Either that or he was convinced he was some kind of magical guru godman, impressing people and gaining a following with 'impossible' feats that he can perform thanks to his spiritual enlightenment.

That's as common, if not more common than preachers in America that run prosperity gospel scams, or believe that they are modern day prophets, talking directly to or for God, or both.

EDIT: Ah, schizophrenic.

https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/west-bengal-man-swallows-nails-doctors-use-magnets-during-surgery-1078182-2017-11-01

The man was suffering from schizophrenia and had swallowed the nails over a period of time.

Anyone who claims they can talk to or for God, or believes they have magical superpowers is schizophrenic in my book, but if you're able to make money doing it, well then that's fine, because it doesn't harm your ability to participate in society and thus isn't a mental disorder.

Hooray for basing mental health conditions and healthcare on how they impact your economic productivity!