This ashram is the birthplace of the world-renowned Amma Amritanandamayi, often referred to as the “Hugging Saint”. It also serves as the headquarters for Amma’s extensive worldwide humanitarian mission.

Reaching the Ashram

The Amirtapuri Ashram is situated in Kerala, India. We reached the ashram by car from Cochin Airport, which took us approximately 4 hours. The ashram is also about 35 kilometers from the Kollam railway station, or a roughly 1-hour drive from Kollam (also known as Quilon). From Cochin Airport, the distance is approximately 140 km.

Accommodation and Food

We had pre-booked our accommodation online, which made the check-in process smooth. Upon arrival, we submitted a photo ID at the Accommodation Office and received our room key and bed sheets. The rooms are quite comfortable, almost 2-star hotel standard with an attached bathroom. In 2023, the cost for accommodation and food was a very nominal INR 300 per person per day.

For international visitors, an important note – passports need to be deposited upon arrival and can be collected back at checkout, or preferably a day earlier as the office is open only during specified hours.

When it comes to food, there are diverse options:

• The Indian Dining Hall offers meals for free.
• Other options like the Western Dining Hall, Indian Canteen, and cafes charge a fee, but a meal typically costs around INR 100.
• Beyond these, the ashram also has a vegetable shop and a departmental store.

We observed a significant number of foreign visitors at the ashram.

Daily Life and Activities

The ashram offers an Ashram tour daily at 10:30 AM (or at 5 PM on Tuesdays).

The evenings are when the ashram truly comes alive:

• Programs typically begin at 5 PM daily in the Meditation Hall.
• The schedule includes a Satsang (Discourse), followed by Meditation, and then Bhajan (devotional singing). All these activities take place in Amma’s presence.

The Transformative Embrace: Amma’s Darshan

The highlight for many is Amma’s Darshan, her personal embrace (hugging), which commences around 8:30 PM after the evening programs conclude. To experience this, you need to obtain a token. Each person is given the opportunity to hug Amma one by one. Amma is known to speak words of blessing in your own language. Even with large crowds, everyone is given a chance to receive her embrace. During our visit, our turn came past 11 PM. On many days, Darshan continues until midnight.

Exploring the Ashram and Beyond

Beyond the scheduled activities, there are several significant places to explore within the ashram grounds:

• The Meditation Hall
• The Kali Temple
• Amma’s birthplace
• Directly opposite the ashram, you’ll find a beautiful beach. Meditation on the beach is also an option.

For those who wish to contribute, there are volunteering opportunities for service (Seva) during the morning and daytime.

Making the Most of Your Visit To truly experience everything the Amirtapuri Ashram has to offer, including meditation on the beach, Darshan at the Kali Temple, and Amma’s embrace, it is recommended to stay for at least one day.

Visiting Amirtapuri Ashram offers a unique opportunity for reflection, service, and experiencing the warmth of Amma’s presence.