Mata Amritanandamayi, lovingly called Amma, Ammachi, or Mother, is a Hindu spiritual leader of international standing. Also known as the 'Hugging Saint', Amma is known to hug and bestow her unconditional love on people from all walks of life. Born as Sudhamani Idamannel in the fishing village of Parayakadavu, which falls in the state of Kerala, in India, she had only four years of formal education. Neither did she have the chance to study scriptures under any enlightened teacher. Contrarily, she spent her childhood and youth taking care of her family, dedicating all her chores to Lord Krishna and it was through this selfless act and devotion that she gained the highest knowledge. Very soon, she began to attract serious spiritual seekers, who were drawn to her as much by her spirituality as by her love and compassion. It led to the formation of Mata Amritanandamayi Math with Ammachi as its founder and chairperson. Today, it has branches in forty countries and everywhere they work for the upliftment of the local people, fighting hunger, empowering women, opening schools and institutes of higher education. More importantly, she continues to guide her children into the right religious path, imparting the teachings of the Vedas in simple language.