THE POWER AND THE GLORY Selection of photos showing Sai Baba as he likes to be seen with pomp and tinsel - or even in genuine silver and golden settings.

THE POWER BROKER AND KINGMAKER Sai Baba has long sought the patronage of the politically powerful, royal, rich and famous, and takes every photo opportunity he gets.

THE PERPETUAL CHARIOTEER In imitation of Lord Krishna, Sai Baba certainly loves to ride in chariots, which is hiw own ideaand choice - not forced on him by anyone.

ENTHRONED POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE In imitation of royalty (King Rama comes to mind) Sai Baba will sit on any throne offered him. In former days they were literally often just tinsel, but they have become more and more costly and luxurious in time.

SAI BABA'S SPARTAN RESIDENCES In his early youth Sai Baba lived in near poverty, but he has compensated grandly for that with the many residences he has literally blessed the building of for his own use alone.

BUILDINGS DONATED BY FOLLOWERS All institutional buildings that bear the name Sathya Sai are actually donated, built and run by others - of course. Yet he boasts that he has built them by divine will and power.

SAI BABA TAKES HIS MEALS Though having spread the myth that he never ate, Sai Baba is known to eat very well in private, not least with families which are close to him and would never tell anyone else of his appetite.

EARLY NILAYAM AND PUTTAPARTHI PHOTOS From 1984 to 1987

70TH BIRTHDAY OF SATHYA SAI BABA Fetching and serving of food

BRINDAVAN ASHRAM PHOTOS the old sai Ramesh Hall, Trayee Brindavan, the banyan tree etc.

DARSHAN AT KODAIKANAL - 1994 Darshan photos and surrounding events

PRASHANTHI NILAYAM PHOTOS Scenes from ashrams and surroundings 1990s