Monday, August 22 2005 09:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kollam: An attempt by a man to attack spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi at her Vallikavu Ashram near here was foiled by the ashram inmates last evening (August 21, 2005).

The inmates of the ashram prevented the man, armed with a knife, as he sought to climb up the podium where the Mata was conducting Bhajan, Mutt sources said.

Three inmates received minor injuries before they succeeded in overpowering the man about 10 feet away from the stage where the Amritanandmay was leading the Bhajan, they said.

The man was confronted by the ashram inmates when he almost reached near the ramp leading to the stage in the hall where a large number of devotees were participating in the Bhajan.

The man donned a white shawl under which he concealed a knife, which he took out and wielded at the inmates who prevented him from moving towards the podium.

He was later handed over to police to whom he disclosed his name as Pavithran from Venmani in Idukki district.

Despite the event the Bhajan went on as usual and the Amma was safe, Mutt sources said.

Swami Amrthaswarupa of the Mutt said he viewed the incident very seriously.

"The whole thing appeared mysterious. We view the incident seriously," he said.

After he was overpowered, the man was heard saying, "I failed in the purpose for which I came," Mutt sources said.

When the scuffle was going on, the Mata asked her devotees not to harm the person who had sought to enter the podium, the sources said.

There was a big turn out of devotees to participate in the Bhajan and hear the discourse given by Amritanandanmayi, known among her devotees as 'Amma' (Mother).