Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri's August 2026 Visit

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Amma's most senior disciple, arrived in Chicago as part of his 10-city 2026 North America tour, bringing Amma's teachings to life through inspirational discourses, soul-stirring bhajans, and more.

Swamiji has spent his life in the service of Amma. He is a spiritual luminary of our times; an acknowledged speaker on the world stage on topics ranging from sustainability and environmental consciousness to compassion, spirituality, and inner growth. Swamiji is also an author, accomplished singer and composer, and above all, a shining example of living a life surrendered to one's spiritual master. Swamiji was joined by MA Center North America Director, Swami Dayamritananda Puri, MA Center Chicago Director Swamini Ambikamrita Prana, and MA Center DC Director Brahmachari Ramanandamrita Chaitanya.

Swamiji's Chicagoland visit began with an all-day youth program on Friday, August 7th at MA Center Chicago, organized by AYUDH, an international youth movement dedicated to empowering young people to contribute to a peaceful and sustainable world and become compassionate leaders with a sense of tolerance, solidarity, and global responsibility. The program brought together AYUDH members from all over the country and included numerous activities including making dog toys for a local animal shelter and a nature walk on the beautiful 142-acre MA Center Chicago campus. Swamiji also led the youth in bhajans and meditation, and he held Q&A sessions for them.

The theme for weekend retreat on Saturday and Sunday, August 8th and 9th was 'Across Waves to Wonders - Karma and the Hanuman Within'. In addition to spiritual talks, the retreat included devotional music, meditation, a Q&A session with Swamiji, cultural events, and games. The retreat also featured an Amrita Yoga session, bonding time with Swamiji, and an auspicious Vedic fire ceremony conducted by Brahmachari Ramanandamrita Chaitanya. The final day of the program included a Samudra Manthana (the churning of the ocean of milk) play by MA Center Chicago youths, featuring cameos by Swami Dayamritananda Puri and Swamini Ambikramrita.

Samudra Manthana (the churning of the ocean of milk)

On display at the program were several stalls showcasing MA Center Chicago activities, including environmental efforts, farming, and hand-crafted wellness products. Representatives of Embracing the World and the Amrita Institute of Advanced Research (AIAR) also showcased the impact they are making in service of Amma's causes around the world.

On Saturday evening, Swamiji conducted a free public program with guests including Consul for Press, Information, Culture, and Student Affairs at the Consulate General of India in Chicago, Sanjeev Pal, the Mayor of the Village of Elburn and congressional candidate, Jeffrey D. Walter, and his wife, Carrie Walter, as well as leading Chicago industrialist Niranjan Shah. Other distinguished guests at the function included representatives from the business community, local community, religious leaders, and leading artists from the Chicagoland area. Mayor Walter proclaimed August 8, 2026, as Amma Day in the Village of Elburn and extended his deepest gratitude to Amma for her enduring inspiration and to Swamiji for visiting Elburn and honoring them with his presence, handing Swamiji the keys to the Village in a gesture of welcome and trust.