Who is Sri Sakthi Amma?
In 1992, at the age of 16, Sri Sakthi Amma left the family home, in Vellore, to settle in the nearby rural village of Thirumalaikodi in Tamil Nadu, South India. There, at the foot of the Kailash Giri Hills, Sri Sakthi Amma established Sri Narayani Peedam and its mission:
To lead humanity on the spiritual path and to uplift the lives of those in need.
“We go to the Guru because of the Guru’s wisdom, the Guru’s love and the Guru’s kindness and mercy.”
— Sri Sakthi Amma
Sri Sakthi Amma Documentary
An introduction & insightful glimpse into the spiritual activities and social upliftment programmes of Sri sakthi Amma, the creator of SRIPURAM, the GOLDEN TEMPLE based entirely on sacred geometry (VASTHU) in Vellore,Tamilnadu,India.
In 1992, Sri Narayani Peedam (located in the village of Thirumalaikodi) became the headquarters for the materialisation of Amma’s vision. In a short period of time, Amma’s work had a profound and far-reaching impact on the area. The implementation of a multitude of projects alleviated the poverty of the local population, and even spread beyond the immediate region. Over the years, Amma transformed this tiny village into an important spiritual centre filled with seva (selfless service) dedicated to humanity and the environment.
Amma’s design is not simply limited to temple life. The construction of hospitals and schools soon followed, sweeping the small village area with a complete cultural and environmental transformation. Amma’s holistic vision is designed to enhance every aspect of daily life, be it spiritual, medical, educational, vocational, environmental (including access to clean water) and cultural, providing thousands of job opportunities.
The intention behind Sripuram is for each person to realise the purpose of their birth, inspiring them to transform into enlightened beings. Depending on the time of year, between 5 000 and 20 000 visitors per day will come to Sripuram, from all over the world, to experience the positive vibrations of Divinity at work.
In addition to benefitting local communities, an equally important aspect of Sri Sakthi Amma’s vision is to inspire people from all over the world to share their blessings and inspirations in their local communities. Upon visiting Sripuram, many people have reported being greatly moved by their experiences of the Divine and the inner peace that follows. As a result, people have carried their individual transformations back to their communities to improve the lives of many. These initiatives include programmes to improve education, health, environment, cultural, spiritual and community well-being. These local and global programmes are all in harmony with Sri Sakthi Amma’s vision of alleviating poverty and suffering around the world.
In 2007, Sri Sakthi Amma consecrated the Sripuram Golden Temple, which has become a spiritual oasis for people of all religions.
Avatara
In Hinduism, it is believed that Divinity manifests in human form when the balance between good and evil in the world is disturbed. Such a form is known as an avatara, a Sanskrit word describing a deliberate descent or incarnation of the Divine to earth. The avatara descends in order for humankind to ascend on the spiritual path. The avatara lives amongst the people, guiding humankind, reducing suffering and restoring dharma (righteous living) in the world.
Throughout the yugas (ages or extended periods), many avataras have come to earth when adharma (non- righteous ways of living) reaches its peak and the Divine power no longer tolerates the level of evil actions. In previous yugas, humanity has witnessed other avataras such as – Narasimha Avatara (Satya Yuga); Rama Avatara (Thretha Yuga); and Krishna (Dwapara Yuga).
Sri Sakthi Amma is an avatara and is the first known incarnation of the Goddess Narayani – the highest form of feminine energy. In other cultures, Narayani is recognised as Quan Yin, Mother Goddess, Mother Earth, Mother Nature and Divine Mother, to name a few. Sri Sakthi Amma is lovingly known as ‘Amma’ – the word for ‘mother’ in various Dravidian languages across South India.
Sages in Prayer
Many centuries ago, as rishis (sages) sat in deep meditation in the South Indian hills of Kailash Giri, they became keenly aware of humanity’s impending plight in this present period of Kali Yuga (dark age). They yearned and prayed for the Divine Mother to manifest on earth – to guide humankind back onto the path of right living. In response to the sages’ unconditional devotion and prayers, many centuries later, Sri Sakthi Amma was born. At 16 years of age, Amma established Sri Narayani Peedam at the foot of these holy hills.
“You cannot experience unconditional love without sharing and helping others.”
— Sri Sakthi Amma
Sri Sakthi Amma at age 18, next to the putthu at Sri Narayani Peedam. 1994
Sri Sakthi Amma in mid 20s, early 2000s.
