New Delhi: Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the head priest of Bageshwar Dham in Gadha village, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, has made a controversial statement regarding the recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh. According to Shastri, those who died in the stampede have attained salvation. His remarks came during a programme attended by many saints and sages, with many people seen agreeing with him.
The stampede occurred at midnight during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, claiming the lives of 49 people so far. Of the deceased, 25 have been identified, while a list of 24 unidentified individuals has been released. The incident has been widely reported across media, with the death toll continuing to rise. The event has raised several concerns among the public and is the subject of intense discussions nationwide.
‘Everyone must die one day’
In a video that is circulating on social media, Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri is seen addressing the stampede. While speaking at the programme, he said, “Many people die every day in the country, some due to lack of medical care, some from heart attacks and some because of other reasons.” He said the incident as condemnable but stressed that death is inevitable.
Further elaborating, he said, “Everyone must die one day, but if someone dies on the banks of the Ganga, they will not die—they will attain salvation.” He expressed his sorrow for the untimely deaths but reiterated that those who passed away in the Kumbh have achieved salvation.
Outrage over remarks
The video has sparked a heated debate on social media, with users sharing their opinions. Some have criticised his remarks, while others defend them from a religious standpoint. The statement has given rise to a new perspective on the Maha Kumbh stampede, with many questioning the appropriateness of such comments. Critics argue that such statements fail to ease the suffering of the deceased’s families and may come across as insensitive.
