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{{pp|small=yes}} {{pp|small=yes}}
{{Short description |Indian Narrator and Hindu priest}} {{Short description |Indian Narrator and Hindu priest}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox Hindu leader {{Infobox Hindu leader
| religion = ] | religion = ]
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| birth_name = Dhirendra Krishna Garg | birth_name = Dhirendra Krishna Garg
| birth_place = ], ], India | birth_place = ], ], India
| education = ] | education =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age |1996 |07 |04 |df=yes }} | birth_date = {{birth date and age |1996 |07 |04 |df=yes }}
| image = Dhirendra Krishna Shastri.jpg | image = Dhirendra-krishna-shastri-ji-maharaj-hd-images-2-819x1024-1.jpg
| caption = Dhirendra Krishna Shastri in 2023 | caption = Shastri in 2023
| father = Ram Kripal Garg | father = Ram Kripal Garg
| mother = Saroj Garg | mother = Saroj Garg
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}} }}


'''Dhirendra Krishna Shastri''' (born 4 July 1996 as '''Dhirendra Krishna Garg''')<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-19 |title=Who is Bageshwar Dham Sarkar aka Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? Why he is in news? |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/who-is-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-aka-dhirendra-krishna-shashtri-1674134081-1 |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=Jagranjosh.com |archive-date=2023-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404083854/https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/who-is-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-aka-dhirendra-krishna-shashtri-1674134081-1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="jagran-20Jan2023"/> also known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar or Maharaj,<ref name="timesnownews-23Jan23"/><ref name="abplive-21Jan23">{{cite news |date=21 January 2023 |title=बागेश्वर धाम के पंडित धीरेंद्र शास्त्री की परिवार के साथ अनदेखी तस्वीरें, यहां रहकर हुई थी उनकी |url=https://www.abplive.com/photo-gallery/states/madhya-pradesh-mp-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-old-photos-seen-with-family-and-friends-chhatarpur-ann-2314050 |work=] |first1=Brajesh |last1=Rajput |trans-title=Bageshwar Dham: Unseen pictures of Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham with his family, he did his schooling while staying here |language=hi |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122071127/https://www.abplive.com/photo-gallery/states/madhya-pradesh-mp-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-old-photos-seen-with-family-and-friends-chhatarpur-ann-2314050 |url-status=live }}</ref> is the ] of the Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a religious pilgrimage site in ] of ], India.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaushik |first=Rahul |date=22 January 2023 |title=Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, 'Sarkar' of Bageshwar Dham temple challenged to demonstrate his miraculous power |url=https://www.growjustindia.com/india/dhirendra-krishna-shastri-sarkar-of-bageshwar-dham-temple-challenged-to-demonstrate-his-miraculous-power/ |website=GrowJust India |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123201908/https://www.growjustindia.com/india/dhirendra-krishna-shastri-sarkar-of-bageshwar-dham-temple-challenged-to-demonstrate-his-miraculous-power/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shastri recites stories at Bageshwar Dham in Chhatarpur.<ref name="aajtak.in-19Jan23">{{cite news |date=19 January 2023 |title='ना मैं संत हूं, ना कोई समस्या दूर करने का दावा करता हूं', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री |trans-title='Neither am I a saint, nor do I claim to solve any problem', said Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-clarification-on-spreading-superstition-1619100-2023-01-19 |work=] |first1=Lokesh |last1=Chaurasia |first2=Yogesh |last2=Pandey |language=hi |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122065539/https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-clarification-on-spreading-superstition-1619100-2023-01-19 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shastri has been accused of tricking people using ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-05 |title=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: The Indian guru making headlines over 'miracle' cures |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64480726 |access-date=2023-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-25 |title=Suhani Shah: Everything about "Jadoo Pari," who is popular for reading minds |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/suhani-shah-everything-about-jadoo-pari-who-is-popular-for-reading-minds/articleshow/97305286.cms |access-date=2023-03-30 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mentalists clear the air around the performing art, deem it an illusion |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/mentalists-clear-the-air-around-the-performing-art-deem-it-an-illusion/ar-AA177q5W |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=MSN |language=en-IN}}</ref> '''Dhirendra Krishna Shastri''' (born 4 July 1996 as '''Dhirendra Krishna Garg''')<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-19 |title=Who is Bageshwar Dham Sarkar aka Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? Why he is in news? |url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/who-is-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-aka-dhirendra-krishna-shashtri-1674134081-1 |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=Jagranjosh.com |archive-date=2023-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404083854/https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/who-is-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-aka-dhirendra-krishna-shashtri-1674134081-1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="jagran-20Jan2023"/> also known as '''Bageshwar Dham Sarkar''',<ref name="timesnownews-23Jan23"/><ref name="abplive-21Jan23">{{cite news |date=21 January 2023 |title=बागेश्वर धाम के पंडित धीरेंद्र शास्त्री की परिवार के साथ अनदेखी तस्वीरें, यहां रहकर हुई थी उनकी |url=https://www.abplive.com/photo-gallery/states/madhya-pradesh-mp-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-old-photos-seen-with-family-and-friends-chhatarpur-ann-2314050 |work=] |first1=Brajesh |last1=Rajput |trans-title=Bageshwar Dham: Unseen pictures of Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham with his family, he did his schooling while staying here |language=hi |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122071127/https://www.abplive.com/photo-gallery/states/madhya-pradesh-mp-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-old-photos-seen-with-family-and-friends-chhatarpur-ann-2314050 |url-status=live }}</ref> is an Indian self-styled ]. He is the ] of Bageshwar Dham, a religious ] site in ], India.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaushik |first=Rahul |date=22 January 2023 |title=Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, 'Sarkar' of Bageshwar Dham temple challenged to demonstrate his miraculous power |url=https://www.growjustindia.com/india/dhirendra-krishna-shastri-sarkar-of-bageshwar-dham-temple-challenged-to-demonstrate-his-miraculous-power/ |website=GrowJust India |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123201908/https://www.growjustindia.com/india/dhirendra-krishna-shastri-sarkar-of-bageshwar-dham-temple-challenged-to-demonstrate-his-miraculous-power/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shastri has been accused of tricking people using ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-05 |title=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: The Indian guru making headlines over 'miracle' cures |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64480726 |access-date=2023-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-25 |title=Suhani Shah: Everything about "Jadoo Pari," who is popular for reading minds |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/suhani-shah-everything-about-jadoo-pari-who-is-popular-for-reading-minds/articleshow/97305286.cms |access-date=2023-03-30 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>


