Who is Sathya Sai Baba

Who is Sathya Sai Baba

One of the greatest Saints of this century was a woman named Anandamoyi Ma. (The name translates as ‘Bliss-permeated Mother.’ There’s a photo of her, standing next to Paramahansa Yogananda, in Autobiography of a Yogi.) She was so pure and filled with God that she was widely considered to be a Divine Incarnation herself: there seemed to be nothing in her but God, and her words were Truth itself.  According to one of her closest Western devotees, over the years she had often been asked, “Who is this Sathya Sai Baba we keep hearing about?”  But for many years she never gave an answer.  In the last year of her life, however, the question came up again, and this time she gave the following response: “This body will speak on this question only once; don’t ask again.  Sathya Sai Baba is the most powerful incarnation of God ever to come to the Earth.  And there won’t be another at His level for another sixty centuries.

That amazing testimony was recently strengthened for me when I went to one of Anandamoyi Ma’s ashrams in the Himalayas.  When I shared the preceding quote with a Swami there⁷, he said that Anandamoyi Ma had then added, “It’s no wonder you keep hearing about Sai Baba.  He is the Avatar of this Yuga!”  (Avatar means Incarnation of God; a Yuga is an era lasting many thousands of years.)

Other Saints have given similar testimony.  Shortly before he left his physical body behind, Paramahansa Yogananda was approached by one of his close American disciples, a woman.  “Master,” she said, “I know you are planning on leaving your body.  You must take me with you!  You are my God!” 

“Nonsense,” replied Yogananda. “God is God; I am your Guru.” 

“But Master, if you leave without me, I will commit suicide!” 

“Enough of that foolishness!  God Himself is now incarnate on Earth, in South India. His name is Sai Baba.  When I leave you are going to live with Him.”  (His prediction proved correct; after Yogananda’s death, that devotee spent the rest of her life at Sai Baba’s ashram.)⁸

Mata Amritanandamayi (also known as Ammachi), Herself considered to be an incarnation of the Divine Mother, was once asked, “Who is Sai Baba?”  She replied, “Avatar.  Perfect from birth

On the day after Sai Baba’s birth (November 23, 1926), Sri Aurobindo, another great Saint of this century, broke a long period of silence to announce, “Twenty-fourth November, 1926, was the descent of Krishna into the physical.  A power infallible shall lead the thought, in earthly hearts kindle the Immortal’s Fire, even the multitude shall hear the voice!”¹⁰ It seems obvious at this point that his announcement of Krishna’s physical re-embodiment was referring to the birth of Sathya Sai Baba. 

Mother Krishnabai, the Self-Realized disciple of Swami Ramdas (the great Saint from Kerala), told her devotees, “Sai Baba is an Avatar, a full incarnation of Krishna.  He is Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva together in one form!” She recommended they spend as much time in His presence as possible.¹¹

Swami Satchidananda, the Enlightened sage who currently runs Anandashram in Kerala, was recently asked about the allegations against Sai Baba.  He replied, “Forget about it.  He is God!”¹²

Karunamayi (also known as Vijayeshwari Devi, considered by many to be a living incarnation of the Goddess Sarasvati) recently told one of her close devotees, “Sai Baba and Amma [meaning herself] are both watching over you.”  Apparently she also knows who Baba is!

Yogi Ramsuratkumar made it clear on numerous occasions that Sai Baba is an incarnation of God.  He often asked visitors from Baba’s ashram, “You’ve left God to see this beggar?”¹³  (Of course, that “beggar” was himself merged in the all-pervading Consciousness; the beauty of his attainment was matched only by his humility.)

