Dhirendra Shastri in controversy for comparing Ram and Krishna

A major controversy has erupted after Dhirendra Shastri, the Peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham, made statements comparing Lord Ram and Shri Krishna during a programme in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. During a discourse, he described Lord Ram as 'straight' and Shri Krishna as 'crooked'. Dhirendra Shastri stated that Shri Krishna is crooked from three places and that playing the flute is not a difficult task, whereas wielding a bow is a great feat. As a video of this statement went viral on social media, widespread resentment was observed. People protesting on social media have alleged that he attempted to portray Lord Krishna as inferior to Ram and mocked Krishna's appearance.

This controversy has also caused a stir in the political sphere. Samajwadi Party chief and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, reacted strongly on the social media platform X. He questioned why Sanatanis are silent while a 'Baba' is insulting Lord Krishna. Akhilesh Yadav further stated that first he insulted Lord Krishna, and now it is being heard that he has made similar remarks about Lord Shri Ram's father. He demanded the government cancel all of Dhirendra Shastri's programmes for the crime of disturbing social harmony. He questioned that if Sanatanis possess bulldozers, they should send them to the Chief Minister of the neighbouring state.

On the other hand, Pappu Yadav, Member of Parliament from Purnia, Bihar, reached the Parliament Street police station in Delhi demanding an FIR be registered against Dhirendra Shastri. Pappu Yadav stated that Dhirendra Shastri's conduct has been suspicious from the beginning and that the RSS and BJP have always encouraged people with such suspicious behaviour. He demanded a strict law for those conducting discourses and a model code of conduct for speaking on religion. He alleged that these people previously created divisions between religions and are now attempting to create separate sects within the religion itself, encouraged by politicians and one particular party.

Leaders of the Congress and other parties have also condemned the statement. Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput said that someone who speaks of dividing Ram and Krishna cannot be a religious person and every section of society should condemn this. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on Instagram, asking if this 'dharmashastri' is now comparing Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. She questioned why the party promoting him remains silent. In Raebareli, lawyers also raised slogans outside the District Magistrate's office. The lawyers alleged that Dhirendra Shastri is working as an agent of the BJP and demanded strict action against him.

The community of saints has also become active in this controversy. Saurabh Gaude, National President of Dharma Raksha Sangh, stated that creating a distinction between Lord Ram and Shri Krishna is against Sanatan tradition. He said that God is one and only the form changes according to the 'Leela'. Making such comparisons from the Vyaspeeth spreads misunderstanding among devotees, and the saint community of Vrindavan is pained by this statement. Mahamandaleshwar Swami Krishnanand Maharaj also said that creating a distinction of 'mine and thine' between Lord Ram and Shri Krishna is wrong because God is one and is the same Brahman.

Seeing the controversy escalate, Dhirendra Shastri has clarified his statement. He said that he had merely reprimanded Shri Thakurji (Krishna) in an emotional state and many people have misinterpreted it. He further added that he did not wish to create a divide between Lord Ram and Lord Krishna and that he himself is a devotee of Krishna. He apologised if anyone was hurt by this. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar, attacking Akhilesh Yadav, asked what his concern was regarding Krishna and suggested he should visit Mathura for the darshan of Krishna.

However, some leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and constituent parties of the NDA have defended Dhirendra Shastri.

Dhirendra Shastri is known as the Peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham and is a prominent Hindu religious leader.