In Los Angeles this week, thousands of devotees have billowed through a windowless conference room at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport to see her. Mostly, they have one goal: During the guru’s annual sojourn to Southern California they hope to disappear for a short while into her embrace.

“She represents the third wave of Indian gurus to come to this country and establish themselves,” said Karen Pechilis, a professor of Asian religions at Drew University in New Jersey.

It is estimated that this holy woman has given more than 26 million hugs in this role since she was a teen.

in Sanskrit, gu means darkness, and ru means light; a guru is someone who transforms ignorance into enlightenment. Sounds wonderful in theory — who wouldn’t want to associate with such a person? But you have to do more than just be in the guru’s general vicinity; the relationship is very much that of teacher-student. That makes some adult Westerners nervous — we’re leery of giving anyone parental power over our lives.

The American media have dubbed her the "hugging saint." This 53 year-old south Indian woman named "Amma" - the word means "mother" in Sanskrit - is actually a religious guru known for the hugs she gives those who seek an audience with her. She is reported to have millions of devoted followers in her native India. But she has a following as well in the United States, where tens of thousands of Americans already sold on the healing power of yoga and meditation, have lined up to see and experience Amma on her annual North American tours.

New Delhi, 22 August (Asiantribune.com): Sudhamani, 51, known as Mata Amritanandamayi (mother of immortal bliss)' for millions at home and abroad, came under an attack at her South Indian Ashram. She was unhurt.

A Hindu religious leader known for travelling the world and hugging people has pledged one billion rupees ($28 million) to help those facing the aftermath of southern Asia's devastating earthquake and tsunamis.

Mata Amritanadamayi Devi, popularly known as Amma, is all set to start her own television channel.

Crowd drawn to Amma's open arms at Manhattan Center

Thousands of devotees are flocking to Cochin in southern India for spiritual fulfilment in the arms of India's "hugging saint".

Amritavarsham-50, the mega four-day celebrations commemorating the 50th birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi, got off to a spectacular start here today.

More than half a million people from 191 countries will participate in Mata Amritanandamayi's 50th birthday celebrations, which begin in Kochi on Wednesday.

COCHIN, India (AP) - California businessman Stephen Parr has traveled a long way for a hug.