Ashramam Ground

Ashram Square is not just an open space, but the true heart of the famous Amma Ashram (Mata Amritanandamayi), located near the city of Kollam in the state of Kerala, India. This place is a major international spiritual center where thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock every year in search of harmony, knowledge, and peace. The square is the starting point for getting to know the life of this unique community.

Located at the very center of the complex, next to the main temple and meditation hall, the square serves as the main stage for all the ashram's key events. This is where meetings with spiritual mentors, collective meditations, lectures, and performances take place. It is a lively yet surprisingly calm place where guests from all over the world meet, socialize, and share their experiences.

Life on the square does not quiet down throughout the day. Here you can witness communal meals that bring together people of different cultures, or join in the singing of devotional songs (bhajans) that fill the air with special energy. The atmosphere of this place is imbued with a spirit of mutual aid, tranquility, and unity, making it not just a tourist attraction, but a space for deep internal experience and self-discovery.

To obtain the most accurate information regarding event schedules, visiting conditions, or to ask other questions, it is recommended to contact the ashram directly. As a rule, all up-to-date information is published on the spiritual center's official website.

Visitors to Ashram Square can deeply immerse themselves in the spiritual life of the center, which is rich with various practices and events. Here you can take part in collective meditations held daily and listen to bhajans—traditional Indian devotional songs that create a special atmosphere of peace. The main event for many is Amma's darshan. This is a unique opportunity for a personal meeting with the spiritual leader, during which she gives visitors her famous hugs, considered a symbol of all-encompassing love and support.

In addition to meditations and chants, lectures on spiritual topics, cultural programs, and festivals are often organized on the square, allowing for a better understanding of the ashram's philosophy. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe the daily life of the community and interact with its residents and other guests from around the world. For those who want to contribute, there is the possibility of participating in volunteer programs (seva), helping with various ashram tasks and becoming part of this unique community for a while.

Ashram Square is also a place for quiet rest and contemplation. On the numerous benches, you can simply sit, watching what is happening and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Nearby are small shops where visitors can purchase souvenirs, high-quality Ayurvedic products, as well as spiritual literature, CDs with chants, and other themed items.

The most convenient way to reach Ashram Square is through the city of Kollam, which is one of the key transport hubs in the state of Kerala, India. The ashram itself is located in the village of Vallikkavu, approximately 30–35 kilometers north of Kollam, on a picturesque stretch of land between the Arabian Sea and the backwaters. This location makes it accessible to travelers arriving in the region by various means.

There are several ways to get to the ashram from Kollam. The fastest and most comfortable option is to take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw; the trip will take about 30-40 minutes. You can also use public transport: buses run regularly from Kollam to the town of Karunagappally, located just 10 km from the ashram, from where you can easily reach the site by rickshaw. For those who appreciate scenic routes, there is an option to travel by boat through Kerala's famous backwaters from Kollam or the neighboring city of Alappuzha (Alleppey).

For those traveling by train, the nearest railway stations are Kayamkulam (12-15 km to the north) and Karunagappally (10 km to the south), from which the ashram can be reached by taxi or rickshaw. If you are flying in from abroad, the nearest international airports are in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram, 110 km) and Kochi (140 km). From there, you can book a taxi that will take you directly to the ashram grounds via the special Amrita Setu bridge.

The history of Ashram Square is inextricably linked with legends and the spiritual development of this place. According to legend, long before the ashram was founded, this land was already considered special. It is said that the father of the future spiritual leader, while still a child, met a wandering monk here. The sage predicted that a great abode would one day arise on this very spot, becoming a spiritual center and a source of light for many people from all over the world. This story gives the square and the entire complex an atmosphere of destiny and sanctity.

The prophecy began to come true when the ashram of Mata Amritanandamayi, affectionately called Amma (Mother) by her followers, was founded here. Born into a simple fishing family in 1953, she showed deep compassion for those around her from a young age. Amma became world-famous for her hugs—darshans—through which, according to her followers, she transmits unconditional love and comfort. It was her teaching of compassion and selfless service (seva) that formed the basis of life in the ashram, transforming it from a tiny hut into an international spiritual center.

Over time, Ashram Square became the epicenter of all the community's activities. It was designed as an open and welcoming space where the prediction of "great souls meeting" comes to life daily. This is where the main events take place: collective meditations, singing of bhajans, lectures, and, of course, meetings with Amma herself. The square has become a symbol of unity and a place where people of different cultures and faiths find a common language, share experiences, and follow the path of spiritual search together, maintaining an atmosphere of openness and friendliness.

When planning a visit to Ashram Square, you should allow 2 to 4 hours for a general introduction to the atmosphere of the complex. This time will be enough to take a leisurely stroll through the territory, see the main sites, observe the life of the community, and feel the peaceful energy of this place. You will be able to look into the temples, sit quietly on one of the benches, and form a first impression of the spiritual center.

However, if you want to have a deeper experience and immerse yourself in the spiritual life of the ashram, it is better to plan a full day for your visit. This will give you the opportunity to take part in activities such as collective meditations or singing bhajans without rushing. Particularly much time may be required if you plan to receive Amma's darshan (a personal meeting with the spiritual leader), as this event attracts many people. A full day will allow you to truly soak up the spirit of this unique place.

You can visit Ashram Square and the surrounding area on any day of the week and at any time of year. The complex is open to guests daily, usually from early morning until late evening, approximately from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This allows travelers to plan their visit flexibly. For a simple tour of the grounds, visiting the temples, or walking across the square, no advance booking or ticket purchase is required—entry is free.

It is important to keep in mind that the schedule for specific events, such as darshans (meetings with Amma), collective meditations, bhajan singing, and lectures, is subject to change. It may vary depending on Amma's presence at the ashram, holidays, or other events. Therefore, if you wish to participate in certain spiritual practices, it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the ashram's official website or contact the administration by phone before your trip.

Although Ashram Square is a powerful center of attraction in its own right, exploring its surroundings in the city of Kollam can significantly enrich your journey. Exploring nearby places allows you to combine spiritual seeking with more traditional tourism and see how this corner of India lives beyond the ashram.

A walk through the surrounding area provides an opportunity to better understand the local culture and way of life. Within walking distance, you can find both modern urban facilities and natural attractions, allowing for a complete and diverse impression of the region. Below is a list of interesting places located nearby.