Our Story
Who We Are
Who We Are
Ramanalayam is an Ashram in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, dedicated to Shri Ramana Bhagavan of Thiruvannamalai. Inaugurated in 17th of April 2019, it is a spiritual sanctuary where devotees gather in devotion and meditation, reflecting on the teachings of Ramana Maharshi. Daily Poojas and Parayanam, monthly spiritual gatherings, and quarterly retreats keep the flame of sadhana alive here.
Arunachala calls within
Ramanalayam — a spiritual sanctuary in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, dedicated to Shri Ramana Bhagavan of Thiruvannamalai.
Mission
To offer the direct path.
Ramanalayam serves people affected by poverty and marginalisation by promoting spiritual, social, physical, and mental wellbeing through the teachings of Ramana Maharshi. We empower senior and vulnerable citizens through welfare, skill-building, and advocacy; nurture life and leadership skills in youth and children of marginalized communities; and unite spiritual bodies across faiths to build lasting, sustainable futures for those most in need..
Vision
A world that remembers itself.
A compassionate spiritual home where the timeless teachings of Ramana Maharshi guide the upliftment of seniors, vulnerable citizens, and seekers of all faiths toward a life of dignity, peace, and inner wellbeing.
About — Timeline title
Milestones of the Ashram.
About — Timeline title
Timeline
1879 — Birth of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi in Tirucchi, Tamil Nadu.
1896 — Bhagavan's Self-realisation at Arunachala; the beginning of his silence.
1950 — Mahasamadhi of Sri Ramana Maharshi.
1958 — Foundation of Ramanalayam in Jaffna, in a modest house on Ramanar Road.
1968 — Inauguration of the present main shrine, built with offerings from devotees.
1981 — Opening of the Ashram Library, with texts in Tamil, Sanskrit, English and Sinhala.
1996 — Beginning of the free Annadanam programme — daily meals for all visitors.
2010 — Launch of the online sangha, with audio and video freely shared.
2020 — Online retreats begin during the pandemic, reaching seekers in 60+ countries.
2026 — Multilingual website re-launched — Tamil, English and Sinhala.
Values
What we hold quietly.
Compassion in Action-
From free eye clinics to senior citizen welfare, we serve with love - not just words.
Stillness Through Yoga-
We nurture inner peace through daily yoga practice, workshops, and residential retreats open to all.
Wisdom for the Young-
We teach children the Teachings of Ramana Maharshi's timeless values — truthfulness, family, community, and self-respect — through Tamil value education classes.
Reverence for Bhagavan-
Every activity is rooted in the life and teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, honoured through daily pooja and our annual spiritual calendar.
Open to All Seekers-
Our camps, retreats, and celebrations welcome devotees and seekers of every faith and background.
Service to Seniors & the Vulnerable-
We stand with Sri Lanka's elderly and marginalised communities, offering welfare, dignity, and advocacy.Silence — We honour silence as the highest teaching. Speech, when it occurs, is offered with care.
Simplicity - The Ashram lives simply. We do not seek to grow large, but to be true.
Service - Service is a form of worship. Every task, however small, is offered to the Self.
Openness - All who come in sincerity are welcome. There are no barriers of caste, language or nation.
Non-commercial - All teachings are offered freely. The Ashram is supported entirely by donations.
Devotion - The path is lived with devotion — surrender, love, and steady remembrance.
Trust & Management
Those who serve the Ashram.
Ramanalayam is governed by a small board of trustees who oversee the shrine, the annadanam programme, the children's classes, and the financial accounts. The trustees meet quarterly and publish a brief summary of accounts each year.
Swami Nirgunananda
Resident Swami
Long-time devotee of Sri Ramana Maharshi, guiding the daily spiritual life of the Ashram.
Dr. V. Ramachandran
Chairman, Trust Board
Retired professor of philosophy; author of two commentaries on the teachings.
Smt. Lakshmi Subramaniam
Treasurer
Oversees the Ashram's accounts with care and full transparency.
Sri. K. Sivalingam
Trustee
Temple architect; led the restoration of the main shrine in 2014.
Smt. Nirmala Senanayake
Trustee
Heads the Annadanam programme; coordinates the volunteer kitchen.
Sri. M. Thiruchelvam
Trustee
Leads the children's classes and the Ashram's outreach to schools.