Editing Sathya Sai Baba

{{Short description|Indian spiritual guru (1926–2011)}}
{{Redirect|Sathyanarayana Raju}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{promotional|date=January 2025}}
{{Copy edit|date=February 2025}}
}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox Hindu leader
| name               = Sathya Sai Baba
| image              = Sri_Sathya_Sai_Baba_at_Brindavan_Ashram.jpg
| alt                = Sathya Sai Baba
| caption            = 
| religion           = [[Hinduism]]
| sect               = none
| birth_date         = {{Birth date|1926|11|23|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Puttaparthi]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British Raj|British India]] (present-day [[Andhra Pradesh]], India)
| institute          = {{Plainlist|
* [[Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust]]
* [[Sri Sathya Sai International Organization]]
}}
| death_date         = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2011|4|24|1926|11|23}}
| death_place        = Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, India
| birth_name         = Ratnakaram Sathyanarayana Raju
| founder            = Sri Sathya Sai International Organization<br/>
Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
| guru               = <!-- The teacher (if any) -->
| philosophy         = Love All, Serve All.
Help Ever, Hurt Never.
| nationality        = Indian<!-- [[MOS:OVERLINK]] -->
| signature          = Sathya_Sai_Baba_Signature_1.jpg}}
{{Hinduism small}}

'''Sathya Sai Baba''' (born '''Ratnakaram Sathyanarayana Raju'''; 23 November 1926{{spaced ndash}}24 April 2011<ref name="BBC obit">{{Cite news |publisher=BBC News |title=Obituary: Indian guru Sai Baba |date=24 April 2011 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13153536 |quote=Satya Sai Baba was born Sathyanarayana Raju on 23 November 1926}}</ref>) was an Indian [[Godman (India)|godman]], [[guru]] and philanthropist.<ref name="babb83">{{Cite journal|last1=Babb|first1=Lawrence A.|title=Sathya Sai Baba's Magic|journal=Anthropological Quarterly|date=1983|volume=56|issue=3|pages=116–124|doi=10.2307/3317305|jstor=3317305}}</ref><ref name="das15">{{Cite journal|last1=Das|first1=M. K.|title=Televising religion: A study of Sathya Sai Baba's funeral broadcast in Gangtok, India|journal=Anthropological Notebooks|date=2015|volume=21|issue=3|pages=83–104|url=http://www.drustvo-antropologov.si/AN/PDF/2015_3/Anthropological_Notebooks_XXI_3_Kumar%20Das.pdf}}</ref> At the age of 14, he claimed to be the [[reincarnation]] of [[Sai Baba of Shirdi|Shirdi Sai Baba]]<ref name="RichardWeiss">{{Cite journal|last1=Weiss|first1=Richard|date=December 2005|title=The Global Guru: Sai Baba and the Miracle of the Modern T|url=http://www.nzasia.org.nz/downloads/NZJAS-Dec05/7_2_2.pdf|journal=New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies|volume=7|issue=2|pages=5–19|access-date=5 January 2010|archive-date=18 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718121924/http://www.nzasia.org.nz/downloads/NZJAS-Dec05/7_2_2.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="kent" /> and left his home saying "my devotees are calling me, I have my work".<ref name="sailovepeace">{{Cite news | title =Love, peace divinity| newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]] | date = 30 April 2011 | url=https://www.deccanherald.com/features/love-peace-divinity-2411547|access-date = 30 April 2011}}</ref><ref name="Singleton, Mark| Goldberg, Ellen">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GSpnAQAAQBAJ&q=sai+baba+god+incarnate+academic+studies&pg=PT208|title=Gurus of Modern Yoga|isbn=978-0199374953|last1=Singleton|first1=Mark|last2=Goldberg|first2=Ellen|year=2013|publisher=Oxford University Press }}</ref><ref name="BabbLawrence">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B8bMjUt6AqIC|title=Redemptive Encounters: Three Modern Styles in the Hindu Tradition|last=Babb|first=Lawrence A.|publisher=[[University of California Press]]|year=1991|isbn=978-0520076365|page=164}}</ref>

Sathya Sai Baba's followers have attributed to him a range of miraculous abilities, including the [[Materialization (paranormal)|materialisation]] of ''[[Vibhuti]]'' (holy ash) and other small objects such as rings, necklaces, and watches. He was also believed to have performed spontaneous healings, [[resurrection]]s, and exhibited [[Clairvoyance|clairvoyant abilities]]. Additionally, claims were made regarding his ability to be in multiple places simultaneously ([[bilocation]]), as well as his [[omnipresence]], [[omnipotence]], and [[omniscience]].<ref name="time.com">{{Cite magazine |url=https://time.com/archive/6595641/sathya-sai-baba-the-man-who-was-god-is-dead/ |title=Sathya Sai Baba: The Man Who Was God Is Dead |last=Thottam |first=Jyoti |date=26 April 2011 |access-date=27 May 2024 |magazine=Time}}</ref><ref name="CNNSingh">{{Cite news |author=Harmeet Shah Singh |date=24 April 2011 |title=Indian spiritual guru dies at 85 |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/24/india.spiritual.guru.death/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427063241/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/24/india.spiritual.guru.death/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 April 2011 |access-date=7 December 2020 |newspaper=CNN |orig-year=Sunday (Easter Day)}}</ref>

Sathya Sai Baba's devotees include members of all religions. In 1972, Sathya Sai Baba founded the [[Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=SSSCT - Home |url=https://www.srisathyasai.org/pages/index.html |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=www.srisathyasai.org}}</ref> Through this organization, Sathya Sai Baba established a network of free, general,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Sathya Sai General Hospital, Prasanthi Nilayam |url=https://www.sssgh.org/ |access-date=9 December 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Hospital#Specialized|superspeciality hospitals]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences |url=https://sssihms.org/ |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram |url=https://prasanthigram.sssihms.org/ |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Prasanthigram |language=en-US}}</ref> medical clinics,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sssmh |url=https://www.sssmh.org.in/ |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=www.sssmh.org.in}}</ref> drinking water projects,<ref>{{Cite web |title=SSSCT - Anantapur Project |url=https://www.srisathyasai.org/pages/sai-anantapur.html |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=www.srisathyasai.org}}</ref> educational institutions,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) |url=https://www.sssihl.edu.in/ |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[ashram]]s, and auditoriums.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini |url=https://learning.srisathyasaividyavahini.org/ |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=learning.srisathyasaividyavahini.org}}</ref><ref name=funeral>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13204914|title=Thousands flock to funeral of India guru Satya Sai Baba|publisher=BBC News|date=27 April 2011}}</ref><ref name=deccanheraldlegacy>{{Cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/156315/sai-babas-legacy.html|title=Sai Baba's legacy|work=Deccan Herald|date=24 April 2011}}</ref><ref name="toigovernments">{{Cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sai-Baba-did-everything-govt-could-not/articleshow/8076153.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001140943/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-25/india/29470992_1_sathya-sai-baba-whitefield-ashram-god | url-status=live | archive-date=1 October 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title='Sai Baba did everything govt could not'}}</ref>

Sathya Sai Baba faced numerous accusations over the years which include [[sleight of hand]], [[sexual abuse]], [[money laundering]], [[fraud]], and [[murder]]. However, he was never charged with any offence,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Sathya Sai Baba: Remembering the guru with a complicated legacy on his death anniversary |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/11th-death-anniversary-of-sathya-sai-baba-a-guru-with-a-complicated-legacy |access-date=2025-02-16 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> and his devotees strongly reject these accusations, considering them propaganda against their guru.<ref name="quack">{{Cite book |author=Johannes Quack |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=55wFpydSZ8oC&pg=PA120 |title=Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2012 |isbn=978-0199812608 |pages=120–}}</ref><ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">{{Cite news |last=Datta |first=Tanya |date=17 June 2004 |title=Sai Baba: God-man or con man? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/this_world/3813469.stm |access-date=7 December 2020 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="Palmer116">Palmer, Norris W. "Baba's World". In: {{Cite book |last1=Forsthoefel |first1=Thomas A. |title=Gurus in America |publisher=State University of New York Press |year=2005 |isbn=0791465748 |editor-last=Humes |editor-first=Cynthia Ann |place=Albany, NY|page=116|quote=Shri Satya Sai Baba is not without his critics. While a number of detractors see him as little more than a harmless fraud, duping naive masses by sleight of hand, others have leveled charges against him that are significantly more substantial—money laundering, fraudulent service projects, child molestation, and murder.}}</ref>

By virtue of his sizeable influence, many feel Sai Baba provides an example of "the phenomenon referred to as mahagurus; that is, gurus with a global reach."<ref name="mahaguru">{{Cite web
|url = https://muse.jhu.edu/chapter/116246|title = Gurus in America|publisher = [[State University of New York Press]]|date = 27 June 2005|access-date = 27 June 2005}}</ref> Citing the number of Sai Centres (over 2000 in 137 countries),<ref name="bbtsai">{{Cite news | title =Sathya Sai Baba Life and Legacy| newspaper=[[Barbados Today]] | date = 25 April 2023| url=https://barbadostoday.bb/2023/04/25/btcolumn-sathya-sai-baba-life-and-legacy/amp/|access-date = 25 April 2023}}</ref> the scope of service and charitable works (free hospitals, drinking water projects), social sphere and influence of devotees (royalty, celebrities, high ranking politicians along with a total number of devotees estimated to be from 6 to 100 million worldwide)  as well as being seen as a global "movement extending in some very surprising ways."<ref name="mahaguru"/>

== Biography ==

===Early life===

Sathyanarayana Raju was born on 23 November 1926 to Namagiriamma (Easwaramma) and Peddavenkama Raju Ratnakaram, to a [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-speaking [[Bhatraju]] family,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/a-phenomenon-called-sathya-sai-baba-132676-2011-04-25|title=A phenomenon called Sathya Sai Baba|last=Rao|first=A. Srinivasa|website=India Today|date=25 April 2011 |language=en|access-date=22 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6fHFLQDOEuYC&q=bhat+raju|title=Winged Faith: Rethinking Globalization and Religious Pluralism through the Sathya Sai Movement|last=Srinivas|first=Tulasi|year= 2010|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0231520522|pages=54|language=en}}</ref> a community of religious musicians and balladeers,<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/35458340.pdf|title=Sathya Sai Baba as Avatar: "His Story" and the History of an Idea|last=Spurr|first=Michael James|website=University of Canterbury}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GSpnAQAAQBAJ&q=Bhat+raju&pg=PT368|title=Gurus of Modern Yoga|last1=Singleton|first1=Mark|last2=Goldberg|first2=Ellen|year=2013|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0199374953|language=en}}</ref> in the village of [[Puttaparthi]] in [[Madras Presidency]] of [[British Raj|British India]] (present-day [[Andhra Pradesh]], India).<ref name="BabbLawrence" /><ref>Haraldsson, Erlendur, Miracles are my visiting cards – An investigative inquiry on Sathya Sai Baba, (1997 revised and updated edition published by Sai Towers, Prasanthi Nilayam, India), p. 55, {{ISBN|8186822321}}</ref><ref name="Eade">{{Cite book|year=2002|editor-last=Eade|editor-first=John|editor2-last=Mele|editor2-first=Christopher|title=Understanding the City|publisher=Wiley|language=en|doi=10.1002/9780470693582|isbn=978-0470693582}}</ref> His birth was purported by his mother Easwaramma to be of a [[Miraculous births|miraculous conception]].<ref name="RichardWeiss"/><ref name="BabbLawrence"/> He was the fourth among the five children of his parents.

