Dhirendra Krishna Shastri: Difference between revisions

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri
	Dhirendra Krishna Shastri in 2023
Personal
Born	Dhirendra Krishna Garg; 4 July 1996 (age 28); Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
Religion	Hinduism
Nationality	Indian
Parents	Ram Kripal Garg (father); Saroj Garg (mother);
Education	Bachelor of Arts
Religious career
Post	Peethadhish of the "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar"
Website	bageshwardham.co.in

Latest revision as of 01:47, 22 July 2023

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri (born 4 July 1996 as Dhirendra Krishna Garg)^[2]^[3] also known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar or Maharaj,^[4]^[5] is the peethadhish of the Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a religious pilgrimage site in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India.^[6] Shastri recites stories at Bageshwar Dham in Chhatarpur.^[7] Shastri has been accused of tricking people using mentalism.^[8]^[9]^[10]

Early years[edit]

Family[edit]

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 Saryupareen Brahmin^{[citation needed]} family where his father works as a priest.^[3]^[4] Shastri's childhood was one of extreme poverty; his family lived in a kutcha house. As a child, he used to narrate stories to people in his village.^[3]

Education[edit]

Shastri completed his schooling in Ganj village.^[11]

Religious career[edit]

Shastri is a disciple of Rambhadracharya.^[12] Shastri is known for his preaching of the Ramcharitmanas and Shiva Purana.^{[citation needed]} He claims to have some charismatic powers achieved through sādhanā by his followers.

Bageshwar Dham Sarkar[edit]

Shastri is serving as a peethadhishwar and chief of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Hanuman in Gada village in Chattarpur District, Madhya Pradesh. Shastri organises a divya darbar at this dham every Tuesday and Saturday,^[13] 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.^[14]^[15]^[16]

Social activities[edit]

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 gurukul to promote ancient vedic studies and Sanskrit.^[17]^[18]

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.^[19]^[20]

Social media presence[edit]

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.^[21]

Controversies and criticism[edit]

Superstition and witchcraft allegations[edit]

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”.^[22]^[23]^[24]

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 'Pret Darbar', and that ordinary people are being looted, cheated, and exploited by Dhirendra Shastri in the name of religion.^[7] The police investigated this and found no grounds for prosecution under the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act (2013).^[25]

Many prominent Hindu Religious leaders like Swami Ramdev, Rambhadracharya, Sadhvi Prachi, Pragya Thakur and politician Giriraj Singh came to his support. He also got support from Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad^[26]^[27]^[28] 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.^[29]^[30]^[31] 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. Police Commissioner 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.^[25]^[32]^[33]^[34]

Land dispute[edit]

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.^[35]

Hindu nationalism[edit]

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.^[36]^[37]^[38]^[39] He also urged that Ramcharitmanas be declared the national scripture of India.^[40] ^[41] 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.^[42]^[43]^[44]^[45]^[46]

On Shastri's Hindu Rashtra remarks, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, "How can a Hindu nation be made? There is a constitution in this country, and the country is governed by the constitution."^[47]

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath endorsed his remarks and said that India is already a Hindu Rashtra and Akhand Bharat will come true.^[48]^[49]

References[edit]

