Amritanandamayi

(b. 1953, as Sudhamani) Modern Hindu
teacher and religious leader, whose
devotees (bhakta) worship her as an
incarnation of the Goddess. She was
born the daughter of a poor fisherman,
and from her earliest childhood she
focused on religious life. Her teachings
stress the importance of devotion
(bhakti), particularly to one’s spiritual
teacher (guru), and her devotees credit
her with healing and spiritual awakening. The Mata Amritanandamayi Math,
located in the city of Quilon in the state
of Kerala, was formed to spread her
teachings in India and abroad.