Sathya Sai Baba's siblings included elder brother Ratnakaram Seshama Raju (1911–1985), elder sisters Venkamma (1918–1993) and Parvathamma (1920–1998), and younger brother Janakiramaiah (1931–2003).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-22/india/29463028_1_sathya-sai-baba-satyajit-trust-affairsnephew|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103170839/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-22/india/29463028_1_sathya-sai-baba-satyajit-trust-affairsnephew|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|title=Vaastu dosham at hospital he built, say Sai kin|date=25 April 2011}}</ref>

As a child, Sathya was described as "unusually intelligent" and charitable, though not necessarily academically inclined, as his interests were of a more spiritual nature.<ref name="BabbLawrence"/><ref name=Palmer99 /> He was uncommonly talented in devotional music, dance and drama.<ref name=Palmer99 /><ref name="kent">{{Cite book | last = Kent | first = Alexandra |title =Divinity and Diversity: A Hindu Revitalization Movement in Malaysia |publisher = Nordic Institute of Asian Studies | year = 2005  |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=26sVhUo_aM4C&pg=PA37 |pages = 37–39| isbn = 978-8791114403}}</ref> From a young age, he has been purported to have been capable of materializing objects such as food and sweets out of thin air.<ref name="AlexandraKent">{{Cite journal|last=Kent|first=Alexandra|date=1 January 2000|title=Creating Divine Unity: Chinese Recruitment in the Sathya Sai Baba Movement of Malaysia|journal=Journal of Contemporary Religion|volume=15|issue=1|pages=5–27|doi=10.1080/135379000112116|s2cid=143315480|issn=1353-7903}}</ref>

===Proclamation===
[[File:Sri Sathya Sai at 14.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Sathya Sai Baba at the age of 14, soon after proclaiming he was the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba]]
Almost everything known about Sathya Sai Baba's early life stems from the [[hagiography]] that grew around him; these were narratives that hold special meaning<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Sathya Sai Global Council {{!}} Prasanthi Nilayam |url=https://www.srisathyasaiglobalcouncil.org/ |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=Sri Sathya Sai Global Council |language=en}}</ref> to his devotees and are considered by them to be evidence of his divine nature.<ref name="BabbLawrence"/><ref name="UrbanHugh74" /><ref name="Palmer99">{{Cite book|url=https://muse.jhu.edu/book/4991|title=Gurus in America|last=Palmer|first=Norris W.|publisher=[[State University of New York Press]]|year=2005|isbn=978-0791465745|editor-last=A. Forsthoefel|editor-first=Thomas|place=Albany, NY|page=99|chapter=Baba’s World: A Global Guru and His Movement|editor-last2=Ann Humes|editor-first2=Cynthia|chapter-url=https://muse.jhu.edu/chapter/116246}}</ref>

According to these sources, on 8 March 1940, while living with his elder brother Seshama Raju in [[Uravakonda]] (a small town near [[Puttaparthi]]) 14-year-old Sathya was stung by a scorpion.<ref name="sailovepeace"/><ref name="AlexandraKent"/> He lost consciousness for several hours<ref name="kent"/> and in the next few days underwent a noticeable change in behavior. There were "symptoms of laughing and weeping, eloquence and silence." It is claimed that then "he began to sing [[Sanskrit]] verses, a language of which it is alleged he had no prior knowledge."<ref name="RichardWeiss"/> Doctors concluded his behavior to be [[hysteria]].<ref name="RichardWeiss"/> Concerned, his parents brought Sathya back home to [[Puttaparthi]] and took him to many priests, doctors and exorcists. One of the exorcists at [[Kadiri]], a town near Puttaparthi, went to the extent of torturing him with the aim of curing him. Having shaved Raju’s head, he cut three crosses on his skull, then poured acid into the wounds. At this point, his parents called a stop to it.<ref name="sailovepeace"/>

On 23 May 1940, Sathya called household members and reportedly materialized sugar candy (''[[prasad]])'' and flowers for them. His father became furious at seeing this, thinking his son was [[Spirit possession|bewitched]]. He took a stick and threatened to beat him if Sathya did not reveal who he really was, the young Sathya responded calmly and firmly "I am Sai Baba", a reference to [[Sai Baba of Shirdi]].<ref name="RichardWeiss"/><ref name="kent"/> This was the first time he proclaimed himself to be the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi{{snd}}a saint who became famous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in [[Maharashtra]] and had died eight years before Sathya was born.<ref name="RichardWeiss"/> It was then he came to be known as 'Sathya Sai Baba'.

Several months later Sai Baba, on 20 October 1940, told his parents that he had "come to this world with a mission to re-establish the principle of Righteousness ([[Dharma]]), to motivate love for God and service to fellow man."<ref name="saimission">{{Cite news|title =SRI SATHYA SAI AVATAR AND HIS MISSION| newspaper=[[Indian News]]| date = 10 November 2023| url=https://indiannews.nz/2023/11/10/sri-sathya-sai-avatar-and-his-mission/|access-date = 10 November 2023}}</ref> Further elaborating in a letter (dated 25 May 1947) to his older brother Seshma, he stated "I have a task to foster all mankind and ensure for all of them lives full of bliss. I have a vow to lead all who stray away from the straight path, again into goodness and save them... to remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack."<ref name="saimission"/> Personally stating, "I do not belong to any place. I am not attached to any name. I have no ‘mine’ or ‘thine’."<ref name="bbtsai"/>

===First mandir and development of Puttaparthi===
[[File:PrashantiNilayam1.jpg|right|thumb|Puttaparthi, A.P.]]
In 1944, a [[mandir]] for Sai Baba's devotees was built near the village of [[Puttaparthi]]. It is now referred to as the "old mandir".<ref name="bowen">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fJwQAAAACAAJ|title=The Sathya Sai Baba Community in Bradford: Its Origin and Development, Religious Beliefs and Practices|last=Bowen|first=David|date=1988|publisher=Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Leeds|isbn=978-1871363029|language=en}}</ref> The construction of [[Prasanthi Nilayam]], the current ashram, began in 1948 and was completed in 1950.<ref name="BabbLawrence"/><ref name="bowen"/> In 1954, Sai Baba established a small free general hospital in the village of Puttaparthi.<ref name="TheHinduNewspaper">{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/features/saibaba/stories/2005112300270300.htm |title=Sri Sathya Sai 80th year of Advent |newspaper=The Hindu |date=23 November 2005|access-date=10 January 2010|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> He won fame for his reputed mystical powers and ability to heal.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/apr/24/sri-sathya-sai-baba-dies|title=Sai Baba, spiritual guru to millions, dies at 85|author=Jason Burke|newspaper=the Guardian|date=24 April 2011}}</ref> In 1957, Sai Baba went on a tour of North India, visiting temples in Delhi, Srinagar, Kashmir and Rishikesh.<ref name="Eade"/>

===Stroke, prediction of reincarnation and sole foreign tour===

In 1963, it was asserted that Sai Baba suffered a stroke and four severe heart attacks, which left him paralysed on one side. These events culminated in an event where he apparently healed himself in front of the thousands of people gathered in Prashanthi Nilayam who were then praying for his recovery.<ref name="BabbLawrence"/>

On recovering, Sai Baba stated, "I am Shiva-Sakthi, born in the [[gotra]] (lineage) of [[Bharadwaja]], according to a boon won by that sage from [[Shiva|Siva]] and [[Shakti|Sakthi]]. Siva was born in the gotra of that sage as Sai Baba of Shirdi; Shiva and Sakthi have incarnated as Myself in his gotra now; Sakthi alone will incarnate as the third Sai (Prema Sai Baba) in the same gotra in [[Mandya]] district of Karnataka State."<ref name="BabbLawrence"/> He stated he would be born again eight years after his death at the age of 96, but died at the age of 84.<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13180011 | publisher=BBC News | title=Satya Sai Baba, Indian guru, dies at 84 | date=24 April 2011}}</ref>

On 29 June 1968 Sai Baba began his only overseas trip to [[Kenya]] and [[Uganda]], returning to India on 15 July 1968.

===Later years===

In 1968, he established Dharmakshetra or the Sathyam Mandir in [[Mumbai]]. In 1973, he established the Shivam Mandir in [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]].

He inaugurated the Sundaram, a new ashram and temple in [[Chennai]] on 19 January 1981.

On 6 June 1993 there was an [[1993 murders in Prashanthi Nilayam|assassination attempt on Sai Baba's life]]. While reports vary, the official narrative is that four men (devotees) entered Sai Baba's residence under the premise of wanting to give him a telegram. When their path was obstructed, they stabbed two of the Baba's assistants to death, injuring two others.<ref name="saiescape">{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/indiascope/story/19930630-satya-sai-baba-escapes-attack-811237-1993-06-29 |title=Sathya Sai Baba escapes attack|date=29 June 1993|last=Rai|first=S |work=[[India Today]]}}</ref> Hearing the commotion Sai Baba sounded the alarm and police were dispatched to his residence. Upon arriving, the police report stated the four youths had locked themselves in Sai Baba's living room and the officers tried to break the door down. "The four were shot when they opened the door and attacked the police."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/who-is-sri-sathya-sai-baba-101102|title=Who is Sri Sathya Sai Baba?|agency=Press Trust of India|date=24 April 2011|publisher=[[NDTV]]|access-date=25 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/religion-obituaries/8471342/Sathya-Sai-Baba.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/religion-obituaries/8471342/Sathya-Sai-Baba.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Religion Obituaries; Satya Sai Baba |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=24 April 2011 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Sai Baba remained unharmed during the incident,<ref name="saiescape"/> and later in a discourse cleared things up saying there was no bid on his life.<ref name="saidna"/> Many aspects of the event remain unsolved and ambiguous.<ref name="saidna">{{Cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_sathya-sai-baba-escaped-murder-attempt_1535839 |title=Sathya Sai Baba escaped murder attempt|date=25 April 2011|last=Madhusoodan|first=M K |work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]}}</ref><ref name="saimystery">{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19930715-sai-baba-assassination-attempt-by-disciples-remains-mystery-811306-1993-07-14 |title=Sai Baba assassination attempt by disciples remains mystery|date=14 July 1993|last=Rai|first=S |work=[[India Today]]}}</ref>

Another concern for Sai Baba's immediate safety arose on 17 January 2002 when an unknown man (later identified as Somasundaram) entered the Whitefield Ashram with an air pistol. He was apprehended by volunteers and handed over to police without incident.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sai-baba-escapes-murder-attempt-at-darshan/cid/905018|title=SAI BABA ESCAPES MURDER ATTEMPT AT DARSHAN |author=HABIB BEARY|date=17 January 2002|work=Telegraph India|access-date=17 January 2002}}</ref>

In March 1995, Sai Baba started a project to provide drinking water to 1.2&nbsp;million people in the drought-prone Rayalaseema region in the [[Anantapur district]] of [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/water-projects-cm-all-praise-for-satya-sai-trust/article27563258.ece|title=Water projects: CM all praise for Satya Sai Trust|author=Staff Reporter|date=13 February 2004|work=The Hindu|access-date=9 October 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In April 1999 he inaugurated the Ananda Nilayam Mandir in [[Madurai]], Tamil Nadu.

In 2001 he established another free super-speciality hospital in [[Bangalore]] to benefit the poor.<ref name="karnataka1"/>

===Old age, illness and death===

In 2003, Sai Baba suffered a fractured hip when a student standing on an iron stool slipped, and the boy and stool both fell on him. After the incident, he gave [[darshana]] from a car or his porte chair.<ref name="ibnlive.in.com82-2">{{Cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sai-baba-turns-82-is-still-going-strong/52860-3.html?from=search-relatedstories|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825055515/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sai-baba-turns-82-is-still-going-strong/52860-3.html?from=search-relatedstories|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 August 2010|title=Sai Baba turns 82, is still going strong|last=Balakrishnan|first=Deepa|date=23 November 2007|publisher=[[CNN-IBN]]|access-date=6 January 2010}}</ref> After 2004, Sai Baba used a wheelchair and slowly began to make fewer public appearances.