== Early years == == Early years ==
=== Family === === Family ===
Shastri was born on 4 July 1996 in Gada village of ]. He was the eldest of two children to Saroj Garg (mother) and Ram Kripal Garg (father) and was brought up in a ] ]{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} family where his father works as a ].<ref name="jagran-20Jan2023"/><ref name="timesnownews-23Jan23">{{cite news |date=21 January 2023 |title=Superstition challenge row: Who is Bageshwar Dham Sarkar alias Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/superstition-challenge-row-who-is-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-alias-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-article-97183362 |work=] |first1=Nakshab |last1=Khan |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120185343/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/superstition-challenge-row-who-is-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-alias-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-article-97183362 |archive-date=20 January 2023 }}</ref> Shastri's childhood was one of extreme poverty; his family lived in a ]. As a child, he used to narrate stories to people in his village.<ref name="jagran-20Jan2023">{{cite news |title=Bageshwar Dham वाले Dhirendra Shastri का कठिनाइयों में बीता बचपन, जानें- बाला जी भगवान के भक्त की कहानी |url=https://www.jagran.com/news/national-who-is-dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-know-all-about-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-information-about-bageshwar-baba-row-23303049.html |newspaper=] |language=hi |first1=Piyush |last1=Kumar |trans-title=Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham had a difficult childhood, know the story of a devotee of Lord Balaji |date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122071129/https://www.jagran.com/news/national-who-is-dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-know-all-about-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-information-about-bageshwar-baba-row-23303049.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shastri was born on 4 July 1996 in Gada village of ]. He was the eldest of two children to Saroj Garg (mother) and Ram Kripal Garg (father) and was brought up in a ] ] family<ref>{{Cite web |last=Web |first=Statesman |date=2023-09-04 |title=Who is Dhirendra Krishna Shashtri? Anas Ansari sends threat |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/who-is/who-is-dhirendra-krishna-shashtri-anas-ansari-sends-threat-1503218555.html |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=The Statesman |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Live |first=A. B. P. |date=2023-08-03 |title=कौन हैं पंडित धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री, जानिए बागेश्वर धाम वाले बाबा के जीवन के बारे में |url=https://www.abplive.com/lifestyle/religion/bageshwar-dham-balaji-maharaj-pandit-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-full-biography-in-hindi-2465987 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=www.abplive.com |language=hi}}</ref> where his father works as a priest.<ref name="jagran-20Jan2023"/><ref name="timesnownews-23Jan23">{{cite news |date=21 January 2023 |title=Superstition challenge row: Who is Bageshwar Dham Sarkar alias Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/superstition-challenge-row-who-is-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-alias-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-article-97183362 |work=] |first1=Nakshab |last1=Khan |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120185343/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/superstition-challenge-row-who-is-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-alias-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-article-97183362 |archive-date=20 January 2023 }}</ref> Shastri's childhood was one of poverty; his family lived in a ]. As a child, he used to narrate stories to people in his village.<ref name="jagran-20Jan2023">{{cite news |title=Bageshwar Dham वाले Dhirendra Shastri का कठिनाइयों में बीता बचपन, जानें- बाला जी भगवान के भक्त की कहानी |url=https://www.jagran.com/news/national-who-is-dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-know-all-about-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-information-about-bageshwar-baba-row-23303049.html |newspaper=] |language=hi |first1=Piyush |last1=Kumar |trans-title=Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham had a difficult childhood, know the story of a devotee of Lord Balaji |date=20 January 2023 |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122071129/https://www.jagran.com/news/national-who-is-dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-know-all-about-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-information-about-bageshwar-baba-row-23303049.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Education === === Education ===
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=== Religious career === === Religious career ===
Shastri is a disciple of ].<ref>{{cite web |title=क्या चमत्कार होते हैं? धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री के गुरु रामभद्राचार्य ने दिया जवाब, स्वामी प्रसाद मौर्य पर भी बोले |url=https://www.livehindustan.com/madhya-pradesh/story-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-miracles-issue-rambhadracharya-says-everything-is-possible-on-grace-of-god-7678540.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125164742/https://www.livehindustan.com/madhya-pradesh/story-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-miracles-issue-rambhadracharya-says-everything-is-possible-on-grace-of-god-7678540.html |archive-date=25 January 2023 |website=Hindustan}}</ref> Shastri is known for his preaching of the ] and ].{{Citation needed|date=May 2023|reason=Preaching of Shiva Purana}} He claims to have some ]s achieved through ] by his followers. Shastri is a disciple of ].<ref>{{cite web |title=क्या चमत्कार होते हैं? धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री के गुरु रामभद्राचार्य ने दिया जवाब, स्वामी प्रसाद मौर्य पर भी बोले |url=https://www.livehindustan.com/madhya-pradesh/story-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-miracles-issue-rambhadracharya-says-everything-is-possible-on-grace-of-god-7678540.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125164742/https://www.livehindustan.com/madhya-pradesh/story-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-miracles-issue-rambhadracharya-says-everything-is-possible-on-grace-of-god-7678540.html |archive-date=25 January 2023 |website=Hindustan}}</ref> Shastri is known for his preaching of the ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-06 |title=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: Know About The Spiritual Life Of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri |url=https://english.jagran.com/spiritual/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-all-about-the-controversial-life-of-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-10105333 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=English Jagran |language=en}}</ref> He claims to have some ]s achieved through '']'' by his followers.