A Holy Birth
Srimathi* Jyothiamma and Sri* Nandagopal were a devout couple from a humble background, steeped in the tenets of Vaishnavism (the worship of Vishnu) and living in the district of Vellore, South India. When Srimathi Jyothiamma was pregnant with her second child, she had many visions about the baby she was expecting. Sages also revealed to her that she was carrying a divine child. The baby was born on Saturday, January 3rd, 1976. When the new-born was presented to Jyothiamma, the experience is described to have felt like a mystical vision. The infant was chubby beyond belief, with arms and legs covered in fleshy roll after roll, reminiscent of a painting of baby Krishna. The dark skin of the child was, in the mother’s own words, ‘black, like midnight’ and had an amazingly luminous quality about it. The baby’s head was fully covered with thick, jet-black curly hair. He had an unusually strong and firm neck, unlike newborns, and was able to turn and control his head to gaze at all present. It is described that an aura of radiant light was visible, shining around the child’s crown, while a vaishnavite naman (vertical red line down the middle of the forehead) was evident between the brows. On seeing the new-born for the very first time, the maternal grandfather blurted out, ‘This is no ordinary child. This infant is truly Lord Perumal!’ (a form of Lord Vishnu). There was also a short white line seen running vertically down the centre of the baby’s chest, as well as markings in the shape of shankha (conch) on the left shoulder and a chakra (wheel) on the right. All these signs were deemed convincing physical evidence of the holiness of this most extraordinary child, who was named Satish Kumar.
At age 16, Goddess Sri Narayani manifested her cosmic form in the body of Satish Kumar. This marked the moment that the persona of Satish Kumar was left behind and the Goddess Sri Narayani revealed Herself as Sri Sakthi Amma or Narayani Amma.
* Srimathi and Sri are honorific titles for a woman and a man in the Tamil language.
Goddess Narayani
Goddess Narayani represents the highest form of feminine energy. She is recognised as the Mother Goddess who birthed the whole universe. She is the provider of all life forms and is considered to have the power to create, preserve and destroy. Goddess Narayani embodies many qualities. Her three most important attributes are courage, wisdom, and prosperity /well-being. Sri Sakthi Amma has said that these qualities combined are what are needed most in the current age we live in. Courage, wisdom and prosperity are perfectly embodied in Goddess Narayani as the trinity of Durga, Saraswathi and Lakshmi. The aspects of nature represented by these three Goddesses are embodied together as the Goddess Narayani. Durga is the Goddess of inner strength, valour and courage. Saraswathi is the Goddess of wisdom expressed through education, the arts, culture, the written word, dance and music. Lakshmi is the Goddess of prosperity. In this context, prosperity refers to a holistic experience that includes well-being, peace of mind, the home, family, children, marriage, work, rainfall, food, good crops, and money.
In sacred texts, Goddess Narayani is seen as the female energy source out of which Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were born. She is also perceived as the one with the power to flower the consciousness of all living beings, so that unity with the Divine may be achieved.
“Simplicity in the way we live will bring forth fulfillment and peace of mind.”
— Sri Sakthi Amma
Sri Narayani Peedam
In 1992, Sri Narayani Peedam (located in the village of Thirumalaikodi) became the headquarters for the materialisation of Amma’s vision.
In a short period of time, Amma’s work had a profound and far-reaching impact on the area. The implementation of a multitude of projects alleviated the poverty of the local population, and even spread beyond the immediate region. Over the years, Amma transformed this tiny village into an important spiritual centre filled with seva (selfless service) dedicated to humanity and the environment. Amma’s design is not simply limited to temple life. The construction of hospitals and schools soon followed, sweeping the small village area with a complete cultural and environmental transformation. Amma’s holistic vision is designed to enhance every aspect of daily life, be it spiritual, medical, educational, vocational, environmental (including access to clean water) and cultural, providing thousands of job opportunities.
In 2007, Sri Sakthi Amma consecrated the Sripuram Golden Temple, which has become a spiritual oasis for people of all religions.
The intention behind Sripuram is for each person to realise the purpose of their birth, inspiring them to transform into enlightened beings.
Sripuram
In addition to benefitting local communities, an equally important aspect of Sri Sakthi Amma’s vision is to inspire people from all over the world to share their blessings and inspirations in their local communities. Upon visiting Sripuram, many people have reported being greatly moved by their experiences of the Divine and the inner peace that follows. As a result, people have carried their individual transformations back to their communities to improve the lives of many. These initiatives include programmes to improve education, health, environment, cultural, spiritual and community well-being. These local and global programmes are all in harmony with Sri Sakthi Amma’s vision of alleviating poverty and suffering around the world.
Mahalakshmi
Mahalakshmi resides in the sanctum of the Sripuram Golden Temple. She holds two lotuses in each hand, the third hand in the blessing position and the fourth hand in the giving position.
Mahaklakshmi gives all that is needed for life: a home, a family, rain for having good crops, food, strength and courage, wisdom, victory in all that the devotee undertakes, and the ultimate gift, peace of mind.
