Ānandamayī Mā
1896–1982 · Kheora (Bengal) to Kankhal · Bhakti and Vedānta
Nirmalā Sundarī, born at Kheora in East Bengal (now Bangladesh), was from childhood absorbed in spiritual states. She came to be known as Ānandamayī Mā, “the joy-permeated Mother”, and was revered across India by seekers, scholars and political leaders alike.
She had no formal guru and wrote no books; she taught through presence and short, gentle sayings, often speaking of herself as “this body”. Ashrams in her name were founded in many places, and her samādhi is at Kankhal near Haridwar.
1896–1982 · Kheora, Bengal · Samādhi at Kankhal