Sai Baba: Copycat Watch!

Saidas Babaji Is Dead

2006-09-05T03:11:00.000+00:00

Jai Sai Ram.

With pain in our hearts and prayers on our lips we inform you that H.H. Sri Sri Sri Saidas Babaji, International Chairman, Sai Foundation Organisations Worldwide (SFOW) is no more with us in His physical form. It happened on 2.9.2006.

The Mahasmadhi Programme of our Samarth Sathguru H.H. Sri Sri Sri Saidas Babaji to be held at Prashanti Dham, Ujjain on September 4, 2006 as per Indian Standard Time, is scheduled as under:

Beginning of Poojas: 11.00 a.m., Mahasmadhi: 03.05 p.m.

Sai Foundation-India requests all the devotees to hold Bhajans, say prayers, recite Sai Gayatri and Guru Mantra during this time schedule.

The Samadhi Sthal of Sathguru Babaji is at the spot earmarked by His Holiness Himself and is adjacent to the Dhuni Mandir.

With Sai Prema,

Dr Sham Tewari, Global Principal Advisor.

Er. Randhir Kapoor, Secretary.

Source: SaiFoundation.Org

New Vishwananda Blog Online

2006-07-31T00:31:00.000+00:00

An ex-devotee of Swami Vishwananda, going by the online name of Mathew, kindly informed me of his new blog that is now online:

The True Colours of Swami Vishwananda

Bala Sai's Birthday Beauties

2006-04-14T03:52:00.000+00:00

The latest gossip confirms that Bhagawan Sri Bala Sai Baba of Kurnool is just an opportunistic Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba impersonator with a view to enjoy adoration and flattery from gullible people. The Andhra Herald reports that Bala Sai Baba's birthday celebrations may be attended by several film stars this year - all girls of course. It's a wonder he can even afford hiring these celebrities when he cannot even stump up the cash to pay back the generous donation of an innocent (but gullible) disciple. And whatever happened to the drinking water project?

What? Don't be so silly enough to expect these trivial issues getting in the way of inviting some hot chicks to your birthday party!

Isn't he quite the ladies man though?

‘Bala Sathya Sai Baba’, who has established an ashram in Kurnool, likes very much to get into the public eyes with film stars around him. He is like a Xerox copy to ‘Puttaparthi Sai Baba’ and also has thousands of devotional societies and also receives devotees from the foreign countries by which his turnover runs into crores of rupees.

Now he is planning to invest in educational field also.

Last year on his birthday actress Nagma, Suman, Laya, Babu Mohan, Venu Madhav participated for which they compensated in lakhs of rupees. And the news is that for this birthday he is planning to bring in ‘Trisha’, Genelia, Sindhu Tolani are also being consulted.

We expect that Sathya Sai Baba is seething with jealousy at the bare-faced cheek of this upstart who dares to steal his thunder. After all, he usually only gets a few shrivelled-up old women and a lot of pre-school kids to sing for him at his own parties!

And just for your viewing pleasure, here's some pictures of the delightful beauties (read: pretty leggy girls) all getting ready to tease and tantalise Mr. Bala Sai with their sexy dance steps and come-hither looks. Looks like he'll be seriously hot under the collar and may even have his hands full (literally) when this event comes to pass. Remember to click on the images to see enlarged versions. Enjoy. ;-)

Photo credits to whoever owns them.

Laya:

Genelia:

Trisha:

Sindhu Tolani:

And last - but definitely not the least - the ultra-gorgeous Suman Ranganathan:

Premananda Conviction Upheld By Supreme Court

2006-04-12T00:41:00.000+00:00

The Indian Skeptic reports a story by the Deccan Herald about the Indian Supreme Court upholding the life-sentence judgement on Swami Premananda for rape of minors and a murder.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the conviction and life sentence for two terms awarded to Swamy Premananda of Tiruchirapally ashram in Tamil Nadu for raping 13 women and murdering one man, all inmates of his ashram.

A division bench comprising Justice B N Agarwal and Justice H K Sema confirmed the judgement of the Madras High Court affirming the conviction and sentence awarded to Swamy Premananda by the trial court.

In view of the gravity of the offence and the deleterious effect it had not only on the victims but also on the society at large, any remission of sentence announced either by the Central or the State government would not apply to Swamy Premananda, said the apex court in an order.
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The prosecution’s story was that the convict, hailing from Sri Lanka, had established an ashram near Tiruchirapally and used to entice women inmates, 13 of the whom were raped in 1994. He also murdered Ravi, another inmate.

