Self-styled godman Chandraswami, who counted among his friends and disciples Prime Ministers, kings and Hollywood celebrities, died in near anonymity on Tuesday of multi-organ failure at a Delhi hospital.
He was 66 and had recently suffered a stroke.
"Spiritual leader Jagadacharya Chandraswami ji, 66 years old, had been ailing for some time. He recently suffered a stroke," an Apollo Hospital statement said.
Chandraswami, an astrologer and tantric, was considered close to late Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and was probed for his alleged role in plotting and financing the killing of Rajiv Gandhi.
Controversy's favourite child, the self-proclaimed godman in flowing silk saffron robes and sporting a tilak on his forehead, faced a bevy of criminal cases — ranging from FERA violations, to blackmail and cheating, to shady arms deals.