Mathura (Gurpreet Singh): Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri has apologised for his remarks comparing the forms of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, following objections from seers and devotees in Mathura and Vrindavan. Shastri said he did not intend to insult either deity or suggest a distinction between them.
In a video message shared on social media from Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, Shastri said his comments were made in the context of devotional traditions and expressions associated with Braj. He stressed that Lord Ram and Lord Krishna are manifestations of the same supreme being.
What Did Dhirendra Shastri Say About Lord Krishna?
The controversy followed Shastri’s remarks during a recent Ram Katha programme in Karera, in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district.
While describing the forms of the two deities, he said Lord Ram stands straight, whereas Lord Krishna stands bent at three places. He referred to Krishna’s tribhanga posture, his flute and Vrindavan, while drawing a comparison with Ayodhya.
A video of the remarks circulated on social media and drew objections from seers and Krishna devotees in Mathura and Vrindavan. They maintained that both deities are equally revered and questioned the appropriateness of comparing them.
Dhirendra Shastri Offers Apology, Says He Did Not Mean To Hurt Sentiments
Addressing the criticism, Shastri said he was himself a devotee of Lord Krishna and also narrates the Bhagavad Katha. He reiterated his faith in Krishna devotion and said he had no intention of showing disrespect towards either deity.
He added that if his emotional remarks had hurt anyone’s religious sentiments, he offered a humble apology.
What Did Akhilesh Yadav Say About The Controversy?
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also commented on the issue on Monday, without directly naming Shastri.
Yadav alleged that derogatory comparisons involving revered Hindu deities were an attempt to undermine the unity of the Sanatan community. He called for punitive action and said the matter should be taken up at the highest level.
