Achi news desk-
In India, the phenomenon of ‘gods’ – spiritual leaders often elevated to quasi-divine status – represents a complex intersection of faith, culture and controversy.
Also read: From the fine print to front and center
These charismatic figures, who claim to be spiritual conduits, are not just relics of the country’s rich religious history but are active participants in its modern social and political landscape.
Indians, of late, have witnessed a steady rise in the popularity of self-proclaimed spiritual leaders, despite many cases of these figures being involved in serious crimes such as murder, rape, tax evasion and fraud.
The nation seems to have an endless supply of such ‘men of God’, and many end up in prison.
The phenomenon of these self-styled messiahs emerging regularly, attracting crowds willing to offer their faith and money, is a striking trend that needs to be highlighted.
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In ancient times, sages and seers, who were considered the embodiment of wisdom, laid the foundations for India’s spiritual ethos.
This reverence, deeply rooted in the Vedic age, has over the centuries become the current phenomenon of God’s people.
Often draped in opulence, these modern mystics juxtapose ancient spiritual practices with contemporary allure.
Their enigmatic personas, fusing ascetic traditions with a taste for luxury, present a stark contrast to the stereotypical image of a recluse.
These figures serve as a beacon of hope and guidance in a country where spiritual comfort is sought amid the struggles of everyday life.
They provide a unique blend of philosophy, pop psychology and spiritual insight, offering both hope and escapism to their followers.
From a sociological point of view, the rise of men of God can be attributed to the complex social fabric of India.
In a land where economic struggles coexist with a deep longing for spiritual fulfillment, God’s people offer a one-time solution for worldly and otherworldly salvation.
These men of God thrive in the social milieu of India, bridging the gap between the tangible and the transcendent.
They offer solace to the common man, facing the hardships of life, by promising a cocktail of worldly success and spiritual liberation.
Researchers from the Society of Science and Rationalists of India attribute this phenomenon to a deep belief in miracles and hope for relief from suffering.
The phenomenon extends to bizarre incidents, such as a doctor tricked into buying a fake ‘Aladdin’s lamp’ and deadly exorcism rituals, pointing to the growing list of discredited spiritual leaders.
The success of such figures is seen as a reflection of a social system that allows such practices to thrive.
Psychologically, they resonate with the collective psyche, addressing deep insecurities and offering a semblance of certainty in an uncertain world.
The appeal of these men of God lies in their ability to tap into the collective consciousness of the masses, addressing their fears, desires and aspirations.
They provide a sense of community and belonging, and often leverage mass media and social networks to increase their reach and influence.
The influence of God’s people extends beyond the spiritual realms, spilling over into politics and the media.
With huge followings, they become desirable allies for political parties, influencing the political chessboard in significant ways.
As political monarchs, their support is sought after, and their opinions can influence public sentiment.
Furthermore, their transition to media-savvy entrepreneurs and social media influencers marks a new era of spiritual leadership, one that seamlessly blends enlightenment with modern technology, redefining spiritual discourse, making it more accessible yet commercially tinged.
However, the dark underbelly of this phenomenon is its susceptibility to human failings.
High-profile scandals involving allegations of criminal activity have tarnished the image of God’s people.
These incidents expose the dichotomy between their spiritual persona and their apparent evil deeds, leading to public skepticism and legal scrutiny.
The world of God’s people is not without controversy.
The past decade has seen several high-profile cases involving leaders such as Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and Asaram Bapu, who dominate the media coverage.
These men of God were involved in crimes ranging from financial fraud to more heinous offenses such as rape and murder.
Cases like these have highlighted the darker aspects of this phenomenon, leading to severe public disillusionment, legal actions and sometimes even public unrest. Despite the exposure of their criminal activities, the fascination with such figures continues in India.
Reflecting on childhood experiences, one can recall the prevalence of religious fervor, characterized by intense evangelical gatherings.
These experiences, once seen as terrifying, can now be recognized as exposure to cult-like practices masquerading as religious devotion.
Indian scriptures are replete with stories of miraculous individuals, elevated to divine status by those seeking salvation.
The human tendency to find solace in cults is obvious, but in India, this is compounded by a vast network of such leaders, often with deep political connections.
The ability of even the most irreverent among them to evade consequences contributes to their continued reverence.
Recent media descriptions, such as the programs ashram and wild wild land emphasize these sects, yet the temptation remains strong in a country facing economic challenges and an abundance of deities.
Cases of exploitation and harm by these organizations continue to surface.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan’s rise to fame illustrates this trend.
Singh, who gained notoriety in the last decade, starred in self-produced films, leaving the audience confused. Critics condemned these films as blatant propaganda, reflecting Singh’s megalomaniac tendencies.
However, Singh’s fame was overshadowed by serious allegations of rape and murder, which eventually led to his conviction and life sentence in 2019.
Despite this, some followers remained convinced of his innocence.
Personal experiences with God’s people vary greatly.
For some, they are sources of deep spiritual guidance and positive changes in life.
For others, their experiences reflect manipulation, exploitation and disillusionment. Organizations like the Dera Sacha Sauda And the the art of livingled by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, also faced allegations.
Former members shared disturbing experiences of manipulation and homophobia within the organization.
Similar controversies surrounding such organizations highlight the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of these entities.
Many Indians, disillusioned with mainstream politics and religion, find solace in the promises and teachings of such men of God.
This trend reflects a deeper social problem where conventional systems fail to address people’s spiritual and emotional needs, leading them to seek unconventional ways.
The phenomenon of men of God in India is a reflection of the complex social, religious and cultural fabric of the nation.
It contains the human search for meaning, the lure of charisma and the pitfalls of blind faith.
As India grapples with the distinction between true spirituality and opportunistic charlatanism, the saga of the men of God continues to be a subject of intrigue, debate and introspection.
(Pujith Gayon is a young writer and a Master of Laws from Christ University. All opinions and thoughts expressed here are those of the author.)
