The sceptical view

While Amritanandamayi's popularity has been growing exponentially, both within and outside Kerala, she has also had her share of critics.

In the beginning, she had to face the wrath of rationalists in her region. Though criticism has become less strident there still are those who find fault with her and point to the affluence of her relatives. They also have a grouse that they have not benefited from the unprecedented development that has taken place in the region.

There is heartburn because the ashram is a self-contained unit and it doesn't have to depend on outside labourers for skilled or unskilled activity. "There is jealousy," says Sugunanandan, Amma's father.

Amma herself quips that history is full of examples of gurus being driven away from their place of birth and that people of her village are better in that they haven't done that to her.

Certain intellectuals have also pointed fingers. Last year, there was an uproar when Sreeni Pattathanam, a rationalist, published a book in Malayalam, Mata Amritana-ndamayi-Divya Kadhakalum Yatharthiavum (Sacred Stories and Reality).

Paul Zachariah is a prominent writer who has often spoken against her movement. "Whether in politics or religion, personality cult is not a healthy practice. It will lower the cultural indicator of these followers and affect their critical intelligence," says Zachariah. "Besides, if spirituality is a connection between human being and a larger principle, why do you need an intermediary?"

But isn't there a sadguru tradition in Hindu culture? "But a guru should draw the line somewhere. Somebody like Ramana Maharishi never allowed people to worship him," he says.

Zachariah has one more worry. He claims there is a close association between the ashram and Hindu fundamentalist forces and this poses dangers, as Amritanandamayi wields influence over thousands of people.

The leading lights of the ashram, however, say there is no substance to the charge. "Is A.K. Antony or S.M. Krishna, who respects Amma, a fundamentalist?" asks a senior swami.