“When we understand that the Divine exists within ourselves, we want to give to the world. When we start to give to the world, we feel rich, we feel content.”
— Sri Sakthi Amma
Swarna Lakshmi
Swarna Lakshmi, the smiling statue of the Goddess of all auspiciouness and prosperity, is cast in 70 kilograms of pure gold.
Seated in padmasana (lotus position), She invites devotees to Her very own sanctum-temple, where they can personally perform an abhishekam (pouring holy water on the deity) all by themselves.
The abundant grace of Swarna Lakshmi also follows devotees home, by way of Her Tulsi theertham (consecrated water) and other blessed items in a prasadam bag.
Swarna Lakshmi’s temple is situated on the starpath of Sripuram directly opposite the Mahalakshmi Golden Temple.
Perumal Temple
Lord Perumal is the South Indian name for Lord Vishnu. Peru = huge, mal = soul or being.
Lord Vishnu represents the masculine energy of God who is understood to be the Cosmic Nurturer and Preserver of the Universe.
MahaVishnu is also the consort of MahaLakshmi hence his other popular name, Srinivasa. Sri = Lakshmi and Nivas = abode. Lakshmi lives within his heart.
Perumal Temple which is situated in Sripuram was consecrated in December 2016.
Sri Sakthi Ganapathi
The glorious statue of Sri Sakthi Ganapathi, cast in solid silver and weighing 1,500 kilograms, is installed in his all-granite temple within Sripuram.
Also known as Lord Ganesha, He is the first deity to be called upon, in all Vedic rituals of worship. The tiny shrew called Mooshika, on whose back Ganesha travels, is able to navigate every corner and cranny... without ever feeling the weight of his rider!
The ritual of pooja is an expression of love for the Divine.
Pooja creates positive energy in the world.
Pooja
Pooja (puja in Sanskrit) is a Tamil word that means adoration, honour and worship. Pooja refers to the many Vedic rituals based on nature that are generally performed in temples or homes. In the ritual of pooja, offerings may be presented to a deity, the Vedas may be chanted, and blessings are always received.
Because nature is considered divine, much reverence is bestowed upon trees, plants and animals, as well as the sun, moon and planets. The acknowledgment and worship of these may be part of the ceremony of pooja. Pooja is a way to express affection toward the Divine, and to transmit blessings to the world. People of all backgrounds can participate and benefit from their enactment.
Big Narayani
Pooja (puSri Sakthi Amma performs aarthi (ritual of offering lamps) to Goddess Narayani. The light symbolises the illumination of wisdom, dispelling all ignorance and states of darkness.
Big Narayani resides in the Narayani Temple at Sri Narayani Peedam.
Swayambu Temple
The Swayambu Temple is the first temple established at Sri Narayani Peedam. In 1992, Amma declared that a swayambu (a sacred symbol that manifests of its own accord) would appear from the ground at 6pm on 11 September. On that day, people gathered to witness this foretelling, and saw a dramatic manifestation. Witnesses say the earth shook with a thunderous sound, the ground opened up, and a milky fluid oozed out from below the surface. Out of this, a stone in the shape of a lingam appeared from the earth. Several weeks later, a putthu (sacred anthill) began to emerge behind the swayambu. A putthu is considered nature’s way of confirming that the surroundings are sacred, affirming that the Divine force is present.
Swayam’ means ‘self-created’ and ‘bu’ means ‘earth’. The Swayambu is the energy of sakthi and appears in the shape of a lingam.
Adhi Narayani
Adhi Narayani is the first sculpted form of Narayani, erected in Sri Narayani Peedam in 1993. Until then, the representation of the Divine Mother only existed in the form of nature: as the sacred anthill in Sri Narayani Peedam and as the swayambu in the Swayambu Temple. Adi is the Sanskrit word for ‘beginning’ or ‘beginningless’. Adhi Narayani is seated beneath Sri Ashta Bhuja Durga Devi, the eight-armed goddess of courage and inner strength .
Putthu
The Putthu (sacred anthill) is considered holy throughout India. Since ancient times, the putthu is identified with the village goddess and is considered a ‘divine witness’ to all happenings. Traditionally, temples are constructed in close proximity to sacred anthills. When Amma left home at 16 years of age, Amma moved into a house that stood by this very putthu, and offered pooja daily. In the years that followed, Sri Narayani Peedam was built around this sacred anthill. Today, a constant flow of people come to offer their prayers, aarthi and offerings of devotion.
“As ghee is hidden in milk and a tree in a seed, the power of divinity is hidden in humans. Spirituality enlightens you to realize your divine potential.”
— Sri Sakthi Amma