On 28 March 2011, Sai Baba was admitted to the Sri Sathya Sai Super Speciality Hospital in [[Puttaparthi]] after he complained of having giddiness and a slowing heartbeat.<ref name="nieaftersai"/><ref>{{Cite news| title = Sai Baba in stable condition: Hospital| newspaper = [[Hindustan Times]]| date = 5 April 2011| url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/Sai-Baba-in-stable-condition-Hospital/Article1-681433.aspx| access-date = 24 April 2011| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110509014742/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Sai-Baba-in-stable-condition-Hospital/Article1-681433.aspx| archive-date = 9 May 2011| df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title = Baba's health condition 'stable' | newspaper = [[The Times of India]] | date = 6 April 2011 | url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Babas-health-condition-stable/articleshow/7880002.cms | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121105042319/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-06/hyderabad/29388337_1_vital-parameters-condition-crrt | url-status = live | archive-date = 5 November 2012 | access-date = 24 April 2011}}</ref> Initially, his condition improved, and on 4 April, it was reported all his vital parameters were near normal.<ref name="tisaibe">{{Cite news| title =Sathya Sai Baba Better Still on Ventilator| newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 4 April 2011| url=
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/sathya-sai-baba-better-still-on-ventilator/articleshow/7859107.cms
|access-date = 4 April 2011}}</ref> However, over the course of the following weeks, multiple organ failures set in, and his condition progressively deteriorated. He died on Sunday, 24 April, at 7:40 IST, aged 84.<ref>{{Cite news | title = Spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba passes away | newspaper = [[The Times of India]] | date = 24 April 2011 | url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Spiritual-leader-Sathya-Sai-Baba-passes-away/articleshow/8070443.cms   | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120209205945/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-24/india/29468573_1_sai-baba-sathya-sai-central-trust-puttaparthi   | url-status = live   | archive-date = 9 February 2012 | access-date = 24 April 2011}}</ref>

Sai Baba had predicted that he would die at age 96 and would remain healthy until then.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Redemptive Encounters: Three Modern Styles in the Hindu Tradition|last=Babb|first=Lawrence A.|publisher=University of California Press|year=1991|isbn=978-0520076365|page=[https://archive.org/details/redemptiveencoun0000babb/page/166 166]|quote=His present incarnation, he says, ... He will die at the age of ninety-six, but his body will stay young until then.|url=https://archive.org/details/redemptiveencoun0000babb/page/166}}</ref> After he died, some devotees suggested that he was referring to [[lunar calendar|lunar years]], as counted by Telugu-speaking Hindus, rather than [[tropical year|solar years]]<ref>Mohammed Shafeeq. However it was soon clearly shown that the lunar reckoning does not work.  Post. Durban: 27 April 2011. pg. 4</ref> and using the [[hindu calendar|Indian way]] of [[Ageing#Cultural variations|accounting for age]], which counts the year to come as part of a person's life.<ref>Sri Philip M. Prasad, Malayalam Daily. Kerala, India: 25 April 2011. "What Baba has foretold was indeed correct. According to the Roman calendar he has completed 85 years. But one can note that generally in all of Baba's discourses Baba had been referring to the star (lunar) basis in calculations. In Indian astrology there are 27 stars in a month starting with Aswathy and ending with Revathy. Accordingly a year of 12 months is composed of 324 days. Sai Baba was born on 23 November 1926. From that day till his death day, 24 April 2011 there were a total of 33,899 days. If this is divided with 324, we get 95 years and 54 days. Accordingly, under the star basis of calculation he was in his 96th year having completed 54 days when he left his physical body."</ref> Other devotees have spoken of his anticipated [[resurrection]], [[reincarnation]], or [[wakefulness|awakening]].<ref>''The Hindustan Times'', New Delhi: 25 April 2011.</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Narayan |first1=Sreejith |title=Sai, Thy Kingdom Come | year = 2012| isbn = 978-1623148423 | url =http://www.saikingdom.com}}</ref>

===Funeral and mourning===

Sathya Sai Baba's body lay in state for two days and was [[Burial|buried]] with full state honors on 27 April 2011.<ref name="news9">News 9, 24 April 2011, 16:00 IST</ref> An estimated 500,000 people attended the burial. Political leaders and prominent figures attending included then Indian Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]], [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] president [[Sonia Gandhi]], Gujarat Chief Minister [[Narendra Modi]] (who later became Prime Minister of India), cricketer [[Sachin Tendulkar]] and [[Union Minister]]s [[S. M. Krishna]] and [[Ambika Soni]].<ref>{{Cite news | title =Sathya Sai Baba gets a tearful farewell at his Puttaparthi home | newspaper=[[India Today]] | date = 27 April 2011 | url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sathya-sai-baba-last-rites-in-puttaparthi/1/136399.html|access-date = 27 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2011/04/201142452416203714.html |title=Indian guru Sai Baba dies in hospital – Central & South Asia |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=24 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_sathya-sai-baba-buried-in-puttaparthi_1536633 |title=Sathya Sai Baba buried in Puttaparthi |publisher=DNA |date=27 April 2011 |access-date=27 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/final-farewell-to-sathya-sai-baba-today/150310-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430163330/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/final-farewell-to-sathya-sai-baba-today/150310-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 April 2011|title=Tearful farewell to Sathya Sai Baba |publisher=[[CNN-IBN]] |date=27 April 2011 |access-date=27 April 2011}}</ref>

Political leaders who offered their condolences included the then Indian prime minister, [[Manmohan Singh]],<ref name="news9"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mirchi9.com/news/2011/04/24/l-k-advani-reaction-on-sathya-sai-babas-death-tv9/|title=L.K.Advani Reaction on Sathya Sai Baba's Death :TV9 – Mirchi 9 – Telugu News &#124; Andhra News &#124; Hyderabad &#124; Andhra &#124; India &#124; Brain &#124; Studies &#124; University|publisher=Mirchi9.com|access-date=24 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323040616/http://www.mirchi9.com/news/2011/04/24/l-k-advani-reaction-on-sathya-sai-babas-death-tv9/|archive-date=23 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://70mmonline.com/WatchMovie.aspx?movieid=9086&movieName=L.K.Advani%20Reaction%20on%20Sathya%20Sai%20Baba's%20Death|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018100215/http://70mmonline.com/WatchMovie.aspx?movieid=9086&movieName=L.K.Advani%20Reaction%20on%20Sathya%20Sai%20Baba's%20Death|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 October 2011|title=L. K. Advani Reaction on Sathya Sai Baba's Death, TV9 – L. K. Advani Reaction on Sathya Sai Baba's Death at|publisher=70mmonline.com|access-date=24 April 2011}}</ref> then Nepali Prime Minister [[Jhala Nath Khanal]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2011 |title=Nepalese PM condoles Sathya Sai Baba's demise |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/nepalese-pm-condoles-sathya-sai-babarsquos-demise/article23047961.ece |access-date=4 October 2022 |website=www.thehindubusinessline.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 April 2011 |title=Nepalese PM condoles Sathya Sai Baba's demise |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/156421/nepalese-pm-condoles-sathya-sai.html |access-date=4 October 2022 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> and Sri Lankan President [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2011/04/26/world-has-lost-great-spiritual-leader-sri-lankan-president-mahinda-rajapaksa|title=World has lost a great spiritual leader – Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa|work=asiantribune.com}}</ref> The cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, whose birthday was that day, cancelled his birthday celebrations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cricketnext.in.com/news/sachin-mourns-sai-babas-death-on-his-bday/56827-13.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426031545/http://cricketnext.in.com/news/sachin-mourns-sai-babas-death-on-his-bday/56827-13.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 April 2011|title=Sachin mourns SaiBaba death on his b'day|date=24 April 2011|work=IBNLive}}</ref> ''[[The Hindu]]'' newspaper reported that "Sai Baba's phenomenal mass appeal lay in his unswerving commitment to communal harmony, his encouragement of charitable activity and public-spiritedness, and his own example in building educational and health care institutions that focused on meeting basic needs on a large scale."<ref>{{Cite news | title =Sai Baba, his life and legacy| newspaper=[[The Hindu]] | date = 26 April 2011 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/Sai-Baba-his-life-and-legacy/article14808978.ece|access-date = 2 April 2011}}</ref>
[[File:Sri Sathya Sai Baba Mahasamadhi at Sai Kulwant Hall.jpg|thumb|250x250px|Sri Sathya Sai Baba Mahasamadhi at Prasanthi Nilayam]]
Many spiritual figures expressed their sentiments at Sai Baba's death. [[Mata Amritanandamayi]] said, "Sri Sathya Sai Baba was the one who opened the path of love and compassion to millions of his devotees. Sathya Sai Baba’s life was his message."<ref>{{Cite news | title =Sai Baba's life was his message: Mata| newspaper=[[Indian Express]] | date = 25 April 2011 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/sai-babas-life-was-his-message-mata/|access-date = 25 April 2011}}</ref>

[[Ravi Shankar (spiritual leader)|Ravi Shankar]], founder of the [[Art of Living Foundation]], wrote that "Baba will continue to live in the hearts of millions of devotees ... his message of 'Satya Dharma Shanti Prema' which has transcended all barriers of [[caste]] and religion."<ref>{{Cite news | title =Sri Sri Ravi Shankar condoles the death of Sai Baba| newspaper=[[NDTV]] | date = 24 April 2011 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-condoles-the-death-of-sai-baba-453795|access-date = 24 April 2011}}</ref>

The [[14th Dalai Lama|Dalai Lama]] expressed shock over the death of Sathya Sai Baba.<ref>{{Cite news | title =Dalai Lama condoles Sai Baba's death| newspaper=[[Indian Express]] | date = 26 April 2011 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/dalai-lama-condoles-sai-baba-s-death/|access-date = 2 April 2011}}</ref> In a message he said, "I am saddened by the passing away of Sri Sathya Sai Baba,
the respected spiritual leader. I would like to convey my condolences and prayers to all the followers, devotees and admirers of the late spiritual leader."<ref>{{Cite web
|url = https://tibet.net/his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-mourns-the-demise-of-sri-saithya-sai-baba/|title = His Holiness the Dalai Lama Mourns the Demise of Sri Saithya Sai Baba|publisher = tibet.net|date = 26 April 2011|access-date = 29 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url = http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?719929|title = Dalai Lama Mourns Sri Sathya Sai Baba's Death
|publisher = outlookindia.com|date = 25 April 2011|access-date = 29 May 2011}}</ref>

The Government of [[Karnataka]] declared 25 and 26 April as [[Day of mourning|days of mourning]]. The state government of [[Andhra Pradesh]] (where [[Prasanthi Nilayam]] is located) announced a four-day state mourning period and decided to honor Sai Baba with a [[state funeral]].<ref>{{Cite news | title =Sathya Sai Baba dead, to be buried on Wednesday| newspaper=[[Indian Express]] | date = 24 April 2011 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/latest-news/sathya-sai-baba-dead-to-be-buried-on-wednesday/|access-date = 24 April 2011}}</ref><ref name="news9"/>

===Anomalies and possible unnatural death===

From the time Sai Baba was admitted to hospital on 28 March, questions and allegations arose about his care and subsequently the role of his personal aide, Satyajit Salian. Police sources said, "Satyajit did not feed Sai Baba proper food and gave him lot of sedative drugs, resulting in the deterioration of the latter’s health, leading up to Sai Baba's death."<ref name="saiaide">{{Cite news | title =Satyajit blamed for Sathya Sai Baba's death? Aide gets death threats | newspaper=[[Indian Express]] | date = 26 April 2011 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/satyajit-blamed-for-sathya-sai-babas-death-aide-gets-death-threats/|access-date = 26 April 2011}}</ref> Doctors from the Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, who treated Sai Baba, neither confirmed nor denied that [[sedative]] drugs were given to him prior to his admission to the hospital following respiratory problems. Later assessment from doctors noted lack of food had led to muscular weakness.<ref name="saivent">{{Cite news | title =Sathya Sai Baba better, still on ventilator| newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 4 April 2011| url=
http://m.timesofindia.com/articleshow/7859107.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
|access-date = 4 April 2011}}</ref> Citing death threats and possible harm to his well-being from within the ashram community (after one of two trust members were allowed to sign cheques from a multi-billion dollar account), as well as from outside, a senior police officer said that Sathyajit was provided police protection.<ref name="saiaide"/><ref name="scaregiver">{{Cite news | title =Threat to life of Sai Baba's caregiver & personal doctor| newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 26 April 2011| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/threat-to-life-of-sai-babas-caregiver-personal-doctor/articleshow/8085008.cms|access-date = 26 April 2011}}</ref>

