Tragic Stampede at Bhole Baba's Gathering: Understanding the ‘godmen’ Phenomenon

A deadly stampede at Bhole Baba's gathering in India underscores the powerful influence of godmen and the desperate hope they offer to their followers.

Written By R.H. Teresa // EEW Magazine

More than 100 people died as a result of a stampede India as attendees rushed to leave the event with a religious leader named Bhole Baba. (Photo: Reuters)

In the small village of Bahadurnagar, India, 85-year-old Ramkumari claimed that a simple pat on the back from preacher Bhole Baba made her kidney stone disappear. Although she offered no proof, such stories of miraculous healings have skyrocketed Baba’s following in northern India.

Last week, a massive gathering in a crowded field to hear Bhole Baba speak drew a staggering 250,000 people, resulting in one of the deadliest stampedes in the country’s history, reports Reuters.

Born Suraj Pal Singh Jatav, Bhole Baba, which means "Innocent Elder," left his job as a police constable in 2000 to join the ranks of Hindu preachers known as "godmen." These figures are sought after for their supposed miracle cures and spiritual guidance, wielding significant influence and often attracting political attention.

Mourners gather outside a hospital in Hathras. (Photo: Reuters/Screengrab via Al Jazeera)

Their followers, who believe in their miraculous powers, include international celebrities like the Beatles, who famously visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in the late 1960s.

Baba's rise to prominence began with personal testimonials, like that of Ramkumari, who claimed relief from chronic kidney stone pain, and Surajmukhi, a woman who credited Baba's blessing for the birth of her son after seven daughters.

Set among corn, wheat, and rice fields, Bahadurnagar is home to about 50 households and a sprawling ashram run by Baba’s devotees. Baba, now known formally as Narayan Sakar Hari, is around 72 years old and commands a large following across several Indian states.

Two of Baba’s lifelong neighbors recounted that his journey began after he dreamt of receiving divine powers about 25 years ago. He left his police job in Agra to start preaching, claiming a direct line to God and the ability to channel divine blessings.

Woman follower of Bhole Baba prays outside the gate of his ashram in the village Bichhawan. (Photo: Reuters/Anushree Fadnavis)

Last Tuesday, the stampede at his event resulted in 121 deaths, mostly women, and numerous injuries. The crowd, exceeding the 80,000 attendees permitted by authorities, rushed towards Baba’s car as he was leaving, causing chaos and tragedy. In response, police have arrested six of Baba’s aides involved in organizing the event, and the main organizer has surrendered.

Baba’s claim to fame included controversial incidents, such as an early assertion that he could bring the dead back to life. This led to a police intervention when he tried to take the body of a 16-year-old girl from a crematorium.

Unlike the typically austere image of most godmen, Baba is often seen in stylish attire, including traditional Indian kurtas or white suits with sunglasses. Despite his influence, he is not as prominent as other well-known gurus like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sadhguru, or Baba Ramdev, who have vast followings and significant commercial enterprises.

The allure of godmen like Bhole Baba is partly due to the healing powers attributed to them, especially among the economically and socially disadvantaged. Sociologist Dipti Ranjan Sahu explains that insecurity stemming from unemployment, deprivation, and illiteracy drives people to seek hope in these spiritual figures. Surinder Singh Jodhka, a social sciences professor, adds that godmen provide a sense of meaning and community to those feeling lost and lonely.

The tragic events at Bhole Baba's gathering underscore the powerful draw of these godmen and the deep-seated need for hope and healing among their followers. As the community mourns the loss of lives, the phenomenon of godmen remains a poignant reminder of the human quest for comfort and miracles in times of distress.