“We do not find any infirmity in the order passed by the High Court and it does not call for any interference,” the bench said, adding that both the trial court and the High Court were correct in convicting him.

In August 1997 the trial court had convicted and awarded two life terms and imposed a fine of Rs 66 lakh on Swamy Premananda. During the pendency of the appeal before the High Court, he had paid the amount of fine imposed on him.

The High Court had confirmed the conviction and sentence in December 2002.

High Court Stays Auction of Premananda Property

2006-03-26T23:56:00.000+00:00

Madurai, March 23: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court today stayed the auctioning of the property of the Premananda Trust, part of Premananda Ashram in Pudukottai district, by the Income Tax department for two weeks.

Justice Jothimani, staying the auction, issued notice to the respondents including the Chief Commissioner of I-T, Chennai, Commissioner (IT-I), Tiruchirappalli, and The Tax Recovery Officer-III. The auction was scheduled to be held on March 29 to recover the tax arrears due from godman Swami Premananda, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1997 for rape and murder.

The petitioner, Dhamayanthi Mathaji, the present managing trustee of the Sri Premananda Trust, submitted that the trust was formed in 1994 to take care of the affairs of the ashram. After the arrest of Premananda, some of the trustees left the ashram and a new trust board was formed. Now the ashram premises have been developed at a cost of Rs 97.35 lakh. More than 900 students were studying in the ashram school with 20 teaching staff. As many 630 students were staying in the ashram hostel and 50 persons were employed in the ashram.

The activities of these service-oriented people would be thrown out of gear and the ashram children would be affected if the auction was allowed, the petitioner said.

"When both Premananda and his associate Divya Devi had relinquished their rights pertaining to both movable and immovable properties and given them to the trust, how could the income tax officials auction the properties for the dues of the Swami?" the petitioner asked.

Besides, the donations had been made to the ashram for certain purpose and the trust was obliged to implement the purpose. "It is not income", the petitioner said.

The Income tax department had failed to note that Premananda was a 'sanyasi' and did not hold any property on his own. The funds were used for orphanage homes, rehabilitation of old people etc.The petitioner also submitted that the court should direct the income tax department to quash the auction order and assess the tax in the name of the 'petitioner trust'. (Agencies)

Premananda Youth Raise Unnecessary Expectations

2006-03-26T23:52:00.000+00:00

The activities of the Premananda Youth deserve some special mention. The day before the Shivaratri event they marauded on the streets of Tooting to bring attention to their jailbird guru's cause by threatening the British public with.. having their car windscreens cleaned.

Yep, if you didn't get that the first time, the Youth glorify their rapist leader by cleaning Britain's dirty windscreens.

In their own words:

Operation CLEAR VISION / Justice for Premananda (on Saturday afternoon)

* We go to Tooting, a Tamil area of London and clean windows of cars to clear the people’s vision... At the same time we distribute pamphlets with explanation about Swamiji and explain about Justice for Premananda to clear their vision on Swamiji’s situation.

* We sing bhajans in the street to get people’s attention. They will be surprised that Europeans are singing Bhajans in a Tamil area. We can distribute the same pamphlets and invite everyone to the Shivaratri programme on the next day.

* We all wear a fabric armband with ‘Justice for Premananda’ on it.

I don't even know where to start. It's not enough to celebrate the night of Shiva with lectures from "distinguished guests", not to mention the all-auspicious presence of Prema's Pink Lingam, not to mention the presence of Mr. Invisible himself, but you spend the day before washing car windscreens and copying the Hare Krishnas. Singing songs in a public area and wearing the same piece of clothing, why not go the whole hog by having their heads shaved and go out selling books? If you want a book or their JFP pamphlets, no fear, you may just get your windscreen cleaned for free.

But yes, there is more!

HOW TO SUPPORT:

The organisation of this Public Relations project will bring about substantial costs. If you are unable to come to the weekend, but if you want to support, your donation is strongly welcomed:

IBAN BE52 7775 9314 8309
BIC GKCCBEBB
to ‘Premananda Youth Belgium’
Address of the bank: Dexia, Ieperstraat, 8970 Poperinge - BELGIUM
With mention ‘donation Shivaratri London’

Yes, even if you're unable to attend this event, you're "strongly welcomed" to dig into your pockets to alleviate your consciences and break free of the guilt trip. It makes you wonder, where does all this money go anyway?