↑ Ghosh, Poulomi (19 January 2023). "What is the row over Bageshwar Dham Sarkar? Who is Dhirendra Krishna Shastri?". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ "Who is Bageshwar Dham Sarkar aka Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? Why he is in news?". Jagranjosh.com. 2023-01-19. Archived from the original on 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2023-04-04.
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 Kumar, Piyush (20 January 2023). "Bageshwar Dham वाले Dhirendra Shastri का कठिनाइयों में बीता बचपन, जानें- बाला जी भगवान के भक्त की कहानी" [Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham had a difficult childhood, know the story of a devotee of Lord Balaji]. Dainik Jagran (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 Khan, Nakshab (21 January 2023). "Superstition challenge row: Who is Bageshwar Dham Sarkar alias Dhirendra Krishna Shastri?". Times Now. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023.
↑ Rajput, Brajesh (21 January 2023). "बागेश्वर धाम के पंडित धीरेंद्र शास्त्री की परिवार के साथ अनदेखी तस्वीरें, यहां रहकर हुई थी उनकी" [Bageshwar Dham: Unseen pictures of Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham with his family, he did his schooling while staying here]. ABP News (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ Kaushik, Rahul (22 January 2023). "Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, 'Sarkar' of Bageshwar Dham temple challenged to demonstrate his miraculous power". GrowJust India. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023.
↑ ^7.0 ^7.1 Chaurasia, Lokesh; Pandey, Yogesh (19 January 2023). "'ना मैं संत हूं, ना कोई समस्या दूर करने का दावा करता हूं', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री" ['Neither am I a saint, nor do I claim to solve any problem', said Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham]. Aaj Tak (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: The Indian guru making headlines over 'miracle' cures". BBC News. 2023-02-05. Retrieved 2023-03-30.
↑ "Suhani Shah: Everything about "Jadoo Pari," who is popular for reading minds". The Economic Times. 2023-01-25. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2023-03-30.
↑ "Mentalists clear the air around the performing art, deem it an illusion". MSN. Retrieved 2023-03-30.
↑ Singh, Praveen (23 January 2023). "Bageshwar Dham: धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ने कितनी की है पढ़ाई, कैसा है उनका फैमिली बैकग्राउंड" [Bageshwar Dham: How much has Dhirendra Shastri studied, how is his family background]. News18 India. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "क्या चमत्कार होते हैं? धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री के गुरु रामभद्राचार्य ने दिया जवाब, स्वामी प्रसाद मौर्य पर भी बोले". Hindustan. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "Who is Pandit Dhirendra Shastri and why is he famous?". The Economic Times. 2023-01-23. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
↑ "बागेश्वर धाम में आखिर क्यों नहीं रह पाते लोग हाजिरी लगाए बिना, जानिए यहां तक जाने का खर्च". Navbharat Times. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ Sharma, Vibha. "Who is Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? Find out reason behind the recent controversy". The Tribune (Chandigarh). Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "Explained: Who is Bageshwar Dham Krishna Shastri and why is he in news?". Mint. 24 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "सेवाएं | गौ रक्षा | वैदिक गुरुकुल". Bageshwar Dham. 16 July 2022. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023.
↑ "Why MP's Bageshwar Dham and [[:Template:As written]] head Dhirendra Krishna Shastri are trending | 5 key reasons". TimesNow. January 23, 2023. Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
↑ Rajput, Brajesh (24 January 2023). "बागेश्वर धाम सरकार की सुरक्षा के लिए एसआईटी, स्वागत के लिए उमड़ा भक्तों का सैलाब". ABP News. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "Bageshwar Dham chief gets life threat; Chhatarpur police form 25-member probe team". The Week (Indian magazine). Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: The Indian guru making headlines over 'miracle' cures". BBC News. 2023-02-05. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
↑ "What is the row over Bageshwar Dham Sarkar? Who is Dhirendra Krishna Shastri?". Hindustan Times. 19 January 2023. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023.
↑ "Exclusive interview of Shyam Manav who challenged Baba of Bageshwar | Dhirendra Shastri". ABP News. 21 January 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ "DNA | Dhirendra Krishna Shastri and Shyam Manav - A faceoff". DNA India. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ ^25.0 ^25.1 "Nagpur police give 'clean chit' to Bageshwar Dham chief in complaint lodged by anti-superstition crusader". ThePrint. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "बागेश्वर धाम के पीठाधीश्वर पंडित धीरेंद्र शास्त्री पर पहली बार बोले बाबा रामदेव, जानिए क्या कहा". ABP News. January 21, 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ "धीरेंद्र शास्त्री विवाद में कूदे केंद्रीय मंत्री गिरिराज सिंह , बोले- सनातन धर्म के महापुरुषों में ऐसा सामर्थ्य होता है". आज तक. 21 January 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ "बागेश्वर महाराज ने चैलेंज किया स्वीकार, अखिल भारतीय अंधश्रद्धा निर्मूलन समिति के उपाध्यक्ष को बुलाया रायपुर". आज तक. January 19, 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ "Today Protest in Delhi to support Bageshwar Dham Baba". Zee News (video) (in हिन्दी). 22 January 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ Prakash, Swayam (22 January 2023). "बागेशवर धाम सरकार का विवाद दिल्ली तक पहुंचा, समर्थकों का आज जंतर-मंतर पर प्रदर्शन". India TV Hindi. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: Advocate of Superstition & Sanatan Dharma | About 'Godman' Dhirendra Shastri". News18. 22 January 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.
↑ "नागपुर पुलिस ने दी क्लीन चिट तो बागेश्वर वाले बाबा धीरेंद्र शास्त्री बोले- कानून पर पूरा भरोसा". ABP News. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "सनातन का प्रचार अंधविश्वास नहीं... नागपुर पुलिस से क्लीन चिट पर दहाड़े बागेश्वर महाराज". Navbharat Times. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ Sinha, Shamit (25 January 2023). Srivastava, Shikhar (ed.). "सिद्धि नहीं है और वे ढोंग रच रहे हैं...! सब गलत, धीरेंद्र शास्त्री को क्लीन चिट" [There is no achievement and they are creating pretence…! All wrong, clean chit to Dhirendra Shastri]. TV9 Bharatvarsh. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "सरकारी जमीन कब्जा करने के आरोप पर धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ने लल्लनटॉप को क्या जवाब दिया?" [What answer did Dhirendra Shastri give to Lallantop on the allegation of encroachment of government land?]. The Lallantop. 24 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "अब हिंदू राष्ट्र को लेकर धीरेंद्र शास्त्री का आया नया बयान, विवादों के बीच बयानों के छोड़े तीर". ABP News. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "'तुम हमारा साथ दो, हम हिंदू राष्ट्र बनाएंगे', बागेश्वर धाम वाले धीरेंद्र शास्त्री का नया बयान, कहा- चूड़ियां पहनकर घर में मत बैठो". News18 India. January 24, 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "'तुम मेरा साथ दो, हम हिंदू राष्ट्र बनाएंगे', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री". आज तक. 23 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "'Support me and I will give you Hindu Rashtra', says Bageshwar Dham 'Sarkar' Dhirendra Krishna Shastri [WATCH]". TimesNow. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "विशेष: पहले हिंदू राष्ट्र, अब रामचरितमानस की बात...बागेश्वर धाम वाले बाबा के दिल में क्या है?". आज तक. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "कौन हैं धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ? क्या है बागेश्वर धाम - Jaago Re". January 23, 2023.
↑ Roushan, Anurag; Sharma, Rajat (11 February 2023). "Aap Ki Adalat: 'Hum karen to chori...': Dhirendra Shastri on Owaisi's 'Hindu leaders spreading hate' remark". India TV. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023.
↑ Kumar, Vineet (11 February 2023). "देखें, 'आप की अदालत' में बागेश्वर धाम के प्रमुख धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री LIVE". India TV (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.
↑ Sharma, Rajat (13 February 2023). "VIDEO: Bageshwar Dham In Aap Ki Adalat: Pandit Dhirendra Shastri told what pastimes he has done?". India TV. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023.
↑ Shruti, Srivastava (12 February 2023). "जब रजत शर्मा से बोले धीरेंद्र शास्त्री- आप भी इंडिया टीवी का हाउस हमारे नाम करें हमें कोई दिक्कत नहीं". Jansatta (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 19 March 2023.
↑ Sharma, Rajat (13 February 2023). "VIDEO: Dhirendra Shastri In Aap Ki Adalat: Does the Baba of Bageshwar Dham do Publicity Stunt?". India TV. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023.
↑ "Asaduddin Owaisi: बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री पर बरसे असदुद्दीन ओवैसी, हिंदू राष्ट्र का भी किया जिक्र" [Asaduddin Owaisi: Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham, also mentioned Hindu nation]. ABP News. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.
↑ Kumar, Mayank (16 February 2023). "India a 'Hindu Rashtra', 'Akhand Bharat' will come true, says Yogi Adityanath". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.
↑ "UP Politics: हिन्दू राष्ट्र के मुद्दे पर सीएम योगी आदित्यनाथ ने दिया सबसे बड़ा बयान, जानिए- क्या कहा?" [UP Politics: CM Yogi Adityanath gave the biggest statement on the issue of Hindu nation, know what he said?]. ABP News. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.

