When Mata Amritanandamayi visited Australia in 2012, the media described her as the hugging saint from India. Born into a poor Fishermen family at Alappad in the Kollam district of Kerala state, her early childhood was of suffering. She was given the name Sudhamani by her parents. From the age of 14, she used to spontaneously embrace people to comfort them, which was not taken in good spirits by a highly conservative society. Irrespective of the restrictions imposed by her parents, she continued to preach and comfort people from a very young age.  Soon many locals became her disciples. This resulted in the birth of Mata Amritanthamayi foundation in 1981.

Today Mata Amritanandamayi foundation has a presence in all major Australian Cities.  Amma’s Ashram in Melbourne is nestled between grazing farms in the village of Carrum Downs near the Shiva Vishnu Temple. Ashram has Puja and other religious activities performed every day, but understandably on Saturdays and Sundays more devotees flock to the Ashram for Satang. In Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Byron Bay and Canberra the Foundation has made its presence through Satang.

The Foundation is acclaimed around the world for the charitable work it carries out. It is not limited to third world countries, but also includes developed countries like United States. When Hurricane Katrina Struck the US Coast, nearly a hundred volunteers from the organisation extended a helping hand. The foundation also donated US$ 1 Million to the Bush – Clinton Katrina Fund. The Organisation is actively involved in Education and health care both in India and Abroad.

For detailed information about Mata Amritanandamayi and her foundation in Australia, Please visit the website http://www.ammaaustralia.org.au . The website has information about the daily schedule, and address of its branches in Adelaide, Sydney, Byron bay , Perth, Brisbane and Canberra.

The widely debated issue amongst her supporters and opponents today is her divinity . Recently many allegations were raised against the activities of the foundation. But most of it were found to be baseless, created with the sole intention to tarnish the good work she is undertaking. It is an undeniable fact that Mata Amritanandamayi has inspired many and changed their lives for good. That will be make the divinity debate a non – issue. If Mata Amritanandamayi remained Sudhamani for the rest of her life, all the good work that is happening in her name, would have never happened. End of the day, a man’s Karma makes him equal to God . I think Amma has done more than her share to claim the crown.

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Australian Ashram
842 Frankston-Dandenong Road,
Carrum Downs, Vic 3201.
Residence Phone: (03) 9782 9927
Email:  ashram@ammaaustralia.org.au