Asaram Bapu’s Rs 10,000 crore empire continues to function despite jail term and controversies

Ahmedabad: Despite serving a life sentence in a rape case, self-styled godman Asaram Bapu’s vast religious empire—estimated to be worth around Rs 10,000 crore—continues to operate across the country and abroad. The network includes 450 ashrams, over 17,000 Bal Sanskar Kendras, and more than 40 Gurukuls.

Asaram, currently on interim bail, has been in jail for nearly 12 years. He was first granted parole by the Supreme Court on medical grounds till March 31 and later received a three-month interim bail from the Gujarat High Court just before he was to return to prison. His son, Narayan Sai, is also in jail in a separate case.

Interestingly, Asaram’s wife and daughter remain absent from the management and religious activities of this empire.

On April 19, his birthday was marked with large-scale celebrations. According to claims made by the ashram, around 7 to 8 crore devotees participated in events held across the country. A continuous chant for Asaram’s health is reportedly ongoing at his main base, the Motera Ashram in Ahmedabad.

The Motera Ashram, which began in the 1970s as a small hut, now spreads across 200 acres. It serves as the central hub for all ashram-related activities and operations. The premises include satsang halls, cowsheds, residential quarters, book stalls, and silent temples—though signs of fading upkeep are evident.

When visited around 8 pm, a few devotees were seen circumambulating under a banyan tree. Inside the satsang hall, where a cutout of Asaram stands beside a statue of Lord Vishnu, the atmosphere reflected the devotion of a few remaining followers.

“Satsang, yoga, meditation, and bhajans are still held in the mornings and evenings,” said one devotee. “But now, the crowds aren’t like before. Some elderly people still come in search of peace.