Bhopal, November 3: Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, head priest of Bageshwar Dham, has apologised following a controversy over his remarks comparing Lord Ram and Lord Krishna during a religious discourse in Madhya Pradesh.
The remarks were made during a Ram Katha programme in Karera in Shivpuri district. A video of the discourse went viral on social media, triggering objections from devotees and religious leaders, particularly in Mathura and Vrindavan.
Controversial Comparison Between Ram and Krishna
During the discourse, Shastri reportedly said that Lord Ram was straight and straightforward, while Lord Krishna was crooked.
He also commented on Krishna's traditional three-bend posture, appearance and flute-playing style.
The remarks prompted criticism from several religious figures, who said that comparing the two revered deities in such a manner was inappropriate and could hurt devotees' sentiments.
Apology After Religious Leaders' Objections
Following the backlash, Shastri issued a video message on Monday, November 2, offering an explanation and an apology.
He claimed that parts of the original video had been circulated without the full context and that his remarks were intended as an explanation of a devotional verse from the Braj tradition.
‘I Am Also a Devotee of Lord Krishna’
Shastri clarified that he had no intention of insulting Lord Krishna or creating a distinction between Lord Ram and Lord Krishna.
He described himself as a devotee of Lord Krishna and the Braj tradition.
He also said that if his words had hurt anyone's religious sentiments, he sincerely apologised.
Earlier Controversy in West Bengal
Shastri had also faced criticism following remarks during a Hanuman Katha programme in Liluah, Howrah, in September, when he objected to the sale of non-vegetarian food near Durga Puja pandals during Navratri.
The latest controversy has once again brought his public remarks under scrutiny.
