Botad: The controversy surrounding the mural placed on the base of the largest statue of Hanumanji in Salangpur is intensifying day by day. Anger was very evident in the Mahant of Rakdia Hanuman Temple in Botad, who issued a threatening ultimatum while holding weapons.

Meanwhile, in the latest development, media entry has been banned on the Salangpur campus, where controversial depictions are there.

The Mahant of Rokadia Hanuman Temple in Botad expressed outrage over this controversy, stating, ‘These individuals are opposed to Sanatan Dharma. Hanumanji is a devotee of Sita and Ram, not a devotee of Swaminarayan. If they persist in such actions, we are prepared to take up arms. Furthermore, he said that if these images are not removed within 24 hours, he will resort to more drastic measures, even if it means resorting to violence.

In light of the matter, Nautam Swami of Vadtal also made a statement during the Satsang Mahasammelan in Khambhat. He claimed that within the Swaminarayan sect’s history, there are numerous instances of Shri Hanumanji Maharaj serving “Bhagwan” Swaminarayan.

He also mentioned that some individuals have taken this matter to court, and a proper response will be provided. Ordinary individuals, regardless of their affiliations, should not take the matter into their own hands.

After Nautam Swami’s statement, a Hindu organization today reached the Salangpur Hanuman temple and met with Viveksagar Swami of the mandir. The organization registered a protest against the mural and Nautam Swami’s statement. Vishwa Hindu Parishad stated that Hanumanji is not a slave of anyone; instead, he is the father of Sanatan Dharma and all of us. The organization added that these murals will be removed at any cost, and they will even carry out huge movement if required.

In another development, Shankaracharya Shri Sadananda Saraswatiji of Dwarka said, “We want to make it very clear that we are all followers of Sanatan Dharma. We have been worshipping our Devi-Devta for thousands of years, just as our ancestors did. Sahajnand Ji Maharaj and his father also used to worship someone. He himself was a worshipper of Lakshmi Narayan Bhagwan and even installed NarNarayan Bhagwan in Vadtal. However, now his followers have formed multiple sects and are engaging in arbitrary actions that are not right. This is neither right for Sanatan Dharma nor for them, or anyone else, for that matter. No sect can prosper by condemning another sect.”

“We are all followers of Sanatan Dharma, and while we may follow different methods of worship and pooja, we should not condemn or insult the Devtas of others. This is the same issue faced in cinema: who should we fight with, and for how long? Even they (the Swaminarayan sect) are doing it now. For 200–300 years, no follower of Sanatan Dharma has ever spoken against the Swaminarayan sect. So, why are they doing it?” the Shankaracharya added.

It is noteworthy that the Swaminarayan sect, divided into various factions, regards Sahajanand Swami (1781–1830) as Lord Swaminarayan, around whom the sect formed. The Hanuman temple in Salangpur, managed by the Vadtal Gadi faction, had erected a 54-foot-tall statue of Hanumanji Maharaj. This statue features several murals underneath, depicting Hanumanji as a devoted servant of Sahajananda Swami. In these murals, Hanumanji stands before Sahajananda Swami in a respectful posture with folded hands in salutation. Another mural shows Hanumanji seated in an asana, also with his hands folded in a reverential Namaskar gesture. Controversy arose when an image of these murals began circulating widely.

In another development, a meeting of Sanatani Sadhus has been called on Monday against distrotion of Hindu faith and its Gods by Vadtal Swaminarayan sect.  Many organizations and outfits have lodged protests especially in Saurashta region against distortion and subversion of Hindu sanatani faith and its Gods. DeshGujarat