Who is Amma ?

Spiritual leader, humanitarian and visionary, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (known to millions simply as ‘Amma’), is a servant of the world community.

Through her inspiring life of love, inner strength and self-sacrifice, Mata Amritanandamayi has inspired people all over the planet to strive to make more and more space in the hearts for others and to dedicate free time to social service.

At the invitation of admirers from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe and elsewhere, Amma travels throughout the world, guiding people to emotional fulfillment as well as offering insights and solutions to global issues such as environmental pollution, mistreatment of women, and religious disharmony.

At the center of Amma’s life is her darshan: the tender, caring embrace that has been sought out by millions. It is in this intimate manner—a heartfelt hug—that Mata Amritanandamayi meets one and all, listens to their problems and gives them the inspiration and knowledge to uplift themselves and, ultimately, others.

Receiving Amma’s embrace, many feel inspired to offer selfless service to those in need. In this way, this simple yet powerful act of a mother’s embrace has become both catalyst and symbol for the growing international network of humanitarian initiatives called Embracing the World ®. Amma has given this motherly embrace, known as her darshan, to more than thirty-three million people throughout the world. She has been known to give darshan for more than twenty-two hours without interruption.