The temples of the Sangam days, mainly of Madurai, seem to have had priestesses to the deity, which also appear predominantly as goddesses. The cult of the mother goddess is treated as an indication of a society which venerated femininity. She was worshipped by the ancient Tamils as the bringer of rain and thus also the bringer of prosperity, since the abundance of their crops was dependent largely upon adequate rainfall. The word Mari (pronunciation: /mɒri/) has a Sangam Tamil origin meaning "Rain" and the Tamil word Amman means "Mother". Māri was associated with Hindu goddesses like Parvati, Kali and Durga as well as with her North Indian counterpart Shitala Devi and Eastern Indian counterpart Olai Chandi and western Indian counterpart of Mogal mata. She is the main Tamil mother goddess, predominant in the rural areas of South India. Mariamman's worship probably originated in pre-Vedic India. Those interested in participating can contact the respective centers or Amrita Kutumbam coordinators.Mariamman embedded in a trident, 1st century, Chola period, Tamil Nadu, India AFM encourages and provides total support for Amrita Kutumbam activities. Weekly prayers are held on rotation among the participating households. Amma’s birthday celebrations – Amma’s birthday falls on 27th September and is usually celebrated like a special satsang with paduka puja as well as other events.Īmrita Kutumbam’ or ‘Amrita Family’ is a smaller unit comprising several households that gather and hold prayers regularly within a certain vicinity.In Amma Centers this is usually celebrated with chanting of mantra, paduka puja, bhajan as well as discussions on Amma’s teachings.
Guru Purnima – this day is reserved for Guru Puja or Guru worship, where devotees offer puja or pay respect to their Gurus.The vilakku (diya) that is lit by each of the participant is worshipped as the Goddess during this ritual. Apart from the hymns and mantra, sometimes a vilakku puja is also performed. Kartika puja – a satsang held to coincide with Kartika, Amma’s nakshatra (birth star).There would also be discussions on aspects of Amma’ teachings. Apart from this bhajan (devotional songs) are sung, as well as Amma’s messages are disseminated. Paduka Puja (worship of Paduka or symbolic representation of the feet of the Guru) is also regularly carried out. Satsang (which literally means being with good/righteous companions)- Amma devotees gather to have a session where mantra(invocation) like Lalitha Sahasranamam (the thousand names of the Goddess Lalita Devi or Goddess Durga in the form of Shakti), Mata Amritanandamayi Devi Ashtottara Shatanaamavali (108 Names of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi), and Sri Lalita Trishati Stotram (Three Hundred Names Of The Divine Mother – a hymn in praise of the female aspect of the Divine).Some of their regular activities are described below: Apart from this they also carry out various projects and other activities to serve the needy. Activities like prayers and social gatherings are organised based on the local needs and requirements. These centers serve as an avenue for local communities to carry out activities related to Amma. Kumar Das in the presence of AMMA, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi on the 23rd of April 2006.ĪFM Community Centers, popularly known as Amma Centers, have been set up in various parts of the country to serve as a link between local devotees and Amma’s Ashram at Amritapuri (MA Math). Amriteswari Foundation of Malaysia was officially launched by Prof Dato V. AFM warmly welcomes all to participate and be part of the Amma family in Malaysia. A Board of Directors who also function as Trustees are personally endorsed by Amma to organise, coordinate and manage the functions and activities as reflected in the Memorandum of Articles. AFM was officially registered on February 2006 under the Companies Act, 1965. – AMMAĪmriteswari Foundation of Malaysia was formed with the blessings and approval of our Beloved Amma as the official representative of M.A Math in Malaysia. If you wish to serve, if you have compassion for people, if you have any love for the world, step forward bravely.