Dhirendra Shastri apologizes for controversial remarks on Lord Krishna

Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Krishna Shastri has issued an apology following widespread backlash over comparative remarks made about Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. During a religious discourse in Karera, Madhya Pradesh, Shastri compared the physical postures and activities of the two deities, describing Lord Ram as standing straight while characterizing Lord Krishna as being bent in three places (the tribhanga posture).

Shastri also drew distinctions between their traditional activities and locations, suggesting that playing the flute was child's play compared to wielding a bow, and contrasting Ayodhya with Vrindavan. The comments sparked significant outrage among Krishna devotees and religious leaders in Mathura and Vrindavan, who viewed the comparison as inappropriate and disrespectful to the deity.

In a video message released from Nairobi, Shastri clarified that his remarks were intended as expressions of devotion and did not aim to insult any deity or create division. He expressed regret if his words hurt religious sentiments. The controversy also drew sharp political criticism, with leaders such as Akhilesh Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav condemning the remarks as divisive and improper.