Surat: In the aftermath of a series of controversial statements by Swaminarayan sect monks against Hindu gods and goddesses, anger has erupted among Hindus. Following the latest objectionable remarks by Neelkanth Charan Swami of Swaminarayan Gurukul in Surat about Bhagwan Dwarkadhish, members of the Ahir community staged a protest at Sanskar Dham Society in Punagam. The protesters stated that the Swami’s remarks had deeply hurt their religious sentiments and demanded government action against such statements.

Speaking on the issue, Akhil Ahir Samaj Gujarat president R.H. Hadiya stated that Sanatan Dharma is a faith followed by millions of devotees. He criticized Neelkanth Charan Swami of Ved Road’s Swaminarayan Gurukul, saying that his statements reflect an evil ideology. He accused the Swami of trying to demean Lord Krishna, who is revered as the supreme deity, and warned that such remarks would not be tolerated. He further asserted that it is essential to prevent religious figures from making derogatory statements and announced plans to hold a community gathering in Dwarka.

Another devotee said, “Krishnam Vande Jagadguru means Krishna is the world’s teacher. They should stop making such statements. Everyone knows their intentions.”

A female protester stated, “We condemn the recent remarks of the Swaminarayan monk about Bhagwan Dwarkadhish. We also question why Swaminarayan sect monks forget that Sanatan Dharma is supreme and that all other beliefs are its branches. They have hurt our sentiments by speaking against Sampoorna Purush Lord Dwarkadhish.”

Swami Neelkanth Charan of Swaminarayan Gurukul in Surat’s Ved Road, while speaking about a revered saint of the Swaminarayan sect, said, “Maharaj says that when we went to Dwarka, Dwarkapati prayed to us: ‘If you build a big temple, I want to come and live there.’”

This statement has caused an uproar as it is yet another instance of Swaminarayan sect monks portraying Hindu gods and goddesses as inferior to their saints. DeshGujarat