Anandamayi Ma

Early Life and Spiritual Awakening: Anandamayi Ma, originally named Nirmala Sundari Devi, was born on April 30, 1896, in Kheora, a village in present-day Bangladesh.

She was described by Sivananda Saraswati (of the Divine Life Society) as “la fleur la plus parfaite que le sol de l’Inde ait produite” [the most perfect flower the Indian soil has produced].Her life was suffused in Bhakti Yoga and she was considered an epitome of “divine grace” that inspired the societal cultural milieu to lead the path of service, love and constant remembrance of the divine. Her followers experienced her spiritual attributes including precognition, faith healing and miracles.

Even as a child, Nirmala displayed a deep inclination towards spirituality, often spending hours in prayer and meditation. At the age of thirteen, she had a profound mystical experience that ignited her spiritual journey and led her to realize her union with the Divine.

Anecdote: It is said that during her childhood, Nirmala would often slip into deep states of meditation, captivating those around her with her radiant presence and inner stillness. Villagers would gather to witness these extraordinary moments, recognizing her innate spiritual gifts from a young age.

Marriage and Spiritual Partnership: In 1918, Nirmala married Ramani Mohan Chakravarti, a devout disciple of a local spiritual teacher, Sri Bijoy Krishna Goswami. Their union deepened Nirmala’s spiritual practice, and she became known as Anandamayi Ma, the “Joy-Permeated Mother.”

Teachings and Spiritual Leadership: Anandamayi Ma’s presence and teachings attracted a large following, transcending religious and sectarian boundaries. She emphasized the importance of selfless service, devotion to God, and the practice of meditation as paths to spiritual realization.

Travel and Influence: Throughout her life, Anandamayi Ma traveled extensively across India, visiting holy sites, ashrams, and devotees’ homes. People from all walks of life sought her guidance and blessings, drawn by her radiant presence and divine wisdom.

Humility and Legacy: Despite her immense spiritual stature, Anandamayi Ma remained humble and unaffected by her fame. She lived a life of simplicity and humility, devoting herself entirely to the service of humanity and the realization of God.

Anandamayi Ma would often perform acts of selfless service, such as cooking for large gatherings of devotees or personally attending to the needs of the sick and needy. Her compassion and kindness touched the hearts of all who encountered her.

Passing and Spiritual Continuation: Anandamayi Ma left her physical body on August 27, 1982, in Dehradun, India, but her spiritual presence continues to inspire millions of people around the world. Her teachings, writings, and example serve as a guiding light for spiritual seekers on the path of self-discovery and divine realization.