== Bageshwar Dham Sarkar == == Bageshwar Dham ==
Shastri is serving as a ''peethadhishwar'' and chief of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a ] dedicated to ] in Gada village in ], ]. Shastri organises a ] at this dham every Tuesday and Saturday,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-23 |title=Who is Pandit Dhirendra Shastri and why is he famous? |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/who-is-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-and-why-is-he-famous/articleshow/97259653.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-05-25 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> where it is believed that he heals all the physical, mental, economic, and social sufferings of people with his divine powers, which he got from ]. In an interview with ] Shastri said that he is the third generation serving as the chief of the dham, after his grandfather and father.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/travel/religious-trip/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-famous-for-dheerendra-shastri-know-about-travel-details/articleshow/97270483.cms |title=बागेश्वर धाम में आखिर क्यों नहीं रह पाते लोग हाजिरी लगाए बिना, जानिए यहां तक जाने का खर्च |website=Navbharat Times |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180812/https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/travel/religious-trip/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-famous-for-dheerendra-shastri-know-about-travel-details/articleshow/97270483.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/who-is-bageshwar-dhams-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-find-out-reason-behind-the-recent-controversy-473655 |title=Who is Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? Find out reason behind the recent controversy |first=Vibha |last=Sharma |newspaper=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125182314/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/who-is-bageshwar-dhams-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-find-out-reason-behind-the-recent-controversy-473655 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/explained-who-is-bageshwar-dham-krishna-shastri-and-why-is-he-in-news-11674560891348.html |title=Explained: Who is Bageshwar Dham Krishna Shastri and why is he in news? |date=24 January 2023 |newspaper=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180811/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/explained-who-is-bageshwar-dham-krishna-shastri-and-why-is-he-in-news-11674560891348.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shastri is serving as a ''peethadhishwar'' and chief of Bageshwar Dham, a Hindu site dedicated to the god ] in Gada village in ], ]. Shastri organises a ] at this dham every Tuesday and Saturday,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-23 |title=Who is Pandit Dhirendra Shastri and why is he famous? |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/who-is-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-and-why-is-he-famous/articleshow/97259653.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-05-25 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> where it is believed that he heals all the physical, mental, economic, and social sufferings of people with his divine powers, which he got from ]. In an interview with '']'' Shastri said that he is the third generation serving as the chief of the dham, after his grandfather and father.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/travel/religious-trip/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-famous-for-dheerendra-shastri-know-about-travel-details/articleshow/97270483.cms |title=बागेश्वर धाम में आखिर क्यों नहीं रह पाते लोग हाजिरी लगाए बिना, जानिए यहां तक जाने का खर्च |website=Navbharat Times |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180812/https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/travel/religious-trip/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-famous-for-dheerendra-shastri-know-about-travel-details/articleshow/97270483.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/who-is-bageshwar-dhams-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-find-out-reason-behind-the-recent-controversy-473655 |title=Who is Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? Find out reason behind the recent controversy |first=Vibha |last=Sharma |newspaper=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125182314/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/who-is-bageshwar-dhams-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-find-out-reason-behind-the-recent-controversy-473655 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/explained-who-is-bageshwar-dham-krishna-shastri-and-why-is-he-in-news-11674560891348.html |title=Explained: Who is Bageshwar Dham Krishna Shastri and why is he in news? |date=24 January 2023 |newspaper=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180811/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/explained-who-is-bageshwar-dham-krishna-shastri-and-why-is-he-in-news-11674560891348.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Social activities === === Social activities ===
Shastri has established the Annapurna Kitchen in his dham, where free food offerings are arranged for his followers. He also holds an annual function for the marriage of poor and destitute girls. He is establishing a ] ] to promote ancient ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bageshwardham.co.in/services/ |title=सेवाएं &#124; गौ रक्षा &#124; वैदिक गुरुकुल |publisher=Bageshwar Dham |date=16 July 2022 |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123101240/https://bageshwardham.co.in/services/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/why-mps-bageshwar-dham-and-its-head-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-are-trending-5-key-reasons-article-97244704 |title=Why MP's Bageshwar Dham and {{as written|i|t's }} head Dhirendra Krishna Shastri are trending &#124; 5 key reasons |date=January 23, 2023 |work=] |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123101240/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/why-mps-bageshwar-dham-and-its-head-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-are-trending-5-key-reasons-article-97244704 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shastri has established the Annapurna Kitchen in his dham, where free food offerings are arranged for his followers. He also holds an annual function for the marriage of poor and destitute girls. He is establishing a ] ] to promote ancient ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bageshwardham.co.in/services/ |title=सेवाएं {{pipe}} गौ रक्षा {{pipe}} वैदिक गुरुकुल |publisher=Bageshwar Dham |date=16 July 2022 |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123101240/https://bageshwardham.co.in/services/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/why-mps-bageshwar-dham-and-its-head-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-are-trending-5-key-reasons-article-97244704 |title=Why MP's Bageshwar Dham and {{as written|i|t's }} head Dhirendra Krishna Shastri are trending {{pipe}} 5 key reasons |date=January 23, 2023 |work=] |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123101240/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/why-mps-bageshwar-dham-and-its-head-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-are-trending-5-key-reasons-article-97244704 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Shastri is said to have brought 300 people converted to ] back into ] during a ] program in 2021. On January 25, 2023, ] increased the security of Shastri following the ]s received by him.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abplive.com/states/madhya-pradesh/mp-police-sit-for-security-of-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-ann-2316133 |title=बागेश्वर धाम सरकार की सुरक्षा के लिए एसआईटी, स्वागत के लिए उमड़ा भक्तों का सैलाब |first1=Brajesh |last1=Rajput|date=24 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125164742/https://www.abplive.com/states/madhya-pradesh/mp-police-sit-for-security-of-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-ann-2316133 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/01/24/bageshwar-dham-chief-gets-life-threat-chhatarpur-police-form-25-member-probe-team.html |title=Bageshwar Dham chief gets life threat; Chhatarpur police form 25-member probe team |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125164745/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/01/24/bageshwar-dham-chief-gets-life-threat-chhatarpur-police-form-25-member-probe-team.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shastri is said to have brought 300 people converted to ] back into ] during a ] program in 2021. On January 25, 2023, ] increased the security of Shastri following the ]s received by him.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abplive.com/states/madhya-pradesh/mp-police-sit-for-security-of-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-ann-2316133 |title=बागेश्वर धाम सरकार की सुरक्षा के लिए एसआईटी, स्वागत के लिए उमड़ा भक्तों का सैलाब |first1=Brajesh |last1=Rajput|date=24 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125164742/https://www.abplive.com/states/madhya-pradesh/mp-police-sit-for-security-of-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-ann-2316133 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/01/24/bageshwar-dham-chief-gets-life-threat-chhatarpur-police-form-25-member-probe-team.html |title=Bageshwar Dham chief gets life threat; Chhatarpur police form 25-member probe team |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125164745/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/01/24/bageshwar-dham-chief-gets-life-threat-chhatarpur-police-form-25-member-probe-team.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Social media presence === === Social media presence ===
Shastri has experienced a significant surge in his social media presence, currently boasting a total of 7.5 million followers across various platforms. Specifically, he has garnered 3.4 million followers on Facebook, 3.9 million subscribers on YouTube, 300,000 followers on Instagram, and 72,000 followers on Twitter. Several of his most widely viewed videos have garnered between three and ten million views.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-05 |title=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: The Indian guru making headlines over 'miracle' cures |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64480726 |access-date=2023-05-24}}</ref> Shastri has experienced a surge in his social media presence, boasting of a total of 7.5 million followers across various platforms. Specifically, he has garnered 3.4 million followers on ], 3.9 million subscribers on ], 300,000 followers on ], and 72,000 followers on ]. Several of his widely viewed videos have garnered between three and ten million views.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-05 |title=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: The Indian guru making headlines over 'miracle' cures |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-64480726 |access-date=2023-05-24}}</ref>


== Controversies and criticism == == Controversies and criticism ==
=== Superstition and witchcraft allegations === === Superstition and witchcraft allegations ===
Shastri came into focus when Indian rationalist Shyam Manav challenged him and questioned his spiritual powers. Manav also accused Shastri of promoting blind faith. When the controversy erupted in the media, Shastri invited Manav to his Divya Darbar and said, “I am just a servant at the feet of Bageshwar Balaji. I do as he inspires me”.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 January 2023 |title=What is the row over Bageshwar Dham Sarkar? Who is Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-is-the-row-over-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-who-is-dhirendra-krishna-shashtri-101674130665942.html |newspaper=] |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206205454/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-is-the-row-over-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-who-is-dhirendra-krishna-shashtri-101674130665942.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/exclusive-interview-of-shyam-manav-who-challenged-baba-of-bageshwar-dhirendra-shastri-1577179 |title=Exclusive interview of Shyam Manav who challenged Baba of Bageshwar &#124; Dhirendra Shastri |date=21 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084748/https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/exclusive-interview-of-shyam-manav-who-challenged-baba-of-bageshwar-dhirendra-shastri-1577179 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-dna-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-and-shyam-manav-a-faceoff-3018367 |title=DNA &#124; Dhirendra Krishna Shastri and Shyam Manav - A faceoff |website=DNA India |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084747/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-dna-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-and-shyam-manav-a-faceoff-3018367 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shastri came into focus when Indian rationalist ] challenged him and questioned his spiritual powers. Manav also accused Shastri of promoting blind faith. When the controversy erupted in the media, Shastri invited Manav to his Divya Darbar and said, "I am just a servant at the feet of Bageshwar Balaji. I do as he inspires me".<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 January 2023 |title=What is the row over Bageshwar Dham Sarkar? Who is Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-is-the-row-over-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-who-is-dhirendra-krishna-shashtri-101674130665942.html |newspaper=] |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206205454/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-is-the-row-over-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-who-is-dhirendra-krishna-shashtri-101674130665942.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/exclusive-interview-of-shyam-manav-who-challenged-baba-of-bageshwar-dhirendra-shastri-1577179 |title=Exclusive interview of Shyam Manav who challenged Baba of Bageshwar {{pipe}} Dhirendra Shastri |date=21 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084748/https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/exclusive-interview-of-shyam-manav-who-challenged-baba-of-bageshwar-dhirendra-shastri-1577179 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-dna-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-and-shyam-manav-a-faceoff-3018367 |title=DNA {{pipe}} Dhirendra Krishna Shastri and Shyam Manav - A faceoff |website=DNA India |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084747/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-dna-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-and-shyam-manav-a-faceoff-3018367 |url-status=live }}</ref>


