To receive Amma’s embrace, one must first come to a place where she is offering darshan. This may be at her main ashram, Amritapuri in Kerala, where she gives hugs on specific days when present, or at one of her public programs held in various cities in India and abroad. Information about such programs and schedules is made available through her official channels, and those who wish to attend generally plan to arrive early, as the gatherings can be very large. The hug itself is understood as her primary form of blessing and spiritual transmission, open to people of all backgrounds without any special religious requirements.

Upon arriving at the venue, the usual procedure is to obtain a free darshan token or number from volunteers or a registration desk. These tokens are generally distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and determine the order in which people will be called to approach her. In some places, there may be separate arrangements for families, the elderly, or those with disabilities, but in all cases the process is guided by volunteers. Receiving a token allows one to join the queue, though the actual waiting time can extend for several hours, and the atmosphere during this period often includes devotional singing, quiet reflection, or simple waiting in silence.

When a particular group or number is called, volunteers direct people into a queue that leads toward Amma. Attendees are typically asked to remove their shoes and may be requested to leave bags or phones in a designated area, maintaining a respectful and quiet demeanor. As each person’s turn comes, they kneel, sit, or bend before her as instructed, and she draws them into a brief embrace. During this hug, she may whisper a mantra, blessing, or words of comfort, and then gently release the person so that the next seeker can come forward.

Throughout this process, a simple attitude of reverence and modesty is encouraged. Modest dress, a willingness to follow the guidance of volunteers, and a calm, devotional bearing help preserve the sanctity of the space for everyone present. The hug itself may last only a few seconds to a minute, yet many regard it as a profound spiritual encounter, received after patiently moving through the outer forms of tokens, queues, and instructions. In this way, the physical act of approaching, waiting, and finally entering Amma’s arms becomes, for many, a lived expression of seeking grace through humility and perseverance.