On 10 April, direct relatives expressed wonder as to why they were kept in the dark and knew nothing about Sai Baba's state of health. "It is almost two months since Baba stopped taking food [but] we were not told about it."<ref name="nieaftersai"/> Family members said they were livid about the secrecy around Sai Baba's health and medical treatments and as to why the trust was not allowing anyone direct contact with him except for Sathyajit, his personal attendant.<ref name="secrecyhealth">{{Cite news | title =Secrecy about Sai Baba's health angers kin| newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 6 April 2011 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Secrecy-about-Sai-Babas-health-angers-kin/articleshow/7879413.cms|access-date = 6 April 2011}}</ref> They only saw him from a distance in the ICU on April 2 after raising a furore.<ref name="secrecyhealth"/> It was on 28 March, when Sai Baba complained of giddiness and slowing of the heartbeat that he was taken to hospital.<ref name="nieaftersai">{{Cite news | title =After Sathya Sai Baba, who?| newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] | date = 10 April 2011 | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2011/Apr/10/after-sathya-sai-baba-who-243289.html|access-date = 10 April 2011}}</ref>

On 21 April, the ''Deccan Herald'' reported an allegation stating that Sathya Sai Baba had died 20 days prior and that his death was not being announced in order to receive money from Indian and foreign devotees.<ref name="saibe96">{{Cite news | title =Sai Baba's devotees believe he will live for 96 years| newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]] | date = 21 April 2011| url=
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/sai-babas-devotees-believe-he-2409274
|access-date = 21 April 2011}}</ref>

On 28 April 2011, four days after the death of Sai Baba, ''[[The Times of India]]'' printed a story questioning the time of his death. A business making freezer boxes said that the one in which Sai Baba was kept was ordered on 4 April, partial payment was also made at that time. The freezer box arrived in [[Puttaparthi]] on 5 April. Sai Baba was admitted to hospital on 28 March but his condition had officially worsened on 15 April. "The order was placed by Rajendranath Reddy of Bangalore [and] according to sources, the powerful [[Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust]] had a role in ordering the freezer box."<ref name="saianomoly">{{Cite news | title =So, did Sai Baba die on April 24? | newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 28 April 2011 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/so-did-sai-baba-die-on-april-24/articleshow/8103613.cms|access-date = 28 April 2011}}</ref> According to Lakshmi, the owner of Kumar and Co International (freezer box company), her colleague Ganesh called Rajendranath to confirm the purchase for Sai Baba. "He confirmed the same and told Ganesh not to discuss the matter with anyone."<ref name="saianomoly"/>

Within two months of Sai Baba's death, his niece Chetana Raju alleged that she was facing death threats from some trust members.<ref>{{Cite news | title =Sathya Sai Baba's niece claims threat to life from trustees| newspaper=[[India Today]] | date = 20 June 2011 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/sai-babas-niece-claims-life-threat-136011-2011-06-20|access-date = 20 June 2011}}</ref>

In 2015, Ganapathy Raju, Sathya Sai Baba's first cousin, alleged that Sai Baba was murdered. He believes Satya Sai died on 29 March and not as officially declared on 24 April, saying that "Baba was a victim of a well-planned conspiracy and pre-planned hi tech murder" (adding) that the trust members had ordered a glass coffin and two truckloads of flowers even when Baba was unwell."<ref name="cousingana">{{Cite news | title =Puttaparthi Sai Baba death a planned murder, says first cousin
| newspaper=[[The Hans India]] | date = 25 April 2015 | url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2015-04-25/Puttaparthi-Sai-Baba-death-a-planned-murder-says-first-cousin/146845?infinitescroll=1|access-date = 25 April 2015}}</ref> Ganapathy also alleged that trust members were behind silencing the real date of Sai Baba's death in order to buy time to "usurp the huge wealth of the trust fund", asserting that properties worth hundreds of millions of dollars have "changed hands".<ref name="cousingana"/> Dr Aiyar, Sai Baba's personal physician, was heavily criticized for not maintaining any medical records of Sai Baba.<ref name="drerr">{{Cite news | title =Threat to life of Sai Baba's caregiver & personal doctor| newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 26 April 2011| url=
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/threat-to-life-of-sai-babas-caregiver-personal-doctor/articleshow/8085008.cms
|access-date =26 April 2011}}</ref>

Ganapathy Raju's main ideas of interest laid with the medical treatment and drugs given to Sai Baba, primarily by Satyajit Salian.<ref name="cousingana"/><ref name="saiaide"/> Shyam Sunder, who had been involved with [[Prasanthi Nilayam]] since 1968, also raised concerns about harassment and exploitation from Satyajit as numerous allegations by devotees and workers in [[Prasanthi Nilayam]] arose saying that Satyajit would intimidate and physically abuse them.<ref name="concerns"/> Like Ganapathy, Sunder also alleged that "Satyajit and his associates had been administering sleeping pills to Sai Baba for over six years. Though Sai Baba resisted the pills after his return from Brindavan at Whitefield, [[Bangalore]], in 2006, he was forced to take them ... and within a few months, Baba became sluggish and weak."<ref name="concerns">{{Cite news | title =Sai Baba's Death Sparks Succession Rumour| newspaper=[[India Today]] | date = 25 April 2011| url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/south/story/sai-babas-death-sparks-succession-rumour-132713-2011-04-25
|access-date = 25 April 2011}}</ref> Satyajit also controlled if and when the doctors could see Sai Baba,<ref name="concerns"/> and within two days of Sai Baba's passing, [[The Times of India]] reported that Satyajit (who was a paid employee of the ashram and "had no say whatsoever in the trust affairs or activities,")<ref name="pradeshnews">{{Cite news | title =Baba's aide Satyajitto be shown the door?| newspaper=[[Great Andhra]] | date = 28 April 2011| url=https://www.greatandhra.com/articles/special-articles/babas-aide-satyajit-to-be-shown-the-door-28705|access-date = 28 April 2011}}</ref> was given authority to sign checks from the multi billion dollar trust account.<ref name="saiaide"/><ref name="scaregiver"/>

==Beliefs and practices of devotees==
{{Main|Sathya Sai Baba movement}}

Sai Baba was known for the quotes, in reference to his universal message, "Love All, Serve All" and "Help Ever, Hurt Never."<ref name="87bhajan">{{Cite news | title =87-hour bhajan program to pay tributes to Sai Baba| newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 26 October 2012| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/87-hour-bhajan-programme-to-pay-tributes-to-sai-baba/articleshow/16970633.cms|access-date = 26 October 2012}}</ref><ref name="Leslie-Chaden2004">{{Cite book|author=Charlene Leslie-Chaden|title= A compendium of the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9798186822196/mode/2up| access-date=24 April 2011|year=2004|publisher=Sai Towers Publishing| page=526|isbn=978-8178990422}}</ref><ref name="Architectural digest">{{Cite book|title=Architectural digest|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YcxUAAAAMAAJ|access-date=24 April 2011|year=1994|publisher=Conde Nast Publications}}</ref> In Prashanti Nilayam, his devotees believed in seeking the spiritual benefit of Sai Baba's ''[[darsana|darshan]]'', scheduled for morning and afternoon each day, as a form of devotion. Sai Baba would interact with people, accept letters or call groups and individuals for interviews.<ref name="sailand">{{Cite news| title =The Land of Illusion. Inside Sathya Sai Baba's fiefdom| newspaper=[[The Caravan]]| date = 1 June 2010| url=https://caravanmagazine.in/reportage/land-illusion|access-date = 1 June 2010}}</ref> Devotees considered it a great privilege to have an interview and sometimes a single person, group or family was invited for a private interview so they could ask for answers to spiritual questions or for general guidance.<ref name="kent"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/emeralds-desperation-mother-sathya-sai-baba-200301081601873.html|title=Emeralds and desperation: My mother and Sathya Sai Baba|last=Neutill|first=Rani|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=29 April 2020}}</ref>

Internationally, his devotees gather daily, or weekly on Sundays or Thursdays or both, for satsangs, spiritual discourses and [[bhajans|devotional songs]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sathyasai.ca/ |title=Sri Sathya Sai Baba Organization in Canada – Home Page |publisher=Sathyasai.ca |date=1 May 2006 |access-date=7 January 2010}}</ref> prayer,<ref name="saius">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110727120609/http://us.sathyasai.org/resources/06oct15CenterGuidelines12.pdf Guidelines for American Sathya ZSai Baba Centers]. The Sathya Sai Baba Central Council of the United States of America (2006)</ref> spiritual meditation, service to the community (Seva),<ref name="saito">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sathyasaitoronto.org/ |title=The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Toronto – York |publisher=Sathyasaitoronto.org |access-date=7 January 2010}}</ref> and to participate in "Education in Human Values" (SSEHV)<ref name="saius"/> known as "''Bal Vikas''" (Blossoming of the Child).

Devotees still receive Sai Baba's Divya Darshan at his Mahasamadhi shrine, a white marble edifice decorated with flowers, in Sai Kulwant Hall ([[Prasanthi Nilayam]]), where he was laid to rest.<ref name="mahasai">{{Cite news | title =Sai Baba's 'maha samadhi' opened to public| newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 15 July 2011| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sai-babas-maha-samadhi-opened-to-public/articleshow/9234047.cms|access-date = 15 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="sairest">{{Cite news | title =Baba will rest in discourse hall| newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 26 April 2011| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/baba-will-rest-in-discourse-hall/articleshow/8084819.cms|access-date = 26 April 2011}}</ref>

Sai Baba was a [[Lacto vegetarianism|lacto-vegetarian]] for spiritual as well as moral reasons and his followers have adopted the diet.<ref name="Leslie-Chaden">Leslie-Chaden, Charlene. (2004). ''A Compendium of the Teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba''. Sai Towers Publishing. pp. 633-636. {{ISBN|978-8178990422}}</ref><ref>Schweickert, Tina K. (2005). ''Tread Softly: Sathya Sai Baba's Teachings on Nature and the Environment''. pp. 92-93. {{ISBN|978-0974866819}}</ref> He stated that "meat eating fosters animal qualities in man making him descend to the demonic level; it is a heart-rending sight to see cows being slaughtered to serve as food for man."<ref name="Leslie-Chaden"/> Sai Baba and many devotees have heavily criticized [[factory farming]] as unethical.<ref name="Leslie-Chaden"/>

==Ashrams and mandirs==

===Prasanthi Nilayam (Abode of Highest Peace)===
{{Main|Prasanthi Nilayam}}
[[File:Chaitanya Jyothi Museum, Prashanthi Nilayam, India.jpg|thumb|Chaitanya Jyoti Museum devoted to the life and teachings of Sathya Sai Baba]]
[[Puttaparthi]], where Sai Baba was born and lived, was originally a small, remote South Indian village in [[Andhra Pradesh]]. It was here that [[Prasanthi Nilayam]] (Abode of Highest Peace) was established.<ref name="radiosaipra">[http://media.radiosai.org/Journals/Portal/prasanthi.htm Prasanthi Nilayam: The Abode of Highest Peace<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> After 2 years of construction it was inaugurated on 23 November 1950, Sai Baba's 25th birthday.<ref name="vahiniprashanti"/> It succeeded the "old mandir" which was created in 1944.<ref name="vahiniprashanti">[http://www.vahini.org/sss/i/prasanthi.html Sathyam Sivam Sundaram Part I: 7. Prasanthi Nilayam]</ref><ref>Bowen, David (1988). The Sathya Sai Baba Community in Bradford: Its origins and development, religious beliefs and practices. Leeds: University Press. {{ISBN|1-871363-02-0}}.</ref><ref name="murphetmiracle">{{Cite book |last=Murphet |first=Howard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BPsVFqhclS0C |title=Sai Baba: Man of Miracles |date=1971-01-01 |publisher=Weiser Books |isbn=978-0-87728-335-5 |language=en}}</ref> [[Prasanthi Nilayam]] is painted blue, yellow, and pink "communicating the message of the harmony of spirit, intellect, and heart respectively; for blue stands for spirit, yellow for intellect, and pink for heart (love). The rich harmony of the three does result in Santi (peace) and Prasanti (supreme peace); and that really is the message of the Prasanthi Mandir."<ref name="sathyasaihistory">[http://www.sathyasai.org/ashrams/prasanthi/history.html History of the Mandir<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
In 1954 a free general hospital was constructed in [[Puttaparthi]] and soon after a medical hospital was constructed in 1957 inside the ashram.

