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Sathya Sai Baba

Sathya Sai Baba (born Ratnakaram Sathyanarayana Raju; 23 November 192624 April 2011) was an Indian godman, guru and philanthropist. At the age of 14, he claimed to be the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba and left his home saying "my devotees are calling me, I have my work".

Sathya Sai Baba's followers have attributed to him a range of miraculous abilities, including the materialisation of ''Vibhuti'' (holy ash) and other small objects such as rings, necklaces, and watches. He was also believed to have performed spontaneous healings, resurrections, and exhibited clairvoyant abilities. Additionally, claims were made regarding his ability to be in multiple places simultaneously (bilocation), as well as his omnipresence, omnipotence, and omniscience.

Sathya Sai Baba's devotees include members of all religions. In 1972, Sathya Sai Baba founded the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. Through this organization, Sathya Sai Baba established a network of free, general, and superspeciality hospitals, medical clinics, drinking water projects, educational institutions, ashrams, and auditoriums.

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, and his devotees strongly reject these accusations, considering them propaganda against their guru.

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." Citing the number of Sai Centres (over 2000 in 137 countries), 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." Provided by Wikipedia