Santhigiri Explained

Santhigiri Ashram is a spiritual center and pilgrimage site, located in Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala, India.[1] It was founded by Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru[2] and is recognized and developed as a Social and Scientific Research Organization by the Government of India.[3]

Situated within the ashram compound is the Parnasala monument, in the shape of a lotus blossom in white Makrana marble. It was constructed by the followers of Karunakara Guru over a period of 10 years. It was inaugurated by the President of India Pratibha Devi Patil on 13 August, 2010 and was opened for prayers and worship on 12 September, 2010 .

This ashram is located at the geographic coordinates of 8.6321°N 76.898°Whttps://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Santhigiri&params=8_37_55.6_N_76_53_52.8_E_ at an altitude of about 107.06 m above sea level.

Santhigiri Ashram works towards fulfilling Navajyothi Sri Karunakara Guru's vision of "revitalized life involving spiritual, social, economic and cultural elements".[4]

Activities

Offering free food

One of Guru's objectives was to feed the poor and to this end the ashram offers an Annadanam, or gift of food, at their various centers, to all the visitors as well as inmates. On the aspects of Guru's wish all human beings in one society truly followed.[5]

Healthcare

Athurasevanam or care of the ailing is a supporting function to the Guru's vision. The ashram performs this function through a chain of Ayurveda and Siddha research centers,[6] hospitals,[7] onsite and offsite health care programs and camps[8] and social research.

Athmabodhanam

Part of the Guru's vision for the ashram is Athmabodhanam or spiritual awakening.[9] The awakening is at two levels - rational and transcendental; the former focuses on elimination of ignorance while the latter focuses on knowledge of reality.[10]

Economic development

As part of the vision of a revitalized life, the ashram focuses on economic development, with an emphasis on trade skills and support for women[11] and cottage industry programs.[12]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Advani hails contributions of spiritual leaders . https://web.archive.org/web/20080502031408/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/28/stories/2008042860970300.htm. dead. 2 May 2008. 28 April 2008. The Hindu. 2009-07-14.
  2. News: Prime Minister to inaugurate ashram's research centre. https://web.archive.org/web/20050117091524/http://www.hindu.com/2004/11/24/stories/2004112402900300.htm. dead. 17 January 2005. 24 November 2004. The Hindu. 2009-07-14.
  3. Web site: Wayback Machine has not archived that URL.. November 2007. Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt of India. 2023-06-12. 18 May 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120518034741/http://dsir.gov.in/direct/07sirodir.pdf. dead.
  4. News: Between religion and spirituality. https://web.archive.org/web/20031009111513/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/03/11/stories/2002031100440200.htm. dead. 9 October 2003. Tankha. Upendra. 11 March 2002. The Hindu. 2009-07-14.
  5. Web site: Santhigiri Ashram. 14 July 2005. India9.com. 2009-07-15.
  6. News: Herbs and hysteria. https://web.archive.org/web/20060211180151/http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/GG02Df01.html. unfit. 11 February 2006. Devraj. Ranjit. 2 July 2005. Asia Times. 2009-07-15.
  7. News: Bulgarian princess visits ashram. https://web.archive.org/web/20090524072500/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/03/stories/2008110360650300.htm. dead. 24 May 2009. 3 November 2009. The Hindu. 2009-07-15.
  8. News: Santhigiri Ashram to organise free medical camp . https://web.archive.org/web/20080212060024/http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/05/stories/2006040502970200.htm. dead. 12 February 2008. 5 April 2006. The Hindu. 2009-07-15.
  9. News: International conference on health in Kottayam. https://web.archive.org/web/20041226042604/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/14/stories/2004121416890300.htm. dead. 26 December 2004. 14 December 2004. The Hindu. 2009-07-15.
  10. News: Blind man's buff - Interview with Rajeev Anchal. Rediff.com. 2009-07-15.
  11. News: Study materials, uniforms distributed . https://web.archive.org/web/20080512002343/http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/07/stories/2008050758890300.htm. dead. 12 May 2008. 7 May 2009. The Hindu. 2009-07-15.
  12. News: Santhigiri Ashram for an all-round health. 23 March 2002. The Tribune. 2009-07-15.

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