Poornachandra Auditorium was built in 1973. Seating around 15,000 people in its enclosed 60 x 40-metre area, it is where cultural programmers (plays/dance/music), conferences and yagnas during [[Vijayadashami|Dasara]] take place. Sathya Sai Baba's living quarters were upstairs above the stage area.<ref name="sssplaces">[http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Puttaparthi/important_places.htm Sri Sathya Sai Books & Publication Trust<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

Sai Kulwant Hall was inaugurated by Sathya Sai Baba on July 9, 1995. The hall can accommodate up to 20,000 people and it was here that Sai Baba gave darshan everyday from that time forward.<ref name="touristinfo">[http://www.tourisminap.com/puttaparthi/sight_see.php Sightseeing]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108090859/http://www.tourisminap.com/puttaparthi/sight_see.php|date=January 8, 2013}}. tourisminap.com.</ref> Sai Kulwant Hall is where Sai Baba was laid to rest. A white marble edifice stands as his Mahasamadhi shrine and devotees still have his Divya darshan here daily.<ref name="sairest"/>

The ashram itself houses a shopping center, book stores, library and reading room, multiple accommodations such as dormitories and rooms, banking/ATM facilities, media and Radio Sai facilities, a bakery, emergency medical services and three food courts – North and South Indian as well as Western canteens.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prasanthi Nilayam |url=https://www.srisathyasaiglobalcouncil.org/prasanthi-nilayam |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=Sri Sathya Sai Global Council |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Hill in Prashanthi Nilayam with statues of Hanuman, Krishna, Shirdi Sai Baba, Shiva, Buddha, Christ, Zarathustra.jpg|thumb|Hill View Stadium in Prashanthi Nilayam with statues of Hanuman, Krishna, Shirdi Sai Baba, Shiva, Buddha, Christ, Zarathustra]]

In the encompassing area around [[Puttaparthi]] there is an extensive university complex, a specialty hospital, and two museums: the ''Sanathana Samskruti'' or Eternal Heritage Museum, sometimes called the Museum of All Religions, and the ''Chaitanya Jyoti'', devoted exclusively to the life and teachings of Sai Baba; the latter has won several international awards for its architectural design.<ref name="TheStar2005-04-02">{{Cite web |last=Krishnamoorthy |first=M. |title=Enlightening experience in India |work=The Star Online |date=2 April 2005 |url=http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2005/4/2/features/9982154&sec=features |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050412101614/http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=%2F2005%2F4%2F2%2Ffeatures%2F9982154&sec=features |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 April 2005 |access-date=6 January 2010 }}</ref> There is also a planetarium, a railway station, a hill-view stadium, an administrative building, an airport, an indoor sports stadium and more.<ref>Places to see at Puttaparthi. [http://www.sathyasai.org/ashrams/prasanthi/outsideinterest.html Available online]</ref> High-ranking Indian politicians such as the former president [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]], former prime minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]], Andhra Pradesh former chief minister [[Konijeti Rosaiah]] and [[Karnataka]] chief minister [[B. S. Yeddyurappa|B. S. Yediyurappa]] have been official guests at the ashram in Puttaparthi.<ref>''The Hindu'', "A 5-point recipe for happiness" 24 November 2006 [https://web.archive.org/web/20110720164130/http://hindu.com/2006/11/24/stories/2006112405400400.htm Available online]</ref><ref>''The Hindu'', "Warm welcome to PM at Puttaparthi",12 February 2004 {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20071012003241/http://hinduonnet.com/2004/02/12/stories/2004021203690600.htm Available online]}}</ref>

===Brindavan Ashram===

Established on 25 June 1960, the Brindavan Ashram is located in Kadugodi, a village close to [[Whitefield, India|Whitefield]] and 24 kms from the city centre of [[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]].<ref name="karnataka1">{{Cite web |title=Sai Baba Ashram, Whitefield, Bangalore |url=https://www.karnataka.com/bangalore/sai-baba-ashram-whitefield/ |access-date=17 December 2013 |website=Karnataka.com |date=17 December 2013 |language=en}}</ref>  It occupies around 50 acres of land and was known as the summer home of Sai Baba as he would spend about three months here every year.<ref name="karnataka1"/>
Notable features are Sai Ramesh Krishan Hall, where darshan and bhajans were held, Trayee Brindavan, Sai Baba's personal residence and the Brindavan Campus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning.
In its adjacent areas are the Sri Sathya Sai General and Super Specialty Hospital ([[Whitefield, India|Whitefield]]), Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Sai Central Trust and an old age home, Sri Sathya Sai Vriddhashram.<ref name="karnataka1"/><ref name="sathyaorg9">{{Cite web |title=Brindavan|url=https://www.srisathyasai.org/pages/saibrindavan.html |access-date=9 November 2022 |website=srisathyasai.org |language=en}}</ref> All services at the hospitals are still free.

===Sai Shruti Ashram===

Located in [[Kodaikanal]], atop the [[Palani Hills]] in south Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]], Sai Shruti ashram was often visited by Sai Baba for a few days in the months of April and May. It holds no accommodations or extra curricular facilities.<ref name="shruti">{{Cite web |title=Sai Abodes|url=https://www.srisathyasai.org/pages/sai-abodes.html|access-date=23 November 2023 |website=srisathyasai.org |language=en}}</ref>

Sai Baba resided much of the time in his main [[ashram]], ''Prasanthi Nilayam'', at Puttaparthi. In the summer he often left for ''Brindavan'', in Kadugodi, [[Whitefield, India|Whitefield]], a town on the outskirts of [[Bangalore]]. Occasionally he visited his Sai Sruthi ashram in [[Kodaikanal]].<ref>The ashrams of Sathya Sai Baba. Referenced from the official Sathya Sai Organization website, [http://www.sathyasai.org/ashrams/content.html Available online]</ref>

==Recognition==
[[File:Sri Sathya Sai Project 1999 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|A 1999 stamp devoted to the Sri Sathya Sai Water Supply Project]]
On 23 November 1999, the Department of Posts, [[Government of India]], released a postage stamp and a postal cover in recognition of the service rendered by Sai Baba in addressing the problem of providing safe drinking water to the rural masses.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.srisathyasai.org.in/Pages/Service_Projects/Anantapur.htm |title=SSSCT-Service Projects – Water Supply – Anantapur |publisher=Srisathyasai.org.in |date=23 November 1999 |access-date=7 January 2010 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054843/http://www.srisathyasai.org.in/Pages/Service_Projects/Anantapur.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Another commemorative stamp was released on the occasion of what would have been his 88th birthday during November 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/postal-stamp-on-sathya-sai-baba-released/article5385073.ece|title=Postal stamp on Sathya Sai Baba released|date=24 November 2013|work=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Postal-department-to-release-stamp-on-Sathya-Sai-Baba/articleshow/26168869.cms|title=Postal department to release stamp on Sathya Sai Baba|work=The Times Of India}}</ref>

In January 2007, an event was held in [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai|Chennai Nehru Stadium]] organized by the Chennai Citizens' Conclave to thank Sai Baba for the 2&nbsp;billion water project which brought water from the [[River Krishna]] in Andhra Pradesh to Chennai city. Four chief ministers attended the function.
<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gumby – Pictures, Sounds, and Videos |url=https://www.everwonder.com/david/gumby/about.html |access-date=9 June 2022 |website=www.everwonder.com}}</ref>

==Sathya Sai International Organization==
{{Main|Sri Sathya Sai International Organization}}

[[File:Sathya Sai Baba 2013 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|Sathya Sai Baba on a 2013 stamp of India|299x299px]]
The Sri Sathya Sai International Organization was founded in the 1960s by Sathya Sai Baba.<ref name="srisaiorg">{{Cite web|url=http://www.srisathyasai.org.in/Pages/Sai_Organisations/Sai_Organisations.htm|title=SSSCT- Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation|work=srisathyasai.org.in}}</ref> Initially called the "Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi",<ref name="saiindia">{{Cite web|url=http://www.saibabaofindia.com/sai_baba_centers.htm|title=Sai Baba Of India – Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centers – Sai Baba organisation worldwide|work=saibabaofindia.com}}</ref> it was established "to enable its members to undertake service activities as a means to spiritual advancement."<ref name="srisaiorg" /> In 2020, Sri Satya Sai Central Trust was granted [[List of organizations with consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council|Special Consultative]] status by the [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]].<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/un-body-confers-special-status-on-sri-sathya-sai-central-trust/article32950161.ece|website= [[The Hindu]]|title= UN body confers special status on Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust|date= 27 October 2020}}</ref>

The [[Sri Sathya Sai International Organization|Sathya Sai International Organization]] reports that there are an estimated 1,200 Sathya Sai Baba Centres in 114 countries.<ref name="TheStarOnline84">{{Cite web |url=http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/12/3/north/5212802&sec=North |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521155709/http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F12%2F3%2Fnorth%2F5212802&sec=North |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 May 2011 |title=Sai Baba turns 84 |publisher=Thestar.com.my |date=3 December 2009 |access-date=6 January 2010 }}</ref><ref name="SathyaSaiNumbers">{{Cite web|url=http://www.sathyasai.org/organize/content.htm#SaiOrg|title=The Sai Organization: Numbers to Sai Centres and Names of Countries|publisher=Sathyasai.org|access-date=6 January 2010}}</ref> However, the number of active Sai Baba followers is hard to determine.<ref name="BabbLawrence" /> Estimates vary from 6&nbsp;million<ref>{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20031219053543/http://adherents.com/Na/Na_581.html#3510 Adherents]}} cites [[George Chryssides|Chryssides, George]]. ''Exploring New Religions''. London, UK: Cassells (1999) (10 million)<br />*Brown, Mick (2000-10-28). "Divine Downfall". ''The Daily Telegraph''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20031003134741/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2000/10/28/tlbaba28.xml]. Retrieved 2007-03-12<br />*Edwards, Linda (2001). A Brief Guide to Beliefs: Ideas, Theologies, Mysteries, and Movements. Westminster John Knox Press. {{ISBN|0664222595}}.</ref> up to nearly 100&nbsp;million.<ref>''[[The Economist]]'', [http://www.economist.com/node/18678803 "Sai Baba"], 14 May 2011, p. 110.</ref> In India itself, Sai Baba drew followers predominantly from the [[upper-middle-class]], the urban sections of society who have the "most wealth, education and exposure to Western ideas."<ref name="UrbanHugh74">{{Cite journal|last=Urban|first=Hugh B.|author-link=Hugh Urban|year=2003|title=Avatar for Our Age: Sathya Sai Baba and the Cultural Contradictions of Late Capitalism|journal=[[Religion (journal)|Religion]]|publisher=[[Elsevier]]|volume=33|issue=1|page=74|doi=10.1016/S0048-721X(02)00080-5|s2cid=143800572|issn=0048-721X|eissn=1096-1151}}</ref> In 2002, he said he had followers in 178 countries.<ref name="nyt1dec2002">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/01/world/a-friend-in-india-to-all-the-world.html?pagewanted=1|title=A Friend in India to All the World|last=Bradsher|first=Keith|date=1 December 2002|work=The New York Times|access-date=13 January 2010}}</ref><ref name="Palmer97-98">Palmer, Norris W. "Baba's World". In: {{Cite book|last1=Forsthoefel|first1=Thomas A.|editor-last=Humes|editor-first=Cynthia Ann |title=Gurus in America|url=https://archive.org/details/gurusamericasuny00fors|url-access=limited|place=Albany, NY|publisher=State University of New York Press|year=2005|pages=[https://archive.org/details/gurusamericasuny00fors/page/n105 97]–98|isbn=978-0791465745}}</ref>

