Dhirendra Krishna Shastri Apologises After Ram–Krishna Comparison Draws Objections

Bageshwar Dham head Dhirendra Krishna Shastri speaks at an event. The preacher apologised after his remarks comparing Lord Ram and Lord Krishna at a Ram Katha in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district drew objections. Photo: Arrangements

The Bageshwar Dham preacher says his remarks at a Ram Katha in Madhya Pradesh were made in jest and that he regards both deities as forms of the same divine being.

Key Highlights

• Shastri made the comparison during a Ram Katha in Karera, in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district.
• A video of his remarks drew objections from Krishna devotees and religious figures in Mathura and Vrindavan.
• In a video message from Nairobi, Shastri apologised to those whose religious sentiments had been hurt.

Shivpuri: Bageshwar Dham head Dhirendra Krishna Shastri apologised after his comparison of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna during a Ram Katha in Karera drew objections. The remarks had been reported by November 1. PTI reported his apology on November 3.

What Shastri Said at the Ram Katha

Speaking to devotees, Shastri contrasted the upright posture in which Ram is often depicted with Krishna’s tribhanga, the three-bend pose associated with his flute-playing image. He also compared Ayodhya and Vrindavan and used a verse contrasting Krishna’s flute with Ram’s bow. At the gathering, he described the remarks as playful.

After the clip circulated online, religious figures and devotees in Mathura and Vrindavan objected to the comparison, saying both deities are equally revered.

Shastri Issues Clarification From Nairobi

In a video message from Nairobi, Kenya, Shastri said he had spoken in the spirit of affectionate humour found in the devotional traditions of Braj. He described himself as a Krishna devotee and pointed out that he also narrates the Bhagavata Katha.

Shastri said he regarded Ram and Krishna as forms of the same divine being and sought forgiveness from anyone whose religious sentiments his remarks had hurt.