External links[edit]

Bageshwar Dham Sarkar on Twitter

[hindustantimes-19Jan23-1] Ghosh, Poulomi (19 January 2023). "What is the row over Bageshwar Dham Sarkar? Who is Dhirendra Krishna Shastri?". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[2] "Who is Bageshwar Dham Sarkar aka Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? Why he is in news?". Jagranjosh.com. 2023-01-19. Archived from the original on 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2023-04-04.

[jagran-20Jan2023-3] 3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 Kumar, Piyush (20 January 2023). "Bageshwar Dham वाले Dhirendra Shastri का कठिनाइयों में बीता बचपन, जानें- बाला जी भगवान के भक्त की कहानी" [Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham had a difficult childhood, know the story of a devotee of Lord Balaji]. Dainik Jagran (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[timesnownews-23Jan23-4] 4.0 ^4.1 Khan, Nakshab (21 January 2023). "Superstition challenge row: Who is Bageshwar Dham Sarkar alias Dhirendra Krishna Shastri?". Times Now. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023.

[abplive-21Jan23-5] Rajput, Brajesh (21 January 2023). "बागेश्वर धाम के पंडित धीरेंद्र शास्त्री की परिवार के साथ अनदेखी तस्वीरें, यहां रहकर हुई थी उनकी" [Bageshwar Dham: Unseen pictures of Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham with his family, he did his schooling while staying here]. ABP News (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[6] Kaushik, Rahul (22 January 2023). "Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, 'Sarkar' of Bageshwar Dham temple challenged to demonstrate his miraculous power". GrowJust India. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023.

[aajtak.in-19Jan23-7] 7.0 ^7.1 Chaurasia, Lokesh; Pandey, Yogesh (19 January 2023). "'ना मैं संत हूं, ना कोई समस्या दूर करने का दावा करता हूं', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री" ['Neither am I a saint, nor do I claim to solve any problem', said Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham]. Aaj Tak (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[8] "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: The Indian guru making headlines over 'miracle' cures". BBC News. 2023-02-05. Retrieved 2023-03-30.

[9] "Suhani Shah: Everything about "Jadoo Pari," who is popular for reading minds". The Economic Times. 2023-01-25. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2023-03-30.

[10] "Mentalists clear the air around the performing art, deem it an illusion". MSN. Retrieved 2023-03-30.

[11] Singh, Praveen (23 January 2023). "Bageshwar Dham: धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ने कितनी की है पढ़ाई, कैसा है उनका फैमिली बैकग्राउंड" [Bageshwar Dham: How much has Dhirendra Shastri studied, how is his family background]. News18 India. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[12] "क्या चमत्कार होते हैं? धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री के गुरु रामभद्राचार्य ने दिया जवाब, स्वामी प्रसाद मौर्य पर भी बोले". Hindustan. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[13] "Who is Pandit Dhirendra Shastri and why is he famous?". The Economic Times. 2023-01-23. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2023-05-25.

