Amritanandamayi, Mata (1953–)
Amritanandamayi, Mata (1953–)
Indian spiritual leader. Name variations: Amma or Ammachi which means "Mother"; Amritanandamayi which means "Mother of Absolute Bliss." Born Sept 27, 1953, into a poor, low-caste family in Parayakadavu, in the Quilon district of Kerala, India; named Sudhamani.
Ran away from home when young, took a vow of celibacy, and dedicated her life to the uplifting of human suffering by a loving embrace (darshan); called "The Hugging Saint," has dispensed hugs to millions of followers, including 18,000 in one marathon session in India; a Hindu, began delivering hugs at 21, but does not attempt to convert people of other religions, nor does she call herself a healer; has raised tens of millions for such charities as soup kitchens, shelters for battered women, and an AIDS center in India; has built 25,000 homes for the homeless in India and provides pensions for 50,000 destitute women; founded an 800-bed hospital in Cochin, a medical college, and a university; founded an ashram in Kerala and about 25 ashrams abroad; attracts thousands wherever she speaks; served as president of the Centenary Parliament of World Religions in Chicago; was a speaker at the UN's 50th anniversary commemoration (1995). Received UN's Gandhi-King Award for Nonviolence (2002).