Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh): Bageshwar Dham’s Pandit Dhirendra Shastri strongly condemned the animal sacrifice ahead of Bakra-Eid to be held on June 7.
Shastri emphasised the need to practice non-violence and stated, “We are against killing any living being. When we cannot infuse life in dead, what right do we have to take one?”
Addressing the issue, Shastri acknowledged that animal sacrifice was once a part of Sanatan Dharma traditions, but stressed that reforms have since been made within Hindu practices to move away from such rituals.
“Both sides must be heard,” he said. “Our tradition also had the practice of offering sacrifices, but we chose to change that. Everyone should stop killing animals. Why should we resort to violence when Ahimsa Paramo Dharma i.e. non-violence is the highest duty and our principle?”
‘Will make India a Hindu Rashta’
Meanwhile, in a separate development aimed at turning India into a Hindu Rashtra, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri called a high-level meeting with disciples and regional coordinators of Bageshwar Dham. The gathering included representatives from six states.
Shastri stated that to awaken Hindus across the country and bring about a cultural revolution, the Bageshwar Dham team would establish committees in every village. These groups, led by saints and volunteers, will conduct campaigns promoting unity among Hindus by eliminating caste discrimination and untouchability.
He announced that daily recitations of the Sundarkand - a sacred chapter from the Ramayana - will be held nationwide as a spiritual practice to strengthen the Hindu Rashtra movement.
“To make India a Hindu nation, we must unite beyond caste and creed. The mission will only succeed when the Hindu community works together as one,” said Shastri.
