Amma, also known as Mata Amritanandamayi, is a spiritual leader and humanitarian known for her unique way of spreading love and compassion through her hugs. Her hugging tradition, also known as the "Amma hug," has become a signature aspect of her teachings and has touched the lives of millions of people around the world.

The tradition of Amma's hugs began in the early 1970s when she was just a young girl living in a small fishing village in Kerala, India. Amma had a natural inclination towards helping others and would often spend her days caring for the sick and elderly in her village. She would also offer comfort and solace to those who were suffering emotionally.

As Amma's reputation for her compassionate nature grew, people from neighboring villages and towns started coming to her for comfort and guidance. They would often seek her out for a hug, as they found solace and healing in her embrace. Amma's hugs were not just a physical gesture, but a way of connecting with others on a deeper level and offering them unconditional love and acceptance.

As Amma's following grew, so did the demand for her hugs. She would often spend hours hugging each and every person who came to her, sometimes even staying up all night to ensure that everyone received a hug. Her hugs became a symbol of her selfless service and unconditional love for all beings.

In the 1980s, Amma's devotees started organizing programs and gatherings where people could come and receive her hugs. These programs, known as "Darshan," became immensely popular and attracted thousands of people from all over the world. Amma's hugs became a powerful tool for healing and transformation, and her followers started calling her the "Hugging Saint."

Today, Amma's hugs are an integral part of her teachings, and she continues to embrace and comfort people from all walks of life. Her hugs are not just a physical gesture, but a reminder of the power of love and compassion to heal and transform our lives. Amma's hugging tradition is a testament to her unwavering dedication to serving others and spreading love and kindness in the world.