New Delhi, India - An unidentified man was arrested in southern India after he tried to stab one of the country's top spiritual leaders, known as the "hugging saint", her Web site and police said on Monday.
Mata Amritanandamayi, a Hindu holy woman who hugs her devotees to bless them, was unhurt after her followers stopped the attacker who rushed towards the stage with a knife hidden under a shawl as she led prayers late on Sunday, they said.
The incident took place in Kollam district in Kerala state, where Mata Amritanandamayi's group is headquartered. Two followers suffered minor knife injuries.
"Amma (mother) is unharmed. Stranger with a hidden knife rushes to the stage during Amma's bhajans," the Web site said referring to hymns sung during evening prayers.
"Devotees overpowered him and have handed him over to the police," it said.
Police in Kollam said the middle-aged attacker was being questioned and they were yet to determine the motive for the incident.
The Indian Express newspaper said the attacker was a follower of the holy woman who had been expelled from the group recently.
Mata Amritanandamayi, 51, who dresses in her trademark white saree and wears a large diamond stud on her nose, has tens of thousands of Indian and foreign followers and is considered a world-renowned spiritual leader.
Her charities run schools and hospitals around the country and people flock to her to be hugged and blessed.