Godman (India)

Godman is a term used in India for a type of charismatic guru who is often raised to a demigod-like figure by their 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 are capable of attracting attention and support from large sections of the 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 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]

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]

Skepticism and debunking of 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.^{[citation needed]}

Common miracles and explanations

Sanal Edamaruku performing a levitation trick

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]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M. The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 253. ISBN 978-0-8239-3179-8. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
^ Mehta, Uday (1993), Modern Godmen in India: A Sociological Appraisal, Mumbai: Popular Prakashan, ISBN 81-7154-708-7.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Linda Woodhead (January 2002). Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations. Psychology Press. p. 35. ISBN 978-0-415-21783-5. Retrieved 26 March 2014. By far the most famous Godman of today is Sathya Sai Baba.
^ Johannes Quack (22 November 2011). Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India. Oxford University Press. p. 96. ISBN 978-0-19-981260-8. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
^ John Ankerberg; John Weldon (1996). Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs. Harvest House Publishers. pp. 598–. ISBN 978-1-56507-160-5.
^ Paul G. Swingle (2008). Biofeedback for the Brain: How Neurotherapy Effectively Treats Depression, ADHD, Autism, and More. Rutgers University Press. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-8135-4287-4. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
^ ^a ^b Padmaparna Ghosh (1 July 2007). "Hocus focus: Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil is not the only one to believe in spirits and premonitions". The Telegraph (India). Archived from the original on 27 August 2007. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
^ "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.
^ "Obituary: Miracle man". Frontline. 7 May 2011. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
^ John Farndon (27 May 2009). India Booms: The Breathtaking Development and Influence of Modern India. Ebury Publishing. p. 68. ISBN 978-0-7535-2074-1. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
^ "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. Archived from the original on 21 June 2003. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
^ "Rationalists expose miracle men to villagers". New Zealand Herald. 14 July 2009. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Exposed: the tricks of India's 'guru' fraudsters". The National. Abu Dhabi. 31 May 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Confrontation in the Twilight zone". Sify. 30 August 2013. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
^ "Different Folks, Different Strokes". Outlook India. 10 January 2005. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
^ "Why the cynicism about Indian gurus?". Rediff. 12 March 2001. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
^ François Gautier (2001). A Western Journalist on India: The Ferengi's Columns. Har-Anand Publications. p. 61. ISBN 978-81-241-0795-9. Retrieved 24 January 2015.