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She just won’t leave!
24 September 2000, Amritapuri Amma’s last scheduled darshan at the ashram for the next two months. Crowds of devotees, eager to have Amma’s darshan before Her long absence, have been arriving in the ashram since the previous night. By 11 a.m. the temple is packed to capacity. Amma comes at 11:15 a.m., bows to the…
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She did what She always does
20 September 2000, Amritapuri, Amma’s Birthday When there are fifty thousand or more devotees in Amritapuri to celebrate Amma’s birthday, ‘living with Amma’ has a new meaning. It no longer means you sit with Her for meditation and satsang in the morning, as normally happens three days a week; nor does it mean you sit…
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Living with Amma – Away
When there are fifty thousand or more devotees in Amritapuri to celebrate Amma’s birthday, “living with Amma” has a new meaning. It no longer means you sit with Her for meditation and satsang in the morning, as normally happens three days a week; nor does it mean you sit quietly in the temple, a yard…
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Rejoice and make others rejoice
The birthday of Amma was celebrated around the world, with the message of spirituality, love and selfless service being proclaimed far and wide. The Amritapuri ashram became an ocean of humanity, bubbling with enthusiasm when tens of thousands of devotees from every part of the country and abroad poured in to participate in the birthday…
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Legend of Alappad Panchayat
Sthala Puranas of Bharat Shiva, Parvati & Subrahmanya: A Legend of Alappad Panchayat In the Alappad Panchayat1, district of Kollam, Kerala state, South India, there is a small village named Parayakadavu. This village lies amidst an endless expanse of coconut palms stretching along a narrow peninsula separated from the mainland to the east by an…
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Boat Race: The Jayanthi Jalotsovam
The villages of Vallikavu and Parayakadavu were transported into a grand mood of gaiety and festivity when the Amritamayi Jalotsov boat race was celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. On Monday, 18th September, the race was held for the third consecutive year on the Kayamkulam backwaters. Vallam Kali (water festival) is a…
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What is Kali Puja
Kali Pujas take place on the veranda of the Kalari at Amritapuri, which is prepared with exquisitely coloured drawings, made with coloured powders. The diagram represents the peetham (seat) of the goddess who is symbolically present in the form of a tall lamp standing in the centre. Kali is the compassionate Mother in Her fierce…
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Preparations for Amma’s birthday
For weeks now, preparations for Amma’s birthday celebrations have dominated the landscape at Amritapuri, as the ashram gears up for the big event. In every corner of the ashram and at any hour of the day, one finds extensive work taking place. Temporary thatched roofs are being raised throughout the grounds to protect the crowds…
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Amma and Ram
15 September 2000, Amritapuri Mother comes down the spiral steps from the temple, and Ram is standing, facing Her as She walks across the yard. She draws abreast of him, calls out, ‘Ram!’ and stretches Her hand towards his trunk, which is already reaching towards Her. More like a puppy than an elephant, he follows…
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Preparations for Amma’s birthday
14 September 2000, Amritapuri The ashram is buzzing with activity, as preparations are being made for Amma’s birthday celebrations next month. Dust has been flying everywhere as the central ashram building, housing the temple and offices, and which provides accommodation to many, is being readied for a fresh coat of paint. The ‘dining hall’ at…