Sathya Sai Baba founded a large number of schools and colleges, hospitals, and other charitable institutions in India and abroad, the net financial capital of which is usually estimated at {{INR}} 400&nbsp;billion (US$9&nbsp;billion).<ref>
{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/sathya-sai-baba-passes-away-leaves-behind-rs-40000-cr-worth-empire-with-no-clear-succession-plan/articleshow/8075953.cms|title=Sathya Sai Baba passes away, leaves behind Rs 40,000-cr worth empire with no clear succession plan
|newspaper=[[The Economic Times|Economic Times]] | date=25 April 2011 |quote=Sai Baba leaves behind a wide network of charitable institutions, hospitals, schools, colleges, which some estimate to be worth about Rs 40,000 crore}}</ref><ref name="it">{{Cite magazine|title=Up in the Heir: The secret world of Sathya Sai Baba's Rs 40,000 cr empire |author=Amarnath K. Menon |magazine=[[India Today]] |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/sathya-sai-baba-health-scare-assets-transition/1/135354.html |date=25 April 2011 |access-date=9 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424073421/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/story/sathya-sai-baba-health-scare-assets-transition/1/135354.html |archive-date=24 April 2011 }}</ref><ref name="dh">{{Cite news| title =Sai Baba's death leaves question mark on Rs 40,000 crore empire| author =Indo-Asian News Service| newspaper = [[Deccan Herald]]| url = http://www.deccanherald.com/content/156224/sai-babas-death-leaves-question.html| date = 24 April 2011|access-date =9 June 2011| author-link =Indo-Asian News Service}}</ref> However, estimates as high as {{INR}} 1.4&nbsp;trillion (about US$31.5bn) have also been made.<ref>{{Cite news| title =Sathya Sai Baba trust worth Rs 1.4 lakh crore?|publisher =[[CNN-IBN]]| url =http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sathya-sai-baba-trust-worth-rs-14-lakh-crore/150273-3.html| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110430001702/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sathya-sai-baba-trust-worth-rs-14-lakh-crore/150273-3.html| url-status =dead| archive-date =30 April 2011| date =26 April 2011| access-date =9 June 2011}}</ref>
Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 100th Birthday Celebrations have been commemorated by [https://www.sathyasai.org/100-birthday-logo-download a specially designed logo created by the SSSIO]. It is a humble and sincere effort to capture the uniqueness of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in this logo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Special Logo for 100th Birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba |url=https://www.sathyasai.org/100-birthday-logo-download}}</ref>

== Time line of developments, schools, projects and charities ==
In 1950 [[Prasanthi Nilayam]], his [[Puttaparthi]] ashram completed construction and with in 4 years, a general hospital in [[Puttaparthi]] was established (1954). Over a decade later in 1968 the first education project, a college for girls was set up in [[Anantapur]]. The [[Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust]], a charitable trust that undertakes social welfare projects and acts as an umbrella for many seva projects was begun in 1972. In 1976 another general hospital in Whitefield, outside of [[Bangalore]] was completed followed by a boys' college in [[Puttaparthi]] in 1978. The inauguration of the [[Sri Sathya Sai University]] ([[Puttaparthi]] campus), happened on 22 November 1981.

In 1991, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences was completed.

The [[Anantapur]] drinking water project launched in 1995 would be the first of many water projects taken up by Sai Baba, others included the [[Medak]] & [[Mahabubnagar]] drinking water projects (2001), the [[Chennai]] water project in 2002 and the East & West [[Godavari]] water projects completed in 2007.
A decade later, another Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences began operations in [[Bangalore]] along with the Sri Sathya Sai Super Specialty Hospital in Whitefield, offering free medical services. In 2009 the construction of [[Sri Sathya Sai University]] campus began.<ref name="saijourney">{{Cite news | title =Sai Baba's Journey| newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 25 April 2011| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sai-babas-journey/articleshow/8076411.cms|access-date = 25 April 2011}}</ref>

Years after Sai Baba's passing, Vivek Kumar wrote, "the things that he executed were out of his love towards humanity. He provided free education, healthcare and water to people who never even dreamt of getting it."<ref name="youdidntknow">{{Cite news | title =Things You Didnt Know About Sri Sathya Sai Baba| newspaper=[[The Times of India]] | date = 22 November 2013| url=
http://m.timesofindia.com/articleshow/7859107.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
|access-date = 22 November 2013}}</ref>

===Classification of organization===

Sources often describe Sai Baba's following as a "movement".<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kent|first=Alexandra|date=1999|title=Unity in Diversity: Portraying the Visions of the Sathya Sai Baba Movement of Malaysia|jstor=40800435|journal=Crossroads: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Southeast Asian Studies |volume=13–2 |issue=2 |pages=29–51}}</ref><ref name="clarke2006">{{Cite encyclopedia |surname=Kent |given=Alexandra |title=Sai Baba movement |pages=545–547 |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements |year=2006 |editor-surname=Clarke |editor-given=Peter B. |editor-link=Peter B. Clarke |place=London; New York |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0415267076}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sahoo|first=Ajaya Kumar|title=Reconstructing Religious and Cultural Identity of Indians in the Diaspora: The Role of Sri Sathya Sai Baba Movement |jstor=23621024|journal=Sociological Bulletin|volume= 62| issue = 1 |date= January–April 2013 |pages= 23–39 |doi=10.1177/0038022920130102|s2cid=152184838}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.americamagazine.org/content/all-things/death-god-man-sai-baba-dies-85|title=Death of a God-man? Sai Baba Dies at 85|last=Clooney|first=Francis X.|date=2011|work=America Magazine}}</ref>
Sathya Sai Baba claimed to be the reincarnation of [[Sai Baba of Shirdi]], whose followers considered him to be an [[avatar]] of [[Shiva]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WA12nHRtmAwC&pg=PA307 |author=Chryssides, George D. |title=Historical dictionary of new religious movements |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |year=2012|isbn=978-0810861947 }}</ref> While [[Sai Baba of Shirdi]] was known to combine Islamic and Hindu teachings, Charles S. J. White, of [[The American University]] at Washington D.C., observed in 1972 that with Sathya Sai Baba, "there is no discernible Muslim influence."<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=White|first1=Charles S. J.|title=The Sai Baba Movement: Approaches to the Study of India Saints|journal=The Journal of Asian Studies|date=1972|volume=31|issue=4|pages=863–878|doi=10.2307/2052105|jstor=2052105|s2cid=163018087 }}</ref> Stephanie Tallings, in The Harvard international Review, noted Sai Baba's following is drawn from people of all religions, ethnicities, and social classes.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Tallings|first=Stephanies|date=Summer 2000|title=Avatar of Stability: Sai Baba's Teachings|url=https://www.jstor.org/publisher/hir|journal=Harvard International Review|volume= 22| issue =  2|pages=14–15}}</ref> In contrast, Sai Baba's following is also regarded by many scholars to be of a Hindu persuasion.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Babb|first1=L. A.|editor1-last=Hawley|editor1-first=J.S.|title=Saints and Virtues|date=1987|publisher=University of California Press|location=London|isbn=978-0520061637|pages=168–186|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RGv2wOUl0pMC|chapter=Sathya Sai Baba's Saintly Play}}</ref><ref>Alexandra Kent Divinity and diversity: a Hindu revitalization movement in Malaysia, NIAS, 2005</ref><ref>Handoo, Jawaharlal in ''Asian Folklore Studies'', Vol. 48, No. 2 (1989), pp. 326–332 reviewing Lawrence A. Babb's book ''Redemptive Encounters. Three Modern Styles in the Hindu Tradition'' [https://www.jstor.org/stable/1177938 page 1]</ref><ref>Nagel, Alexandra (note: Nagel is a critical former follower) "De Sai Paradox: Tegenstrijdigheden van en rondom Sathya Sai Baba"/"The Sai Paradox contradictions of and surrounding Sathya Sai Baba" from the magazine "Religieuze Bewegingen in Nederland, 'Sekten' "/"Religious movements in the Netherlands, 'Cults/Sects' ", 1994, nr. 29. published by the [[Free University of Amsterdam]] press, (1994) {{ISBN|9053833412}}<br/> Dutch original: "Ofschoon Sai Baba gezegd heeft mensen van allerlei religieuze gezindten te helpen terug te gaan naar oude waarden en normen, en ofschoon zijn logo de symbolen van de andere grote godsdiensten bevat, is de sfeer rondom Sai Baba duidelijk hindoeïstisch gekleurd. Alle moslim-elementen bijv. waarvan verondersteld zou kunnen worden dat hij die zou hebben meegenomen uit zijn leven als Sai Baba van Shirdi, heeft hij laten vallen. Het enig echt herkenbare wat hij van Shirdi Baba nog heeft, is het veelvuldig gebruik van as, – wat hij dan niet uit een dhuni haalt zoals Shirdi Baba deed, maar materialiseert (of tevoorschijn goochelt)"</ref>

Lawrence A. Babb, of the Amherst College in Massachusetts, labelled Sai Baba movement as a cult in the 1980s, calling it "deeply and authentically Hindu..." and noted, "The most striking feature of this cult, however, is the extremely strong emphasis given to the miraculous."<ref name="babb83" /> However, a scholarly review says Babb misapplies the word "cult", responding, "the so-called 'cult' of Satya Sai Baba seems to possess all such characteristics which are, according to the author, central to a religious movement."<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Handoo|first=Jawaharlal|date=1989|title=Reviewed Work: Redemptive Encounters. Three Modern Styles in the Hindu Tradition by Lawrence A. Babb|url=http://asianethnology.org/downloads/ae/pdf/a759.pdf|journal=Asian Folklore Studies|volume= 48| issue =  2|page=327|doi=10.2307/1177938|jstor=1177938}}</ref> Deborah A. Swallow, of the University of Cambridge, referred to it as a cult and said that the "ritual and theology, then, unlike Sai Baba [of Shirdi]'s, is distinctly Hindu in form and content."<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Swallow|first1=D. A.|title=Ashes and Powers: Myth, Rite and Miracle in an Indian God-Man's Cult|journal=Modern Asian Studies|date=2008|volume=16|issue=1|pages=123–158|doi=10.1017/S0026749X0000072X|jstor=312277|s2cid=146729990}}</ref> However John D. Kelly, a professor of anthropology at the University of Chicago, wrote about Hindu missions in Fiji that the Sathya Sai Organization (which is part of the movement) rejected the label Hindu. According to Kelly, they see their founder as the "living synthesis of the world's religious traditions" and prefer to be classified as an [[Interfaith dialogue|interfaith]] movement. He observed that the Sai Baba mission is a Hindu mission that is as active as Christian or Muslim missions.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Kelly|first1=J.D.|editor1-last=van der Veer|editor1-first=P.|title=Nation and Migration: The Politics of Space in the South Asian Diaspora|date=1995|publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press|location=Philadelphia |isbn=978-0812215373|pages=43–72|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bvTHlLRZL8UC|chapter=Bhakti and Postcolonial Politics: Hindu Missions to Fiji}}</ref> In a 2001 scholarly book, Tulasi Srinivas notes, "The Sathya Sai global civil religious movement incorporates Hindu and Muslim practices, Buddhist, Christian, and Zoroastrian influences, and "New Age"-style rituals and beliefs.' And in the appendix of the book (p.&nbsp;349) lists 10 scholarly authors/researchers in both Europe and America who all refer to it as a New Religious Movement (NRM).<ref>{{Cite book|title=Winged Faith: Rethinking Globalization and Religious Pluralism through the Sathya Sai Movement|last=Srinivas|first=Tulasi|publisher=Columbia University Press|date= 2010|isbn=978-0231149334}}</ref>

While scholars often refer to it as either a "[[New religious movement|New Religious Movement]]" (NRM)<ref name="clarke2006" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Pereira |first=Shane N. |title=A New Religious Movement in Singapore: Syncretism and Variation in the Sathya Sai Baba Movement |jstor=23677933|journal= Asian Journal of Social Science|volume= 36| issue = 2|pages= 250–270 |year=2008|doi=10.1163/156853108X298699}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ekacha|first=Sanitsuda|date=2001|title=Keeping the Faith: Thai Buddhism at the Crossroads|journal=Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions|volume= 9| issue = 2|pages=126–128|doi=10.1525/nr.2005.9.2.126}}</ref> or as a [[cult]],<ref name=das15/><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Swallow|first1=D.A.|chapter=Living Saints and Their Devotees|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f1gkAQAAIAAJ&q=sathya+sai+baba+cult|date=1976 |editor=Jonathan Webber |title=Research in Social Anthropology, 1975–1980: A Register of Theses Accepted for Higher Degrees at British Universities, 1975–1980 |pages=385–386 |publisher=Royal Anthropological Institute|isbn=978-0900632334}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Misunderstanding Cults: Searching for Objectivity in a Controversial Field |title-link=Misunderstanding Cults |publisher=[[University of Toronto Press]] |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-8020-8188-9 |editor-last=Zablocki |editor-first=Benjamin |editor-link=Benjamin Zablocki |pages=3–5 |language=en |chapter=Introduction: Finding a Middle Ground in a Polarized Scholarly Arena |editor-last2=Robbins |editor-first2=Thomas |editor-link2=Thomas Robbins (sociologist)}}</ref> it has been noted by Eugene Gallagher, a noted professor of religious studies, that in more modern times "'New Religious Movement', is the classification preferred by most academics, who see 'cult' as a pejorative term.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Gallagher|first=Eugene|date=November 2007 – February 2008|title="Cults" and "New Religious Movements"|jstor=10.1086/524210|journal=History of Religions|publisher= University of Chicago Press|volume= 47| issue = 2/3|pages=205–220|doi=10.1086/524210|s2cid=161448414}}</ref>

