Sri Satya Sai Baba is Very Critical

Doctors treating Indian spiritual leader Sai Baba, one of the country most famous gurus, said Thursday his health was deteriorating fast as devotees gathered to pray for his recovery.

According to doctors attending on him at Sathya Sai super specialty hospital at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh Anantapur district, the condition of his liver and his low blood pressure are causing concern.

"Sri Satya Sai Baba continues to be in a very critical state of health. Most of his organs are not responding," said a medical bulletin issued by the hospital.

Hospital director AN Safaya said Sai Baba breathing is still ventilator-dependent and the process of slow hemodialysis has been started in the morning to assist his kidneys.

A panel of doctors is watching him round-the-clock and giving all the necessary treatment to keep him in a stable state of health, added the statement.

The 84-year-old self-styled Godman was admitted to hospital on March 28 with breathing and heart problems. The doctors later said he was suffering from multi-organ dysfunction.

Satya Sai Baba is credited by millions of followers around the world with having supernatural powers, including an ability to conjure objects out of thin air, remember past lives and cure terminal diseases.

He counts former prime ministers and presidents, top businessmen and even Indian cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar among his followers.