Amritapuri Ashram — Attraction in Kerala

I’ve been planning to visit this ashram for many months based on the recommendation of several others. I was planning on staying for an entire month. However, when I went to finalise my plane ticket and application, I was shocked to see reports of a captive elephant on sight at the ashram.

However, I still felt attached to visiting the ashram as planned, so I decided to reach out directly to some folks who have been or are currently staying at the ashram to inquire more about the elephant. I was sure that there had to be some kind of explanation for what I perceive as outright animal abuse on ashram grounds.

Sadly, my investigation only convinced me further that what is going on with the elephant (who they’ve named Lakshmi) on the campus is as cringe as I originally thought. Based on conversations with several attendees of the ashram, there is in fact an elephant on the campus who lives in a cage, who is often chained up by two of her legs, and who experiences trauma shakes no doubt as a result of her nearly twenty years in captivity and associated mistreatment.

Some of those I spoke to were quick to defend the ashram, saying things like “Well I’ve never seen them beat her” or “I hate that they have a caged elephant but the rest of the ashram is really great!” I’m sure these things are true, and yet, it is my belief that calling myself an activist and advocate for animal rights is a title earned by concrete actions, not just thoughts and ideas.

After much contemplation, I decided it would not feel ethical for me to show up at this ashram (a place that is designed to teach love and liberation for all beings) while turning a blind eye to the literal elephant in the room. I was told by several devotees that Amma herself is a spokesperson for animal rights, and yet, is allowing this kind of animal abuse to continue right on her own campus?

I was also told by a recent guest of the ashram that after much investigation she learned that several elephant sanctuaries have reached out to the ashram offering to take in Lakshmi, but the ashram would not release her. I’m not sure why they’ve decided to keep such a large and majestic creature contained in a cage for all the years— is it for the “entertainment” of their guests? It’s the only explanation I can think of which frankly, sickens me further. An ashram is meant to be a place of inner exploration and reflection, not a place that should require enslavement of animals (that should be free) for entertainment purposes.

If we don’t hold each other (especially leaders like Amma) accountable for their actions, then positive change will never come. Actions speak louder than words. Calling oneself an animal lover while choosing to keep animals in harsh, captive conditions gives off a spiritual bypassive vibe that I don’t want to be a part of.

I decided to cancel my one month trip to the ashram because I am simply unwilling to look the other way at such an atrocity. I hope others do the same. Perhaps if enough people take a stand (with action, not just thoughts) against this kind of egregious animal abuse, those who are holding her captive will have an actual incentive to change their behaviour.

Loka Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu (May ALL beings be...

In one short reply - not for me. I’m well travelled, well spiritually grown, middle age person. Stayed only 2 nights. The below are my personal thoughts and observations : I didn’t feel relaxed or at ease with the surroundings. It felt like a mixture of a school campus and a refugee camp. You need to find your way not be left out, hopefully making friends with people that you met along the way. You cannot go out of the campus, you should stay there only (there’s a barbed wire alongside some of its boarders). It’s such a big place there’s no one to say hello to easily, people are busy doing their things. In fact people are constantly busy moving from place to place following the established schedules. There is no nature close by, well there’s a beach garden and gardens but not very close so we didn’t make it there. Routine - even after two days only I could feel the routine of the place was very prominent. Routine makes you purposeful and grounded but I didn’t like the routine that you also needed to beat other people within that routine. Example: when the last song of the evening meditation finishes, before the light ritual begins, people are rushing towards the stage to be as close to Amma as possible, trying to be faster then others. Or you’d better be in a line to the cafe before it opens so you don’t waste time queueing. Or, the worst example, the deep meditation finishes very abruptly, in an instant people are out of their meditation state and sitting comfortably in their chairs/ walking/ standing up. As my meditation stage was a deep one in fact (good energy), I didn’t want to stop it. I did continue on my own against all odds while the next phase of the evening schedule was already on. The meditation/ quotes/ light ritual are all exactly the same with no room for manoeuvre. The only difference were the everyday thank you stories. Amma has to be commended for all her charity inspirational work. She does care about the people in need and children. Her hugs are to help people get out of misery, console them, make them feel taken care of. Maybe that’s why we didn’t feel we needed the hugging. We preferred to give our valuable places to other people in a need. Also, the very first thing people ask you is if you already had The Hug. It’s as almost this is the main purpose of being in the ashram and it’s needed on your conversion path which felt quite forced. All in all I think the place is more for a long term stay for those who need a place in this world. I met quite a few people who have lived here for 5, 15 or even 20 years. It’s like a community village which can be positive. It seemed too narrow-minded for me and not enabling me to actually follow my own spiritual growth.

All the best to those that have found this place as their home. Nothing against you and the place. It’s just not for...

Stepping into the Amritapuri ashram is like crossing an invisible threshold into a different world—a world where the noise of daily life melts away, replaced by a profound and gentle calm. The moment you arrive, the very air feels imbued with a sense of peace that is as palpable as the warm, salty breeze from the Arabian Sea. It’s a place that doesn't just offer an escape; it provides a sanctuary where your very soul can exhale.

The atmosphere here is truly unique. There is a quiet, powerful energy that emanates from the collective spirit of thousands of seekers, volunteers, and residents. It’s not a sterile, silent stillness, but a vibrant tapestry of devotion woven with the hum of shared work, the gentle murmur of conversations, and the serene beauty of the surroundings. The rhythm of the day is a natural flow of meditation, service, and reflection, each activity a quiet invitation to detach from the endless stream of worries and to-do lists that dominate our minds.

What strikes you most is the feeling of being held. The ashram's simple yet profound embrace allows you to shed your burdens without judgment. The ocean waves provide a constant, soothing soundtrack, their gentle roar a reminder of a peace far greater than any personal turmoil. In this space, the concept of "letting go" becomes not just an idea, but an actual, physical experience. You find yourself walking with a lighter step, smiling at strangers with genuine warmth, and feeling a deep-seated connection to everything around you.

At the heart of this divine atmosphere is Amma herself. To be in her presence is to understand the source of the ashram's incredible energy. Her simple, loving gaze and comforting embrace transcend language and thought, reaching directly into the heart. In these moments, you feel a profound connection—a silent, yet powerful transmission of unconditional love that washes away every fear and fills you with a deep sense of peace. It's a feeling of coming home, a truly sacred experience that grounds you entirely in the present moment and reminds you that divine love is real and accessible.

The experience is profoundly touching because it reminds you of what is truly essential. Amidst the selfless service and the quiet devotion, you are given the most precious gift: the opportunity to be. It is a place where you can rediscover the tranquility within yourself, a tranquility that was always there, just waiting for the right atmosphere to emerge. Leaving is difficult, but you carry that sense of peace with you, a light that continues to shine long after you...