanted her group to remain self-reliant, a minimal crew of railway engineers and technicians accompanied the train. Many of these staff, who had never seen Amma in person before, expressed gratitude and bliss for the experience, witnessing a cooperative journey that transformed a train into a moving ashram.
All of this logistical symphony was beautifully orchestrated by Amma—from the beginning of the trip until everyone returned home to Amritapuri. Everything flowed smoothly and without a hitch. It was truly a wonderful experience, demonstrating to everyone what is possible through Amma’s grace.
-KaliCharan
Read more – devotees experience in the train and at Ayodhya
