Individual Blessings

What is the waiting time to get Individual Blessings?

The waiting depends on a variety of factors including Amma’s arrival and the number of people waiting before it is your turn to get your Individual Blessings. Amma begins by performing an abhishek (or bathing of the auspicious Sri Chakra with milk, yogurt and honey) which can last from 30-45 minutes. After this abhishek, Amma will begin to bless all Her children individually. It is up to Amma on how much time she deems necessary for each individual. Thus individuals/families may need more time than others. This is solely at the discretion of Amma. We advise individuals to plan accordingly and leave ample time to receive Amma’s blessings. She is only here once every year and it is truly heartbreaking to miss this wonderful opportunity to be with Her due to another commitment.

You will be given a card as you enter the hall and each card is numbered. These numbers indicate how many people are in front of you. We advise individuals to not step out of the hall as you get closer but advise you to keep your card should you have to step out of the hall for any reason.

May I request Blessings for a friend or family member who will not be in attendance with me?

Yes, you are more than welcome to request Blessings for someone who could not attend.

What should I put on my Blessing Card?

Your Blessing Card is only the size of a note card. Therefore you are limited to what you can write. You are at liberty to write about anything you wish to be blessed by Amma. For example, good health, success in future endeavors, money to sustain the developing problems, any other problems in family, personal, work, or social networks, etc. are all valid requests that can be made by individuals.

You are, however, not allowed to ask Amma to wish someone ill or hope they meet an ill end because of their actions. We are all Amma’s children and she is here to shine her divine radiance upon us all. Therefore, we request that individuals refrain from making such requests. In addition, please prohibit any use of violent or abusive language. Writing utensils will be provided at the event so you do not need to worry about bringing one with you.

Are there any guidelines that I should be aware of when getting my Individual Blessings?

1. Typically we keep a cycle of moving people forward and guiding them toward Amma. We have ushers who will take you from your seat to Amma where you will walk alone towards her. During your blessings you can bring any item like spiritual mala (beads), photographs of family members, books, etc. for Amma to personally bless. As you reach closer to Amma an usher will stand next to you and hold a tray in which you can put your items that you want to be blessed. Amma will bless those items and you will receive your blessing.

2. You are to stand as close to Amma as possible because she is sitting high on a podium. Please close your eyes when asked to do so and keep them closed until allowed.

3. Try not to wear any revealing attire. If you do so, then you will be asked to wear a shawl that will cover your body.

4. When you have finished receiving your blessings and walk away from Amma, we advise you not to walk away with your back towards Her. As you leave, your belongings will be returned to you and you will also received the sacred milk from the abhishek conducted earlier. The abhishek is yours to drink as it is full of Amma’s grace and blessings as well as the positive energies from the Sri Chakra itself.

5. As you are waiting for your blessings, we request that you not converse with individuals sitting next to you. It may hinder Amma’s concentration and is disrespectful towards Her.

I have an appointment to make and would like to request priority for Individual Blessings.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate anyone in this type of situation. If you know ahead of time that you have an appointment try to reschedule it or come earlier for the blessings. We understand that sometimes things come up therefore such cases may be evaluated on a individual basis. The only exception to this policy is for disabled individuals and those with rambunctious infants.