Annai Sri Umadevi, who has been belovedly called as Amma by Her devotees, was born on May 22, 1942 (Tamil month Vaikasi and Ayilyam star) at Christian Medical College, Vellore by the grace of a Muslim Saint called Bir Swami. She was born in a family not only wealthy materially but also spiritually blessed by the grace of many saints. Amma was the eldest daughter in the family with two younger brothers and three younger sisters. Amma’s father Sri Shanmuga Mudaliar was the secretary of a famous cosmopolitan club in Chennai. Amma was very skillful at the musical instrument Veena at a very young age. She was often praised by the great musical stalwart Veena Mr. S. Balachandar for Her prodigal knowledge in music.

Amma was born with siddhis (spiritual powers). She has performed miracles throughout Her life since childhood. Once She gave holy ashes (called vibhoothi or thiruneeru) to a servant whose fever got cured instantaneously. Amma got married to Poojyasri R. Muthukumaraswamy Ayya on September 09, 1964. R.M. Ayya is hailing from rich and royal family and he was a famous advocate in Chennai at the time he got married to Amma. Amma and Ayya settled in Thiruvannamalai in search of self realization.

After coming to Thiruvannamalai, Amma got initiation from Isakki Swamigal and meditated 12 years living on milk and fruits only. Amma had darshan of many saints during Her penance. Amma attained many siddhis after severe penance such as the ability to live without food and sleep, ability to talk to departed souls, saints and inner mind of human beings etc. She got enlightened and was a guiding post to all Her devotees.

After She got enlightened, She became famous in Thiruvannamalai and She was popularly called as Iga Para Sowbhagyavathi (one who is fortunate in this world and heaven), Neruppil Kanindha Kani (one who has been ripened by fire of sadhana), Brahma Rishi (knower of Brahman, the Ultimate), Gnana Thai (Mother of Wisdom) and Sesha Nada Rupini (who is form of Sri Seshadhri Swamigal’s voice)

Many great saints such as Sri Satchidananda Swamigal, Bogar, Arunagiri Nathar etc had spoken through Amma.

Mahaan Sri Seshadhri Swamigal had attained maha samadhi in 1929. After this, Mahaan chose Unjalur Smt Kaveri Ammal and was talking through Her and then chose Bangalore Smt Parvatham Ammal and was talking through Her. But, in the case of Amma, God chose Her and asked Mahaan to communicate through Her.

Amma was verily the embodiment of Mahaan Sri Seshadhri Swamigal and was helping many of Her devotees to get rid of diseases, ailments, curses, bad karmas. Amma gave the following mantra to the world:

Om Sathguru Sri Seshadhri Swamigal Thiruvadikke

She developed Seshadhri Swamigal Ashram, increased free food offerings and homas for the benefit of the world.

Amma attained maha samadhi on 11 January 2004 (Magam star, 8 A.M Koodarvalli day, in the auspicious Tamil month Margazhi of Subhanu Tamil year). After several hours of attaining maha samadhi, Amma’s hands and legs were flexible and could be folded and seated. Her face was still fresh and glorious and body heat was like a living person. Her samadhi shrine is situated on the north direction of the samadhi of Sri Seshadhri Swamigal.

Even today, many devotees visit Her samadhi shrine to get the blessings of Amma.