Your host at Anbu Ramana Guesthouse & UMAN Retreat is Ashok Kumar. Born and raised in Tiruvannamalai, Ashok has a natural ease and familiarity with this sacred town and its spiritual rhythms. He comes from a family lineage in which ancient Tamil wisdom has been passed down through generations, and this lived knowledge quietly informs the way he hosts, cooks, and guides.

​

Ashok holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering, a master’s degree in VLSI Design and a post graduate diploma in guidance and counselling. After several years in the corporate IT world, he chose to step away from his career as a software engineer to dedicate his life to teaching ancient wisdom and offering personal guidance.

​

He welcomes guests with genuine care and attentiveness. Alongside hosting the guesthouse, he lovingly prepares traditional organic meals, often described by guests as both nourishing and deeply comforting. He also facilitates retreats and offers his presence as an intuitive, empathetic counselor, healer, and spiritual guide — creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and at home.