The All India Superstition Eradication Committee (Akhil Bhartiya Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti) made a complaint to the ] about Shastri under the anti-superstition act. The committee's chairman, Shyam Manav, said that ] is being promoted in the guise of 'Divya Darbar' and 'Pret Darbar', and that ordinary people are being looted, cheated, and exploited by Dhirendra Shastri in the name of religion.<ref name="aajtak.in-19Jan23" /> The police investigated this and found no grounds for prosecution under the ] (2013).<ref name="theprint.in-25Jan23" /> The All India Superstition Eradication Committee (Akhil Bhartiya Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti) made a complaint to the ] about Shastri under the ]. The committee's chairman, Shyam Manav, said that ] is being promoted in the guise of 'Divya Darbar' and '] Darbar', and that ordinary people are being frauded, cheated, and exploited by Dhirendra Shastri in the name of religion.<ref name="aajtak.in-19Jan23">{{cite news |last1=Chaurasia |first1=Lokesh |last2=Pandey |first2=Yogesh |date=19 January 2023 |title='ना मैं संत हूं, ना कोई समस्या दूर करने का दावा करता हूं', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री |trans-title='Neither am I a saint, nor do I claim to solve any problem', said Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-clarification-on-spreading-superstition-1619100-2023-01-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122065539/https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-clarification-on-spreading-superstition-1619100-2023-01-19 |archive-date=22 January 2023 |work=] |language=hi}}</ref> The police investigated this and found no grounds for prosecution under the ] (2013).<ref name="theprint.in-25Jan23" />