[14] "बागेश्वर धाम में आखिर क्यों नहीं रह पाते लोग हाजिरी लगाए बिना, जानिए यहां तक जाने का खर्च". Navbharat Times. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[15] Sharma, Vibha. "Who is Bageshwar Dham's Dhirendra Krishna Shastri? Find out reason behind the recent controversy". The Tribune (Chandigarh). Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[16] "Explained: Who is Bageshwar Dham Krishna Shastri and why is he in news?". Mint. 24 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[17] "सेवाएं | गौ रक्षा | वैदिक गुरुकुल". Bageshwar Dham. 16 July 2022. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023.

[18] "Why MP's Bageshwar Dham and [[:Template:As written]] head Dhirendra Krishna Shastri are trending | 5 key reasons". TimesNow. January 23, 2023. Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)

[19] Rajput, Brajesh (24 January 2023). "बागेश्वर धाम सरकार की सुरक्षा के लिए एसआईटी, स्वागत के लिए उमड़ा भक्तों का सैलाब". ABP News. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[20] "Bageshwar Dham chief gets life threat; Chhatarpur police form 25-member probe team". The Week (Indian magazine). Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[21] "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: The Indian guru making headlines over 'miracle' cures". BBC News. 2023-02-05. Retrieved 2023-05-24.

[22] "What is the row over Bageshwar Dham Sarkar? Who is Dhirendra Krishna Shastri?". Hindustan Times. 19 January 2023. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023.

[23] "Exclusive interview of Shyam Manav who challenged Baba of Bageshwar | Dhirendra Shastri". ABP News. 21 January 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[24] "DNA | Dhirendra Krishna Shastri and Shyam Manav - A faceoff". DNA India. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[theprint.in-25Jan23-25] 25.0 ^25.1 "Nagpur police give 'clean chit' to Bageshwar Dham chief in complaint lodged by anti-superstition crusader". ThePrint. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[26] "बागेश्वर धाम के पीठाधीश्वर पंडित धीरेंद्र शास्त्री पर पहली बार बोले बाबा रामदेव, जानिए क्या कहा". ABP News. January 21, 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[27] "धीरेंद्र शास्त्री विवाद में कूदे केंद्रीय मंत्री गिरिराज सिंह , बोले- सनातन धर्म के महापुरुषों में ऐसा सामर्थ्य होता है". आज तक. 21 January 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[28] "बागेश्वर महाराज ने चैलेंज किया स्वीकार, अखिल भारतीय अंधश्रद्धा निर्मूलन समिति के उपाध्यक्ष को बुलाया रायपुर". आज तक. January 19, 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[29] "Today Protest in Delhi to support Bageshwar Dham Baba". Zee News (video) (in हिन्दी). 22 January 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[30] Prakash, Swayam (22 January 2023). "बागेशवर धाम सरकार का विवाद दिल्ली तक पहुंचा, समर्थकों का आज जंतर-मंतर पर प्रदर्शन". India TV Hindi. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[31] "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: Advocate of Superstition & Sanatan Dharma | About 'Godman' Dhirendra Shastri". News18. 22 January 2023. Archived from the original on 22 January 2023.

[32] "नागपुर पुलिस ने दी क्लीन चिट तो बागेश्वर वाले बाबा धीरेंद्र शास्त्री बोले- कानून पर पूरा भरोसा". ABP News. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[33] "सनातन का प्रचार अंधविश्वास नहीं... नागपुर पुलिस से क्लीन चिट पर दहाड़े बागेश्वर महाराज". Navbharat Times. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[34] Sinha, Shamit (25 January 2023). Srivastava, Shikhar (ed.). "सिद्धि नहीं है और वे ढोंग रच रहे हैं...! सब गलत, धीरेंद्र शास्त्री को क्लीन चिट" [There is no achievement and they are creating pretence…! All wrong, clean chit to Dhirendra Shastri]. TV9 Bharatvarsh. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[35] "सरकारी जमीन कब्जा करने के आरोप पर धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ने लल्लनटॉप को क्या जवाब दिया?" [What answer did Dhirendra Shastri give to Lallantop on the allegation of encroachment of government land?]. The Lallantop. 24 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[36] "अब हिंदू राष्ट्र को लेकर धीरेंद्र शास्त्री का आया नया बयान, विवादों के बीच बयानों के छोड़े तीर". ABP News. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[37] "'तुम हमारा साथ दो, हम हिंदू राष्ट्र बनाएंगे', बागेश्वर धाम वाले धीरेंद्र शास्त्री का नया बयान, कहा- चूड़ियां पहनकर घर में मत बैठो". News18 India. January 24, 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[38] "'तुम मेरा साथ दो, हम हिंदू राष्ट्र बनाएंगे', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री". आज तक. 23 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[timesnownews-25Jan23-39] "'Support me and I will give you Hindu Rashtra', says Bageshwar Dham 'Sarkar' Dhirendra Krishna Shastri [WATCH]". TimesNow. 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[40] "विशेष: पहले हिंदू राष्ट्र, अब रामचरितमानस की बात...बागेश्वर धाम वाले बाबा के दिल में क्या है?". आज तक. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[41] "कौन हैं धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ? क्या है बागेश्वर धाम - Jaago Re". January 23, 2023.