Mr. Invisible Deputes Guru Duties To Pink Lingam

2006-03-26T22:51:00.000+00:00

Youth followers of jailbird guru, Swami Premananda, recently held a Shivarathri celebration in London. You cannot expect them to spend the Night of Shiva just singing bhajans and having abhishekhams galore without mentioning a word (or two) about the guru's current prison status.

The event was part of the 'Justice for Premananda' campaign that hopes to "change the public opinion ([about Premananda] of the Tamil community in London, as this has an influence in India as well." All the Premananda devotees, Tamil journalists and other press, Dr. W.J. Wall (author of “The DNA Detectives”), the Global Human Rights Defense organisation, influential Tamil people and devotees of other spiritual missions were invited to discuss this possibility.

Gee whiz, the guy has been sent to prison for murdering an ashram inmate when wasn't busy raping thirteen girls. What's there to change?

But anyhow, this programme received the Swami's blessings. This is what he is reported to have said:

“It is a very good plan and you should do it. I will definitely support you ... I will send someone from the Ashram with the pink lingam to attend this programme and this person should give lingam blessings with it during the Shivaratri night. I will also be there.”

Er, if he's coming then why doesn't he bring the pink lingam himself? According to the announcement: "The 'pink Lingam’ is a very special Lingam who has been with Swami continually since it was born. Swami used to keep it in His room on His personal shrine and He did puja on it for many years."

And for all of that, it couldn't keep him out of jail. Nevertheless, the Pink Lingam and it's powers were sent on a special mission to bless the London devotees on the Night of Shiva, along with the invisible presence of Premananda himself. Since nobody saw him arrive or leave it's kinda impossible to verify his attendance there. Never mind, the Pink Lingam stood in for him very well. I hear it clapped loudly when the invited guests finished their speeches, before being invited to give a talk about it's daily routine.

Vishwananda on "California Dreaming" US tour

2006-03-26T22:23:00.000+00:00

The "Young Yogi" has been gallivanting all over the USA as part of his world tour for the "spiritual upliftment of people of all religions and cultures in order to bring them to Self-realisation". Or so he says. His Spring 2006 tour lasts from March 4th till April 26th, where he will hopefully generate enough of a spiritual revolution to "awaken the divinity within".

On the US webpage, it is listed that Visham will be hitting Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Encinitas, Palm Desert, Riverside - good areas of California - to top up his suntan. After that, he'll head to Hawaii, Colorado, Kansas, Toronto, Boston, New York, and wind it all up with a glittering finale in Washington D.C. A meeting with President Bush hasn't been announced but you never know with this boy's charisma.

While we praise the Young Yogi's ambitious plans to spark a major change in the collective consciousness, the disadvantages of his material age means that he has attained realisaiton before his time. He never had the guidance of a guru to school him in the ways of gurudom, and so his world tour in America may bring him temptations galore. Having already had to deal with rumours of flirting around with the ladies and possibly fathering a child, we wish him all success which he is sure to get thanks to his pro-active fundraising techniques.

Tidbits about Swami Vishwananda

2006-03-11T04:26:00.000+00:00

I came across a blog recently that provided some interesting tidbits about the "young yogi" Swami Vishwananda. While there is some brief discussion about Sathya Sai Baba and the dangers of false gurus, the poster - Sheen - quickly moves to allegations of Vishwananda's former affinity to Sathya Sai Baba.

After all, you don't have to have been living on Pluto for the last year or so to tell that Vishwananda is blatantly copying Sai Baba as far his miracles and dress sense is concerned. Among other things, Sheen discusses how Vishwananda (aka 'Visham') had been to Sai Baba's Puttaparthi ashram several times. A short marriage to a European woman and allegations of begging for money fit in nicely with reports of his sexually harassing young women as well.

Read the relevant section for yourself, although the blog as a whole is a good read:

Then there are the young upcoming gurus who again seem to find their niche in the West, especially with the increasing number of younger people interested in exploring the spiritual world who remain the obvious targets. See the growing appeal of the so-called young yogi from Mauritius - Swami Vishwananda (also known as Visham). The free flowing praise of him from his followers overshadows those who knew him growing up in Mauritius as someone who had an affinity with Sathya Sai Baba as well, having gone frequently to his ashram. Mauritian sources make mention that he was married to someone in Europe a number of years ago and would also request money from individuals in his home area to visit Sai Baba's ashram periodically in his more youthful days (bearing in mind he is still in his twenties).

