Pitadhishwar Bagneshwar Dhirendra Shastri sparked controversy by comparing the Gods Rama and Krishna. During one of his discourses, he stated that Rama is straight, while Krishna is crooked. Dhirendra Shastri mentioned that Krishna has three 'crooked' features, and that playing the flute is not a difficult matter, whereas wielding a bow requires great effort. His video went viral on social media, causing significant public discontent.
Various representatives of the religious community reacted to this remark. Saurabh Gaud, National President of Dharma Raksha Sangha, emphasized that separating Rama and Krishna contradicts Sanatana tradition, as God is one and merely changes form according to His play. He noted that such comparisons from Vasya Pitha sow doubt among followers. Representatives of the saint community from Vrindavan expressed dismay at this statement and demanded that Dhirendra Shastri clarify, insisting that he should not make statements that divide Hinduism. Gaud added that all saints are one, and God Himself is singular.
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Krishnanand Maharaj stated that the opinion regarding the difference between Rama and Krishna is erroneous, as God is a single entity—the same Brahman and Paramatma. He referred to the Gita Govinda, where the Gopis say that this Krishna was Rama in the Treta Yuga, who secretly killed Bali. He also reminded that the Ganga emerged from Narayana's feet, purifying the world of sins, and that the dust from His feet liberated Pashan Ahilya. Maharaj concluded that whoever divides Rama, Shiva, and Krishna is a great sinner (Mahapataki), and called for not dividing the followers of Rama and Krishna.
Sadhvi Krishna Priya also condemned Dhirendra Shastri's remarks. She asserted that God is one, and Rama and Krishna are one whole; there is no difference between them. She explained that the anger of the Gopis was an expression of supreme love, not division. Krishna Priya warned that separating Rama and Krishna would endanger the unity of Sanatana, providing an opportunity for misinterpretations to mock Sanatana Dharma. She also stressed that the dignity of Vasya Pitha must not be violated, reminding that Krishna also wields the Sudarshana Chakra, bow, and flute, and defended Draupadi's honor in the great assembly—deeds that an ordinary person cannot perform.
In contrast, spiritual guide Acharya Badrish Maharaj supported Dhirendra Shastri's statement. He noted that Rama is Muryaada Purushottam, and Krishna is Lila Purushottam. He explained that the form of Krishna is inherently 'crooked,' which is why He is called Banke Bihari: His crown, flute, and gaze are curved. Rama's name is straight and simple, whereas uttering the name Krishna requires feeling. Just as a fish is attracted by a flute, so too does Krishna enchant the mind. Maharaj concluded that Shastri spoke about this in the context of aesthetic enjoyment and humor, and there is no dispute in this, only deep pleasure and joy.