Many prominent ] like ], ], ], ] and politician ] came to his support. He also got support from ]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abplive.com/states/up-uk/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-row-baba-ramdev-support-pandit-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-mention-lord-hanuman-2313675 |title=बागेश्वर धाम के पीठाधीश्वर पंडित धीरेंद्र शास्त्री पर पहली बार बोले बाबा रामदेव, जानिए क्या कहा |date=January 21, 2023 |work=] |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084759/https://www.abplive.com/states/up-uk/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-row-baba-ramdev-support-pandit-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-mention-lord-hanuman-2313675 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/politics/story/union-minister-giriraj-singh-in-support-of-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-lcln-1620339-2023-01-21 |title=धीरेंद्र शास्त्री विवाद में कूदे केंद्रीय मंत्री गिरिराज सिंह , बोले- सनातन धर्म के महापुरुषों में ऐसा सामर्थ्य होता है |date=21 January 2023 |website=आज तक |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084757/https://www.aajtak.in/india/politics/story/union-minister-giriraj-singh-in-support-of-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-lcln-1620339-2023-01-21 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/maharashtra/story/nagpur-bageshwar-maharaj-accepted-challenge-called-shyam-manav-to-raipur-manav-said-your-people-will-be-there-lcla-1619233-2023-01-19 |title=बागेश्वर महाराज ने चैलेंज किया स्वीकार, अखिल भारतीय अंधश्रद्धा निर्मूलन समिति के उपाध्यक्ष को बुलाया रायपुर |date=January 19, 2023 |website=आज तक |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084747/https://www.aajtak.in/india/maharashtra/story/nagpur-bageshwar-maharaj-accepted-challenge-called-shyam-manav-to-raipur-manav-said-your-people-will-be-there-lcla-1619233-2023-01-19 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 22 January 2023, several Hindu organizations called for a protest at ] in ] in support of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar's Chief Pontiff Shastri.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://zeenews.india.com/video/india/today-protest-in-delhi-to-support-bageshwar-dham-baba-2564340.html |title=Today Protest in Delhi to support Bageshwar Dham Baba |work=] |type=video |date=22 January 2023 |language=hi |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084748/https://zeenews.india.com/video/india/today-protest-in-delhi-to-support-bageshwar-dham-baba-2564340.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatv.in/india/national/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-supporters-demonstration-at-jantar-mantar-2023-01-22-924056 |title=बागेशवर धाम सरकार का विवाद दिल्ली तक पहुंचा, समर्थकों का आज जंतर-मंतर पर प्रदर्शन |first1=Swayam |last1=Prakash |date=22 January 2023 |website=India TV Hindi |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084757/https://www.indiatv.in/india/national/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-supporters-demonstration-at-jantar-mantar-2023-01-22-924056 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-advocate-of-sanatan-dharma-superstition-all-about-godman-dhirendra-shastri-6888859.html |title=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: Advocate of Superstition & Sanatan Dharma &#124; About 'Godman' Dhirendra Shastri |date=22 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084747/https://www.news18.com/news/india/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-advocate-of-sanatan-dharma-superstition-all-about-godman-dhirendra-shastri-6888859.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 25 January 2023, the ] gave a ] to Dhirendra Shastri against an allegation of promoting ] in his public programmes in ]. ] Amitesh Kumar said that during an inquiry into the complaint and the examination of “evidence” submitted by complainant Shyam Manav, founder of ‘Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti’, nothing was found that could attract action under the ]<ref name="theprint.in-25Jan23">{{cite news |newspaper=] |url=https://theprint.in/india/nagpur-police-give-clean-chit-to-bageshwar-dham-chief-in-complaint-lodged-by-anti-superstition-crusader/1335168/ |title=Nagpur police give 'clean chit' to Bageshwar Dham chief in complaint lodged by anti-superstition crusader |date=25 January 2023 |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180819/https://theprint.in/india/nagpur-police-give-clean-chit-to-bageshwar-dham-chief-in-complaint-lodged-by-anti-superstition-crusader/1335168/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abplive.com/news/india/baba-dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-got-clean-chit-from-nagpur-police-2317206 |title=नागपुर पुलिस ने दी क्लीन चिट तो बागेश्वर वाले बाबा धीरेंद्र शास्त्री बोले- कानून पर पूरा भरोसा |date=25 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180818/https://www.abplive.com/news/india/baba-dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-got-clean-chit-from-nagpur-police-2317206 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/madhya-pradesh/bhopal/bageshwar-dham-maharaj-got-clean-chit-from-nagpur-police-in-shyam-manav-case-see-pictures/articleshow/97313188.cms |title=सनातन का प्रचार अंधविश्वास नहीं... नागपुर पुलिस से क्लीन चिट पर दहाड़े बागेश्वर महाराज |website=Navbharat Times |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180814/https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/madhya-pradesh/bhopal/bageshwar-dham-maharaj-got-clean-chit-from-nagpur-police-in-shyam-manav-case-see-pictures/articleshow/97313188.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tv9hindi.com/state/maharashtra/nagpur-police-given-clean-chit-to-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shashtri-au154-1681604.html |title=सिद्धि नहीं है और वे ढोंग रच रहे हैं...! सब गलत, धीरेंद्र शास्त्री को क्लीन चिट |trans-title=There is no achievement and they are creating pretence…! All wrong, clean chit to Dhirendra Shastri |first1=Shamit |last1=Sinha |editor1-first=Shikhar |editor1-last=Srivastava |date=25 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180818/https://www.tv9hindi.com/state/maharashtra/nagpur-police-given-clean-chit-to-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shashtri-au154-1681604.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Many ] like ], ], ], ] and ] politician ] came to his support. He also got support from ]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abplive.com/states/up-uk/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-row-baba-ramdev-support-pandit-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-mention-lord-hanuman-2313675 |title=बागेश्वर धाम के पीठाधीश्वर पंडित धीरेंद्र शास्त्री पर पहली बार बोले बाबा रामदेव, जानिए क्या कहा |date=January 21, 2023 |work=] |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084759/https://www.abplive.com/states/up-uk/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-row-baba-ramdev-support-pandit-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-mention-lord-hanuman-2313675 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/politics/story/union-minister-giriraj-singh-in-support-of-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-lcln-1620339-2023-01-21 |title=धीरेंद्र शास्त्री विवाद में कूदे केंद्रीय मंत्री गिरिराज सिंह , बोले- सनातन धर्म के महापुरुषों में ऐसा सामर्थ्य होता है |date=21 January 2023 |website=आज तक |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084757/https://www.aajtak.in/india/politics/story/union-minister-giriraj-singh-in-support-of-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-lcln-1620339-2023-01-21 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/maharashtra/story/nagpur-bageshwar-maharaj-accepted-challenge-called-shyam-manav-to-raipur-manav-said-your-people-will-be-there-lcla-1619233-2023-01-19 |title=बागेश्वर महाराज ने चैलेंज किया स्वीकार, अखिल भारतीय अंधश्रद्धा निर्मूलन समिति के उपाध्यक्ष को बुलाया रायपुर |date=January 19, 2023 |website=आज तक |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084747/https://www.aajtak.in/india/maharashtra/story/nagpur-bageshwar-maharaj-accepted-challenge-called-shyam-manav-to-raipur-manav-said-your-people-will-be-there-lcla-1619233-2023-01-19 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 22 January 2023, several Hindu organizations called for a protest at ] in ] in support of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar's Chief Pontiff Shastri.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://zeenews.india.com/video/india/today-protest-in-delhi-to-support-bageshwar-dham-baba-2564340.html |title=Today Protest in Delhi to support Bageshwar Dham Baba |work=] |type=video |date=22 January 2023 |language=hi |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084748/https://zeenews.india.com/video/india/today-protest-in-delhi-to-support-bageshwar-dham-baba-2564340.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatv.in/india/national/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-supporters-demonstration-at-jantar-mantar-2023-01-22-924056 |title=बागेशवर धाम सरकार का विवाद दिल्ली तक पहुंचा, समर्थकों का आज जंतर-मंतर पर प्रदर्शन |first1=Swayam |last1=Prakash |date=22 January 2023 |website=India TV Hindi |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084757/https://www.indiatv.in/india/national/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-supporters-demonstration-at-jantar-mantar-2023-01-22-924056 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-advocate-of-sanatan-dharma-superstition-all-about-godman-dhirendra-shastri-6888859.html |title=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: Advocate of Superstition & Sanatan Dharma {{pipe}} About 'Godman' Dhirendra Shastri |date=22 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122084747/https://www.news18.com/news/india/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-advocate-of-sanatan-dharma-superstition-all-about-godman-dhirendra-shastri-6888859.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 25 January 2023, the ] gave a ] to Dhirendra Shastri against an allegation of promoting ] in his public programmes in ]. ] Amitesh Kumar said that during an inquiry into the complaint and the examination of "evidence" submitted by complainant Shyam Manav, founder of 'Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti', nothing was found that could attract action under the ]<ref name="theprint.in-25Jan23">{{cite news |newspaper=] |url=https://theprint.in/india/nagpur-police-give-clean-chit-to-bageshwar-dham-chief-in-complaint-lodged-by-anti-superstition-crusader/1335168/ |title=Nagpur police give 'clean chit' to Bageshwar Dham chief in complaint lodged by anti-superstition crusader |date=25 January 2023 |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180819/https://theprint.in/india/nagpur-police-give-clean-chit-to-bageshwar-dham-chief-in-complaint-lodged-by-anti-superstition-crusader/1335168/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abplive.com/news/india/baba-dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-got-clean-chit-from-nagpur-police-2317206 |title=नागपुर पुलिस ने दी क्लीन चिट तो बागेश्वर वाले बाबा धीरेंद्र शास्त्री बोले- कानून पर पूरा भरोसा |date=25 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180818/https://www.abplive.com/news/india/baba-dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-got-clean-chit-from-nagpur-police-2317206 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/madhya-pradesh/bhopal/bageshwar-dham-maharaj-got-clean-chit-from-nagpur-police-in-shyam-manav-case-see-pictures/articleshow/97313188.cms |title=सनातन का प्रचार अंधविश्वास नहीं... नागपुर पुलिस से क्लीन चिट पर दहाड़े बागेश्वर महाराज |website=Navbharat Times |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180814/https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/madhya-pradesh/bhopal/bageshwar-dham-maharaj-got-clean-chit-from-nagpur-police-in-shyam-manav-case-see-pictures/articleshow/97313188.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tv9hindi.com/state/maharashtra/nagpur-police-given-clean-chit-to-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shashtri-au154-1681604.html |title=सिद्धि नहीं है और वे ढोंग रच रहे हैं...! सब गलत, धीरेंद्र शास्त्री को क्लीन चिट |trans-title=There is no achievement and they are creating pretence...! All wrong, clean chit to Dhirendra Shastri |first1=Shamit |last1=Sinha |editor1-first=Shikhar |editor1-last=Srivastava |date=25 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180818/https://www.tv9hindi.com/state/maharashtra/nagpur-police-given-clean-chit-to-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shashtri-au154-1681604.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Land dispute === === Love Jihad in NCERT book ===
Shastri claimed that a lesson titled "Chitthi Aayi Hai" in the ] Class 3 environmental studies textbook promotes ]. The chapter features a letter from a girl named Reena to her friend Ahmed. He questioned why the letter was addressed to a Muslim boy and suggested that such content harms Hindu sentiments and reflects an agenda to influence young minds.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-09-25 |title=NCERT Class 3 Textbook Controversy: Allegations Of 'Love Jihad' – Know What's In The Chapter |url=https://news.abplive.com/education/ncert-class-3-textbook-sparks-controversy-allegations-of-love-jihad-here-s-what-the-chapter-contains-1719828 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926020643/https://news.abplive.com/education/ncert-class-3-textbook-sparks-controversy-allegations-of-love-jihad-here-s-what-the-chapter-contains-1719828 |archive-date=2024-09-26 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
It is alleged that Dhirendra Shastri's Dham is held in a government-owned community hall, and that people who work for Shastri have been pressuring 15 local landowners to sell their land to Shastri's dham. Shastri denies this.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 January 2023 |title=सरकारी जमीन कब्जा करने के आरोप पर धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ने लल्लनटॉप को क्या जवाब दिया? |trans-title=What answer did Dhirendra Shastri give to Lallantop on the allegation of encroachment of government land? |website=] |url=https://www.thelallantop.com/news/post/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-on-land-encroachment-lallantop |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180813/https://www.thelallantop.com/news/post/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-on-land-encroachment-lallantop |archive-date=25 January 2023}}</ref>


