Sathya Sai Baba imitators and parasites galore

The Nepali Sai Baba enthroned before his adoring masses

Sathya Sai Baba has had such success – not least in deceiving a very large number of religious seekers – that he has started what could be considered a particular guru brand “Sai Baba”, which numerous others have imitated. In 1994 at Kodaikanal, while driving to darsan at the Sai ashram there, the occupants of my taxi exploded with laughter when we passed a young replica of Sathya Sai Baba looking very like him when young. He was striding along confidently, but this was temporary as he was stopped at the gate and kept out for trying to ridicule Sathya Sai Baba.

There is a Sathya Sai Guru Gallery of impostors one can see here. Among the most exhaustive copyists, complete with all the trappings, poses, educational institutions, youth wing – you name it – is Bala Sai Baba, who has a huge complex modelled on Prashanthi Nilayam, also in Andhra Pradesh.

Now, however, a new competitor comes on the scene. As one can see from the photos here, he adopts poses of Sathya Sai Baba well-known from the massive photo gallery of him. Hanky to the mouth, padnamaskaar by devotees as darshan, ‘thoughtful pose’ with finger on chin, ‘Sri Sai seva’  and much besides. There is an absolutely hilarious video of this Nepali Sai Baba,  on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZgFpYfxCN8&feature=related

Doesn't he just look a darling? All that wonderful hair... how does he do it?

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