[42] Roushan, Anurag; Sharma, Rajat (11 February 2023). "Aap Ki Adalat: 'Hum karen to chori...': Dhirendra Shastri on Owaisi's 'Hindu leaders spreading hate' remark". India TV. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023.

[43] Kumar, Vineet (11 February 2023). "देखें, 'आप की अदालत' में बागेश्वर धाम के प्रमुख धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री LIVE". India TV (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.

[44] Sharma, Rajat (13 February 2023). "VIDEO: Bageshwar Dham In Aap Ki Adalat: Pandit Dhirendra Shastri told what pastimes he has done?". India TV. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023.

[45] Shruti, Srivastava (12 February 2023). "जब रजत शर्मा से बोले धीरेंद्र शास्त्री- आप भी इंडिया टीवी का हाउस हमारे नाम करें हमें कोई दिक्कत नहीं". Jansatta (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 19 March 2023.

[46] Sharma, Rajat (13 February 2023). "VIDEO: Dhirendra Shastri In Aap Ki Adalat: Does the Baba of Bageshwar Dham do Publicity Stunt?". India TV. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023.

[47] "Asaduddin Owaisi: बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री पर बरसे असदुद्दीन ओवैसी, हिंदू राष्ट्र का भी किया जिक्र" [Asaduddin Owaisi: Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham, also mentioned Hindu nation]. ABP News. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.

[48] Kumar, Mayank (16 February 2023). "India a 'Hindu Rashtra', 'Akhand Bharat' will come true, says Yogi Adityanath". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.

