The ashram of a living master serves as a sanctuary, where one can contemplate, reflect, and recharge while experiencing the path of yoga.

Amrita Yoga offers retreats at Amma’s ashram (spiritual center) in Amritapuri. Amma is known as ‘the hugging saint’ worldwide, and Amritapuri is her birthplace and main ashram. It is located in a remote fishing village in Kerala in South India.

In the beginning, the ashram was Amma’s family’s home. The handful of brahmacharis and brahmacharinis (monks and nuns) slept on the sand under the stars. Next to Amma’s parents’ house, a small hut was built that doubled as a kitchen and sleeping quarters for her and her earliest female disciples. Darshan—Amma’s blessing and embrace—took place in the converted family cowshed. This small temple, known as the Kalari, still exists today. It is used for conducting pujas and homas (Vedic rituals).

From these humble beginnings, Amritapuri grew into a vibrant international community. It is a living example of the Indian ideal of ‘the whole world is one family (vasudhaiva kutumbakam).’ It’s now the spiritual home for 3,500 monastic disciples and devotees from around the world. Regardless of its size, every corner of the ashram is filled with Amma’s presence; her hand is in each individual’s inner growth.

Amma’s vision to provide value-based education through the synthesis of science and spirituality brought the nearby Amrita University, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, to life. Amrita University is a multi-campus, multi-disciplinary research university. It includes schools of Arts and Sciences, Ayurveda, Biotechnology, Business, Engineering, Medicine, and Social Work. Accredited ‘A++’ by NAAC, it ranks as one of the best private research universities in India.

It’s also the hub for Amma’s humanitarian efforts, including Embracing the World, Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM), and Amrita Serve, serving the world’s poor by helping to meet five basic needs—food, shelter, healthcare, education, and livelihood. Additionally addressing environmental and sustainability issues. Together with Amrita University, researchers innovate new ways to serve those in need wherever they are and volunteers do the vast majority of these efforts.

Ashram Life

The main temple

Looking from the roof of the tallest building of the ashram, you’ll see fishing eagles soaring. Below is the colorful Kali Temple. The bell of the pujari rings as he leads the pujas (Vedic rituals) in the Kalari. To the west is the Arabian Sea, where Amma meditates at sunset with residents and visitors. The breeze through the palm trees, the sound of waves, and Amma’s profound stillness even amid an incident like the Tsunami inspire many.

Each person living here feels the natural reverberations of the embodiment of Pure Consciousness in Amma, and her stillness pervades every moment of their lives. To the east, across the backwaters, is Amrita University, Amma’s hub of innovation.

Volunteering

Life in the ashram has a set routine that is conducive to spiritual practice. Days start with Vedic mantra chanting and evenings are greeted with bhajans (devotional singing).

During the day residents and visitors practice seva (selfless service) for the ashram. There is never a dull moment and always something to do. The Amritapuri community is run and maintained only by volunteers who selflessly offer their part in this vast and busy beehive aka ashram. No matter how hard they work, their tasks bring them joy and contentment.

Amrita Yoga, meditation, Sanskrit, Vedanta, music, and other classes are vital parts of daily activities. Pujas and homas happen several times a day.

Amma created a practicable timetable for her disciples and visitors are welcome to follow this schedule if they choose. The daily schedule is open with plenty of opportunity for reflection, introspection, and meditation—especially appealing at the beach.

Daily Schedule

5.00 a.m. – 6.00 a.m.	chanting of Sri Lalita Sahasra Nama (archana)
6.30 a.m. – 7.30 a.m.	meditation (dhyana)
10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.	selfless service (seva)
12.30 p.m. – 2.00 p.m.	lunch
2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.	selfless service (seva)
5.00 pm – 6.00 p.m.	meditation (dhyana)
6.30 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.	devotional singing (bhajans)
8.15 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.	dinner
9.00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m.	studies, meditation (svadhyaya, dhyana)

Amma in the Ashram

Before the pandemic, Amma would stay in Amritapuri for about four months in a year (August, September, most of December, and the beginning of January). She used to tour throughout North and South India from mid-January to March. Amma traveled internationally during the months of April to November. Now and until further notice, Amma is at her Ashram in Ampritapuri. Please note that during these challenging times, Amma is not giving darshan. Before visiting Amritapuri, you may want to check the current status of the situation.

Dhyana

Meditation and Bhajans with Amma

Amma joins the group later in the morning. She leads the meditation in her native language which is translated. She answers the questions of devotees and then serves prasad ‘food-offering’ in form of lunch to the residents and international visitors. In the evening she leads the bhajans (devotional singing) in the main hall.

On Monday and on Friday afternoons, Amma leads the meditation on the beach and guides a question and answer session. She leads the evening bhajans in the main hall.

