Sathya Sai Baba (born Sathyanarayana Raju; 23 November 1926 – 24 April 2011) was known as an:
Indian guru
leader of a new religious movement.Moreover, at the age of fourteen he informed his parents that he was the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba..
Later he claimed – and encouraged his followers to believe – that he was an avatar meaning 'God incarnate.'Sathya Sai Baba's purported materialisations of vibhuti (holy ash) and other small objects such as rings, necklaces, and watches, were a source of both fame and controversy.
Some have analyzed them as being mere sleights of hand; while his devotees have considered them as signs of his divinity.
Innumerable reports of faith healings, resurrection, clairvoyance, bilocation, and alleged omnipotence and omniscience have been attributed to Sathya Sai Baba by both devotees and non-devotees.The Sathya Sai Organisation, founded by Sathya Sai Baba "to enable its members to undertake service activities as a means to spiritual advancement", has over 1,200 Sathya Sai Centres (branches) in 126 countries.
Through this organisation, Sathya Sai Baba established a network of free hospitals, clinics, drinking water projects, auditoriums, ashrams and schools.