A strong gust of wind has resulted in the destruction of the tamarind tree that reportedly served as the back-rest for a young Sathya Sai Baba, and this incident is being perceived as an omen by the residents of Puttaparthi.
The devotees of Baba believe that he performed miracles seated under the branches of the tree - he is rumoured to have plucked apples, chickoos, bananas and whichever other fruit his decotees requested, from the branches of the tamarind tree.
This belief resulted in the tree being named Kalpavriksham (divine wish-fulfilling tree), and it has become a pilgrimage spot in the town of Puttaparthi.
Located by the Chitravati River, the tamarind tree fell victim to the course of nature, and the locals fear that some untoward event will take place in the near future.