Miracle on High

Tuesday, February 25, 2003

Every morning, some 10,000 people, hands folded as in prayer, gather at Puttaparthi, the South Indian town located atop a dry, barren hill. They shout with fervour: “Bless me, Baba. Bless me...”, as Sai Baba goes past. They come from every corner under the sun and do not mind in the least having to wait days, just to be able to speak with this man they worship.

Held in enormous esteem, Sai Baba is considered by some as being even greater than any of the apostles, prophets and holy men from throughout history. He has captivated an estimated 50 million people the world over with his charisma. Believed to have manifested a million miracles, he is reportedly able to cure all diseases and even bring a dead man back to life.

TEMPO reporter, Mardiyah Chamim, wrote the following report about the present-day cult that surrounds Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

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It seems as if Sri Sathya Sai Baba literally controls the heartbeat of Puttaparthi. Attributes carrying his image can be found everywhere in this South Indian town. The streets, hotel rooms, offices, res-taurants, gasoline stations and even trucks are decked with statues and photographs of Baba, in various sizes and poses.

Sai Baba’s following extends to Banglore, some 120 kilometers from Puttaparthi. Taxi drivers, shop attendants and t

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