About Us
SSMAIC : Ma’s vision of sadhana
The spiritual foundation of the Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee International Center was laid long before any walls were built. In the spring of 1974, Ma Anandamayi Herself walked on this very land, accompanied by Her senior disciple Swami Vijayananda and devotee Ram Alexander. Here Ma revealed Her divine kheyal (will): a dedicated sanctuary on this site where devotees could immerse themselves in deep spiritual practice. When Mr. Alexander pledged that the land would be used solely “for the purpose of sadhana,” Ma gave Her emphatic blessing, consecrating the ground for the spiritual work to come.
Trust and foundation
After Ma’s Mahasamadhi, this inner mandate slowly took outer form. In 1992, Sri J.N. Dhamija, an ardent devotee of Ma, acquired the land, inspired to create a place for Her international devotees. He invited Ram Alexander to help establish a Trust dedicated to this sacred purpose.
The original Trust Board brought together a distinguished group: Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Dhamija, Ram Alexander, former Indian Defence Minister and Sangha President Sri Govind Narain, Sri Dharmavir, Sri K.B. Lal, and the Raja of Tehri Garhwal. Construction was completed in 1997 with significant support from Ms. Markell Brooks, a long-standing American devotee. After Mr. Dhamija’s passing in 2000, his wife, Mrs. Devika Dhamija, became President, greatly strengthening the Center’s functioning and overseeing a complete renovation in 2009. Leadership then passed to their son, Mr. Sumant Dhamija, who continued his father’s mission until August 2025, when he resigned due to health issues, handing the baton to Mr. Satish Jain to carry the vision forward.
Sanctification and blessings
The Center’s inauguration in 1997 was marked by profound sacred rites. The initial Bhumi Puja (ground purification ritual) was performed by Swami Bhaskarananda, following Ma’s own instructions. The formal opening ceremony was presided over by H.H. Swami Chidananda Ji Maharaj, President of the Divine Life Society and a direct disciple of Swami Sivananda. His presence—together with leading ascetics of the Shree Anandamayi Sangha such as then-General Secretary Swami Swarupanandaji, Swami Vijayanandaji, Swami Bhaskaranandaji and others—infused the Center with a powerful spiritual charge that continues to support every seeker who enters today.
SSMAIC Vision
To serve as a sacred sanctuary grounded in the divine grace of Shree Shree Ma Anandamayee, where the spiritual aspirations of seekers from around the world are nurtured and sustained. We are dedicated to:
- Supporting Sadhana: Providing a serene, healing environment that fosters deep inner contemplation and spiritual practice, ensuring every devotee finds the peace necessary for their journey .
- Preserving Wisdom: actively translating and publishing Ma’s timeless teachings and books, making Her divine words accessible to all .
- Upholding Dharma: Initiating and supporting projects dedicated to the preservation of Dharma, the Vedas, and ancient scriptures, ensuring their continuity for future generations .
- Serving the Ascetics: Extending compassionate medical care and support to sadhus and ascetics who have dedicated their lives to spiritual pursuits .
- Promoting Holistic Healing: Championing integrated healthcare by blending modern medicine with the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda to foster complete well-being .