== Hindu nationalism == == Hindu nationalism ==
On the birth anniversary of ] on January 23, Shastri gave the slogan ''"Give us your support, we will give ]"'' to declare India as a ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abplive.com/news/india/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-hindu-rashtra-statement-support-me-i-give-you-hindi-nation-2316685 |title=अब हिंदू राष्ट्र को लेकर धीरेंद्र शास्त्री का आया नया बयान, विवादों के बीच बयानों के छोड़े तीर |date=25 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180812/https://www.abplive.com/news/india/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-hindu-rashtra-statement-support-me-i-give-you-hindi-nation-2316685 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/nation/bageshwar-dham-big-statement-of-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-you-support-me-i-will-give-hindu-nation-5269457.html |title='तुम हमारा साथ दो, हम हिंदू राष्ट्र बनाएंगे', बागेश्वर धाम वाले धीरेंद्र शास्त्री का नया बयान, कहा- चूड़ियां पहनकर घर में मत बैठो |date=January 24, 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180816/https://hindi.news18.com/news/nation/bageshwar-dham-big-statement-of-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-you-support-me-i-will-give-hindu-nation-5269457.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-you-support-me-we-make-hindu-nation-ntc-1621836-2023-01-23 |title='तुम मेरा साथ दो, हम हिंदू राष्ट्र बनाएंगे', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री |date=23 January 2023 |website=आज तक |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180812/https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-you-support-me-we-make-hindu-nation-ntc-1621836-2023-01-23 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="timesnownews-25Jan23">{{cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/support-me-and-i-will-give-you-hindu-rashtra-says-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-watch-article-97315835 |title='Support me and I will give you Hindu Rashtra', says Bageshwar Dham 'Sarkar' Dhirendra Krishna Shastri |date=25 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180813/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/support-me-and-i-will-give-you-hindu-rashtra-says-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-watch-article-97315835 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also urged that ] be declared the national scripture of India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aajtak.in/programmes/vishesh/video/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-demands-to-give-ramcharitmanas-stature-of-national-scripture-1623445-2023-01-25 |title=विशेष: पहले हिंदू राष्ट्र, अब रामचरितमानस की बात...बागेश्वर धाम वाले बाबा के दिल में क्या है? |website=आज तक |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180811/https://www.aajtak.in/programmes/vishesh/video/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-demands-to-give-ramcharitmanas-stature-of-national-scripture-1623445-2023-01-25 |url-status=live }}</ref> On the birth anniversary of ] on January 23, Shastri gave the slogan ''"Give us your support, we will give ]"'' to declare India as a ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abplive.com/news/india/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-hindu-rashtra-statement-support-me-i-give-you-hindi-nation-2316685 |title=अब हिंदू राष्ट्र को लेकर धीरेंद्र शास्त्री का आया नया बयान, विवादों के बीच बयानों के छोड़े तीर |date=25 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180812/https://www.abplive.com/news/india/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-hindu-rashtra-statement-support-me-i-give-you-hindi-nation-2316685 |url-status=live |language=hi }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/nation/bageshwar-dham-big-statement-of-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-you-support-me-i-will-give-hindu-nation-5269457.html |title='तुम हमारा साथ दो, हम हिंदू राष्ट्र बनाएंगे', बागेश्वर धाम वाले धीरेंद्र शास्त्री का नया बयान, कहा- चूड़ियां पहनकर घर में मत बैठो |date=January 24, 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180816/https://hindi.news18.com/news/nation/bageshwar-dham-big-statement-of-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-you-support-me-i-will-give-hindu-nation-5269457.html |url-status=live |language=hi }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-you-support-me-we-make-hindu-nation-ntc-1621836-2023-01-23 |title='तुम मेरा साथ दो, हम हिंदू राष्ट्र बनाएंगे', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री |date=23 January 2023 |website=]|archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180812/https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-you-support-me-we-make-hindu-nation-ntc-1621836-2023-01-23 |url-status=live |language=hi }}</ref><ref name="timesnownews-25Jan23">{{cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/support-me-and-i-will-give-you-hindu-rashtra-says-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-watch-article-97315835 |title='Support me and I will give you Hindu Rashtra', says Bageshwar Dham 'Sarkar' Dhirendra Krishna Shastri |date=25 January 2023 |work=] |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180813/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/support-me-and-i-will-give-you-hindu-rashtra-says-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-watch-article-97315835 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also urged that ] be declared the national scripture of India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aajtak.in/programmes/vishesh/video/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-demands-to-give-ramcharitmanas-stature-of-national-scripture-1623445-2023-01-25 |title=विशेष: पहले हिंदू राष्ट्र, अब रामचरितमानस की बात...बागेश्वर धाम वाले बाबा के दिल में क्या है? |website=] |date=25 January 2023 |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180811/https://www.aajtak.in/programmes/vishesh/video/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-shastri-demands-to-give-ramcharitmanas-stature-of-national-scripture-1623445-2023-01-25 |url-status=live |language=hi }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://jaagore.org/know-the-truth-of-bageshwar-dham/,%20https://jaagore.org/know-the-truth-of-bageshwar-dham/ |title=कौन हैं धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ? क्या है बागेश्वर धाम - Jaago Re |date=January 23, 2023 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In ]'s ] Shastri said that he respects all religions and is not against any religion but will not tolerate objectionable remarks against his religion. He also said that he will continue to raise the demand for ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Roushan |first1=Anurag |last2=Sharma |first2=Rajat |author-link2=Rajat Sharma |date=11 February 2023 |title=Aap Ki Adalat: 'Hum karen to chori...': Dhirendra Shastri on Owaisi's 'Hindu leaders spreading hate' remark |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/aap-ki-adalat-bageshwar-baba-dhirendra-shastri-on-asaduddin-owaisi-s-hindu-leaders-spreading-hate-remark-watch-2023-02-11-846377 |url-status=live |website=] |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321113453/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/aap-ki-adalat-bageshwar-baba-dhirendra-shastri-on-asaduddin-owaisi-s-hindu-leaders-spreading-hate-remark-watch-2023-02-11-846377 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Vineet |date=11 February 2023 |title=देखें, 'आप की अदालत' में बागेश्वर धाम के प्रमुख धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री LIVE |url=https://www.indiatv.in/india/national/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-in-aap-ki-adalat-with-rajat-sharma-live-2023-02-11-930867 |website=] |language=hi |archive-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217155109/https://www.indiatv.in/india/national/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-in-aap-ki-adalat-with-rajat-sharma-live-2023-02-11-930867 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Rajat |author-link=Rajat Sharma |date=13 February 2023 |title=VIDEO: Bageshwar Dham In Aap Ki Adalat: Pandit Dhirendra Shastri told what pastimes he has done? |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/aap-ki-adalat/bageshwar-dham-in-aap-ki-adalat-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-told-what-pastimes-he-has-done-2023-02-13-846842 |url-status=live |website=] |language=en |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155910/https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/aap-ki-adalat/bageshwar-dham-in-aap-ki-adalat-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-told-what-pastimes-he-has-done-2023-02-13-846842 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shruti |first=Srivastava |date=12 February 2023 |title=जब रजत शर्मा से बोले धीरेंद्र शास्त्री- आप भी इंडिया टीवी का हाउस हमारे नाम करें हमें कोई दिक्कत नहीं |url=https://www.jansatta.com/national/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-said-to-rajat-sharma-you-also-name-india-tv-on-my-name/2655975/ |newspaper=] |archive-date=19 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319211801/https://www.jansatta.com/national/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-said-to-rajat-sharma-you-also-name-india-tv-on-my-name/2655975/ |url-status=live |language=hi }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Rajat |author-link=Rajat Sharma |date=13 February 2023 |title=VIDEO: Dhirendra Shastri In Aap Ki Adalat: Does the Baba of Bageshwar Dham do Publicity Stunt? |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/aap-ki-adalat/dhirendra-shastri-in-aap-ki-adalat-does-the-baba-of-bageshwar-dham-do-publicity-stunt-2023-02-13-846911 |url-status=live |website=] |language=en |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155909/https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/aap-ki-adalat/dhirendra-shastri-in-aap-ki-adalat-does-the-baba-of-bageshwar-dham-do-publicity-stunt-2023-02-13-846911 }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://jaagore.org/know-the-truth-of-bageshwar-dham/,%20https://jaagore.org/know-the-truth-of-bageshwar-dham/ |title=कौन हैं धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ? क्या है बागेश्वर धाम - Jaago Re |date=January 23, 2023 }}</ref> In ]'s ] Shastri said that he respects all religions and is not against any religion but will not tolerate objectionable remarks against his religion. He also said that he will continue to raise the demand for ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Roushan |first1=Anurag |last2=Sharma |first2=Rajat |author-link2=Rajat Sharma |date=11 February 2023 |title=Aap Ki Adalat: 'Hum karen to chori...': Dhirendra Shastri on Owaisi's 'Hindu leaders spreading hate' remark |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/aap-ki-adalat-bageshwar-baba-dhirendra-shastri-on-asaduddin-owaisi-s-hindu-leaders-spreading-hate-remark-watch-2023-02-11-846377 |url-status=live |website=] |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321113453/https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/aap-ki-adalat-bageshwar-baba-dhirendra-shastri-on-asaduddin-owaisi-s-hindu-leaders-spreading-hate-remark-watch-2023-02-11-846377 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Vineet |date=11 February 2023 |title=देखें, 'आप की अदालत' में बागेश्वर धाम के प्रमुख धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री LIVE |url=https://www.indiatv.in/india/national/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-in-aap-ki-adalat-with-rajat-sharma-live-2023-02-11-930867 |website=] |language=hi |archive-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217155109/https://www.indiatv.in/india/national/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-in-aap-ki-adalat-with-rajat-sharma-live-2023-02-11-930867 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Rajat |author-link=Rajat Sharma |date=13 February 2023 |title=VIDEO: Bageshwar Dham In Aap Ki Adalat: Pandit Dhirendra Shastri told what pastimes he has done? |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/aap-ki-adalat/bageshwar-dham-in-aap-ki-adalat-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-told-what-pastimes-he-has-done-2023-02-13-846842 |url-status=live |website=] |language=en |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155910/https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/aap-ki-adalat/bageshwar-dham-in-aap-ki-adalat-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-told-what-pastimes-he-has-done-2023-02-13-846842 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shruti |first=Srivastava |date=12 February 2023 |title=जब रजत शर्मा से बोले धीरेंद्र शास्त्री- आप भी इंडिया टीवी का हाउस हमारे नाम करें हमें कोई दिक्कत नहीं |url=https://www.jansatta.com/national/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-said-to-rajat-sharma-you-also-name-india-tv-on-my-name/2655975/ |newspaper=] |language=hi |archive-date=19 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319211801/https://www.jansatta.com/national/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-said-to-rajat-sharma-you-also-name-india-tv-on-my-name/2655975/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Rajat |author-link=Rajat Sharma |date=13 February 2023 |title=VIDEO: Dhirendra Shastri In Aap Ki Adalat: Does the Baba of Bageshwar Dham do Publicity Stunt? |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/aap-ki-adalat/dhirendra-shastri-in-aap-ki-adalat-does-the-baba-of-bageshwar-dham-do-publicity-stunt-2023-02-13-846911 |url-status=live |website=] |language=en |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155909/https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/aap-ki-adalat/dhirendra-shastri-in-aap-ki-adalat-does-the-baba-of-bageshwar-dham-do-publicity-stunt-2023-02-13-846911 }}</ref>