[49] "UP Politics: हिन्दू राष्ट्र के मुद्दे पर सीएम योगी आदित्यनाथ ने दिया सबसे बड़ा बयान, जानिए- क्या कहा?" [UP Politics: CM Yogi Adityanath gave the biggest statement on the issue of Hindu nation, know what he said?]. ABP News. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|Indian Narrator and Spiritual Leader}}
+{{Short description |Indian Narrator and Hindu priest}}
 {{Infobox Hindu leader
 | religion           = [[Hinduism]]
 | name               = Dhirendra Krishna Shastri
+| birth_name         = Dhirendra Krishna Garg
 | birth_place        = [[Chhatarpur]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], India
-| occupation         = [[Narrator]]
 | education          = [[Bachelor of Arts]]
-| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1996|07|04|df=yes}}
+| birth_date         = {{birth date and age |1996 |07 |04 |df=yes }}
-| image              = Pandit Dhirendra Shastri.jpg
+| image              = Dhirendra Krishna Shastri.jpg
 | caption            = Dhirendra Krishna Shastri in 2023
 | father             = Ram Kripal Garg
 | mother             = Saroj Garg
-| website            = {{URL|https://bageshwardham.co.in/}}
+| website            = {{URL |https://bageshwardham.co.in/ }}
+| nationality        = Indian
+| guru               =
+| post               = '''Peethadhish''' of the "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar"
+<ref name="hindustantimes-19Jan23">{{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=[[Hindustan Times]] |first1=Poulomi |last1=Ghosh |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122071125/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>
+| predecessor        =
+| honorific prefix   =
 }}
-'''''Dhirendra Krishna Shastri'''''<ref>{{cite web |date=2023-01-21 |title=Covid या आतंकी हमले का पहले से पता क्यों नहीं चला? धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री ने दिया ये जवाब |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-interview-with-sudhir-chaudhary-aajtak-why-didnt-predict-terror-attack-and-covid-by-dhirendra-shastri-lcln-1620400-2023-01-21 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=आज तक |language=hi}}</ref> (born '''Dhirendra Krishna Shukla''', 4 July 1996)<ref>{{cite web |date=2023-01-19 |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 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=जबलपुर |first=अजय त्रिपाठी |date=2023-01-06 |title=MP News: बागेश्वर धाम सरकार, जहां पूरी होती भक्तों की मनोकामनाएं, जानें कथा का शेड्यूल |url=https://www.abplive.com/states/madhya-pradesh/mp-bageshwar-dham-sarkar-chhatarpur-katha-schedule-wishes-of-devotees-fulfilled-story-ann-2301285 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=www.abplive.com |language=hi}}</ref> also known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar is an [[Indian people|Indian]] [[Narration|Narrator]] (''Katha Vachak'')<ref>{{cite web |title=Bageshwar Dham: कौन हैं पंडित धीरेंद्र शास्त्री, जानिए उनका कथा वाचक से बागेश्वर धाम महाराज बनने तक का सफर |url=https://www.gnttv.com/religion/story/who-pandit-dhirendra-shastri-know-his-journey-story-teller-becoming-bageshwar-dham-maharaj-501128-2023-01-21 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=Good News Today |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2023-01-19 |title='ना मैं संत हूं, ना कोई समस्या दूर करने का दावा करता हूं', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/story/dhirendra-shastri-of-bageshwar-dham-clarification-on-spreading-superstition-1619100-2023-01-19 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=आज तक |language=hi}}</ref> and a Hindu [[Spirituality|Spiritual Leader]] popularly known as Bageshwar Dham Maharaj.<ref>{{cite web |title=धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ने 2009 में की थी अपनी पहली भागवत कथा, जान‍िए पूरा बायोडाटा |url=https://www.aajtak.in/india/news/video/dhirendra-krishna-shastri-biography-and-facts-about-him-latest-news-in-hindi-1620266-2023-01-21 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=आज तक |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=राजपूत |first=ब्रजेश |date=2023-01-21 |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 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=www.abplive.com |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=बागेश्वर धाम सरकार का बयान: ये तो ट्रेलर है अभी और चुनौतियां आएंगी, ये सनातन को मिटाने की साजिशें कर देंगे |url=https://www.amarujala.com/madhya-pradesh/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-pandit-dheerendra-shashtri-statement-this-is-just-a-trailer-more-challenges-will-come-2023-01-22 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref> Shastri is the [[Hindu priest|Peethadhishwar]] of the Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a famous religious pilgrimage site in [[Chhatarpur district|Chhatarpur]] district of [[Madhya Pradesh]] state of India.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaushik |first=Rahul |date=2023-01-22 |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/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=GrowJust India |language=en-US}}</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 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=[[ABP News]]  |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 [[Hindu priest|peethadhish]] of the Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a religious pilgrimage site in [[Chhatarpur district]] of [[Madhya Pradesh]], 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=[[Aaj Tak]] |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 [[mentalism]].<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>
 == Early years ==
 === Family ===
-Born on the 4 July 1996 in Gada village of  [[Chhatarpur district|Chhatarpur]] district. He was the eldest of two children to Saroj Garg (mother) and Ram Kripal Garg (father).<ref>{{cite web |title=Video: जब रावण से बागेश्वर धाम पीठाधीश्वर धीरेन्द्र कृष्ण शास्त्री की फोन पर बातचीत हुई. |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/hindi/video-untold-truth-baba-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-bageshwar-dham-4071742 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=DNA India |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2023-01-14 |title=कौन हैं बागेश्वर धाम महाराज पंडित धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री, चमत्कार बने चर्चा का विषय, रात में लगता है दरबार |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/dharm/who-is-bageshwar-dham-maharaj-pandit-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-how-to-reach-ashram-miracle-durbar-at-night-ganj-chhatarpur-5220239.html |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=News18 हिंदी |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2023-01-21 |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 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=TimesNow |language=en}}</ref> Belonging to a poor family Shastri suffered in his initial phase of life facing extreme poverty, he used to beg and earn livelihood by narrating [[Ramcharitmanas]] and [[Satyanarayan Puja|Satyanarayan Katha]] in nearby villages in his childhood<ref>{{cite web |last=Bharatvarsh |first=TV9 |date=2023-01-20 |title='बागेश्वर धाम करते हैं चमत्कार', छत्तीसगढ़ में पं धीरेंद्र शास्त्री की सभा में उमड़ी हजारों की भीड़ |url=https://www.tv9hindi.com/videos/bageshwar-dham-controversy-huge-crowd-in-bageshwar-dham-gathering-in-chhattisgarh-au538-1672953.html |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=TV9 Bharatvarsh |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |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 |access-date=2023-01-22 |website=Dainik Jagran |language=hi}}</ref>
