Dhirendra Krishna Shastri: Difference between revisions

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri
	Shastri in 2025
Personal
Born	Dhirendra Krishna Garg; 4 July 1996 (age 30); Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
Religion	Hinduism
Nationality	Indian
Religious career
Post	Head of the Bageshwar Dham Balaji Temple
Website	bageshwardham.co.in

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Latest revision as of 09:04, 27 March 2026

Dhirendra Krishna Garg (born 4 July 1996)^[2] also known as Baba Bageshwar Dham^[3]^[4] is an Indian self-styled godman. He is the current leader of Bageshwar Dham, a Hindu temple in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Early years[edit | edit source]

Family[edit | edit source]

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 Brahmin family.^[5]^[6] His father worked as a priest.^[7]^[8] Shastri's childhood was marked by poverty, as his family lived in a kutcha house. As a child, he used to narrate kathas to people in his village.^[7]

Education[edit | edit source]

Shastri completed his schooling in Ganj village, Chhatarpur district.^[9]

Religious career[edit | edit source]

Shastri is a disciple of Rambhadracharya.^[10] Shastri is known for his preaching of the Ramcharitmanas and Shiva Purana.^[11] He claims to possess supernatural powers through sādhanā and the blessings of his great-grandfather, Sannyasi Baba, the founder of Bageshwar Dham.^[12]

Bageshwar Dham[edit | edit source]

Shastri is serving as a peethadhishwar (chief) of the Bageshwar Dham, a Hindu site dedicated to the god Hanuman in Gada village of Chattarpur District, Madhya Pradesh which was established by his great-grandfather, Sannyasi Baba.^[12] Shastri organises a divya darbar at Bageshwar Dham every Tuesday and Saturday,^[13] where he purportedly conducts exorcisms, diagnoses illnesses including terminal cancers and performs other miracles.^[14] 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.^[15]^[16]^[17]

Social activities[edit | edit source]

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.^[18]^[19]

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.^[20]^[21]

Social media presence[edit | edit source]

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.^[22]

Controversies and criticism[edit | edit source]

Superstition and witchcraft allegations[edit | edit source]

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".^[23]^[24]^[25]

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.^[26] The police investigated this and found no grounds for prosecution under the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act (2013).^[27]

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^[28]^[29]^[30] 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, Dhirendra Shastri.^[31]^[32]^[33] 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.^[27]^[34]^[35]^[36]

Love Jihad in NCERT book[edit | edit source]

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.^[37]

Hindu nationalism[edit | edit source]

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.^[38]^[39]^[40]^[41] He also urged that Ramcharitmanas be declared the national scripture of India.^[42]^[43] 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.^[44]^[45]^[46]^[47]^[48]

Shastri's remarks received mixed reactions, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi opposed it citing the constitution,^[49] while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath endorsed his remarks and said that India is already a Hindu Rashtra.^[50]^[51]

References[edit | edit source]

↑ 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. 19 January 2023. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
↑ "Baba Bageshwar Dham procession: Here are the routes to avoid in South Delhi today". The Indian Express. 7 November 2025. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
↑ 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.
↑ Web, Statesman (4 September 2023). "Who is Dhirendra Krishna Shashtri? Anas Ansari sends threat". The Statesman. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
↑ Live, A. B. P. (3 August 2023). "कौन हैं पंडित धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री, जानिए बागेश्वर धाम वाले बाबा के जीवन के बारे में". www.abplive.com (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 6 February 2024.
↑ ^7.0 ^7.1 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.
↑ 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.
↑ 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.
↑ "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: Know About The Spiritual Life Of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri". English Jagran. 6 October 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
↑ ^12.0 ^12.1 Kumar, Piyush (20 January 2023). "Bageshwar Dham वाले Dhirendra Shastri का कठिनाइयों में बीता बचपन, जानें- बाला जी भगवान के भक्त की कहानी - Bageshwar Dham Who is Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham know all about dhirendra krishna shastri information about Bageshwar Baba Row". Jagran (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2025.
↑ "Who is Pandit Dhirendra Shastri and why is he famous?". The Economic Times. 23 January 2023. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
↑ Shinjinee Majumder (25 February 2025). "Hate, Hindu supremacy, occultism: The legacy of Dhirendra Shastri, Modi's 'younger brother' from Bageshwar Dham". Alt News. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
↑ "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. 23 January 2023. Archived from the original on 23 January 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. 5 February 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
↑ "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.
↑ 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.
↑ ^27.0 ^27.1 "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. 21 January 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. 19 January 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.
↑ "NCERT Class 3 Textbook Controversy: Allegations Of 'Love Jihad' – Know What's In The Chapter". ABP News. 25 September 2024. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
↑ "अब हिंदू राष्ट्र को लेकर धीरेंद्र शास्त्री का आया नया बयान, विवादों के बीच बयानों के छोड़े तीर". ABP News (in हिन्दी). 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 (in हिन्दी). 24 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "'तुम मेरा साथ दो, हम हिंदू राष्ट्र बनाएंगे', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री". Aaj Tak (in हिन्दी). 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?". Aaj Tak (in हिन्दी). 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.
↑ "कौन हैं धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ? क्या है बागेश्वर धाम - Jaago Re". 23 January 2023.^{[permanent dead link]}
↑ 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 (in हिन्दी). 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 (in हिन्दी). 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.