Shiva Balayogi, another of the great Gurus of the last century, was once asked about Sai Baba.  He replied, “Sathya Sai Baba is an Avatar.”¹⁴

Master El Moya and Master Kuthumi, two of the great Ascended Masters behind the founding of the Theosophical Movement, also declared Sai Baba to be an Avatar. According to author Howard Murphet, in the book “The Light Will Set You Free” these Masters have stated, “Avatar Sai Baba is carrying the Divine consciousness in the world today.”¹⁵

Maitreya, the mysterious Master who has been miraculously appearing before people in various places around the globe throughout the last two decades, has said (through his spokesman, Benjamin Creme) that He (Maitreya) is the planetary Avatar, while Sai Baba is the Universal Avatar.¹⁶

Testimony from Gopalakrishna Baba,  Devi Amma, “Little Heart” and Vasantha Sai appears later in the website. 

Who is Sathya Sai Baba – A Divine Reflection On Love, Service, And Spiritual Truth

Who is Sathya Sai Baba is a question that opens the heart toward the life, message, and spiritual mission of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. For millions of devotees, He is remembered as an Avatar of love, a divine teacher, a guide of humanity, and a compassionate master who taught that the purpose of life is to realize the divinity within and express it through love and service.

He was born in Puttaparthi, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, and from an early age, His life showed signs of deep wisdom, compassion, and spiritual power. People who came near Him felt a special peace and attraction. His words were simple, but they carried great depth. His presence gave faith to the weak, hope to the suffering, and direction to sincere seekers.

Who is Sathya Sai Baba is not only a historical question; it is also a spiritual inquiry. To some, He is a saint. To others, He is a Guru. To devotees, He is the Divine in human form. But beyond all descriptions, His true identity is best understood through His message: love all, serve all; help ever, hurt never. These teachings reveal the heart of His mission.

Swami did not come to create a new religion. He taught that all religions lead to the same God when practiced with sincerity, purity, and love. He encouraged people to become better followers of their own faith and better human beings in daily life. His message of unity of religions brought people from many backgrounds together in devotion and service.

Who is Sathya Sai Baba can also be understood through His works of service. He inspired schools, universities, hospitals, drinking water projects, village service, and countless humanitarian activities. These were not ordinary social projects. They were expressions of divine love in action. Through them, He showed that spirituality must not remain only in prayer halls; it must reach the poor, sick, hungry, and needy.

His teachings gave great importance to human values: truth, right conduct, peace, love, and nonviolence. He taught that education without character is incomplete, knowledge without humility is dangerous, and devotion without service is unfinished. A person may study many scriptures, but if the heart is not filled with compassion, spiritual learning has not become wisdom.

Who is Sathya Sai Baba is answered most deeply by those who experienced His love. Many devotees felt that He knew their thoughts, understood their pain, and guided them in times of difficulty. His compassion was motherly, His discipline was fatherly, and His wisdom was timeless. He could comfort, correct, inspire, and transform with a glance, a word, or a silent blessing.

Swami also emphasized self-transformation. He taught that the real enemy is not outside, but inside the mind. Anger, ego, jealousy, greed, hatred, and fear disturb inner peace. Through prayer, bhajan, service, self-control, and remembrance of God, a devotee can purify the heart and live a more peaceful and meaningful life.

Who is Sathya Sai Baba also reminds us that miracles were never the final purpose of His life. Many people were attracted by divine wonders, but Swami always directed attention toward inner change. The greatest miracle is not something seen by the eyes, but the transformation of character. When selfishness becomes service and fear becomes faith, divine grace is truly working.

His life teaches that God is love, and love must become practical. Love should be seen in kind speech, honest work, forgiveness, service, respect for parents, care for society, and compassion toward all beings. Swami wanted devotees to see God not only in temples, but in every person they meet.

In the end, Who is Sathya Sai Baba is a question that cannot be answered fully by words alone. He is best understood by living His teachings. When a person loves without selfishness, serves without pride, speaks truthfully, forgives sincerely, and remembers God with faith, he begins to experience the spirit of Swami’s message. Sathya Sai Baba is the light of divine love that continues to guide hearts toward peace, service, and spiritual awakening.

The Aura of Selfless Love