Bageshwar Dham Chief Apologizes After 'Crooked' Remark on Lord Krishna
Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri issues an unconditional apology after controversial comments on Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.
Bageshwar Dham Peethadhishwar Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has issued a public apology following a storm of controversy triggered by his comparisons between Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. The remarks, which were perceived as disrespectful by many devotees and religious leaders, led to widespread backlash across social media and political circles.
The Spark: What Was Said?
The controversy began during a Ramkatha event held on October 29, 2026, in Karera, located in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. While addressing the gathering, Shastri drew a comparison between the two revered deities of Sanatan Dharma.
He described Lord Rama as having a 'straight' form, but when referring to Lord Krishna's iconic 'Tribhangi' posture, he used the word 'tedha' (crooked). During the discourse, he specifically stated, "Tumhare Thakur Ji... teen jagah se tedhe hain," referring to the three-fold bend in Krishna's posture. The discussion further extended to a comparison of their actions and their respective holy abodes, Ayodhya and Vrindavan.
Outrage from Saints and Politicians
The comments did not sit well with the spiritual community, particularly the saints in Mathura. They denounced the remarks, viewing them as an affront to the sanctity of Sanatan Dharma. The religious friction quickly transitioned into a political issue.
- Akhilesh Yadav: The Samajwadi Party chief reacted strongly, calling for legal action against the preacher and suggesting a boycott of the events where such remarks were made.
- Tejashwi Yadav: The RJD leader criticized the comments, characterizing them as an attempt to create unnecessary divisions between the deities.
The Unconditional Apology
As the backlash intensified, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri released a video statement to address the anger of the devotees. In the video, he expressed deep regret for the misunderstanding and issued an unconditional apology to anyone whose sentiments were hurt by his words.
Clarifying the Intent
Shastri explained that his comments were never meant to be malicious or derogatory. He emphasized the following points in his clarification:
- The remarks were intended to be delivered in a spirit of humor and love.
- There was no intention to cause pain to devotees or create a hierarchy between Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.
- He denied any attempt to differentiate between the two deities, reaffirming that both hold equal reverence and status in his faith.
By issuing the apology, the Bageshwar Dham chief sought to quell the escalating tension and restore harmony among the followers of the two deities.