At Ramanasramam, the giving of food has long been a part of daily life. This first started in about 1917, when Ramana’s mother, Alagammal, joined Ramana to live at Virupaksha cave. Once she joined Ramana, she started a kitchen, and daily cooking became a part of ashram life. Whatever food was prepared was shared by all, equally. Giving of food is very significant for Hindus. This food-giving is called “annandanam.” Here is a bit on the significance of giving food,