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[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. 19 January 2023. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[3] "Baba Bageshwar Dham procession: Here are the routes to avoid in South Delhi today". The Indian Express. 7 November 2025. Retrieved 27 January 2026.

[abplive-21Jan23-4] 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.

[5] Web, Statesman (4 September 2023). "Who is Dhirendra Krishna Shashtri? Anas Ansari sends threat". The Statesman. Retrieved 6 February 2024.

[6] Live, A. B. P. (3 August 2023). "कौन हैं पंडित धीरेंद्र कृष्ण शास्त्री, जानिए बागेश्वर धाम वाले बाबा के जीवन के बारे में". www.abplive.com (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 6 February 2024.

[jagran-20Jan2023-7] 7.0 ^7.1 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-23Jan23-8] 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.

[9] 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.

[10] "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.

[11] "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: Know About The Spiritual Life Of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri". English Jagran. 6 October 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2024.

[:0-12] 12.0 ^12.1 Kumar, Piyush (20 January 2023). "Bageshwar Dham वाले Dhirendra Shastri का कठिनाइयों में बीता बचपन, जानें- बाला जी भगवान के भक्त की कहानी - Bageshwar Dham Who is Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham know all about dhirendra krishna shastri information about Bageshwar Baba Row". Jagran (in हिन्दी). Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2025.

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

[14] Shinjinee Majumder (25 February 2025). "Hate, Hindu supremacy, occultism: The legacy of Dhirendra Shastri, Modi's 'younger brother' from Bageshwar Dham". Alt News. Retrieved 26 February 2025.

[15] "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.

[16] 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.

[17] "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.

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

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

[20] 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.

[21] "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.

[22] "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: The Indian guru making headlines over 'miracle' cures". BBC News. 5 February 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2023.

[23] "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.

[24] "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.

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

[aajtak.in-19Jan23-26] 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.

[theprint.in-25Jan23-27] 27.0 ^27.1 "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.

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

[29] "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.

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

[31] "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.

[32] 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.

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

[34] "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.

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

[36] 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.

[37] "NCERT Class 3 Textbook Controversy: Allegations Of 'Love Jihad' – Know What's In The Chapter". ABP News. 25 September 2024. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.

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

[39] "'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 (in हिन्दी). 24 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[40] "'तुम मेरा साथ दो, हम हिंदू राष्ट्र बनाएंगे', बोले बागेश्वर धाम के धीरेंद्र शास्त्री". Aaj Tak (in हिन्दी). 23 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[timesnownews-25Jan23-41] "'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.

[42] "विशेष: पहले हिंदू राष्ट्र, अब रामचरितमानस की बात...बागेश्वर धाम वाले बाबा के दिल में क्या है?". Aaj Tak (in हिन्दी). 25 January 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023.

[43] "कौन हैं धीरेंद्र शास्त्री ? क्या है बागेश्वर धाम - Jaago Re". 23 January 2023.^{[permanent dead link]}

[44] 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.

[45] 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.

[46] 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.

[47] 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.

[48] 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.

[49] "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 (in हिन्दी). 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.

[50] 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.

