Sathya Sai Baba

Sathya Sai Baba (1926?-2011) was based in India (having left the country only once to visit followers in Uganda and Kenya) and visitors flocked to see him and be in his presence.

Sathyanarayana Raju was born to a Kshatriya Telegu-speaking family in a small village within the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in 1926 (however this date has been questioned). At the age of fourteen, he announced himself to be a reincarnation of the saint, Sai Baba of Shirdi (c.1838-1918). In 1963, he claimed to be an avatar (divine incarnation) of Shiva and Shakti.

Criticisms of Sai Baba gained force in the 2000s, since the 2000 online publication of a report entitled The Findings by disillusioned followers, David and Faye Bailey. These accusations concern Sai Baba’s sexual conduct, and have provoked heated debates on the Internet.