Sathya Sai Baba was a living god: Chavan

Mumbai/ Puttaparthi, Apr 24 (ANI): Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan expressing deep shock over the demise of prominent religious leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba on Sunday said that he was a living god and the strength of people in and around the world.

"Baba was a living God for all of us. He was the strength of people in and around the world," said Chavan, an ardent follower of the Baba.

Meanwhile, former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga, who also mourned the sad demise of the Baba said: "This is a sad day for all of us. He was very kind to all of us and his teachings guided us to the right path. I don't believe he has left us. He may not be around physically, but he will be with us spiritually."

Anxious devotees of the Sai Baba, whose followers range from top politicians to industrialists, gathered at 'Prashanti Nilayam', the spiritual resort of the leader, around six kilometers from the hospital.

According to reports, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has departed for Puttaparthi from Hyderabad following the news of the spiritual leader's death.

Sathya Sai Baba, who was admitted to the super-speciality hospital at Prashantigram at Puttaparthi on March 28, following respiration-related problems, passed away at around

7: 40 a.m. today due to cardio-respiratory failure. He was 85.

His body will be kept at the Sai Kulwant Hall for two days for people to pay their homage to the spiritual guru. (ANI)