Holy Man, Sai Baba laid to rest in India

DECCAN CHRONICLE

INDIA - Sai Baba, whose message of universal love and brotherhood attracted millions of followers across the globe, was today [on Wednesday] interred at the very spot from where he used to meet and address his disciples for years. The mortal remains of the 85-year-old spiritual leader, whose clout spread far and wide among both the commoners and the high mighty, were buried after the last rites were performed by his nephew R.J. Ratnakar in accordance with vedic customs following full police honours.

• Sai Baba's body was buried amidst chanting of 'sai' mantras.
• Body laid in a pit created at the spot in Sai Kulwant where the spiritual leader preached
• The spot is now now expected to become an eternal memorial for Sai Baba
• The body was laid to rest in line with the practice adopted for Hindu spirital leaders.
• Normally, Hindus cremate their bodies.
• bu Naidu and other leaders went to the samadhi sprinkled sacred ash at the spot.
• Sai Baba's body lay in state in a glass coffin since Sunday night
• The body was removed and wrapped in national tri colour.
• Men of the Andhra Pradesh Armed Police sounded the last post and fired 21 shots in the air
• Then the tri colour was removed and verses from Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Sikh, Judaism and Buddhist scriptures were read out by leaders from these sects.
• Later, they joined in sprinkling the sacred ash at the samadhi spot as 'mangal aarti' was performed.
• With Sai Baba's body draped in his favourite saffron robe, the last rites were performed, while priests recited vedic chants.
• Water from sacred rivers from all over the country were sprinkled on Sai Baba's body along with cow urine. Cow, honey, ghee and silk were given as gifts to priests.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, political leaders from various parties, Chief Ministers and personalities from various fields including cricket and films had visited Puttaparthi in the last two days to pay their homage. An estimated five lakh people from various parts of the country and abroad had filed past the body to have a final glimpse of their spiritual guru. [link]