Freed from the confines of prison, where he spent 53 days on charges of rape, self-styled godman Nithyananda says the purported video footage of him with an actress has not affected him spiritually, but socially "from being one of the most watched gurus on YouTube to one of the most watched scandals".
"Spiritually nothing changes, because the truth is always the same. But socially I can say many things have changed. I used to be the one of the most watched guru on youtube -- now I am one of the most watched scandal on youtube!" the 32-year-old swami said.
The godman defended himself from "media reported charges" of sexually exploiting gullible women, pointing out that over 23 lakh women have so far attended his programmes.
"In my ashram, I have female ashramites aged between eight and 80.
Though Central Investigation Department issued repeated appeals since March this year, not a single woman has lodged any complaint so far."
"Over 300 women come to the ashram each day for darshan and blessing," said the swami, whose ashram faces allegations of asking women devotees to sign an agreement stating that the course enrolled for could involve exposure to nudity.
He appeared in no hurry to clear his name.
"After three months, I think devotees and public are beginning to understand the truth. All their queries are being automatically answered. I think I can say I don't need to clear my image because in course of time the truth will emerge on its own strength."
Nityananda felt spirituality has not entered deep enough into money, sex or politics.
"We always have an idea that spirituality should be kept separate from regular activities. No! Only if spirituality penetrates every dimension of our life can even material life become sacred. And only then can planet Earth move to the next level of superconsciousness," he said.
The 'godman' hit the headlines last March after a purported video footage showing him in a compromising position with a Tamil actress was aired on local TV channels.
Told that swamis being embroiled in controversies seemed the order of the day and asked when religion, money, sex and politics has got mixed he said, "The problem is exactly the opposite! Religion -- or rather, spirituality -- has not entered deep enough into money, sex or politics."
Asked whether the incident had made him mentally stronger, Nityananda Swami,who reportedly spent hours meditating in prison, said "I can say all devotees who survived so much sensationalism have emerged stronger. It has been a tremendous learning experience for all."
