Dhirendra Shastri has become an agent of the party…, why did Shankaracharya say this?

Baba Bageshwar: Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda of Badarikashram has reacted sharply to the padayatra started by Dhirendra Shastri to protest against caste system in Sanatan Dharma. Shankaracharya has alleged that Dhirendra Shastri has become an agent of a political party, who is working to mobilize Hindu vote bank for them. According to him, caste and Varna are the basic features of Sanatan Dharma, and talking about abolishing them is against the principles of Hinduism.

Shankaracharya's allegation

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda said, "Dhirendra Shastri is preaching that caste system should be done away with and Hindus should become brothers. But as soon as you talk about doing away with caste and Varna, you are no longer a Sanatani." He says that when a person is no longer a Sanatani, then how will the feeling of 'brother-brother' remain? He further said that this step of Dhirendra Shastri is against the traditions of Sanatan Dharma and it is being promoted only under a political agenda.

Identity and caste system

Swami Avimukteshwarananda described the caste system as an important part of Sanatan Dharma. He said, "The movement should be for the fact that while believing in Varnashram, we should not hate anyone nor degrade anyone. But if caste is completely abolished then our identity will also end."

The Shankaracharya of Puri even said that he will not even drink water from the hands of Dhirendra Shastri, because his views do not match the principles of Sanatan Dharma.

Statements of Dhirendra Shastri

Dhirendra Shastri had recently given a statement about Hindu Rashtra in a program, which went viral on social media. He had said that there is a need to end casteism, high-low, untouchability and discrimination in India. He had suggested that the government should recognize only two castes, and only then India will be able to prosper.

Dhirendra Shastri had also said that there is a need to stop the superstitions prevalent at present and for this we cannot depend only on the government. He inspired his followers to become the government themselves and said that every youth will have to become like Bageshwar Baba, only then will the establishment of a Hindu nation be possible.

Main point of controversy

This controversy highlights the tension between the traditions of Sanatan Dharma and their modern reinterpretation. While Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda is in favor of maintaining the traditional Varnashram system, Dhirendra Shastri is emphasizing on unity and equality by ending it. This conflict touches not only religious but also social and political contexts.

Conclusion

Striking a balance between the ancient traditions of Sanatan Dharma and the social needs of the present time is a complex issue. The views of Dhirendra Shastri and Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda are proof of the fact that there is a deep debate going on within Hinduism about reform and tradition. This controversy makes it clear that a comprehensive approach and harmonious dialogue is needed for religious and social change.