India's "Hugging Saint"

Mata Amritanandamayi, also known as 'The Hugging Saint' embraces followers on July 10 in New York City. The Hindu spiritual leader and guru is on a 10-city U.S. tour, where she is expected to bless thousands of people individually at free public 'darshan' gatherings.

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Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Dev, known as 'Amma' (mother) hugs a visitor on the first day of her Melbourne retreat on April 12, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. The Hindu spiritual leader is known as the 'hugging saint' by her followers and is globally respected as a humanitraian. She will be conducting retreats and a series of free public programs during her Australian tour. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)
Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Dev, known as 'Amma' (mother) hugs a visitor on the first day of her Melbourne retreat on April 12, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. The Hindu spiritual leader is known as the 'hugging saint' by her followers and is globally respected as a humanitraian. She will be conducting retreats and a series of free public programs during her Australian tour. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)