Baba Bageshwar clarifies statement on Darbar Sahib, read

New Delhi: Pandit Dhirendra Shastri, head priest of Bageshwar Dham, has clarified his controversial statement about worship at the Harihar Temple. Shastri said that his remarks referred to the Harihar Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, and not to Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) as misinterpreted by some.

The controversy erupted after Shastri, during a religious program in Moradabad, suggested that “Rudrabhishek” should also be performed at the Harihar Temple.

Punjab-based Sikh activist Barjinder Parwana misinterpreted the statement as referring to the Golden Temple and subsequently issued threats against Shastri.

In response, Shastri met with Nihang Harjeet Singh Rasoolpur in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday. Following their conversation, Rasoolpur released a video clarifying that Shastri’s statement was not meant to hurt religious sentiments and urged people not to twist his words to provoke tensions in Punjab.

Shastri reiterated during his clarification, “Now the voice has reached here too. Worship in that temple should begin as soon as possible. Lord Ram is seated in Ayodhya, Lord Nandi has emerged in Kashi, and it is time for Rudrabhishek to commence at Harihar Temple.”

It has been asserted that Shastri’s reference was directed towards Kalki Dham Sambhal and not the Golden Temple. The clarification aims to prevent any further misinterpretation and communal discord.