Godmen are revered as special human beings and often worshipped by their followers.[3] Some godmen come from established schools of spirituality, but often they do not belong to any religious order. In recent years, many godmen have gained followers outside of India, which has increased their fame and wealth.[1]
Sathya Sai Baba (1926–2011) was a notable godman with a very large following.[1][3][4] He was known for alleged miracles like materialising sacred ash (vibhuti), and other objects like watches and jewels. He was also involved in charitable works, which include a hospital and a university.[3]
There are also female gurus who are considered divine and are revered by their followers. Some of them are spouses and collaborators of notable male gurus. Female gurus who are considered to be divine or saintly by their followers include Mirra Alfassa (1878–1973), Anandamayi Ma (1896–1982), Mata Amritanandamayi (born 1953), and Mother Meera (born 1960).[3]
Although few godmen have allowed their powers to be examined scientifically, Swami Rama became famous by participating in the biofeedback research conducted by Elmer Green at the Menninger Foundation around 1970.[5][6]
In September 2013, Shobhan Sarkar claimed to have dreamt of gold buried under the palace of Rao Ram Baksh Singh, a 19th-century king.[12] One of his disciples contacted Charan Das Mahant, then the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, who in turn convinced various other officials. Later, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted surveys of the site on 12 October and announced an excavation on 15 October. On 18 November 2013, after finding no signs of gold ASI stopped the excavation and began filling up the trenches.[13]
Sanal Edamaruku performing a levitation trickSodium reacting to water
Levitation of a person under a blanket: The trick is done by lying on the floor covered by a blanket and slowly sitting up while holding out two hockey sticks to mimic the rising of the legs and feet.[16]
Levitation of a person holding a stick: In this trick, the person appears to be floating above a mat supported only by bamboo stick held in his hand. The hollow bamboo stick and performer's robes contain a bracket which supports the person's weight and a rod runs through the bamboo and is anchored hidden under the mat.[17]
Making rocks explode by sprinkling holy water: The rocks have sodium crystals embedded in them, which reacts to ordinary water and expands rapidly.[16]
Creating fire by pouring ghee on wood: The wood pile contains potassium permanganate. It reacts to the glycerine, which is passed off as ghee and catches fire.[16][17]
Fire eating or carrying flames on palm: A cube of burning camphor can be held safely for a few seconds, by practice. It can also be held on the tongue. If the camphor becomes too hot, the performer exhales and closes the mouth, putting out the flame.[17]
Walking on burning coals: There is salt sprinkled on the coal which draws moisture; or the performer has wet his feet, forming a layer of dirt on them. If the performer walks quickly, he will not get burned.[17]
Rejection of the term
The Indian spiritual leader Ravi Shankar has objected to the use of the word godman, preferring instead guru in reference to his activities.[18]François Gautier has seconded this objection, arguing that Shankar's organisation, the Art of Living Foundation, has done much social work.[19][20]
^"Political leaders condole Sai Baba's death". India Today. 24 April 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2014. I first came in contact with him shortly after my incarceration in the Bangalore Central Jail during the 1975–77 Emergency. After that I have been meeting him frequently.