Yet in recent years there appears to be a detachment from Sathya Sai Baba, with Vishwananda branching off on his own, aligning himself elsewhere and consolidating his own organisation. He has claimed to be the reincarnation of Yogananda, of 'autobiography of a yogi' fame. Whether this is true or not, it is worth remembering that rumours have surrounded Yogananda himself as being something of the ladies man (and perhaps also fathering a child). So the jury's out on this one!

As for Vishwananda, the irony is that many of his initial supporters have been followers of Sathya Sai Baba as well and his disconnection gives rise to obvious talk among circles. Vishwananda has become more well known among devotees of Sai Baba, especially in the UK and recent responses refer to younger, more vulnerable women being the target of malpractice (even at a sexual level) after going to see Vishwananda. Apparently a group (predominently from Germany) went to Sai Baba's ashram last year to receive healing after having very challenging experiences with Vishwananda. A few were reported to have received the necessary help. Others perhaps have not been fortunate enough as yet.

One of the difficult things to make sense of is that whatever your impressions of Sathya Sai Baba, he remains an elderly figure with an immense and established following reputed to be engaged in humanitarian activities around the world - this is not a celebration of the organisation which has consolidated around him but an acceptance of the kind of work that has been done as directed over the years. Hence regardless of Vishwananda's abilities or powers, he is still a young man in his late twenties or so who cannot be compared to someone of the kind of stature of Sai Baba. It is bizarre then that he would aim to connect to followers of this elderly guru (or god-man if you believe this) and at the same time dis-associate from him as an avatar whom he once followed as well - unless, of course, it has become a mere case of competition. One wonders whether Sai Baba may have something in store for those who are riding the gravy train, so to speak.

Yep, he does.

What's Going On With Bala Sai?

2006-02-24T00:22:00.000+00:00

A recent newspaper reports strange happenings all over Bala Sai's spooky lil ghost town.

Eye camp inaugurated

KURNOOL: The Postal Department and Balasai Baba Trust jointly sponsored an eye camp for postal employees at P and T Colony here on Sunday.

The Postal Superintendent, Mahabub Basha, formally inaugurated the camp.

All very well and dandy, but on the other side of town...

Man kills 3-year-old son?

KURNOOL: A three-year-old boy was stoned to death allegedly by his father at Palamarri village, under the Pagidyala police station limits in Kurnool district, on Sunday. According to reports, in a fit of emotion, B. Ramana, murdered his son, Srikant, who died on the spot. The police are investigating.

Why fear when Bala Sai is busy avoiding court appearances instead of tending to the concerns of residents of his own home town?

What kind of headline is that, by the way, as if the reporter is somewhat unsure of the facts? How would that look if we applied the standards equally; "Eye Camp Inaugurated?" "Bala Sai Avoids Court?" "Bala Sai Shameless Sathya Sai Copycat?"

New Baba On The Block! Getcha Gun!

2006-02-22T19:33:00.000+00:00

Dedicated readers of this blog will have seen the updated photo that I've included in my profile. I think that 'Sai look' suits me, don't you? :-) No telling when it'll be in fashion though.

I should consider dedicating a page to myself on Sai Copycat Watch. After all if Swami Vishwananda can do the guru business at the same age as me, why can't I? I should start practising that trick with the golden eggs. Failing that, I can always stick fake jewellery up my armpit.

And in case you were wondering, the image was the kind contribution of my favourite critic. By virtue of my spiritual powers, I have transformed an act of malice into a testament of my glory!

Bala Sai Faces More Legal Woe

2006-02-16T17:14:00.000+00:00

The Andhra News reports that Bala Sai Baba, after failing to obey a court summons, is issued a second one. Could it be that the cash pipe is running dry?

Court Summons issued to Bala Sai Baba again

Thu, February 16, 2006; Posted: 12:40:15 pm EST
Related Categories: Crime | Religion

Kurnool: The Kurnool Additional Judicial First class Magistrate has issued summons to self proclaimed God men Bala Sai Baba. The issue is the 2 cheques issued by Sri Bala Sai Baba Central Trust were bounced as there was no balance in the account.

This is second such instance in the last 3-months.

