India has long been a land of spiritual seekers, a country where gurus, saints, and sadhus have been revered for centuries. But in recent times, this devotion has taken a dangerous turn. The country is witnessing a disturbing rise in self-styled godmen who use spirituality not to guide people, but to exploit their fear, vulnerability, and desperation. From physical abuse to financial fraud and even sexual crimes, these so-called spiritual leaders have turned faith into a business, and worse, a weapon.

A recent case from Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagardistrict has again put the spotlight on the unchecked power of such individuals. Sanjay Pagare, a self-proclaimed godman from Shiur village in Vaijapur tehsil, is accused of mentally and physically abusing his followers under the guise of spiritual healing. Pagare claimed he could cure ailments, remove bad luck, and fix troubled marriages using "Aghori rituals."His so-called treatments were nothing but cruelty; he beat people with sticks, made them run around temples, forced them to eat leaves, and even drink his urine, which he shamelessly claimed was a “holy remedy.” This horrifying case is not an exception; it’s part of a larger, growing pattern.

The business of fear

What drives people to such blind devotion? In today’s fast-paced world, many are overwhelmed by stress, failure, uncertainty, and the pressures of life. People are desperate for quick solutions, and that’s where these godmen thrive. They sell hope, perform dramatised “miracles,” and offer personal attention that makes followers feel seen and heard. Unfortunately, many don’t realise that behind the mask of spiritual wisdom often lies manipulation, greed, and criminal intent.

Take the case of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of Dera Sacha Sauda, who had millions of followers. He projected himself as a spiritual leader, singer, and filmmaker. But in 2017, he was convicted of raping two of his female followers and later found guilty of the murder of a journalist who had exposed his crimes. Despite this, he still has a massive base that supports him unconditionally. He continues to release videos from jail, influence public opinion, and get parole far too easily, revealing how deep and dangerous his cult-like control remains.

Then there is Asaram Bapu, once regarded as a revered saint with ashrams across the country. In 2018, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 16-year-old girl in his ashram. The survivor's family faced threats and violence, and key witnesses were attacked or killed. Still, thousands continued to support him, calling the verdict a conspiracy.

More recently, the case of Pookie Baba from Uttar Pradeshwent viral. Videos circulated online showed the godman giving bizarre sermons while dressing and dancing like a clown. His followers cheered him on, blindly believing he had divine powers. Eventually, police took action against him for creating a public nuisance and misleading people. While his antics seemed harmless on the surface, the deeper problem lies in how easily someone with no spiritual or mental health training can attract a large following.

Cult Culture & social media influence

Social media has accelerated the rise of such figures. With live-streamed discourses, viral videos, and carefully curated digital identities, many of these godmen have turned into brands. They promote healing products, conduct paid webinars, and even release music videos, turning faith into an entertainment-business hybrid.

The problem is compounded by the fact that many followers are not from rural or illiterate backgrounds; they are educated people from cities, including professionals, celebrities, and politicians. The need for emotional support, combined with poor mental health awareness, makes people vulnerable to being misled.

Spirituality or scandal?

This disturbing trend also raises questions about the lack of regulation and oversight. Anyone can claim to be a baba or guru and set up an ashram or healing centre. There are no background checks, no certifications, and often no consequences, until something horrific happens.

In many cases, local authorities hesitate to act due to the godman’s political connections or fear of backlash from followers. When arrests are made, their influence often ensures bail, parole, or lenient treatment. This further emboldens others to take the same route,  packaging spirituality into a business model with guaranteed profits and minimal risk. 

But not all are fraud 

Not all spiritual leaders are frauds. India has produced genuine saints, teachers, and philosophers who’ve offered real wisdom and guidance. But the rising number of fake godmen is eroding public trust in the very idea of spirituality. The commodification of faith, the glamourisation of gurus, and the public's desperation for easy answers have created a dangerous environment.

It’s time for a collective awakening, one that involves better regulation, mental health education, and media responsibility. Spiritual guidance should come from trained, ethical, and accountable individuals, not self-styled godmen who prey on vulnerability. The line between belief and blind faith must be drawn before more lives are damaged in the name of healing.