Whether this is your very first time meeting Amma or you have been seeing her for many years, you may be interested in reading what to expect from Amma’s Devi Bhava program. We hope that these helpful bits of information make your evening an even more enjoyable one.

What is Devi Bhava?

Literally translated as “the mood of the Divine Mother,” Devi Bhava is a very special event that celebrates the feminine aspect of God, and God’s unconditional love and compassion for all humanity. It is a traditional, joyful celebration when Amma gives darshan as the Divine Mother in the manner symbolized by Hindu tradition.

Program Outline or Timings?

7:00 pm - Program begins

- Spiritual Talk given by Amma
- Brief Meditation
- Atma Puja
- Puja completed, re-seating begins

9:00 pm - Individual Blessings (Darshan begins)

A delicious vegetarian dinner will be served in the Best Western Dinning Hall for a nominal fee.

What is Atma Puja & Holy Water?

The evening commences with an Atma Puja, a ceremony to promote peace and well being for the whole world. It is a ceremony in honor of the Divine Self that dwells in all. The Atma Puja includes a spiritual talk by Amma, a powerful ceremony involving the chanting of the names of Devi (the Divine Mother), and the distribution of holy water blessed by Amma to all attendees.

The Atma Puja is a ceremony in which we honor the Divine within ourselves, as well as make an offering to God of the elements. Our body is composed of the following five elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth. Each element is represented in the Atma Puja by a particular offering (flowers, camphor, and more). When these items are offered, it is symbolic of the devotee’s surrender to the Lord. Water is one of these symbolic offerings.

Water blessed by Amma will be distributed to everyone in all rooms.
- Water that has been blessed by Amma has very special healing properties.
- You can drink it, put it on a place on your body that needs healing or add it to a larger body of purified water. You can also share with family and friends.

What happens after Atma Puja?

Amma will begin giving her darshan. If you are seated on the floor, kindly offer the space for darshan line preparations. Those of you with early tokens should stay in the hall and be prepared to get in line once you see your number on the flip chart. Please forgive us for any inconvenience this may cause.

What is Darshan & How do I receive Darshan?

Please visit this page to know about Darshan and how to get one.

Parking?

There is ample parking at both the Best Western Hotel and the Trade Center. We do ask that you do not park directly in front of the Trade Center Entrance. This is area is for drop off and pick up as well as for emergency vehicles.

Mantra?

A mantra is a sacred verbal formula repeated in prayer or mediation. The chanting of mantras helps to open the heart and creates an uplifting meditative atmosphere for inner communion and one-pointedness of mind.

During Devi Bhava Darshan, it is possible to receive a mantra from Amma. The opportunity to receive a mantra from a Self-Realized Master is a rare blessing that can be of tremendous benefit in our spiritual life. Information about receiving a mantra will be distributed in the Darshan line.

Appropriate Attire for the Event?

Out of respect for the Indian culture, we recommend modest dress. For examples, tank tops, shorts (for men or women), tight leggings or clothing and short skirts are not recommended.

Some venues are air-conditioned and some have concrete floors. Since you may not be wearing shoes, you may want to bring a pair of socks for your feet and a pullover, shawl or sweater if you tend to get cold easily.

Do I have to remove my shoes?

Traditionally, in many Eastern cultures, shoes are removed before entering holy places as a symbol of respect. When you enter the darshan hall, there will be a shoe rack to place your shoes if you would like to remove them. While you may wear your shoes in the hall, everyone is asked to remove their shoes when entering the darshan line to receive their hug. If you have medical needs, you may speak to a greeter.

Hall Lockout?

The event site will be locked at 4:00 am - no admittance or re-admittance.

How does Devi Bhava end?

Following Atma puja, Amma offers her darshan to everyone present, typically into the early hours of the morning! Once everyone has been received, Amma blesses all participants by showering flower petals on those gathered in a poignant conclusion to the program.

Important Considerations

Out of consideration for Amma and fellow program attendees, you are kindly asked to read and respect the following requests.

No photography, video cameras, or tape-recording is permitted in the hall; this includes cell phone cameras. An exception is granted, with permission, to working, credentialed press or cinematographers, upon prior arrangement. Photos of Amma are available in The Amma Shop for purchase.

Parents of young children please be mindful of your childrens’ behavior, especially during meditations. We offer a Youth Program. Please see a host greeter for more information.

No pets of any kind are permitted inside the program hall except for service dogs.

No alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs are permitted in the hall or on the premises.

Please respect the program hall as a meditation space by speaking softly, and be mindful of those individuals who are trying to focus their attention within.

We thank you in advance for helping us maintain a pure and peaceful environment in the hall and on the premises during this program.