Amma Sri Karunamayi

Amma Sri Karunamayi (born Vijayeswari; 24 October 1958) is a Hindu spiritual figure, yogi, humanitarian and guru. Karunamayi is translated as "she who is permeated with compassion".

Karunamayi's mother was a devotee of Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi. On one rare occasion Ramana whispered to Karunamayi's mother that she would give birth to "Thai" or the divine mother who would help heal the planet. Encouraged by her parents, Karunamayi spent her childhood on spiritual paths immersed in prayer and worship. she founded a hermitage and charitable institution called Sri Mathru Devi Viswa Shanthi Ashram on the outskirts of the forest at Penusila. Some time later she created the Karunamayi Shanthi Dhama ashram in the city of Bangalore.

Darshan and Programs

Sri Karunamayi gives darshan to the public and her devotees through several means.

Individual or personal blessings One receives a blank card to write down their questions, concerns or problems (spiritual or worldly). In order, individuals approach Karunamayi and give her their card. One or multi day meditations with Karunamayi are offered during tours or in the Penusila ashram. Often speaking about anything from Vedic principles, to world events, to astrology or to meditation advice.

Homas or Pujas

Homas, or Vedic fire ceremonies, are performed several times during Karunamayi's visits to North America as well as in India. They are aimed for the material and spiritual well-being of all those who attend.

Humanitarian Works

Karunamayi's first concentrated works of charity and providing relief to the suffering and underprivileged began in the Penusila Forest area. The same area where she had maintained her life of ascetism for over 14 years.

Karunamayi’s work for the world’s underprivileged and underrepresented was recognized by the United States Congress, former (39th) president of the United States Jimmy Carter, and the United Nations. She spoke at the UN's International Day of Peace in 2015 in New York City.

She is in the U.S. Congressional Record recognized by Congressman Bill Foster, for her life of service and "Her charitable works in India".

The New Jersey State Assembly passed a resolution presented by then Deputy Speaker Upendra Chivukula for her "selfless and unwavering dedication to humanitarian endeavors".

In Toronto, Canada, she was recognized for 10 years of service by former Member of the Provincial Parliament Tony Ruprecht, through a motion introduced by then M.P.P. Bas Balkissoon.

Publications and documentaries

Karunamayi has authored several books, most notably the Blessed Souls series. An amalgamation of edited discourses that have taken place over the years while she was on North American tours. These form a basis of her teachings arranged in a straightforward and presentable manner. She has also written extensively on the topic of mantras, most notably about the Gayatri Mantra, Sri Lalita and the Sri Mahishasura Mardini mantras. Her books about meditation include titles such as Divine Wisdom and Keys to Sadhana. These three branches; teachings, mantras and meditation form the basis of the books she has released.

A biographical book written about her life called, Sri Karunamayi: A Biography, authored by Murugan Murugan was released in January 2002.

There are also numerous audio CDs of Sri Karunamayi singing mantras and bhajans.

Karunamayi is featured in various spiritual documentaries and films.

2009 Souljourns 1 Amma Sri Karunamayi - Love and Wisdom Pour Fourth by Ted Henry 2010 Souljourns 2 Amma Sri Karunamayi - Her Love Knows No Bounds by Ted Henry (a further 7 Souljourns full and mini documentaries were made by Ted Henry) 2015 Amma Sri Karunamayi - Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview 2016 The Blazing Heart - A Portrait of the Hindu Saint, Amma Sri Karunamayi by Bob Peck 2025 2025 Guru Poornima Divine Discourse by Karunamayi. 2026 Ongoing Discourses, Interviews, Weekly Telecasts, Bhajans and Sri Lalita Sahasranama Mahima Episodes by Karunamayi.

Karunamayi has a weekly television program, transmitted in India on Gemini TV, Bhakti TV and YouTube.