As Nicolás Maduro faces legal challenges in a New York courtroom, his invocation of faith – “In the name of God, you will see that I will be free,” and “I am a man of God” – reveals a spiritual dimension to the former Venezuelan strongman’s defense. This devotion extends beyond traditional Catholicism to an unlikely source: the late Indian guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
A Spiritual Connection
Maduro, along with his wife Cilia Flores, a former president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, and acting President Delcy Rodriguez, are described as devotees of Sai Baba, who was revered by tens of millions worldwide as a “man of miracles.” Sai Baba’s followers believed he possessed abilities ranging from healing to materializing objects. A framed portrait of Sai Baba reportedly hangs in Maduro’s office alongside those of Simón Bolívar and Hugo Chávez.
Maduro’s connection to Sai Baba reportedly began through his wife, Cilia Flores, who was a devotee before their marriage. Flores brought Maduro to India in 2005 to meet the guru while she was a lawyer for President Hugo Chávez and Maduro served as speaker of the Assembly. A photograph from that year shows Maduro and Flores kneeling at Sai Baba’s ashram in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Venezuela’s Devotion
Sai Baba’s influence in Venezuela appears to have been particularly strong. Following the guru’s death in 2011 at age 84, Maduro declared a national day of mourning and issued an official condolence resolution. Just weeks before a reported collapse of his regime in November 2025, Maduro issued a public statement describing Sai Baba as a “being of light” and recalling the wisdom he gained from their meeting.
Sai Baba preached messages of “love all, serve all,” and his organization operated charities and foundations in over 120 countries. Venezuela reportedly had one of the highest concentrations of Sai Baba followers in the Americas, with over 30 centers spanning the country. Ana Elena Diaz-Viana, the inaugural president of the Caracas center in 1988, described encountering spiritual miracles that drew her to Sai Baba.
Looking Ahead
The extent to which Maduro’s spiritual beliefs will influence his legal strategy or public image remains to be seen. It is possible that he will continue to invoke faith as a source of strength and legitimacy. Alternatively, the focus on his devotion to Sai Baba could become a point of contention, particularly given the controversies surrounding the guru’s life and teachings. The situation could also lead to increased scrutiny of the influence of religious figures on political leaders in Venezuela.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sri Sathya Sai Baba?
Sri Sathya Sai Baba, born Sathyanarayana Raju in 1926, announced at age 14 that he was the reincarnation of the 19th-century saint Shirdi Sai Baba. He was known as a “man of miracles” and preached messages of love and service.
What is the extent of Sai Baba’s following in Venezuela?
Venezuela reportedly had the highest concentration of Sathya Sai Baba followers in the Americas, with more than 30 centers located throughout the country, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest.
Were there any controversies surrounding Sai Baba?
Sai Baba was accused of sexual misconduct by several young male devotees, as reported in a 2006 BBC documentary. Additionally, six young male devotees were allegedly killed by police in his bedroom in 1993, though the police claimed self-defense.
As Maduro’s legal battles unfold, how might his spiritual beliefs shape his actions and public perception?
