Dhirendra Krishna Shastri completes 500km Sanatan Hindu Ekta Yatra

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the head of Bageshwar Dham, has concluded the ‘Sanatan Hindu Ekta Rath Yatra 3.0’, a five-day journey covering approximately 500 kilometers across five districts in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh, including Chhatarpur, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, and Tikamgarh.

A primary focus of the pilgrimage was a social reform movement against substance abuse. Shastri called for a ‘drug-free, great India’, urging youth to abandon alcohol and other intoxicants to strengthen the nation. During the journey, he met with families affected by toxic alcohol and encouraged participants to take oaths against addiction and caste discrimination. He also suggested that the Madhya Pradesh government consider a total ban on liquor shops, citing successful models in other states.

During a stop in Sagar, Shastri’s remarks regarding religious identity and women’s choices drew significant attention. Addressing the issue of ‘love jihad’, he advised young women to be cautious of social media influences and to avoid trusting individuals without careful thought. His specific comment, ‘Become Durga, become Kali, but never become a woman in a burqa,’ sparked both support from followers and criticism from others, centering debates on religious identity and personal freedom.