Sathya Sai Baba
Śri Sathya Sai Baba (born as Sathyanarayana Raju (23 November 1926 – 24 April 2011) was an Indian guru, spiritual figure, mystic, philanthropist and educator. He claimed to be the reincarnation of Sai Baba of Shirdi who was considered a god and a miracle worker, whose teachings were an eclectic blend of Hindu and Muslim beliefs, and who died in 1918.
The materializations of vibhuti (holy ash) and other small objects such as rings, necklaces and watches by Sathya Sai Baba were a source of both fame and controversy; devotees considered them signs of divinity, while skeptics viewed them as simple conjuring tricks.
Photos of Sathya Sai Baba are displayed in millions of homes and on car dashboards. Lockets bearing his photo are worn by many as a symbol of good fortune and are often kept in wallets for spiritual protection. Sai Baba had ashrams in 126 countries and also ran a network of hospitals, clinics and schools that were often free.
Read more about Sathya Sai Baba: Beliefs and Practices of Devotees, Ashrams and Mandirs, Institutions, Organisations and Projects, Critical Examinations, Criticism and Controversy, Responses To Criticism