Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Shastri has responded to the ongoing controversy surrounding non-vegetarian food in West Bengal, stating that his statements were deliberately misinterpreted. Shastri maintained that he never made any remarks regarding anyone's personal dietary choices or clothing. He noted that he was recently coming from West Bengal, and discussions and debates erupted immediately after his departure from the region.
Maintaining Sanctity During Durga Puja
Elaborating on his statements, Shastri explained that his comments were specifically directed towards Durga Puja celebrations. He had stated that people should refrain from consuming meat inside Durga Puja pandals, and if anyone wished to eat non-vegetarian food, they should do so in the privacy of their homes. As a religious leader, he emphasized non-violence and noted that while everyone has the right to live, he will always speak out against animal slaughter.
In comments shared on X, he asserted that he was not trying to lecture the people of Bengal as if he were an outsider, but rather considered himself deeply connected to them, emphasizing that his words were twisted out of context.
Stance on Violence and Traditional Rituals
Shastri further stated that he belongs to this country and follows the spiritual lineage of Swami Vivekananda, Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, and Bama Charan Khepa. Questioning why he would interfere with the meals of those he considers his own family and loved ones, he nevertheless reiterated that he will continue to speak against animal violence because his scriptures dictate it.
Shastri recalled questioning how a mother could accept the sacrifice of her own child, stating that if Goddess Durga desires an offering, she can take it herself. He suggested that devotees should simply leave the animal in front of the deity and let nature take its course rather than slaughtering animals under the guise of ritual sacrifice. He concluded that while some people misunderstood his remarks, he remains firm on opposing ritualistic animal sacrifice regardless of whether critics appreciate it.
