Mahant Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the prominent spiritual leader from Bageshwar Dham, recently made a statement emphasizing that expressing love for Lord Mahadev should not lead to any form of opposition or backlash. He noted, “We have no issues with the sentiment of ‘I love Mohammad’, but when we profess our love for Mahadev, that should be respected as well.” His remarks came during a blessing ceremony held in Jaura, located in the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, on Friday. Shastri further clarified that while many accuse him and his followers of inciting controversy, their stance is not against Muslims or Christians. Instead, he identifies himself as a dedicated advocate for Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma.
Dhirendra Shastri addressed the audience from the stage, articulating that the Hindu community has faced numerous challenges, particularly in light of recent events. He expressed his dismay over incidents where posters of Lord Ram were burned in Tamil Nadu, pointing out that such actions have gone largely unchallenged and have not garnered significant attention or condemnation from society at large. He lamented that those engaging in such activities are akin to the legacy of Ravana and should face severe consequences. “The Hindu community was once intimidated, but now it stands resilient and will not back down,” he asserted.
Clarifying Stances on Religious Identity
In another segment of his speech, Shastri made it clear that his aspiration is not to establish a Hindu nation through governmental decrees but rather to instill the essence of Hindu identity in the hearts of every individual who identifies as Hindu across the nation. He urged the audience to rise above caste distinctions and regional conflicts, emphasizing that the current plight of Hindus is concerning and requires immediate attention. “I am here not merely to deliver sermons but to highlight the peculiar and precarious situation that Hindus find themselves in today,” he remarked.
Shastri went on to discuss the divisions within the community, which often manifest through conflicts over caste and regionalism. He warned that if such divisions persist, the very fabric of the family and future generations could be jeopardized, potentially leading to a scenario reminiscent of Kashmir. He cautioned against allowing children to stray from their roots, emphasizing that material pursuits should not overshadow spiritual obligations. “Our 33 crore deities belong to us; create new idols if you wish, but do not offer prayers at any tomb,” he urged, underscoring the importance of devotion to Hindu deities.
Promoting Unity Through Rituals and Initiatives
During the event organized by Shri Om Mankameshwar Mahadev Parmarth, Shastri honored the contributions of local sanitation workers by conducting an Aarti dedicated to Lord Hanuman. He highlighted the importance of community and collective awareness, stating that a Sanatan Hindu Ekta Padayatra (Unity March) is set to commence on November 7 from the Katyayini temple in Delhi, culminating in Vrindavan on November 16. This initiative aims to promote a message of unity and awareness among the Hindu community across the country.
