Rajkot: Adding to the long list of controversial statements made by saints of the Swaminarayan sect regarding Hindu gods, a book published by the sect has sparked fresh outrage. The book contains remarks by a Swaminarayan saint about Lord Dwarkadhish, questioning his presence in Dwarka. These statements have angered devotees of Lord Dwarkadhish across the state.

The issue emerged from the book “Shreeji Sankalpamurti Sadguru Gopalanand Swamini Vato,” which describes a conversation where a devotee asks whether he can witness the divine presence of God in Dwarka. In response, the book states that Sadguru Gopalanand Swami suggested visiting Vadtal instead, saying, “How can God be in Dwarka now? If you want to see God in real, then go to Vadtal; there, Bhagwan Swaminarayan will fulfill your wishes.” This statement has led to outrage among Sanatanis, who see it as an attack on their beliefs.

This controversy comes shortly after another dispute regarding Jalaram Bapa’s legacy. Earlier, Swaminarayan saint Gyanprakash Swami sparked a row by making controversial claims about Jalaram Bapa’s connection to Gunatitanand Swami. His remarks—that Virpur’s food service (Annakshatra) runs due to Gunatitanand Swami’s blessings and that Jalaram Bapa was deeply associated with him—triggered massive resentment among Jalaram Bapa’s followers and the Raghuvanshi community.

In light of recent developments, Maldhari leaders have demanded that the book’s author visit Dwarka and issue a public apology. They also accused Swaminarayan saints of creating divisions among devotees. With tensions rising, the matter has gained significant attention among religious groups.

Rajkot Maldhari Samaj leader Rajubhai Junja has stated, “How does this prove that God exists in Vadtal? By making such false and controversial statements, animosity is being created within the entire Hindu society. Hindu society will not accept this. The saints of the Swaminarayan sect, who are inciting division by portraying Hindu gods and goddesses as inferior, should be completely boycotted by the entire Hindu community.”

Similarly, Rajkot Maldhari Samaj leader Ranjit Mundhwa has also expressed his concerns, stating, “Whether it is Dwarkadhish, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Ganapati Dada, Hanuman Dada, or Jalaram Bapa, they have not spared anyone in their writings. Everyone can see how their offices are located inside temples—what exactly are they doing there?”

He further added, “Those who have abandoned their traditional values should be boycotted. I also urge the saints and mahants of our Hindu Sanatan Dharma to take a stand and reject these individuals, just as we did during the Hanuman Dada controversy.” DeshGujarat