Amma, Known As The Hugging Saint, Embraces New York City

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The woman known as "the hugging saint" is embracing New York City.

Mata Amritanandamayi, or Amma as she is lovingly called by her devotees, brought her message of compassion, service and unconditional love to New Yorkers this holiday weekend.

On Monday, the Manhattan Center at West 34th Street was packed with people wanting a healing hug from the woman who is described as a humanitarian and living saint from India.

1010 WINS' Kathleen Maloney reports: Thousands Wait In Line To Hug Amma

"I just heard that after hugging her, it's created a lot of miracles for people and that's what I'm hoping to have," said one woman waiting in line to hug Amma.

Amma is Hindu, but she appeals to people of all faiths and has millions of followers around the world. She began hugging when she was a young girl in India and now has given out more than 30 million in the past 35 years.
 
Amma is currently on a two month tour of the United States. For more information about Amma, visit www.amma.org.