Santhigiri

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Parnasala.jpg

Santhigiri Ashram is located in Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.[1] The ashram was founded by Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru[2] and is recognized as a Social and Scientific Research Organization by the Government of India.[3]

The followers of Karunakara Guru have built a monument called Parnasala in the shape of a blooming lotus in white Makrana marble in the Ashram compound. This structure required ten years for completion[citation needed]. 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[citation needed].

Vision[]

Santhigiri Ashram works towards fulfilling Navajyothi Sri Karunakara Guru's vision of a 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 effect the ashram offers an Annadanam or gift of food, at their various centers, to all the visitors as well as inmates.[2][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,[2][6] hospitals,[7] onsite and offsite health care programs and camps[8] and social research.[3]

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]

References[]

  1. ^ "Advani hails contributions of spiritual leaders". The Hindu. 28 April 2008. Archived from the original on 2 May 2008. Retrieved 14 July 2009.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Prime Minister to inaugurate ashram's research centre". The Hindu. 24 November 2004. Archived from the original on 17 January 2005. Retrieved 14 July 2009.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b "Directory of Scientific and Industrial Research Organization". Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt of India. November 2007. Retrieved 14 July 2009.
  4. ^ Tankha, Upendra (11 March 2002). "Between religion and spirituality". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 October 2003. Retrieved 14 July 2009.
  5. ^ "Santhigiri Ashram". India9.com. 14 July 2005. Retrieved 15 July 2009.
  6. ^ Devraj, Ranjit (2 July 2005). "Herbs and hysteria". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 11 February 2006. Retrieved 15 July 2009.CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. ^ "Bulgarian princess visits ashram". The Hindu. 3 November 2009. Archived from the original on 24 May 2009. Retrieved 15 July 2009.
  8. ^ "Santhigiri Ashram to organise free medical camp". The Hindu. 5 April 2006. Archived from the original on 12 February 2008. Retrieved 15 July 2009.
  9. ^ "International conference on health in Kottayam". The Hindu. 14 December 2004. Archived from the original on 26 December 2004. Retrieved 15 July 2009.
  10. ^ "Blind man's buff - Interview with Rajeev Anchal". Rediff.com. Retrieved 15 July 2009.
  11. ^ "Study materials, uniforms distributed". The Hindu. 7 May 2009. Archived from the original on 12 May 2008. Retrieved 15 July 2009.
  12. ^ "Santhigiri Ashram for an all-round health". The Tribune. 23 March 2002. Retrieved 15 July 2009.

External links[]

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