Godman (India)


Godman is a colloquial term used in India for a type of charismatic guru that is often raised to a demigod-like figure by their cult following. They usually have a high-profile presence, and are capable of attracting attention and support from large sections of the society. Godmen also sometimes claim to possess paranormal powers, such as the ability to heal, the ability to see or influence future events, and the ability to read minds.

Overview

Godmen are revered as special human beings and often worshipped by their followers. Some godmen come from established schools of spirituality, but often they don't belong to any religious order. In recent years, many godmen have gained followers outside of India, which has increased their fame and wealth.
Sathya Sai Baba was a notable godman with a very large following. He was known for alleged miracles like materialising sacred ash, and other objects like watches and jewels. He was also involved in charitable works, which include a hospital and a university.
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, Anandamayi Ma, Mata Amritanandamayi, and Mother Meera.
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.

Political patronage

Several godmen have found patronage among politicians and other high-ranking officials. Sathya Sai Baba had several devotees in the political field. They include BJP leader L. K. Advani. In 2001, an official letter was issued that defended Sai Baba against accusations, the signatories included then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Chief Justices P. N. Bhagwati and Ranganath Misra, and former Union Minister Shivraj Patil.
In 2006, Ravi Shankar was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by US Congressman Joseph Crowley. In June 2007, former President of India Pratibha Patil claimed to have had a visitation from Dada Lekhraj giving her the premonition of her nomination as the President.
In September 2013, Shobhan Sarkar claimed to have dreamt of gold buried under the palace of Rao Ram Baksh Singh, a 19th-century chieftain. 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 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.

Skepticism and debunking

The Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations has organised seminars showing how the so-called miracles are actually performed by sleight of hand. Members of the Indian Rationalist Association travel to villages across India and perform shows to debunk the miracles, educating villagers to prevent them from giving money to godmen. Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti and We The Sapiens are also actively engaged in exposing false claims of spiritual gurus.

Common miracles and explanations

The Indian spiritual leader Ravi Shankar has objected to the use of the word godman, preferring instead guru in reference to his activities.
François Gautier has opposed the usage of the term godman to describe Shankar and Sathya Sai Baba. He has pointed out that Shankar's organisation, the Art of Living, has done much social work.