Darshan

Amma’s Hug

Amma is currently not giving darshan due to the ongoing global pandemic.

Travel and staying at the Amritapuri Ashram

International visitors need to register online. You can arrange taxi service from the Trivandrum and Kochi airports when you register.

How to reach Amritapuri

Amritapuri is in the small fishing village of Parayakadavu on the west coast of Kerala (located in the far southwest of India). The ashram is two and a half hours north of Trivandrum and three hours south of Cochin (Kochi).

By air and taxi

Trivandrum (110 km south of Amritapuri) and Cochin (140 km north) are the two closest airports. If you didn’t order a taxi, go to the ‘Airport Taxi Service’ counter and ask for a prepaid taxi to ‘Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram’ at Amritapuri. You can order an ashram taxi from a hotel in Cochin or Trivandrum.

Amrita Setu Bridge and boatsman

The journey from Trivandrum takes three hours. From Cochin, it is four hours. If you do not ask to come by the ‘beach road’ from Karunagappally that crosses the backwaters and brings you into the ashram, you will be dropped off in Vallickavu. In this case, you will need to cross the Backwaters over the Amrita Setu pedestrian bridge. If you have heavy luggage you can take a hand-poled boat across the river.

By bus or train

Kayankulam (12 km north of Amritapuri) and Karunagapally (10 km south) are the closest towns. Small auto-rickshaws can bring you to Amritapuri. Regular buses go from Kayankulam Railway Station (KYJ) to Amrita Setu (bridge).

Preparing for your journey and packing your bags

Amritapuri is in the small fishing village of Parayakadavu on the west coast of Kerala (located in the far southwest of India). The ashram is two and a half hours north of Trivandrum and three hours south of Cochin (Kochi).

Must-have documents

International visitors: your passport and a photocopy of your passport and visa.

Indian visitors: bring your voter’s ID or Aadhaar card.

What you will find at the ashram

Most of the basic things needed (including sheets, pillows, mattresses, and cleaning supplies) are provided by the ashram. Clothing, shoes, toiletries, and household necessities are also available.

Other things you may need

Cool, comfortable, modest clothing
Yoga mat for asana practice
Earplugs
Copies of prescriptions for medications (put these in your carry-on luggage)
Nutritional supplements and medications that you may need
Scan a copy of your passport and visa and email it to yourself. You can also take a photo with your phone. This is very helpful in the unlikely event you lose your passport.
Extra contact-lens solution (if applicable)
Flashlight, reading light
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
A power converter, because outlets and electrical voltage are different from those in the US and Europe
You are welcome to bring a laptop and a mobile phone.
Note: hair driers, electric kettles, coils, and appliances using a lot of electrical power are not allowed as they blow fuses.

Before you travel

Bank and credit cards: Inform your bank and credit card companies of the exact dates of your travel so they allow your cards to be used in the countries you will be traveling in.
Important: Bring contact phone numbers of your bank and credit cards.
Cell Phone: Inform your cell phone company of the dates of your trip as well. If your company offers global coverage, then you might wish to activate this plan for your trip. Some people purchase simple phones and coverage plans when they arrive in India.
Weather: Prepare for hot, humid weather. August/September is the rainy season. December/January is fairly hot, rain is uncommon.

Keep in mind

If you are traveling alone, always use caution.
Don’t go to non-tourist areas alone at night.
It is best to travel with a friend or tell someone where you are going if you go off on your own.
Conservative clothing is usually required for sacred places in India.

Ashram Customs

The ashram is a spiritual community with practicing nuns and monks. To respect ashram customs and Indian culture, we encourage people of opposite genders not to touch or hug and respect our dress code of modesty.

Dress code

Visitors are requested to respect local customs by wearing modest clothing around the ashram. We suggest loose-fitting clothes covering the body from ankles to elbows: no shorts, sleeveless tops, or transparent dresses.

Plan to wear modest t-shirts and pants or shorts for yoga classes. Tank tops are not permitted in class.

Ashram amenities

Accommodations

Everyone is welcome to visit! Amma has set up the ashram to accommodate the diverse people that visit and live here comfortably.

Private rooms for couples and families are usually available. Single men and women share rooms with same-gender roommates. You may not be able to book a private room given the number of visitors. Some wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. The rooms are simple, typically with mattresses on the floor. Most have an attached bathroom with a Western-style toilet and shower. Pillows and sheets are provided.

Food

Simple, Indian-style ashram meals are provided along with your accommodation. Non-spicy, western-style food. Free chai (tea with milk) is served morning and afternoon. The ashram also has a cafe where you can choose from a generous menu that lists a variety of meals, desserts, and hot and cold drinks.

