Santhigiri

Santhigiri Ashram is located in Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala. The ashram was founded by Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru and is recognized as a "Social and Scientific Research Organization" by the Government of India.
The followers of Karunakara Guru have built a monument called Parnasala in the shape of a blooming lotus in white Makrana marble in the Ashram compound. This structure required ten years for completion. It was inaugurated by the President of India Pratibha Devi Patil on 13 August 2010 and was opened for prayers and worship on 12 September 2010 .
Vision.
Santhigiri Ashram works towards fulfilling Navajyothi Sri Karunakara Guru's vision of a revitalized life involving spiritual, social, economic and cultural elements.
Activities.
Offering free food.
One of Guru's objectives was to feed the poor and to this effect the ashram offers an "Annadanam" or "gift of food", at their various centers, to all the visitors as well as inmates.
Healthcare.
"Athurasevanam" or "care of the ailing" is a supporting function to the Guru's vision. The ashram performs this function through a chain of Ayurveda and Siddha research centers, hospitals, onsite and offsite health care programs and camps and social research.
Athmabodhanam.
Part of the Guru's vision for the ashram is "Athmabodhanam" or "spiritual awakening". The awakening is at two levels - rational and transcendental; the former focuses on elimination of ignorance while the latter focuses on knowledge of reality.
Economic development.
As part of the vision of a revitalized life, the ashram focuses on economic development, with an emphasis on trade skills and support for women and cottage industry programs.