Indian 'godman' Sai Baba dies in hospital

Sai Baba died before fulfilling his prophecy to live to the age of 96

Sathya Sai Baba, the Indian 'godman', whom millions of devotees believed to be the reincarnation of God, died in hospital at 7:40 a.m. Sunday morning, aged 84. Despite the administrations of many top doctors, Sai Baba succumbed to his mortal illnesses in the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Services, in his home town of Puttaparthi.

Sai Baba failed to fulfil his own prophecy that he would live until the age of 96, and devotees will feel the gap in their lives as his successor is not predicted

to be born until 2030. Many devotees do not accept their Avatar's mortal death believing he will come back as there can be no death for their god. Many believe that Sai Baba is simply in a state of sleep and he will return.

The hospital has issued a statement saying "We appeal to all not to rush to the hospital, but to remain calm and have Darshan [viewing] in an orderly manner" the BBC reports. Hundreds of thousands of devotees are expected to arrive in Puttaparthi to view Sai Baba's body in the Ashram Temple, where it will lie in state from Sunday until the funeral on Wednesday morning.

Roads have been sealed in the town of Puttarparthi and security at Bangalore airport, the nearest at 150 km away has been tightened. Puttarpathis own airport is not in use. Celebrities, politicians, and many famous devotees are expected to arrive to have Darshan. Baba's devoted followers come from 165 countries and number some 30 million.

The controversial godman built up a vast wealth from donations which is estimated at close to $9 billion, far exceeding the amount spent on charitable works. The funds are held in a charitable trust. Charitable works included the building and running of schools, universities and hospitals. One of the most significant good deeds that Sai Baba was responsible for was bringing water to the formerly arid area of India.

His vocal detractors worked to dispel Sai Baba's holy image, claiming his miracles were trickery and focusing on the alleged sexual abuse which Baba was never investigated for. The charitable trust meanwhile will be the focus of much attention in coming weeks as the guru is not thought to have named a successor to run it in the event of his demise.

"Sri Satya Sai Baba has given his great self to the service of humanity," Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy said, according to Yahoo News. "He will be remembered for ages to come by all sections of people all over the world."

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Sai Baba's death is "an irreparable loss to all, and the nation deeply mourns his passing away."