A secret report from the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] from the 1990s stated a "worldwide mass religious movement"<ref name="saioncia"/> was emerging around Sathya Sai Baba, who many devotees viewed as a full incarnation of God.<ref name="saioncia">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00792R000400280002-2.pdf |title=Cultural Trends Study – India's Sai Baba Movement|website=CIA}}</ref> On a local scale, the report states that the extensive appeal of Sai Baba's doctrine "of a harmonious, multi-religious and multi-ethnic [[India]] has the potential to counterbalance the appeal of [[Hindu]] chauvinists and ethnic separatists"<ref name="saicia">{{Cite news |last=Laskar |first=Rezaul |date=23 January 2017 |title=CIA files: 'Alleged miracle worker' Sathya Sai Baba could start world religion |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cia-thought-sai-baba-s-movement-would-become-a-worldwide-religion/story-HSkb4izaItHFlTkXS6cUBP.html |work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref> Globally, the report concluded that the Sai Baba movement is likely to “become another worldwide religion”, via its current wealth and assets, social contributions and activity in the political domain, thus allowing expansion even after Sai Baba's death.<ref name="saicia"/><ref name="saioncia"/> Adding scope to the movement, the report addresses the claim that Sai Baba is the [[Kalki Avatar]] (the tenth Avatar of [[Vishnu]]) who is to "create a new world of peace and justice", which the CIA operative compares to the return of [[Jesus Christ]].<ref name="saicia"/><ref name="saioncia"/>

== Criticism ==
=== Accusations ===
Accusations<!-- Please do not change this wording, this has been agreed on the talk page. If you don't agree on it read the discussion there. --> against Sathya Sai Baba by his critics over the years have included sleight of hand, sexual abuse, money laundering, fraud in the performance of service projects, and murder.<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk"/><ref name=Palmer116/>

In 1972, Abraham Kovoor made the first public criticism of Sathya Sai Baba<ref name="srisathyasaibabaandthepress">Ruhela S.P., ''Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the Press'', pp. 1–5, 1997 {{ISBN|8175330414}}</ref> when he looked into a claim publicly narrated by one devotee<ref name="srisathyasaibabaandthepress" /> that Sai Baba had created a new model of a [[Seiko]] watch, and found the claim to be untrue.<ref name="sathyasaibabasgrace">Ruhela S.P., ''How to Receive Sri Sathya Sai Baba's Grace'', pp. 277, 2006 {{ISBN|8171820891}}</ref><ref name=OutlookSingh>{{Cite web|title=The Spell Breaker|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?262445|publisher=Outlook|access-date=16 October 2013|author=Rahul Singh|date=2 November 2009}}</ref>

In April 1976, Hossur Narasimhaiah, a [[physicist]], [[rationalist]] and then [[vice-chancellor]] of [[Bangalore University]], founded and chaired a committee "to rationally and scientifically investigate miracles and other verifiable superstitions". Narasimhaiah wrote Sai Baba three widely publicised letters challenging him to perform his miracles under controlled conditions. The letters were ignored.<ref name="haraldsson204">Haraldson, ''op. cit'', pp&nbsp;204–205</ref> Sathya Sai Baba said that he ignored Narasimhaiah's challenge because he felt that a scientific approach to spiritual issues was improper, adding that "Science must confine its inquiry only to things belonging to the human senses, while [[Spiritualism (philosophy)|spiritualism]] transcends the senses. If you want to understand the nature of spiritual power you can do so only through the path of spirituality and not science. What science has been able to unravel is merely a fraction of the cosmic phenomena..."<ref name="blitz">Interview given by Sai Baba to [[R. K. Karanjia]] of ''Blitz'' news magazine in September 1976 [http://www.saibaba.ws/articles/interviewwithjournalistsept1976.htm Available online]</ref> Narasimhaiah's committee was dissolved in August 1977. Narasimhaiah held the fact that Sai Baba ignored his letters to be an indication that his miracles were fraudulent.<ref>Haraldsson, pp 209</ref> As a result of this episode, a [[public debate]] raged for several months in Indian newspapers.<ref>Haraldsson, ''op. cit.'', pp. 206</ref>

Indian rationalist [[Basava Premanand]], who began campaigning against Sathya Sai Baba in 1976, unsuccessfully attempted to sue him in 1986 for violations of the [[Gold Control Act]], citing Sai Baba was "producing gold necklaces out of thin air without the permission of a Gold Control Administrator".<ref name=bbca1/> When the case was dismissed, Premanand unsuccessfully appealed on the grounds that claimed spiritual power is not a defence recognised in law.<ref name=bbca1>{{Cite news|author=Tanya Datta|title=Sai Baba: Goan or con man?|date=17 June 2004|publisher=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/this_world/3813469.stm | access-date=4 January 2010}}</ref>

In the early 1990s, the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] created a secret report that stated the Sai Baba movement is “likely to eventually become another worldwide religion”.<ref name="saicia"/><ref name="saioncia"/> The CIA operative who wrote the report concluded it by stating, “there is always the possibility, too, that the movement will collapse if Sai Baba is convincingly demonstrated to be a fraud.”<ref name="saicia"/><ref name="saioncia"/>

A 1995 TV documentary ''Guru Busters'', produced by filmmaker Robert Eagle for the UK's [[Channel 4]], accused Sai Baba of faking his materializations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eagletv.co.uk/projects/guru-busters.html |title=Eagle & Eagle |publisher=Eagletv.co.uk |access-date=7 January 2010}} [https://vimeo.com/352879776 Doordarshan clip]</ref> The clip from the film was mentioned in the ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'', on 23 November 1992, in a front-page headline "DD Tape Unveils Baba Magic".<ref>Haraldsson, ''op. cit.'', pp.&nbsp;295–301</ref>

Claims of Sai Baba resurrecting American devotee Walter Cowan in 1971 have been discussed by British journalist Mick Brown in his book ''The Spiritual Tourist'' from 1998,<ref name="spiritualtourist">Mick Brown, ''The Spiritual Tourist'', 1998, Bloomsbury Publishing, {{ISBN|158234034X}} "In the House of God", pp.&nbsp;73–74</ref><ref>Hislop, John S. ''My Baba and I'' 1985 published by Birth Day Publishing Company, San Diego, California {{ISBN|0960095888}}, "The Resurrection of Walter Cowan", pages&nbsp;28–31</ref>  and subsequently by [[Erlendur Haraldsson]], who interviewed doctors attending Cowan at the hospital; these physicians reported that Cowan had been dangerously ill but had not died.<ref name="lane2014">{{Cite book |last1=Lane |first1=David |author1-link=David C. Lane |title=The Mystical: Exploring the Transcendent |date=2014 |publisher=Mt San Antonio College |isbn=978-1565431737 |pages=62–63}}</ref>

Brown also related his experiences with alleged manifestations of vibhuti (sacred ash) from Sai Baba's pictures in houses in London, which he felt were not fraudulent or the result of trickery.<ref name="touristmiracle">Brown Mick, ''The Spiritual Tourist'', "The Miracle in North London", pp.&nbsp;29–30, 1998 {{ISBN|158234034X}}</ref> With regards to Sai Baba's claims of omniscience, Brown wrote, "sceptics have produced documentation clearly showing discrepancies between Baba's reading of historical events and biblical prophecies, and the established accounts."<ref name="spiritualtourist"/>

The ''[[Vancouver Sun]]'' in 2001 reported that Sai Baba told his adherents not to sign on to the internet,<ref name="VS">{{Cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/sai-baba-holy-man-sex-abuser-both|title=Sai Baba: Holy man? Sex abuser? Both?|work=vancouversun |date=26 April 2011|language=en|access-date=9 October 2019}}</ref> while encouraging them, rather, to surf the "inner net".<ref name="itallege">{{Cite news | title =Allegations of sexual molestation continue to dog Sai Baba| newspaper=[[India Today]]| date = 4 December 2000 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20001204-allegations-of-sexual-molestation-continue-to-dog-sai-baba-778528-2000-12-03|access-date =26 November 2012}}</ref>

===Allegations of abuse===
In January 2002, a documentary produced by Denmark's national television and radio broadcast company, [[Danish radio|Danmarks Radio]] (DR), called ''Seduced By Sai Baba'', analyzed videos of public manifestations of Sai Baba and suggested that they could be explained as sleight of hand.<ref name="seduced">{{Cite video|people=Øyvind Kyrø, Steen Jensen |title=Seduced by Sai Baba |medium=Documentary |publisher=[[DR (broadcaster)|DR]] |date=2002 |url=http://dr.dk/Salg/DRsales/Programmes/Documentary/Society_and_Social/20070629133445_3_1_3_1_1_1_1_1_1_1_1_1_1_1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204010039/http://www.dr.dk/Salg/DRsales/Programmes/Documentary/Society_and_Social/20070629133445_3_1_3_1_1_1_1_1_1_1_1_1_1_1.htm |archive-date=4 February 2010 }}</ref> The documentary also presented interviews with Alaya Rahm, former devotee of Sathya Sai Baba, where he alleged abuse by Sathya Sai Baba.<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk"/> As a result, in 2002 the parliament of the United Kingdom discussed the danger to male children of British families intending to visit the ashram of Sathya Sai Baba in case of individual audiences with the guru.<ref>[http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2001-02/886] UK Parliament official web site</ref>

In 2004, the [[BBC]] produced a documentary titled ''The Secret Swami'' as part of its series "The World Uncovered".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/this_world/3791921.stm |title=Programmes &#124; This World &#124; Secret Swami |publisher=BBC News |date=11 June 2004 |access-date=7 January 2010}}</ref> One central theme of the BBC documentary was again Alaya Rahm's sexual abuse allegations against Sathya Sai Baba.<ref name=bbcd>{{Cite video|people=Eamon Hardy, Tanya Datta|title=Secret Swami|medium=Documentary|publisher=BBC News|date=2004 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/this_world/3791921.stm | access-date=4 January 2010}}</ref> This documentary interviewed him together with Mark Roche, who had spent 25 years of his life since 1969 in the movement and alleged abuse by Sai Baba.<ref name=bbcd/> The show also featured allegations from Sai Baba critic Basava Premanand. Premanand stated in the documentary that, in his opinion, Sai Baba faked his materializations.<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk"/>

===Posthumous Trust issues===

After Sai Baba's death, questions about the manner in which the finances of the organization were going to be managed led to speculations of impropriety, with reports stating that suitcases containing cash and/or gold had been removed from his personal lodgings.<ref name="dh" /><ref>{{Cite news| title =What's inside Sathya Sai's personal chamber?| publisher = [[Zee News]]|url =http://zeenews.india.com/news710182.html| date =2 June 2011| access-date =9 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| title =Trust hesitant on unlocking Sai Babas residence| author =Express News Service| publisher = [[CNN-IBN]]| url =http://ibnlive.in.com/news/trust-hesitant-on-unlocking-sai-babas-residence/155644-60-114.html| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110603112010/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/trust-hesitant-on-unlocking-sai-babas-residence/155644-60-114.html| url-status =dead| archive-date =3 June 2011|date =31 May 2011| access-date = 9 June 2011}}</ref>

