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Hindu Guru Sai Baba Dead at 86

Worshipped as a god by millions

By the Associated Press

Posted Apr 24, 2011 1:07 PM CDT

(AP) – Hindu guru Sathya Sai Baba, worshipped as a god by millions of followers worldwide, died this morning in a hospital near his southern Indian ashram. He was 86. Sai Baba had spent nearly a month on breathing support and dialysis while struggling with multiple-organ failure. Hundreds of thousands of devotees are expected to pay last respects. A funeral with state honors is planned Wednesday morning.

The saffron-robed Sathya Sai Baba had a huge following, with ashrams in over 126 countries and Indian devotees including high-placed politicians, movie stars, world-class athletes and industrialists. He was said to perform miracles, conjuring rings, watches, and "vibhuti"—a sacred ash that his followers applied on their foreheads—from his overgrown and unkempt Afro-style hair. But rationalist critics denounced him as a charlatan whose miracles were fake. Several news reports also alleged he committed sexual abuse against devotees—allegations he denied as vilification campaigns. Officials and celebrities expressed sadness at the guru's passing, remembering him as a "great pious personality" who worked selflessly to help others.

[Images (13)]

[Quotes (1)]

FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2007 file photo, Spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba, along with then Indian Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, left, attends a function in Chennai, India. A doctor says the Hindu... (M.lakshman)

An Indian devotee offers prayers before portraits of Hindu holy man Sathya Sai Baba at Shivam temple in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, April 24, 2011. Sai Baba, considered a living god by millions of followers... (Mahesh Kumar A)

Devotees grieve on hearing the news of the Hindu holy man Sathya Sai Baba's death in Puttaparti, about 450 kilometers (281 miles) from Hyderabad, India, Sunday, April 24, 2011. A doctor says the Hindu... (Aijaz Rahi)

A flower vendor and devotee grieves on hearing the news of the Hindu holy man Sathya Sai Baba's death, outside Baba's ashram in Puttaparti, about 450 kilometers (280 miles) from Hyderabad, India, Sunday,... (Aijaz Rahi)

An unidentified devotee grieves on hearing the news of the Hindu holy man Sathya Sai Baba's death, outside Baba's ashram in Puttaparti, about 450 kilometers (280 miles) from Hyderabad, India, Sunday,... (Aijaz Rahi)

Indian devotees of Hindu holy man Sathya Sai Baba gather after hearing about his demise at Shivam temple in Hyderabad, India, Sunday, April 24, 2011. Sai Baba, considered a living god by millions of followers... (Mahesh Kumar A)

In this April 10, 2010 file photo, Indian spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba looks on at a function to meet his devotees in New Delhi. (Mustafa Quraishi)

Devotees grieve on hearing the news of the Hindu holy man Sathya Sai Baba's death, outside Baba's ashram in Puttaparti, about 450 kilometers (281 miles) from Hyderabad, India, Sunday, April 24, 2011.... (Aijaz Rahi)

An unidentified devotee reacts on hearing the news of the Hindu holy man Sathya Sai Baba's death, outside Baba's ashram in Puttaparti, about 450 kilometers (281 miles) from Hyderabad, India, Sunday, April... (Aijaz Rahi)

FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2005 file photo, Indian holy man Sathya Sai Baba, right, is greeted by Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, during his 80th birthday celebrations, at Puttaparthy, in the southern... ((AP Photo/File))

Devotees grieve on hearing the news of the Hindu holy man Sathya Sai Baba's death, outside Baba's ashram in Puttaparti, about 450 kilometers (280 miles) from Hyderabad, India, Sunday, April 24, 2011.... (Aijaz Rahi)

Policemen stand guard after putting up the barricades outside the ashram of Hindu holy man Sathya Sai Baba soon after announcement of his death in Puttaparti, about 450 kilometers (280 miles) from Hyderabad,... (Aijaz Rahi)

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Sri Satya Sai Baba inspired millions to lead a moral and meaningful life, even as they followed the religion of their choice. (His death is) an irreparable loss to all, and the nation deeply mourns his passing. - Indian PM Manmohan Singh

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Hindu Guru Sai Baba Dead at 86

Worshipped as a god by millions

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