Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, head of the Bageshwar Dham temple, publicly apologized after making casual and ill-considered comparisons between Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, deities widely considered identical divine forms in Hinduism.
In a video message published on social media from Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, Shastri stated that he did not intend to insult any deity or imply the superiority of one over the other. He apologized to everyone whose religious sentiments may have been hurt by his remarks.
The conflict began during a recent Ram Katha in Karara, Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh. While discussing different forms of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri noted that Rama stands upright, whereas Krishna stands bent in three places.
He referred to Krishna's 'tribhanga' posture, where the body is curved at three points, as well as his flute and connection to Vrindavan. Shastri also drew a parallel between Ayodhya, associated with Lord Rama, and Vrindavan, associated with Lord Krishna.
The video containing these comments subsequently spread on social media, provoking objections from sadhus and followers in Mathura and Vrindavan. They argued that both deities are revered equally, and that comparing them as if one were superior to the other was inappropriate.
Responding to the criticism, Shastri explained that his comments were made in the context of traditional devotional practices and expressions of love associated with Braj, the region linked to Lord Krishna. Describing himself as a devotee of Lord Krishna, he added that he also narrates the Bhagavata Katha and fully believes in devotion to Krishna. He concluded by offering humble apologies if anyone was offended by his emotional remarks.
Akhilesh Yadav demands action
In response to Shastri's spontaneous remark, Akhilesh Yadav, head of the Samajwadi Party, demanded action against the preacher without naming him directly. In a post on X accompanied by a video of Lord Krishna holding the Sudarshana Chakra, Yadav characterized the alleged statements as 'extremely regrettable and unacceptable.'
He questioned the logic of comparing two deities in a way that suggested one was superior to the other. Yadav stated: 'Both the protector of the people and the one who brings them joy are incarnations of the same divine essence. What is the reason for such unworthy comparisons? This must be clarified.'
Yadav suggested that the remarks 'resemble the reflection of someone's intentions working behind the scenes' and warned that 'the inability to verify such statements can create an atmosphere of discord and resentment in society.' He emphasized that followers of Sanatana traditions revere both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, and that these remarks have upset members of the community as well as people from other faiths.
The SP leader called on those claiming to represent Sanatana traditions to speak out against such comments, noting that people from different political parties have united in opposing these statements. The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh stated: 'Any venomous expression against any religion, faith, sect, or its revered deities and great figures is absolutely unacceptable. The issue must be raised at the highest level, and punitive measures must be taken.'