Bala Sai Baba Cheated Me, Writ filed in High Court

2006-01-17T04:13:00.000+00:00

Updated: 11-16-2005 By andhracafe

The activities of the Bhagwan Sri Bala Sai Baba Central Trust came up for judicial scrutiny. Justice V.Eshwariah of the A.P. High court on Wednesday admitted a writ petition seeking a direction against the Trust and its Managing Trustee T.Rama Rao not to alienate an extent of 86 acres of land at Kondapur in the Hi tech city .

M.Siva Prasad a devotee of Bhagwan Bala Sai Baba moved the High Court complaining of large scale finanacial irregularities by the Trust and the Baba.

----------

Wednesday, November 16, 2005 -Andhra Herald

Bala Sai Baba Cheated Me, Write Filed In High Court

A devotee named M. Shiva Prasad has filed petition against Bala Sai Baba, complaining that Bala Sai Baba had cheated him. "I have donated 100-acres of land in Kurnool and about 86-acres of land in Madhapur, to serve the cause of poor and needy. They told me that in the land I donated in Kurnool they would build 'Bala Sai Baba hospital and research centre'. But they have not started the hospital for years and are now planning to sell the land in Madhapur making it plots. Thus I feel the purpose for which I donated the land was defeated.
"So I approached Bala Sai Baba and Managing Trustee T. Rama Rao and asked my land back as they are misusing it, they gave me few cheques, and all were bounced. So I want my land back," he requested the High court. Senior advocate Ramachadra Rao is going to argue in this case.

These stories found and contributed just today. Perhaps Bala Sai could quit copying Sathya Sai in holding world conferences (to discuss what?) and promising drinking water in order to sort out these pressing land issues. He might also figure out that tricycles are not appropriate for the poor of Kurnool, but all well and good for Bala's 46th Birthday. it's presents all around!

Bala Sai Promises Free Drinking Water

2006-01-16T06:47:00.000+00:00

NewIndPress Monday January 16 2006 10:12 IST

KURNOOL: The Eleventh World Peace Convention was held here on Saturday to mark the 46th birth anniversary of Balasai Baba.

Speaking on the occasion, Balasai Baba promised to supply purified drinking water free of cost wherever needed in Kurnool town.

He also promised to provide good education facilities in the district.

Balasai Baba said that he would also expand the educational facilities to Anantapur district.

Later, Balasai Baba distributed tricycles and sewing machines to poor people.

So not only does he steal Sai Baba's look and hairstyle, but he steals the humanitarian projects as well! Methinks Mr. Bala Sai would do well to take a leaf out of Sathya Sai's book and copy his progress too.

Or on the other hand, he could just be doing good work after all and the water pipes might work too. How cute he is, to think that tricycles are sufficient transport for the poor of Kurnool. What next, water beds for the coconut-wallahs?

Bala (Sai) Mela Organised In Kurnool

2006-01-13T22:50:00.000+00:00

What is it with this guy?

Friday, January 13, 2006 10:50 IST

NewIndPress - KURNOOL: ‘Bala Mela’ was held on Wednesday marking the third anniversary of the schools run by Sri Balasai Baba Central Trust.

The mela is also a prelude to Balasai Baba’s 46th birthday celebrations on Sankranti, January 14. Students of various schools run by the trust participated in the event. Several competitions and cultural programmes were organised.

The trust runs 60 ‘Ekopadhyaya schools’ in the downtrodden villages in the backward mandals of the district. The aim of these schools is to provide basic education without depriving them of their means of livelihood. So these schools function from 5 pm to 8.30 pm.

Sri Balasai Residential International School on the outskirts of Kurnool provides students education matching international standards at a nominal cost. There is another high school run by the trust in the city, which charges no fee from students.

The second area of focus for the trust is providing medical care. As many as 55,000 Intra-ocular lens surgeries were performed to cure people of cataract problems.

No fee? Hur hur, I'll say. The mime artist should mimic the clown.

Swami Ananda Baba

2006-01-01T00:08:00.001+00:00

Real Name: Ricardo Javier Ocampo (aka 'Swami Ananda Baba' aka 'Maestro Amor')

"Some we called Teacher Love, by the loving transformation that each one experiments when listening and putting in practice its message of life. "Some we called Teacher Love, by the loving transformation that each one experiments when listening and putting in practice its message of life. Its education includes and synthesizes all the spiritual currents, inspiring to all that that listens, to the investigation and deepening of the knowledge, taking each word and action to the experience of 'here and now'."

