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Santhigiri

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[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].

This ashram is located at the geographic coordinates of 8°37′55.6″N 76°53′52.8″E / 8.632111°N 76.898000°E / 8.632111; 76.898000[1] 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

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Offering free food

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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.[2][5]

Healthcare

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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

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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

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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

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  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. ^ 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. ^ a b "Wayback Machine has not archived that URL" (PDF). Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt of India. November 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 May 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  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.{{cite news}}: 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.
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