LUDHIANA, India, June 3 (UPI) -- The Punjab High Court in India has been asked to determine whether a Hindu spiritual leader is dead or in a deep state of meditation.

His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj, one of the wealthiest gurus in the country, reportedly died of a heart attack in January. His followers disagree, claiming that Maharaj has gone into deep Samadhi or meditation. His disciples have put his body in a freezer at his Ashram for preservation until he wakes.


His estate will remain under the control of the Ashram until he is declared dead. His family has called on an Indian high court to determine whether Muharaj is actually dead or reached the next level of transcendence.

"Maharaj has been in deep meditation. He has spent many years meditating in sub-zero temperatures in the Himalayas, there is nothing unusual in it. He will return to life as soon as he feels and we will ensure his body is preserved until then," said one of the guru's aides.

Dilip Jha, Muharaj's son, claims his father's followers are only saying he is alive so they can continue to have access to his fortune.