[51] "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 (in हिन्दी). 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Indian self-styled godman (born 1996)}}
-{{Short description |Indian Narrator and Hindu priest}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
+{{Use Indian English|date=September 2024}}
 {{Infobox Hindu leader
 | religion           = [[Hinduism]]
@@ Line 6: / Line 7: @@
 | birth_name         = Dhirendra Krishna Garg
 | birth_place        = [[Chhatarpur]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], India
-| education          = [[Bachelor of Arts]]
+| education          =
 | birth_date         = {{birth date and age |1996 |07 |04 |df=yes }}
-| image              = Dhirendra Krishna Shastri.jpg
+| image              = File:Dhirendra Krishna Shastri.jpg
-| caption            = Dhirendra Krishna Shastri in 2023
+| caption            = Shastri in 2025
-| father             = Ram Kripal Garg
+| father             =
-| mother             = Saroj Garg
+| mother             =
 | website            = {{URL |https://bageshwardham.co.in/ }}
 | nationality        = Indian
 | guru               =
-| post               = '''Peethadhish''' of the "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar"
+| post               = Head of the [[Bageshwar Dham Balaji Temple]]<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>
-<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''' (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>
+'''Dhirendra Krishna Garg''' (born 4 July 1996)<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> also known as '''Baba''' '''Bageshwar Dham'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-07 |title=Baba Bageshwar Dham procession: Here are the routes to avoid in South Delhi today |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/baba-bageshwar-dham-procession-routes-avoid-south-delhi-november-7-10347107/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><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 an Indian self-styled [[Godman (India)|godman]]. He is the current leader of [[Bageshwar Dham Balaji Temple|Bageshwar Dham]], a [[Hinduism|Hindu]] temple in [[Madhya Pradesh]], India.
 == 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]] [[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>
+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 [[Brahmin]] 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> His father worked 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 marked by poverty, as his family lived in a [[kutcha house]]. As a child, he used to narrate [[Katha (storytelling format)|kathas]] 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 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>
+Shastri completed his schooling in Ganj village, Chhatarpur district.<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>
 === Religious career ===
-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.
+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]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-06 |title=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: Know About The Spiritual Life Of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri |url=https://www.thedailyjagran.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 possess supernatural powers through [[sādhanā]] and the blessings of his great-grandfather, Sannyasi Baba, the founder of Bageshwar Dham.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Piyush |date=20 January 2023 |title=Bageshwar Dham वाले Dhirendra Shastri का कठिनाइयों में बीता बचपन, जानें- बाला जी भगवान के भक्त की कहानी - Bageshwar Dham Who is Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham know all about dhirendra krishna shastri information about Bageshwar Baba Row |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331041704/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 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Jagran |language=hi}}</ref>
-== Bageshwar Dham Sarkar ==
+== Bageshwar Dham==
-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>
+Shastri is serving as a ''peethadhishwar'' (chief) of the Bageshwar Dham, a Hindu site dedicated to the god [[Lord Hanuman|Hanuman]] in Gada village of [[Chhatarpur district|Chattarpur District]], [[Madhya Pradesh]] which was established by his great-grandfather, Sannyasi Baba.<ref name=":0" /> Shastri organises a [[Durbar (court)|''divya darbar'']] at Bageshwar 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 he purportedly conducts [[Exorcism#Hinduism|exorcisms]], diagnoses illnesses including terminal cancers and performs other miracles.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Shinjinee Majumder |title=Hate, Hindu supremacy, occultism: The legacy of Dhirendra Shastri, Modi’s ‘younger brother’ from Bageshwar Dham |url=https://www.altnews.in/hate-hindu-supremacy-occultism-the-legacy-of-dhirendra-shastri-modis-younger-brother-from-bageshwar-dham/ |website=[[Alt News]] |access-date=26 February 2025 |date=25 February 2025}}</ref> 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 has established the [[Annapurna (goddess)|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 [[Vedas|vedic studies]] and [[Sanskrit]].<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 [sic]}} head Dhirendra Krishna Shastri are trending {{pipe}} 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>
 === 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 [[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.<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 ==
 === 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=[[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>
+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 {{pipe}} 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 {{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 [[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" />
+The All India Superstition Eradication Committee (Akhil Bhartiya Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti) made a complaint to the [[Nagpur Police]] about Shastri under the [[Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act|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.<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=[[Aaj Tak]] |language=hi}}</ref> 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>
+Many [[Hindu saints|Hindu Religious leaders]] like [[Ramdev|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]]<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, Dhirendra 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 {{pipe}} 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]]. [[Commissioner of Police (India)|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 [[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 ===
+=== Love Jihad in NCERT book ===
-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>
+Shastri claimed that a lesson titled "Chitthi Aayi Hai" in the [[National Council of Educational Research and Training|NCERT]] Class 3 environmental studies textbook promotes [[Love jihad conspiracy theory|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.<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=[[ABP News]] |language=en}}</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>
+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 |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=[[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 |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=[[Aaj Tak]]|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 [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=[[Aaj Tak]] |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 [[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]] |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=[[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>
-<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>
+Shastri's remarks received mixed reactions, [[All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen|AIMIM]] chief [[Asaduddin Owaisi]] opposed it citing the [[Constitution of India|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 |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=[[ABP News]] |language=hi}}</ref> while [[Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister]] [[Yogi Adityanath]] endorsed his remarks and said that India is already a [[Hindu Rashtra]].<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=[[The Hindu]]}}</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=[[ABP News]] |language=hi}}</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>
+== See also ==
+* [[Bageshwar Dham Balaji Temple]]
 == References ==
@@ Line 67: / Line 68: @@
 == External links ==
+{{Subject bar
+ |commons        = yes
+ |commons-search = Category:Dhirendra Krishna Shastri
+ |d              = yes
+ |d-search       = Q116290597
+ |portal1        = Biography
+ |portal2        = Hinduism
+}}
-*
-* {{Twitter|id=bageshwardham|name=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Shastri, Dhirendra Krishna}}
 [[Category:1996 births]]