Bio: The Masterful Love, was born in the Rioja the 28 of June of 1974, and from very early age demonstrated to a deep knowledge of the espiritualidad and Sacred Texts. Also already since then it had an incredible variety of gifts, that showed a very special being.Been at the moment in Catamarca, it shares his lessons with a collaborator group with whom it develops to manifold activities on watch and social action in different communities from Argentina and the outside."

Websites:

Maestro Amor

Photo Gallery: Google Cache

See Swami Ananda Baba replicate the 'Vibhuti Abhishekham' miracle!

Sathya Sai Hater?: Unknown.

Swami Vishwananda

2006-01-01T00:07:00.000+00:00

"Swami Vishwananda is a spiritual teacher and yogi from Mauritius. He is dedicated to the spiritual upliftment of people of all religions and cultures in order to bring them to Self-realisation, which is to realise the Divine within. He is here to inspire and to awaken the divinity within, and to assure us that mortal consciousness can no longer restrict us, if we instill in our hearts and minds the Truth, and know that we are of God.He spreads and radiates warmth and love throughout the world and has opened the hearts of many people.

Bio: Shri Swami Vishwananda was born in 1978 in a Hindu family, on the Island of Mauritius. At that time, he was given the name 'Visham'. From an early age he showed a keen interest in Spirituality. At the age of 15, He went into/experienced the state of Samadhi. From that day forth he has dedicated himself to the spiritual upliftment and transformation of mankind by guiding people to focus on love and forgiveness, through Patience and Unity to reveal and experience our Divine Reality.

Websites:

Vishwananda.org
Vishwananda.Us

Read about the Hiranyagarbha (Golden) Lingam: One - Two: "Swami Vishwananda kept the Lingam only for three days. On Monday, 7th November he dematerialised it and 'brought it back where it came from'."

Photo Gallery: Google cache

Sathya Sai Hater?: Unknown.

Swami Nagananda

2006-01-01T00:06:00.000+00:00

Bio: "It has been born in (to) in (to) 1951 Sri Nagananda Swamy Bukkapatnam. People (people) saw signs from early childhood local <>, which (who) showed, that he (it) was exceptional spiritual nature. People (people) were witness how (as) cobras, when he (it) slept. He (it) was known from spending of many hour in solitary meditation also well <>. From its (his) this time of power of curing, mortal bites of snakes particularly, they have caused object materializacji, that known has become beyond region well <>. Meditation, service other, equality (identity) there is most important aspects of lives - and sciences Sri Nagananda."
- courtesy of poltran.com

Ashram: "Shanti Mandiram" - Usually stand in in (to) nearly village stay which (who) find (be placed) Swami Nagananda aszramie Shanti Mandiram Andhra Prasesh Putaparti where owns countrywoman aszram Sathya Sai. It is very tiny Aszram and it consists from temple (i.e. places, where public meetings proceed and spiritual practices), private headquarters of champions, for pilgrims habitable buildings and very tiny, but for it beautiful (fine) park. Meditative room (shop) is placed in the area also Aszramu. There is main aszramem Naganandy Aszram Shanti Mandiram but champion owns in whole india 40 centers near and in europe 50 and USA."
- Courtesy of poltran.com

Photos: Google cache

Sathya Sai Hater?: Unknown.

Swami Gopal Krishna Baba

2006-01-01T00:05:00.000+00:00

"Now there is a cry in everyone’s heart. Let there be peace! Peace in the world and peace in ourselves so that all beings can be happy. But how do we create this World peace? Should we do it on our own or should we do it together? Swami Gopala Krishna teaches us that there must be a balance. When we work only for our own peace spending hours in meditation, we create selfishness, but when we work only for the outside world we will create egoism too ... So let us work together and make this dream of World peace come true. Let us learn to give and forgive and make this world a better place for all to live in."

Bio: Gopal Krishna was born to Sri. Venkatramanaiah and Smt. Yamunamma, in the auspicious Hindu month of Kartik, on 6th November 1951. He was very different from the other children and showed a great interest in spirituality.

Websites:

SaiGopal.Org
GopalBaba.Org

Photo Galleries: One - Two

Sathya Sai Hater?: No.