Facilities and services

Bank and ATM – change foreign currency and traveler’s checks, get cash advances on credit cards, and wire money.
Internet access, international telephone, and fax facilities, and photocopying
Laundry service
General goods
Freshwater taps with drinking water are located throughout Amritapuri
Swimming pool – open daily to cool off and go for a swim
A library – spiritual and educational materials for children and adults
The children’s library has a small play area. Parents are encouraged to bring their child’s favorite toys, books, and art supplies
The ashram allopathic medical clinic and pharmacy are open daily
The Ayurveda hospital and clinic offer appointments and extensive Panchakarma treatments.
Massage and other holistic health care services are available
Recycling and composting center – Ccmmitted sevaites sift through the trash from the ashram and separate it for recycling, reuse, resale, compost, and disposal

International Visitors

F.A.Q.

For international visitors, we've gathered a list of FAQs to help you prepare for your visit to the Amritapuri ashram and the Amrita Yoga retreats with the most commonly asked ones to your right.

WHY STUDY AT AMRITAPURI?

Studying yoga in the presence of a living master is a precious, rare opportunity and an immense blessing. According to the scriptures and the ancient science of yoga, the ashram of a Perfect Living Master is the most conducive environment for deep experiential learning. Participants have a unique opportunity to connect with several like-minded people by coming together to share intimate moments to uplift one another to a higher goal.
Every movement and breath at Amritapuri unfolds under Amma’s watchful eyes. Her unconditional love is with each participant at every step of the way. We design our retreats to benefit people from all walks of life.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

We offer classes and retreats for both men and women. Classes start at a foundation level to beginner and intermediate levels.
All are welcome at Amrita Yoga. Our instructors and staff are pleased to help at recommending the appropriate level of participation.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO LEARN?

As a participant of Amrita Yoga, you will immerse yourself in ashram life that supports and benefits spiritual progress and upliftment. By participating in Amrita Yoga retreats, many people feel inspired to live a life of service to society inspired by Amma’s teachings.
Most participants comment that time and focus spent in this encouraging atmosphere is an unforgettable experience, and they radiate this sincere joy in every word uttered.

HOW OR WHERE DO I FIND UPCOMING RETREATS?

You will find all our scheduled retreats, classes, and events either on our HOME page: please click here, or on our PROGRAMS CALENDAR page: please click here.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL SCHEDULE FOR RETREATS LOOK LIKE?

Sample Daily Schedule

Please note that the example given below is a general schedule and can vary from retreat to retreat.

5:00 – 6:10 Chanting of 1000 Names – Bhakti Yoga

7:00 – 9:00 Morning Asana – Hatha Yoga

9:00 – 10:00 Breakfast

10:15 – 11:15 Satsanga (Wisdom Talks) – Jnana Yoga

11:30 – 12:30 Seva (Selfless Service) – Karma Yoga

12:30 – 15:30 Lunch & Free time

15:30 – 17:00 Afternoon Asana – Hatha Yoga

17:00 – 18:00 Meditation – Raja Yoga

18:30 – 20:00 Bhajana (Devotional Singing) – Bhakti Yoga

20:00 – 21:00 Dinner

WHAT ARE THE PRE-REQUISITES FOR THE RETREATS?

To take part in a retreat, we will consider whether your experience level is a good fit for each retreat individually. Your physical health needs to be suitable to the structure and schedule of a particular retreat to prevent injuries. But generally speaking, our retreats require no athletism. We only want to be sure you feel accommodated and will enjoy and benefit from the experience.

DO I NEED TO SPEAK ENGLISH?

At Amritapuri, we generally teach our daily classes in English. It is certainly helpful to understand English to be able to follow our classes.

IS THERE AN AGE CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION?

For regular retreats and workshop participants should be at least 18 years old. Although there is no upper limit, participation does depend on one’s own physical fitness and endurance. For all under eighteen years or younger, different criteria apply.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

To initiate the registration process for attending a “Retreats for Internationals” please click “Registration Request for Internationals”.

Below every retreat description, you will also find the option to register.

As there are several retreats being offered, please clearly state which retreat(s) you are interested in registering for.

Upon arrival, we suggest you immediately visit the Amrita Yoga Office to complete the registration process.

CAN I TAKE A DROP-IN CLASS AT AMRITAPURI?

We offer asana classes on a daily basis or several times a week almost all year round. (Link to daily class page)

DO I NEED TO PRE-REGISTER FOR DAILY CLASSES?

If you wish to attend our daily Amrita Yoga classes, please head to the Information Center at the Amritapuri ashram upon your arrival. Our volunteers will be happy to provide you with all the information you require. Hope to see you in class, soon!