Dhirendra Krishna Shastri

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{{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}}{{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}} in which his father worked as a priest.{{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 }} 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.{{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 }}

Shastri completed his schooling in Ganj village.{{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 }}

Shastri is a disciple of Rambhadracharya.{{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}} Shastri is known for his preaching of the Ramcharitmanas and Shiva Purana.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-06 |title=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar: Know About The Spiritual Life Of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri |url=https://english.jagran.com/spiritual/bageshwar-dham-sarkar-all-about-the-controversial-life-of-dhirendra-krishna-shastri-10105333 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=English Jagran |language=en}} He claims to possess super-natural powers achieved through sādhanā and the blessings of his great-grandfather, Sannyasi Baba, the founder of Bageshwar Dham.{{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}}

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

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.{{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 }}{{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 }}

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.{{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 }}{{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 }}

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.{{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}}

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".{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}

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.{{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}} The police investigated this and found no grounds for prosecution under the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act (2013).

Many Hindu Religious leaders like Swami Ramdev, Rambhadracharya, Sadhvi Prachi, Pragya Thakur and Bharatiya Janata Party politician Giriraj Singh came to his support. He also got support from Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} 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.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} 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.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}

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.{{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}}

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.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }} He also urged that Ramcharitmanas be declared the national scripture of India.{{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 }}{{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 }} 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.{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}{{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 }}

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

• Bageshwar Dham Balaji Temple

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• {{Twitter|id=bageshwardham|name=Bageshwar Dham Sarkar}}

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Category:1996 births

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