Godman is a term used in India for a type of healer or spiritual leader who is often raised to a demigod-like figure by his cult following. They generally 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.[1] Godmen usually have a high-profile presence, and attract support from large sections of Indian society.[2]
Overview
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 philanthropy, which include hospitals, schools and universities.[3]
Neem Karoli Baba (c. 1900–1973) is another well-known godman revered by many in the United States, a guru to whom innumerable miracles have been attributed.
There are also female gurus who are considered divine and are revered by their followers, some having been spouses and collaborators of noted 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]
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 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politician L. K. Advani.[7][8] In 2001, an official letter was issued that defended Sathya Sai Baba against accusations, the signatories included then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Chief Justices P. N. Bhagwati and Ranganath Misra, and former Home Minister Shivraj Patil.[9]
In 2006, Ravi Shankar was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley.[10] In June 2007, former President of India Pratibha Patil claimed to have had a visitation from Dada Lekhraj (1876–1969) giving her the premonition of her nomination as the President.[7][11]
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]
Debunking of alleged miracles
The Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA) has organised seminars to expose how alleged miracles are actually performed by sleight of hand.[14] Members of the Indian Rationalist Association travel to villages across India and perform shows to debunk miracles, educating villagers to keep them from giving money to godmen.[15] Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) and the Maharashtra Rationalist Association are also actively engaged in exposing false claims of spiritual gurus.Template:Citation needed
Common miracles and explanations
- 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]
See also
- Aghori
- Global Baba, a 2016 movie
- Superstition in India
- Theios aner
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. The Rosen Publishing Group(2002). ISBN 978-0-8239-3179-8
- ↑ Mehta, Uday (1993), Modern Godmen in India: A Sociological Appraisal, Mumbai: Popular Prakashan, Template:ISBN.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Psychology Press(January 2002). ISBN 978-0-415-21783-5
- ↑ Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Oxford University Press(22 November 2011). ISBN 978-0-19-981260-8
- ↑ Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Harvest House Publishers(1996). ISBN 978-1-56507-160-5
- ↑ Biofeedback for the Brain: How Neurotherapy Effectively Treats Depression, ADHD, Autism, and More{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Rutgers University Press(2008). ISBN 978-0-8135-4287-4
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Hocus focus: Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil is not the only one to believe in spirits and premonitions.. The Telegraph (India)(1 July 2007). Retrieved 1 April 2014.
- ↑ Political leaders condole Sai Baba's death. India Today(24 April 2011). Retrieved 1 April 2014.
- ↑ Obituary: Miracle man. Frontline(7 May 2011). Retrieved 1 April 2014.
- ↑ India Booms: The Breathtaking Development and Influence of Modern India{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Ebury Publishing(27 May 2009). ISBN 978-0-7535-2074-1
- ↑ Pratibha claims divine premonition of greater responsibility. The Hindu(28 June 2007). Retrieved 1 April 2014.
- ↑ Shobhan Sarkar: The truth behind gold digging baba of Unnao. India Today(29 December 2013). Retrieved 1 April 2014.
- ↑ No sign of gold, ASI stops Unnao digging. The Hindu(19 November 2013). Retrieved 1 April 2014.
- ↑ Tricks revealed. The Hindu(31 May 2003). Retrieved 24 January 2015.
- ↑ Rationalists expose miracle men to villagers. New Zealand Herald(14 July 2009). Retrieved 24 January 2015.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Exposed: the tricks of India's 'guru' fraudsters. The National(31 May 2010). Retrieved 24 January 2015.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Confrontation in the Twilight zone. Sify(30 August 2013). Retrieved 24 January 2015.
Further reading
- Godmen of India{{#if:Brent|, Brent}. Allen Lane(1972). ISBN 9780140034608
- Begone Godmen{{#if:Kovoor|, Kovoor}. Jaico Publishing House(2014). ISBN 9788172243319
- Gurus, godmen, and good people{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Orient Longman(1975). ISBN 9780318366722