Amma’s 72nd birthday was celebrated in unity with deep devotion, drawing tens of thousands of devotees and well-wishers from across India and around the world. In her message, Amma shared prayers that the light of love and selflessness dispel the increasing conflicts and unrest humanity is facing.
“For 65 years now, Amma has been listening to her children’s grief, their small joys, their complaints and their laments. Amma intimately knows the depth of their heartaches and the pain behind their tears,” she said.
“Amma understands changing is not easy. But darkness is spreading all around, and anxiety about the future is increasing. In such a situation, each individual must become a little tree of goodness. Otherwise, the world will not change.”
Amma concluded, “May the light of love and selflessness dispel the darkness of selfishness, hatred and conflict covering the world. May a beautiful new dawn of goodness bloom. May the light of truth and dharma fill the hearts of humanity.”
The festivities for Amritavarsham 72 began at dawn on September 27th with 72 Maha Ganapati Homas (Vedic fire rituals) led by Ashram pujaris and pujarinis. This year, people from 11 tribal communities across India also arrived to perform their ancient rites. It was a deeply moving unity of prayers to invoke peace and prosperity for the entire world.
Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Amma’s most senior disciple, then addressed the gathering in anticipation of Amma’s arrival. He shared, “The heart of the universe—the incomprehensible heart—Amma’s heart is one. And because of that, all are her children. Not just human beings. Every living being, even insentient beings. And this is how Amma takes care of us. What else do we need?”
The grand celebration began at 9am when Amma arrived and was formally welcomed by Kerala Governor Shri Rajendra Arlekar. This was followed by the sacred Pada Puja ceremony, the worship of the Guru’s feet, led by Swami Amritaswarupananada.