+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]] [[Saryupareen Brahmin]]{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} family 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=[[Times Now]] |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 [[kutcha house]]. 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=[[Dainik Jagran]] |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 ===
-Shastri completed his schooling from a [[government school]] in his locality and completed a degree of [[Bachelor of Arts|Bachelor of Arts.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/education/bageshwar-dham-know-dhirendra-shastri-education-qualification-and-family-background-5262633.html|title=Bageshwar Dham: धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ने कितनी की है पढ़ाई, कैसा है उनका फैमिली बैकग्राउंड|date=January 23, 2023|website=News18 हिंदी}}</ref>
+Shastri completed his schooling in Ganj village.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/education/bageshwar-dham-know-dhirendra-shastri-education-qualification-and-family-background-5262633.html |title=Bageshwar Dham: धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ने कितनी की है पढ़ाई, कैसा है उनका फैमिली बैकग्राउंड |date=23 January 2023 |work=[[News18 India]] |first1=Praveen |last1=Singh |trans-title=Bageshwar Dham: How much has Dhirendra Shastri studied, how is his family background |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125180818/https://hindi.news18.com/news/education/bageshwar-dham-know-dhirendra-shastri-education-qualification-and-family-background-5262633.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
-=== Spirituality ===
+=== Religious career ===
-Dhirendra Krishna was born and brought up in a [[Hindu]] [[Saryuparin Brahmins|Saryuparin Brahmin]] Family where his father works as a [[priest]]. Reportedly Shastri was instructed by [[Lord Hanuman]] to become the Peethadhiswar of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar and work for social service. According to him he is an ordinary man and not a Self styled [[Godman (India)|god man]], he identifies him neither a [[god]] nor a [[Tantric|tantric.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://talkaaj.com/biography-of-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-in-hindi/|title=कौन है बागेश्वर धाम महाराज, जानिए उनका जीवन परिचय &#124; Biography Of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri in Hindi - Talkaaj|date=January 25, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thelallantop.com/news/post/bageshwar-dham-dhirendra-shastri-on-land-encroachment-lallantop|title=सरकारी जमीन कब्जा करने के आरोप पर धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ने लल्लनटॉप को क्या जवाब दिया?|website=The Lallantop}}</ref>
+Shastri is a disciple of [[Rambhadracharya]].<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 [[Ramcharitmanas]] and [[Shiva Purana]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2023|reason=Preaching of Shiva Purana}} He claims to have some [[charismatic power]]s achieved through [[sādhanā|''sādhanā'']] by his followers.
 == Bageshwar Dham Sarkar ==
-Shastri is serving as a Peethadhishwar and Chief of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a [[Hindu pilgrimage sites in India|Hindu Pilgrimage Site]] dedicated to [[lord Hanuman]] in the Gada Village of [[Chhatarpur district|Chattarpur District]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. The [[Deity|Chief Deity]] of [[Dham]] is believed to be self styled, Shastri organizes a Divya Durbar where it is believed that he heals all physical, mental, economic and social suffering of people with his divine powers which he got from [[Lord Hanuman]]. In an interview with the [[The Lallantop|Lallantop]] Shastri told that he is the third generation serving as the Chief of 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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|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=Tribune News|last=Service|website=Tribuneindia News Service}}</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=January 24, 2023|website=mint}}</ref>
+Shastri is serving as a ''peethadhishwar'' and chief of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a [[Hindu pilgrimage sites in India|Hindu pilgrimage site]] dedicated to [[Lord Hanuman|Hanuman]] in Gada village in [[Chhatarpur district|Chattarpur District]], [[Madhya Pradesh]]. Shastri organises a [[Durbar (court)|''divya darbar'']] 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 [[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.<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=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)]] |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=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |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 ===
+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]] [[gurukul]] to promote ancient [[Vedas|vedic studies]] and [[Sanskrit]].<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 [sic]}} head Dhirendra Krishna Shastri are trending &#124; 5 key reasons |date=January 23, 2023 |work=[[TimesNow]] |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 [[Christianity]] back into [[Hinduism]] during a [[Ghar Wapsi|ghar wapsi]] program in 2021. On January 25, 2023, [[Government of Madhya Pradesh]] increased the security of Shastri following the [[death threat]]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=[[ABP News]] |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=[[The Week (Indian magazine)]] |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>
-== Controversy ==
+=== Social media presence ===
-He came into focus when a person named Shyam Manav of All India Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti of  Nagpur Challenged him in hid Divya Durbar and questioned his spiritual powers, Manav also allege Shastri of promoting [[Blind faith]]. When the controversy erupted in Media, Shastri invited Manav to his Divya Durbar and ask whatever he wants to know.<ref>{{cite web|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=January 21, 2023|website=news.abplive.com}}</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}}</ref> Many prominent [[Hindu saints|Hindu Religious leaders]] like [[Ramdev|Swami Ramdev]], [[Sadhguru|Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev]], [[Rambhadracharya]], [[Sadhvi Prachi]], [[Pragya Thakur]] and Politician [[Giriraj Singh]] came in his support. He also got support from [[Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad]]<ref>{{cite web|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|first=A. B. P.|last=Live|date=January 21, 2023|website=www.abplive.com}}</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=January 21, 2023|website=आज तक}}</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}}</ref> He is known to reconvert around 300 Hindus turned Christian in [[Chhattisgarh]]. On January 20, 2023 around 500,000 people came to his Divya durbar. On January 22, 2023 several Hindu organizations called out a protest at [[Jantar Mantar, New Delhi|Jantar Mantar]] in [[New Delhi]] in support of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar's Chief Pontiff Shastri.<ref>{{cite web|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|website=Zee News}}</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|first2=India TV|last2=Hindi|date=January 22, 2023|website=India TV Hindi}}</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=January 22, 2023|website=News18}}</ref> On January 25, 2023 the [[Nagpur Police]] gave a [[wiktionary:clean chit|clean chit]] to Dhirendra Shastri against an allegation of promoting [[Superstition|superstitious activities]] in his public programmes in [[Nagpur]]. [[Police commissioner|Police Commissioner]] 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 [[Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act|Maharashtra Anti-Superstition & Black Magic Act.]]<ref>{{cite web|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=January 25, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|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|first=A. B. P.|last=Live|date=January 25, 2023|website=www.abplive.com}}</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}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|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|first=TV9|last=Bharatvarsh|date=January 25, 2023|website=TV9 Bharatvarsh}}</ref>