On 17 June 2011, officials from the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust opened his private residence in the presence of government, bank and tax department officials.<ref>Deccan Herald, Tuesday 17 June. 2011, "Huge amount of gold, silver, cash found in Sai Baba's Chamber" http://www.deccanherald.com/content/169535/huge-amount-gold-silver-cash.html.</ref> In the private residence, which had been sealed since his death, they inventoried 98&nbsp;kg of gold ornaments, approximate value Rs 21 crores (US$4.7m), 307&nbsp;kg of silver ornaments, approximate value Rs 16&nbsp;million (US$0.36m), and Rs 116&nbsp;million (US$2.6m) in cash. The cash was deposited into the Sai Trust's account at the State Bank of India with payment of government taxes (thus transferring them from religious gifts to Trust assets.) The gold and other items were inventoried, assessed, and placed in secure storage. In July, district authorities inventoried an additional Rs 7.7&nbsp;million (US$0.17m) in valuables in another 4 rooms.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Assets-worth-Rs77L-seized-at-Sai-ashram/articleshow/9081602.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928224408/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-03/india/29733031_1_satya-sai-baba-precious-metals-diamond-ring|url-status=live|archive-date=28 September 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|title=Assets worth Rs 77L seized at Sai ashram|date=3 July 2011}}</ref> The total value of these items is believed to exceed 7.8&nbsp;million US dollars.<ref name="hindustan times">{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Treasure-island-Sai-Baba-s-gold-trove/Article1-710596.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618095123/http://www.hindustantimes.com/treasure-island-sai-baba-s-gold-trove/article1-710596.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 June 2011|title=Treasure island: Sai Baba's gold trove|date=17 June 2011|publisher=[[Press Trust of India]]}}</ref> Also inventoried at Yajurmandir were thousands of pure silk sarees, dhotis, shirts, 500 pairs of shoes, dozens of bottles of perfume and hairspray, watches, a large number of silver and gold "mangala sutrams", and precious stones such as diamonds. There were also 750 saffron and white robes of the type Sai Baba wore.<ref name="500 pairs">{{Cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110618/jsp/nation/story_14130452.jsp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203204543/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110618/jsp/nation/story_14130452.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 February 2013|title=Open sesame! Baba & his chamber of secrets|author=G.S. Radhakrishna|date=17 June 2011|newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]]|location=Calcutta, India}} and [https://archive.today/20130204042951/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110618/images/18zzsaibababig.jpg this graphic]</ref> In July 2011, a similar opening of his Bangalore-area ashram tallied 6&nbsp;kg of gold coins and jewelry, 245&nbsp;kg of silver articles and Rs 8&nbsp;million in cash. These items and goods are believed to have been donated over the years by Sai Baba's devotees from all over the world as religious gifts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Three-day-count-at-Babas-ashram-yields-treasure/articleshow/9305840.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815224317/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-21/bangalore/29798927_1_brindavan-revenue-officials-ashram|url-status=live|archive-date=15 August 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|title=Three-day count at Baba's ashram yields treasure|date=21 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/178661/perfumes-sarees-form-sai-babas.html,|title=Perfumes, sarees form Sai Baba's inventory|work=Deccan Herald}}</ref>

In 2012 Satyaji (Sai Baba's former personal attendant) came forward with a noterised signed, yet unknown, document from Sai Baba, dated from 1967 entailing Sai Baba had "no personal right on the multi-crore spiritual empire built by him". In the letter Sai Baba stated, "Whatever is given to me is under my management, supervision and control as a trustee to be used for public charitable purposes. This declaration I am making so that nobody can claim, under or through me, in the family properties if any."<ref name="saidocu">{{Cite news | title =45-year-old document adds new twist to Satya Sai Baba's empire| newspaper=[[India Today]] | date = 2 September 2012 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/45-year-old-document-adds-new-twist-to-satya-sai-babas-empire-115103-2012-09-02|access-date = 2 September 2012}}</ref> Reports stated that for some time Sai Baba's nephew, R.J. Ratnakar Raju was trying to gain control over the trust, whose assets and properties worth hundreds of millions of dollars, led to a conflict between him and the other trust members.
The [[Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust]] however, never makes the intake or expenditure details of funds into the trust public.
"Nobody really knows who the members are in the trust and whether if; or any, changes are made at any point of time."<ref name="saidocu"/>

===Responses===
Sathya Sai Baba rejected any allegations of misconduct and was never charged with any offense.<ref name=funeral/><ref name=":0" /> During a speech in December 2000, he used the analogy of [[Jesus Christ]] and [[Judas Iscariot]], saying, "in those days there was one Judas, but today there are thousands."<ref name="sai2000"/> Addressing the allegations, he said that out of jealousy, hate and fear, many devotees were being bought to speak against him, having been offered money to say nasty things.<ref name="sai2000">{{Cite news| date=26 December 2000 |title= Sai Baba lashes out at detractors |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/sai-baba-lashes-out-at-detractors/articleshow/534425761.cms |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref>

His followers have also defended him publicly and attested to what they believed to be his character. These include [[Bill Aitken (traveller)|Bill Aitken]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-week.com/25nov27/currentevents_article10.htm |title=Miracle of Welfare |access-date=9 September 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060909111636/http://www.the-week.com/25nov27/currentevents_article10.htm |archive-date=9 September 2006 }}</ref> and Anil Kumar, former principal of the Sathya Sai Educational Institute.<ref name="divine">Brown, Mick (28 October 2000). "Divine Downfall". ''The Daily Telegraph''.</ref>

In an open letter in December 2001, Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]],<ref name=Palmer97-98 /> Chief Justices [[P. N. Bhagwati]] and [[Ranganath Misra]], and Members of Parliament and [[Najma Heptulla]] said that they were "deeply pained and anguished by the wild, reckless and concocted allegations" against Sathya Sai Baba, and called him "an embodiment of love and selfless service to humanity".<ref name="letterpmindia">[https://archive.today/20130921020144/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fline/fl2810/stories/20110520281002600.htm Letter from A. B. Vajpayee (the then Prime Minister of India)]</ref>

In a 2015 article, writer [[Paul William Roberts]] said Sai Baba "definitely emanated [[love]] and could perform extraordinary actions defying explanation. No matter what is said about him, I can only speak for myself, and I have never had any reason to doubt that he is what he said he is.”<ref name="pwrmg">{{Cite news | title =From Saddam Hussein to Christopher Hitchens, Paul William Roberts on the remarkable people he's encountered| newspaper=[[Montreal Gazette]] | date = 29 August 2015 | url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/from-saddam-hussein-to-christopher-hitchens-paul-william-roberts-on-the-remarkable-people-hes-encountered|access-date = 15 July 2020}}</ref>

==Publications and documentaries==

Sathya Sai Baba authored 15 books, known as "Vahinis" (river or stream), originally written in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and translated into English by Prof. [[Narayana Kasturi]].<ref>[https://sssbpt.info/english/vahinis.html] Vahinis</ref> His public discourses were collected and published into book form known as the "Sathya Sai Speaks" series. There are 42 volumes in total, beginning in 1953 and ending in 2010.<ref>[https://sssbpt.info/english/sss.htm] Sathya Sai Speaks</ref> During the summer months (from 1972 until 2002), Sai Baba gave discourses to his students at the Brindavan university campus in [[Whitefield, Bangalore|Whitefield]]. These were collected to create a 15 volume series known as the "Summer Showers" series.<ref>[https://sssbpt.info/english/showers.html] Summer Showers</ref>

There is a large known collection of Bhajans (spiritual songs) written and sung by Sai Baba as well as countless numbers of books about him written by devotees and critics.

Sathya Sai Baba has also been featured in various documentaries and films.

*1973 ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX8TuK5c6GM Advent of the Avatar]'' by [[Richard Bock (record producer)|Richard Bock]]
*1974 ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa3FXDMzCpQ The Endless Stream]'' by [[Richard Bock (record producer)|Richard Bock]] who continued to make several documentaries about Sathya Sai Baba spanning from the 1970s until the 1990s.
*1975 ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJYgXXvRSec&t=583s The Man of Miracles: Sathya Sai Baba]'' Narrated and hosted by [[Rod Serling]] of [[The Twilight Zone (1959 TV series)|Twilight Zone]] fame.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2944338/] The Man of Miracles: Sathya Sai Baba</ref>
*1975 ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pux1v6U6z-Y&t=20s A Glimpse into the Divine Mission]'' 
*1990 ''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9G-4gpY0r4&t=1774s Who Is Sai Baba?]'' by Victor J. Tognola from [[Switzerland]].<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Who-Sai-Baba-Victor-Tognola/dp/B07J25DBTV] Who Is Sai Baba?</ref>

===Popular culture===

In a 1995 X-Files episode, "[[The Calusari]]" (season 2, episode 21), during a conversation about vibhuti (sacred ash) Sai Baba's name is cited and mentioned. A fictitious character, Dr. Burk elaborates, "In 1979, I witnessed a [[guru]] named Sai Baba create an entire feast out of thin air."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.generationterrorists.com/cgi-bin/x-files.cgi?ep=2x21|title=THE X-FILES The Calusari (2x21)|access-date=20 June 2024}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite book|author=Samuel H. Sandweiss|title=Sai Baba the Holy Man and the Psychiatrist|isbn=978-0960095810|year=1975|page=[https://archive.org/details/saibabaholymanps0000sand/page/240 240]|publisher=Birth Day Publishing Company |url=https://archive.org/details/saibabaholymanps0000sand/page/240}}
* {{Cite book|author=John S. Hislop|title=My Baba and I|isbn=978-0960095889|year=1985|publisher=Birth Day Publishing Company |url=https://archive.org/details/mybabai00hisl}}
* {{Cite book|author=Phyllis Krystal|title=Sai Baba: The Ultimate Experience|isbn=978-0877287940|year=1994|page=260|publisher=Red Wheel Weiser }}
* {{Cite book|author=Don Mario Mazzoleni|title=A Catholic Priest Meets Sai Baba|isbn=978-0962983511|year=1994|page=[https://archive.org/details/catholicpriestme00mazz/page/285 285]|publisher=Leela Press |url=https://archive.org/details/catholicpriestme00mazz/page/285}}
* {{Cite book|author=Erlendur Haraldsson|title=Modern Miracles: An Investigative Report on These Psychic Phenomena Associated With Sathya Sai Baba|isbn=978-0803893849|year=1997|page=[https://archive.org/details/modernmiracles00erle/page/315 315]|publisher=Hastings House |url=https://archive.org/details/modernmiracles00erle/page/315}}
* {{Cite book|author=Vladimir Antonov|title=Sathya Sai Baba – The Christ of Our Days|isbn=978-1438252766|year=2008|page=38|publisher=CreateSpace }}
* {{Cite book|author=Tommy S. W. Wong|title=How Sai Baba Attracts Without Direct Contact|isbn=978-1448604166|year=2009|page=108|publisher=T.S.W. Wong }}
* {{Cite book|author=Tulasi Srinivas|title=Winged Faith: Rethinking Globalization and Religious Pluralism Through the Sathya Sai Movement|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0231149334|year=2010|page=430}}
* {{Cite book|author=David Smith|title="Hinduism" Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0415858809|year=2016}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.sathyasai.org/ International Sai Organization]
* {{Internet Archive author |sname=Sathya Sai Baba}}

{{Sathya Sai Baba}}
{{Hindu reform movements}}
{{Modern yoga gurus}}
{{Religious pluralism}}

{{Authority control}}

<!-- PLEASE DO NOT KEEP REMOVING THIS PAGE FROM THE "HINDU SAINTS" CATEGORY WITHOUT FIRST EXPLAINING YOUR REASONS ON THE TALK-PAGE.-->

{{DEFAULTSORT:Baba, Sathya Sai}}
[[Category:Sathya Sai Baba| ]]
[[Category:1926 births]]
[[Category:2011 deaths]]
[[Category:Founders of new religious movements]]
[[Category:Indian Hindu spiritual teachers]]
[[Category:Indian vegetarianism activists]]
[[Category:People from Anantapur district]]
[[Category:People from Rayalaseema]]
[[Category:People considered avatars by their followers]]
[[Category:Puttaparthi]]
[[Category:Telekinetics]]
[[Category:Religious pluralism]]
[[Category:Self-declared messiahs]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian philanthropists]]
[[Category:Telugu people]]
[[Category:Modern yoga gurus]]
[[Category:Miracle workers]]