Bangalore Ashram:

Sri Sai Mandiram
No.1265, 8th ‘B’cross, 1st ‘E’main,
2nd Phase, Girinagar, Bangalore-560 085
Email 1: info@gopalbaba.org
Email 2: gopalbaba@gopalbaba.org

Netherlands Ashram:

Sri Sai Mandiram
Contact: Bas van Velzen, Kannaiah
Noordeinde 40
1658 CB Lambertschaag
Email: Sri.Sai.Mandiram@hccnet.nl

Sekharji

2006-01-01T00:04:00.000+00:00

Real Name: Chandrasekhar Balasubramanian

Bio: "On the eve of Vara Maha Lakshmi Vratham in the month of Shravan, Susila completed the pooja and the labor for the next Mission manifested. Just after midnight, My Mother gave birth to Chandrasekhar Balasubramanian (Sekharji). It was August 14, 1959. In 1960, the Family moved to the United States of America."

Message: "There are Saints, Sages, and Avatars who manifest in embodiment with a Specific Purpose at various points in Time filliping the advancement of civilization. In this age, the fundamental nature of Humanity is diminished by the apparent success of extolling the negative qualities of humankind. Peace, truth, right conduct, compassion, service, and Self Awareness has given way to the torrid accumulation of power and wealth by any means. Success is no longer measured by skill, talent, knowledge, humility, and effort; but by comfort, possessions, arrogance, social status, and profession.

"The Time has come for the Universal Awakening to begin. Each and every individual must awaken to the understanding that every thought, word, and action contributes to the evolution of humankind, the restoration of the basic nature of Humanity, and the divination towards the Realization of 'the Self'."

Token Boast: "I eat one meal per day and have been doing so for decades. I consider anything solid as food. Of course, there have been occasions when it was necessary to snack during the day. But, these are rare occurrences. Additionally, I have a complete fast every thursday. I have been known to fast for countless days, even weeks.."

Websites:

Sekharji.Org - defunct (see old versions)
T.N. Bala - Website of Sekharji's father (Memorial page for mother)

Photo Galleries: One - Two - Three - **Four**

Sathya Sai Hater?: Yes.

Swami Roberto

2006-01-01T00:03:00.000+00:00

Bio: "Swami Roberto is the founder of Universal Soul. Ever since he was just a child, he has invited those who suffer to turn to prayer, and many testify that, thanks to his spiritual help, they have overcome great problems of life. Roberto teaches people to rediscover God in their own consciousness, with the certainty that Love, Charity and Brotherhood are universal spiritual foundations which belong to the whole of humanity, beyond any religious creed, since God is Father and Mother to all people."

Websites:

Wikipedia
Universal Soul

Photo Gallery:

Universal Soul (old page)
Universal Soul (current page)

Sathya Sai Hater?: Unknown.

Residence:

"Our main Ashram is in ITALY, in the town of Leynì, deep in the country of the Piedmont region a few kilometres North of Turin. The address is Via Enrico Mattei no. 58, Leinì (Turin), ITALY."

Swami Premananda

2006-01-01T00:02:00.000+00:00

"At the beginning of the 20th century, a great saint, Swami Paramaguru of Sri Lanka, foretold Swami Premananda's birth and spiritual power to Swamiji's grandmother. He was born on 17th November 1951 in Matale, Sri Lanka and the elderly saint's predictions steadily came true."

Bio: "From time to time great souls are born into this world with amazing qualities. They come with a purpose to remove the suffering of the people and to lead them to the truth. Swami Premananda is one of these very special ones. Swami is a Hindu religious title meaning that he has mastered himself. Prema means pure, divine love. Ananda means the highest joy known to man. Swami Premananda lives up to his wonderful name."

Websites:

Wikipedia
SriPremananda.Org
Premananda Youth
Premananda.Net (Dutch)

Photo Gallery: One - Two

Hinduism Today: "The popular Swami Premananda, known as the 'Sai Baba of Sri Lanka,' has closed his three ashrams and orphanage in Sri Lanka and opened a new 150-acre sanctuary named "Poobalakrishna Ashram" near Trichinopoly in Tamil Nadu, South India.

"The traditional Sri Lanka Hindu community, who are mostly Saivites, are not particularly impressed with the Swami's 'miracles' (which many consider sleight-of-hand), nor with his crowd-pleasing catering to the masses."

Times of India, April 05, 2005 - "The Supreme Court on Tuesday confirmed life imprisonment for two consecutive terms against a spiritual guru who raped 13 girls and murdered an inmate in his Tamil Nadu ashram in 1994. The Madras High Court had imposed the sentence on Swami Premananda of Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu."