On Shastri's Hindu Rashtra remarks, ] chief ] said, "How can a Hindu nation be made? There is a constitution in this country, and the country is governed by the constitution." Asaduddin Owaisi had commented in the past "Remove the police for 15 minutes, we will finish off 100 ] Hindus".<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 February 2023 |title=Asaduddin Owaisi: बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री पर बरसे असदुद्दीन ओवैसी, हिंदू राष्ट्र का भी किया जिक्र |trans-title=Asaduddin Owaisi: Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham, also mentioned Hindu nation |work=] |url=https://www.abplive.com/news/india/aimim-chief-asaduddin-owaisi-said-on-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-such-people-are-ruining-the-sacrifices-of-many-2335304 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217155108/https://www.abplive.com/news/india/aimim-chief-asaduddin-owaisi-said-on-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-such-people-are-ruining-the-sacrifices-of-many-2335304 |archive-date=17 February 2023}}</ref> Shastri's remarks received mixed reactions, ] chief ] opposed it citing the ],<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 February 2023 |title=Asaduddin Owaisi: बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री पर बरसे असदुद्दीन ओवैसी, हिंदू राष्ट्र का भी किया जिक्र |trans-title=Asaduddin Owaisi: Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham, also mentioned Hindu nation |url=https://www.abplive.com/news/india/aimim-chief-asaduddin-owaisi-said-on-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-such-people-are-ruining-the-sacrifices-of-many-2335304 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217155108/https://www.abplive.com/news/india/aimim-chief-asaduddin-owaisi-said-on-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-such-people-are-ruining-the-sacrifices-of-many-2335304 |archive-date=17 February 2023 |work=] |language=hi}}</ref> while ] ] endorsed his remarks and said that India is already a ].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Mayank |date=16 February 2023 |title=India a 'Hindu Rashtra', 'Akhand Bharat' will come true, says Yogi Adityanath |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/india-a-hindu-rashtra-akhand-bharat-will-come-true-says-yogi-adityanath/article66512640.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217155108/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/india-a-hindu-rashtra-akhand-bharat-will-come-true-says-yogi-adityanath/article66512640.ece |archive-date=17 February 2023 |newspaper=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=15 February 2023 |title=UP Politics: हिन्दू राष्ट्र के मुद्दे पर सीएम योगी आदित्यनाथ ने दिया सबसे बड़ा बयान, जानिए- क्या कहा? |trans-title=UP Politics: CM Yogi Adityanath gave the biggest statement on the issue of Hindu nation, know what he said? |url=https://www.abplive.com/states/up-uk/cm-yogi-adityanath-big-statement-on-hindu-nation-issue-know-what-he-said-2334837 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217155109/https://www.abplive.com/states/up-uk/cm-yogi-adityanath-big-statement-on-hindu-nation-issue-know-what-he-said-2334837 |archive-date=17 February 2023 |work=] |language=hi}}</ref>