+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>
-== Religious career ==
+== Controversies and criticism ==
-Shastri is the disciple of [[Rambhadracharya]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/madhya-pradesh/story-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-miracles-issue-rambhadracharya-says-everything-is-possible-on-grace-of-god-7678540.html|title=क्या चमत्कार होते हैं? धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री के गुरु रामभद्राचार्य ने दिया जवाब, स्वामी प्रसाद मौर्य पर भी बोले|website=Hindustan}}</ref> He is currently serving as the Peethadhishwar and Head of Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, a [[Hindu pilgrimage sites in India|Hindu Pilgrimage Site]] in the [[Chhatarpur district|Chattarpur]] District of [[Madhya Pradesh]]. Shastri is known for his preaching of [[Ramcharitmanas]] and [[Shiva Purana]]. He is believed to have some [[charismatic power]]s achieved through [[Sādhanā|Sadhana]] by his followers. He has established Annapurna Kitchen in his Dham where free food offerings are arranged for his followers. Dhirendra Shastri also holds annual function of marriage of poor and destitute girls. He is establishing a [[Vedic]] [[Gurukul]] for promoting ancient [[Vedas|Vedic studies]] and [[Sanskrit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bageshwardham.co.in/services/ |title=सेवाएं &#124; गौ रक्षा &#124; वैदिक गुरुकुल |publisher=Bageshwar Dham |date=2022-07-16 |accessdate=2023-01-29}}</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 it's head Dhirendra Krishna Shastri are trending &#124; 5 key reasons|date=January 23, 2023|website=TimesNow}}</ref> Reportedly, Shastri brought 300 people converted to [[Christianity]] back into [[Hinduism]] during a Gharwapsi program in 2021. On January 25,2023 [[Government of Madhya Pradesh]] increased the security of Shastri following the [[death threat]]s received by him.<ref>{{cite web|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|first=ब्रजेश|last=राजपूत|date=January 24, 2023|website=www.abplive.com}}</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|website=The Week}}</ref> On the birth anniversary of [[Subhas Chandra Bose|Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose]] on January 23 Shastri gave a slogan ''"Give us your Support, We will give [[Hindu Rashtra]]"''  to declare India as a [[Hindu nationalism|Hindu nation]].<ref>{{cite web|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|first=A. B. P.|last=Live|date=January 25, 2023|website=www.abplive.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|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|website=News18 हिंदी}}</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=January 23, 2023|website=आज तक}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{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 [WATCH]|date=January 25, 2023|website=TimesNow}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> He also urged to declare [[Ramcharitmanas]] as the National Book 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}}</ref>
+=== Superstition and witchcraft allegations ===
-<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>
+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=[[Hindustan Times]] |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=[[ABP News]] |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>
+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 '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 [[Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act]] (2013).<ref name="theprint.in-25Jan23" />
+Many prominent [[Hindu saints|Hindu Religious leaders]] like [[Ramdev|Swami Ramdev]], [[Rambhadracharya]], [[Sadhvi Prachi]], [[Pragya Thakur]] and politician [[Giriraj Singh]] came to his support. He also got support from [[Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad]]<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=[[ABP News]] |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 [[Jantar Mantar, New Delhi|Jantar Mantar]] in [[New Delhi]] 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=[[Zee News]] |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=[[News18]] |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 [[Nagpur Police]] gave a [[wikt:clean chit|clean chit]] to Dhirendra Shastri against an allegation of promoting [[Superstition|superstitious activities]] in his public programmes in [[Nagpur]]. [[Police commissioner|Police Commissioner]] 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 [[Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act|Maharashtra Anti-Superstition & Black Magic Act.]]<ref name="theprint.in-25Jan23">{{cite news |newspaper=[[ThePrint]] |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=[[ABP News]] |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=[[TV9 Bharatvarsh]] |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 ===
+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=[[The Lallantop]] |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 ==
+On the birth anniversary of [[Subhas Chandra Bose|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 nationalism|Hindu nation]].<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=[[ABP News]] |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=[[News18 India]] |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 [WATCH] |date=25 January 2023 |work=[[TimesNow]] |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 [[Ramcharitmanas]] 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>
+<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 [[Rajat Sharma]]'s [[Aap Ki Adalat|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]].<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=[[India TV]] |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=[[India TV]] |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=[[India TV]] |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=[[Jansatta]] |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=[[India TV]] |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, [[All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen|AIMIM]] chief [[Asaduddin Owaisi]] said, "How can a Hindu nation be made? There is a constitution in this country, and the country is governed by the constitution."<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=[[ABP News]] |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>
+[[Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister]] [[Yogi Adityanath]] endorsed his remarks and said that India is already a [[Hindu Rashtra]] and [[Akhand Bharat]] 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=[[The Hindu]] |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=[[ABP News]] |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 ==
 {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
+== External links ==
+*
+* {{Twitter|id=bageshwardham|name=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar}}
+{{DEFAULTSORT:Shastri, Dhirendra Krishna}}
 [[Category:1996 births]]
 [[Category:Living people]]
 [[Category:People from Madhya Pradesh]]
 [[Category:Indian Hindus]]
+[[Category:Mentalists]]