Bangalore:
The indication of the number of lives that Sri Sathya Baba has touched was evident as people numbering in the thousands flocked to pay their last respects to the godman.
A wave of emotion swept across Puttaparthi following the announcement of the spiritual gurus's passing on Sunday. Devotees from across the world thronged the village amidst chants of Sai Ram.
The grief of devotees from various castes and creed was evident as they headed towards the Prashanti Nilayam where his body was laid for devotees to pay their last respects.
Actors, celebrities, political leaders, global figures and devotees from all walks of life made a beeline for Puttaparthi amidst strong security arrangements by the Ananthpur police.
Amongst the many big names seen at the Sai Kulwant Hall to pay respects were Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Tirupati MLA Chiranjeevi, Ex-Chairman of the TTD Adi Keshava Naidu, NTR's wife Lakshmi Parvathi, Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimhan and Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy.
Baba's body will be on display at Puttaparthi till Tuesday evening, following which the last rites will be performed.
Security has been beefed up for today as ardent devotees Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and Sachin Tendulkar are expected among others to come arrive to pay their last respects.
Followers are shaken at the loss of their guru and guide, and many were unable to control their emotions and collapsed tearfully before the glass cabinet where their guru's body was laid.