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Godman (Hindu ascetic)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A godman is a colloquial name for a particular type of charismatic Hindu ascetic who has a high-profile presence, is capable of attracting attention and support from Indian society, and makes claims of spiritual attainments. Godmen sometimes claim to possess paranormal powers, such as clairvoyance, or healing abilities. They are often outside the establishment and may not have taken initiation and associated with that, they tend to live in their own ashrams, instead of that of belonging to a religious order. Their success comes, often not from the strength of their parampara, but from their personal qualities. They may however assert that they accept authority of a guru. One of the most famous of India's Godmen is Swami Ramdev. Another example of a godman is Sathya Sai Baba.[1][2] As used in the Indian press, the term is negative in connotation, implying false claims of attainment and a propensity toward self-aggrandizement and even illegal activity. The term is not a translation of any Sanskrit term and should be considered pejorative.
All information in this entry is sourced to James G. Lochtefeld's The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism unless otherwise stated.
- ^ Woodhead, Linda & Fletcher Paul. Religion in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformation. Routledge (UK), ISBN 0-415-21784-9
"By far the most famous Godman of today is Sathya Sai Baba" (p. 29) - ^ Lochtefeld, James G. Ph.D. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism Vol. I ISBN 0-8239-3179-X, entry "Godman" New York Rosen 2002
- Brent, Ludwig Godmen of India
- Kovoor, Abraham Dr. Begone Godmen published by Shri Aswin J. Shah Jaico Publishing House, Bombay - 1976