A viral video shows self-styled godman Sant Rampal walking inside his ashram while handlers wheel portable desert-air coolers behind him [1, 2].
The footage has drawn attention due to the contrast between the lavish precautions taken for the elderly leader and the severe heatwave affecting much of India. It also highlights the return of the figure to public view following a lengthy legal battle.
In the video, which circulated on social media, Rampal is seen moving through the ashram premises [1, 2]. His assistants push massive portable coolers and cloth fans to shield him from the extreme temperatures during a heatwave in June 2024 [1, 2].
The incident follows the release of the godman from prison. Sant Rampal was released from jail after serving 11 years [1].
Reports indicate the cooling measures were implemented specifically to protect the elderly man from the heat [1, 2]. The video sparked discussions online regarding his previous incarceration, and the level of luxury provided by his followers upon his return to the ashram [1].
“Sant Rampal was released from jail after serving 11 years”
The visibility of this video underscores the enduring influence of self-styled spiritual leaders in India, where followers often provide extreme levels of devotion and material comfort. The focus on his 11-year imprisonment suggests a public tension between his legal history and his continued status as a revered figure within his community.
