Godman Satya Sai Baba, a cult like figure who had a phenomenal following, including the high and mighty, across the globe, died in Puttaparthi on Sunday, battling illness caused by a multi-organ failure for nearly a month.
The 84-year-old Baba, whose clout ran far and wide with millions of followers but had more than his own share of controversies, died at 7:40 AM following multi-organ failure at the Sri Satya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences founded by him in this backward Anantapur district town in Andhra Pradesh, the place from where he ran his spiritual empire.
"Bhagawan Sri Satya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left His earthly body on April 24 at 7:40 AM due to cardio-respiratory failure," AN Safaya, Director of the Institute, said.
Baba body will lie in state at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days Monday and Tuesday. Arrangements will be made for darshan after 6:00 pm today at the Hall, he said.