Sai Baba passes away; devotees in utter despair

Puttaparthi, Apr 24: The renowned godman

has breathed his last on Apr 24 at the Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSIHMS). The end came at 7:40am on Sunday. The famous godman who mobilized masses from across the world with his charity deeds and noble efforts to uplift the downtrodeen and less-fortunate died following prolonged illness.

Immersing his large number of devotees into utter despair and sorrow, Sai Baba's health was seeing a downfall since the last couple of days. With many politicians and who's who of India making a beeline to Puttaparthi where he was hospitalized, led to authorities imposing prohibitory orders in Puttaparthi to manage the huge influx of visitors.

Speculations have already emerged on who his successor will be on huge empire that include the massive Prasanthi Nilayam, 'The Abode of Supreme Peace'. There were reports that the next reincarnation would be Prema Sai Baba from Karnataka. The members of the Sai Baba Trust was scheduled to meet on Sunday.

Who is Satya Sai Baba?
Sai Baba with a large devotee following is a self-proclaimed 'avatar' of the Siva-Shakthi.

He has spearheaded many noble deeds like building educational institutions, hospitals and providing food to less privileged people in over 166 countries. He has carried out some notable deeds like providing water to drought-ridden Rayalseema region and has provided many other relief efforts for those struck by calamities.

With followers across the globe, the loss will be heart-felt not just in the capacity of a godmen who did miraculous deeds but as a human-lover who wanted to wipe out poverty and despair from people's hearts. He was also subject to many controversies and allegations that was not proved.

The lasting image in people's minds will be him manifesting "vibhuthi" from thin air and his various miraculous deeds that includes levitation, getting figurines, jewellery from thin air. Often facing flak that they were acts of magic. (Read: Sai Baba: A rocky journey marred by controversies)

How the end came?
Satya Sai Baba was admitted at the super-specialty hospital at Prashantigram at Puttaparthi following respiratory problems on Mar 28. The 85 year has had many health issues earlier. But his condition worsened recently. (Read: Sai Baba's health dips further; succession talk hots up)

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