Godman Sathya Sai Baba, a cult like figure who had a phenomenal following, including the high and mighty, across the globe, died in Puttaparthi on Sunday, battling illness caused by a multi-organ failure for nearly a month.

The 84-year-old Baba, whose clout ran far and wide with millions of followers but had more than his own share of controversies, died at 7:40 AM following multi-organ failure at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences founded by him in this backward Anantapur district town in Andhra Pradesh, the place from where he ran his spiritual empire.

"Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is no more with us physically. He left His earthly body on April 24 at 7:40 AM due to cardio-respiratory failure," A N Safaya, Director of the Institute, said.

"Baba's body will lie in state at Sai Kulwant Hall for two days -- Monday and Tuesday. Arrangements will be made for darshan after 6:00 pm today at the Hall," he said.

Baba will be buried at the Sai Kulwant Hall in Prashanti Nilayam on Wednesday in line with the practice adopted for spiritual leaders in India, contrary to the Hindu custom of cremating bodies.

State Major Industries Minister J Geetha Reddy said the members of Baba's family and the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust have decided that his burial will take place on Wednesday morning. The exact time will be announced later.

Considering his huge following and the social and developmental work he had undertaken in Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere, the state Government announced a four-day State Mourning. The Government also decided to give a State Funeral in honour of the Baba.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who along with Governor E S L Narasimhan paid homage to the Baba, announced that Anantapur district will have a local holiday on Wednesday when Baba will be buried.

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