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About Amma

Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known as Amma, has dedicated her life to spreading a message of peace, tolerance and compassion. Amma has traveled the world for more than 35 years, inspiring thousands to follow in her path of service to society. Accessible to one and all, she has embraced more than 40 million people worldwide, and inspired a global volunteer-based humanitarian movement to help alleviate the burden of the poor and suffering.

Visionary

In one-on-one interactions, in her daily programs, and at international forums, Amma offers words of wisdom on the most pressing matters of our time. From climate change to terrorism, cross cultural tensions to poverty and women’s rights, Amma invites each of us to get involved in rebuilding a more caring society.

“Our efforts to remove hatred and indifference from the world begin by trying to remove them from our own mind.”

- Amma

Humanitarian Leader

Throughout her life, Amma has demonstrated a relentless commitment to alleviating the pain of the poor and those suffering physically and emotionally.
The power of her personal example has given rise to a global network of humanitarian organizations known collectively as Embracing the World. 

Amma serves as Chair of M.A. Math, the India-based spiritual and humanitarian organization with Special Consultative Status to the United Nations. She is also the founder of the internationally acclaimed, humanitarian-focused Amrita Hospitals and Amrita University.

“It is one of our foremost duties to lovingly care for all living things.”

- Amma

Spiritual Teacher

Amma emphasizes spirituality as part of our path to happiness. She has engaged in meditation and other practices her entire life, so speaks from personal experience when advising others. Amma has created and inspired many practices relevant for our daily lives.

“Spirituality starts and end with compassion.”

- Amma

Amma’s Darshan

“When I embrace people, it is not just physical contact taking place. The love I feel towards all the creation flows towards each person ”

- Amma

Amma’s embrace, known as her darshan, is how Amma welcomes all those who come to her. During this hug, one can experience her unconditional love. Amma has given this motherly embrace to more than 40 million people throughout the world.

Milestones

1970

Having consoled her neighbors from a young age, Amma . becomes known for her selfless love and compassion. People come to stay with her as her disciples, and her family house becomes home for the first residents.

1981

Amma’s India-based spiritual and humanitarian organization, the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (M.A. Math) is officially registered.

1987

Amma goes on the first of her annual world tours, beginning with Singapore, the United States, and Europe.

1989

Amma diverts funds raised for her ashram’s first prayer hall to take on an orphanage in India, laying the basis for her humanitarian initiatives.

1995

Amma addresses the Interfaith Celebrations at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations in New York.

1998

Amma’s first multi-disciplinary, tertiary care hospital opens its doors in Kochi, Kerala, India.

2002

Amma receives the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence at the United Nations in Geneva. 

2003

Amma’s 50th birthday celebrations welcome 500,000 people in Kochi, Kerala, India

2005

Amma’s humanitarian organization receives Special Consultative Status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

2014

Amma is invited by Pope Francis to the Vatican to co-sign the Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery. 

2016

The first-ever UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment is established at Amma’s Amrita University.

2018

Amma is honoured with an award by Shri Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, the largest contribution to India’s environment cleanliness campaign (Swachh Bharat Kosh).

2021

40 years after its inception, Amma’s organization has provided aid for more than 30 million people in 48 countries. Amma has personally embraced more than 40 million people throughout her life. 

2023

Under India’s presidency of the G20 Summit, 
Amma is the first spiritual leader to serve as chair of the Civil 20 (C20), the civil engagement group for civil society organizations. Under Amma’s leadership, Civil 20 India reaches out to the highest number of people in C20’s history. 

Amma’s Life

Amma was born in 1953 into a fishing family in Kerala, India. From a very young age, Sudhamani, as Amma was called then, would meditate for hours without anyone teaching her…

Awards & Honors

Amma has received many international honors and awards including the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence (UN, 2002), honouring her contributions to spread world peace and harmony.

World Tours

The vast majority of Amma’s time is dedicated to her personal encounters with people from across the world. Since 1987, Amma has traveled around the globe to personally meet people across six continents.

Experience Amma's message in your own life

Learn meditation and other practices

For beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

Find a centre or group

Connect with people near you for spiritual practices, gatherings, volunteering and more.

Explore Amma's wisdom

Amma says her religion is love.
Her teachings are for everyone.

Amma is the embodiment of pure love. Her presence heals.

Best-selling author and pioneer in personal development

Watch Amma’s daily livestream

Amma offers us the possibility to connect online with her on a daily basis. During these livestreams, we can meditate with Amma, chant bhajans (devotional singing) and hear spiritual teachings.

Registration is required to access these livestreams:


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