Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has clarified his remarks about Lord Ram and Lord Krishna after a video of his speech triggered a debate on social media. The comment was made during a Shri Ram Katha programme in Karera, located in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district. In the viral video, Shastri is heard comparing the physical posture and actions of the two deities. He said that Lord Krishna is bent at three places, while his own Lord stands straight. The remarks drew criticism from some people, leading to questions about the context of his statement.
Comparison of Flute and Bow
During the same programme, Shastri referred to Lord Krishna's famous flute-playing posture and Vrindavan Dham. He also compared playing the flute with Lord Ram's use of a bow. He remarked that playing the flute was a game, but shooting an arrow with a bow was no game. These comments became the centre of an online discussion, with several people questioning the comparison between the two Hindu deities. The video spread widely, bringing his remarks into public debate.
Shastri Calls It ‘Byaj Stuti’
As the controversy grew, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri addressed the issue during another religious discourse. Defending his words, he said that he had spoken in an emotional and loving context. He described the expression as ‘Byaj Stuti’, suggesting that statements made out of love should not be taken as insults. He asked people not to interpret his words negatively and said the intention behind the remarks was important.
Gopis and Krishna's Love
To explain his statement, Shastri referred to the relationship between the Gopis and Lord Krishna. He said that the Gopis sometimes called Krishna deceitful, but such words came from their deep love for him. According to Shastri, his own remarks should also be understood in a similar way. He used this example to explain that words spoken in devotion and affection should not automatically be treated as criticism or disrespect.
‘I Also Love Lord Krishna’
Shastri also rejected suggestions that he was against Lord Krishna. He said that he himself loved Thakur Ji deeply and had no intention of criticising any deity. Responding to people who described him as anti-Krishna, he said that the allegation was completely wrong. He appealed to listeners to understand the emotions and context of his religious discourse instead of drawing conclusions from a few statements.
Takes a Dig at Social Media Critics
The Bageshwar Dham chief also commented on the criticism he faced online. He claimed that some people oppose him simply to gain popularity. Shastri maintained that his words should be understood in the context of the religious gathering and the emotions with which they were spoken. His clarification has added another dimension to the debate that began after the video of his comparison between Lord Ram and Lord Krishna went viral.