Rape Case:

Rick Ross - Share International - Guruphiliac - ExBaba - Einterface

Rape Defence:

Justice For Premananda

Update:

Times of India, June 03, 2005 - "Former Union law minister Ram Jethmalani has struck out at some members of the nation’s apex judiciary, upbraiding them for 'intellectual inadequacy', shortly after the supreme court upheld the conviction and life imprisonment of controversial godman Swami Premananda for murder and rape in April this year ... Premananda had been accused of a murder and the rape of 13 girls in his ashram near Trichur in Tamil Nadu more than a decade ago. He was arrested, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, and lost his final appeal in the supreme court in April 2005."

Sathya Sai Hater?: Unknown.

Bhagavan Sri Bala Sai Baba

2006-01-01T00:01:00.000+00:00

Bala Sai Baba was born to Shri Kannanur Ramanadha Sastry and Smt. Jaya Lakshmamma, hail from a rich family of Brahmin Community of his town. Being a skilled Ayurvedic Doctor Dr. Ramanadha Sastry specialized himself in the curing of snakebites and healed many patients. Smt. Jaya Lakshmamma was a ideal wife with pious qualities to suit the principles of Shri Kannanur Ramanadha Sastry.

Bio - English - "Sri Balasai Baba is admired in India as Avatar. Among them one understands the embodiment of the Goettlichen in human shape. Every time hate, force and destruction take over hand, God in people shape (like Jesus Christ) appears, in order humans, who are will to show the correct way. As Avatar Sri Balasai Baba of the world wants to serve and be for all sincerely searching friend, teacher and sound one. Sri Balasai Baba was born on 14 January 1960 in the southIndian Kurnool. Its birth was predicted by the large Indian holy Sri Ramana Maharshi."

Websites:

Wikipedia
SriBalaSaiBaba.Org
Sri BalaSaiBaba.Us
SriBalaSaiBaba.De - English
Sri BalaSaiBaba.Com - English

CNN Hoaxbusters - "A geisha-pale Indian with a Botox permasmile."

"Bala Sai Baba has stolen from Sai Baba not just his name ... but also his look. He too wears orange robes and an absurd Afro. "

Dialog Center - "Disillusioned by the scandals, many disciples have been turning away from Satya Sai Baba and to the 35 year-old Palghat (Kerala) born Bala Sai Baba. Bala Sai claims to be the real Sai avatar. He has set up an ashram in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. He dresses like Satya Sai Baba, performs the same kind of 'miracles’ and has been successful in attracting a large number of devotees. He too has western disciples."

Photo galleries: One - Two - Three

Sathya Sai Hater?: Yes.

Ashram in Kurnool:

Sri Bala Sai Nilayam
Kurnool 518001
A.P. India
Tel: 0091-8518-221332, fax: 0091-8518-220647

Ashram in Hyderabad:

Sri Bala Sai Nilayam
Domalaguda No. 1-2-593-8
Gagan Mahal Colony
Hyderabad 500029,
A.P. India
Tel: 0091-40-55 82 36 10, fax: 0091-40-27 61 62 80

Sai Baba and the ban-gurus

2006-01-01T00:00:00.000+00:00

Sathya Sai Speaks:

"In this Kali Yuga also such imitations are cropping up just as Paundraka shaped himself into a Vasudeva [Krishna]. We have today even Sathya Sai Babas. They get the same type of robe stitched, they strain themselves to cultivate the crown of hair, they study photographs and hold their hands up very nearly like I do and make themselves ridiculous by frantic attempts to imitate Me. They forget that 'imitation is only human; but, Creation is Divine.'

"Those who attempt to become Sathya Sai Babas by this ludicrous process of imitation only destroy whatever faith some people have placed in the Divine. They are poisonous pests which injure the peace and harmony of society. They collect around themselves insects of like nature. For only birds of the same feather can flock together. These 'pretenders' fall into ruin themselves and bring ruin on the society where they operate, as the proverbial horde of monkeys that ruin themselves and bring ruin on the forest which they inhabit."

Despite the harsh rhetoric, Sathya Sai Babas have been cropping up all over the place. Just as he predicted, they have indeed taken to growing their hair, copying his gestures, and have even made several visits to the tailor. Looks like Sai Baba can do nothing about that except scream, shout, stamp his little lotus feet, and then sulk about everyone wanting a piece of his pie:

With this blog, I'll be intending to keep track of all the Sai Babas wherever they are and whatever they're doing while pretending to be the real deal.