== See also ==
] ] endorsed his remarks and said that India is already a ] and ] will come true.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Mayank |date=16 February 2023 |title=India a 'Hindu Rashtra', 'Akhand Bharat' will come true, says Yogi Adityanath |newspaper=] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/india-a-hindu-rashtra-akhand-bharat-will-come-true-says-yogi-adityanath/article66512640.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217155108/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/india-a-hindu-rashtra-akhand-bharat-will-come-true-says-yogi-adityanath/article66512640.ece |archive-date=17 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=15 February 2023 |title=UP Politics: हिन्दू राष्ट्र के मुद्दे पर सीएम योगी आदित्यनाथ ने दिया सबसे बड़ा बयान, जानिए- क्या कहा? |trans-title=UP Politics: CM Yogi Adityanath gave the biggest statement on the issue of Hindu nation, know what he said? |work=] |url=https://www.abplive.com/states/up-uk/cm-yogi-adityanath-big-statement-on-hindu-nation-issue-know-what-he-said-2334837 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217155109/https://www.abplive.com/states/up-uk/cm-yogi-adityanath-big-statement-on-hindu-nation-issue-know-what-he-said-2334837 |archive-date=17 February 2023}}</ref>

* ]


== References == == References ==

Latest revision as of 12:06, 26 September 2024

Indian Narrator and Hindu priest

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri
Shastri in 2023
Personal life
BornDhirendra Krishna Garg
(1996-07-04) 4 July 1996 (age 28)
Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
NationalityIndian
Parents
  • Ram Kripal Garg (father)
  • Saroj Garg (mother)
Religious life
ReligionHinduism
Religious career
PostPeethadhish of the "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar"
Websitebageshwardham.co.in

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri (born 4 July 1996 as Dhirendra Krishna Garg) also known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, is an Indian self-styled godman. He is the peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham, a religious Hindu site in Madhya Pradesh, India. Shastri has been accused of tricking people using mentalism.

Early years

Family

Shastri was born on 4 July 1996 in Gada village of Chhatarpur district. He was the eldest of two children to Saroj Garg (mother) and Ram Kripal Garg (father) and was brought up in a Hindu Pandit family where his father works as a priest. Shastri's childhood was one of poverty; his family lived in a kutcha house. As a child, he used to narrate stories to people in his village.

Education

Shastri completed his schooling in Ganj village.

Religious career

Shastri is a disciple of Rambhadracharya. Shastri is known for his preaching of the Ramcharitmanas and Shiva Purana. He claims to have some charismatic powers achieved through sādhanā by his followers.

Bageshwar Dham

Shastri is serving as a peethadhishwar and chief of Bageshwar Dham, a Hindu site dedicated to the god Hanuman in Gada village in Chattarpur District, Madhya Pradesh. Shastri organises a divya darbar at this dham every Tuesday and Saturday, where it is believed that he heals all the physical, mental, economic, and social sufferings of people with his divine powers, which he got from Hanuman. In an interview with The Lallantop Shastri said that he is the third generation serving as the chief of the dham, after his grandfather and father.

Social activities

Shastri has established the Annapurna Kitchen in his dham, where free food offerings are arranged for his followers. He also holds an annual function for the marriage of poor and destitute girls. He is establishing a Vedic Gurukula to promote ancient vedic studies and Sanskrit.

Shastri is said to have brought 300 people converted to Christianity back into Hinduism during a ghar wapsi program in 2021. On January 25, 2023, Government of Madhya Pradesh increased the security of Shastri following the death threats received by him.

Social media presence

Shastri has experienced a surge in his social media presence, boasting of a total of 7.5 million followers across various platforms. Specifically, he has garnered 3.4 million followers on Facebook, 3.9 million subscribers on YouTube, 300,000 followers on Instagram, and 72,000 followers on Twitter. Several of his widely viewed videos have garnered between three and ten million views.

Controversies and criticism

Superstition and witchcraft allegations

Shastri came into focus when Indian rationalist Shyam Manav challenged him and questioned his spiritual powers. Manav also accused Shastri of promoting blind faith. When the controversy erupted in the media, Shastri invited Manav to his Divya Darbar and said, "I am just a servant at the feet of Bageshwar Balaji. I do as he inspires me".

The All India Superstition Eradication Committee (Akhil Bhartiya Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti) made a complaint to the Nagpur Police about Shastri under the anti-superstition act. The committee's chairman, Shyam Manav, said that witchcraft is being promoted in the guise of 'Divya Darbar' and 'Preta Darbar', and that ordinary people are being frauded, cheated, and exploited by Dhirendra Shastri in the name of religion. The police investigated this and found no grounds for prosecution under the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act (2013).

Many Hindu Religious leaders like Swami Ramdev, Rambhadracharya, Sadhvi Prachi, Pragya Thakur and Bharatiya Janata Party politician Giriraj Singh came to his support. He also got support from Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad On 22 January 2023, several Hindu organizations called for a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in support of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar's Chief Pontiff Shastri. On 25 January 2023, the Nagpur Police gave a clean chit to Dhirendra Shastri against an allegation of promoting superstitious activities in his public programmes in Nagpur. Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar said that during an inquiry into the complaint and the examination of "evidence" submitted by complainant Shyam Manav, founder of 'Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti', nothing was found that could attract action under the Maharashtra Anti-Superstition & Black Magic Act.

Love Jihad in NCERT book

Shastri claimed that a lesson titled "Chitthi Aayi Hai" in the NCERT Class 3 environmental studies textbook promotes Love Jihad. The chapter features a letter from a girl named Reena to her friend Ahmed. He questioned why the letter was addressed to a Muslim boy and suggested that such content harms Hindu sentiments and reflects an agenda to influence young minds.

Hindu nationalism

On the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on January 23, Shastri gave the slogan "Give us your support, we will give Hindu Rashtra" to declare India as a Hindu nation. He also urged that Ramcharitmanas be declared the national scripture of India. In Rajat Sharma's Aapki Adalat Show Shastri said that he respects all religions and is not against any religion but will not tolerate objectionable remarks against his religion. He also said that he will continue to raise the demand for Hindu Rashtra and Akhand Bharat.

Shastri's remarks received mixed reactions, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi opposed it citing the constitution, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath endorsed his remarks and said that India is already a Hindu Rashtra.

See also

References

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