Surat: A new controversy has emerged involving another Swaminarayan saint’s remarks about the Hindu deity Dwarkadhish, adding to a series of recent disputes involving comments made by saints of the Swaminarayan sect. The latest incident involves Nilkanth Charan Swami of the Swaminarayan Gurukul in the Vedrod area of Surat, whose 59-second video has gone viral, sparking outrage among devotees of Dwarkadhish.

In the video, Nilkanth Charan Swami claims that Dwarkadhish prayed to Maharaj (referring to Swaminarayan) to build a residence for him. The saint states, “Maharaj says when we went to Dwarka, Dwarkadhish prayed to us, saying, ‘If you build a big shrine, a grand temple, it is my wish to come and reside there.'”

The remarks attributed to Dwarkadhish in the video have angered devotees, who see them as disrespectful and inappropriate. The video has circulated widely on social media, fueling the controversy.

In response to the controversy, the Vedrod Gurukul issued a clarification, stating that the video was edited and presented out of context. The Gurukul maintains that the original narrative was different and that the viral video was manipulated using technology. They also cited the Shikshapatri, a foundational text of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, which instructs followers to undertake pilgrimages to holy places like Dwarka.

According to the Gurukul’s claim, the actual story involves Dwarkadhish expressing a desire for Swaminarayan to build a grand temple where he could reside. Years later, Swaminarayan decided to fulfill this wish. The story continues with Swaminarayan feeling a gentle touch on his head and seeing Dwarkadhish manifest before him, saying, “In one form, I will come with you.” This led to Dwarkadhish accompanying Swaminarayan to Vadtal.

Despite the Gurukul’s clarification, the 59-second video has triggered widespread outrage and debate among followers of both Dwarkadhish and the Swaminarayan sect. The controversy adds to the growing list of incidents where comments by Swaminarayan saints have sparked religious tensions.

Meanwhile, reacting to the Swaminarayan sect’s controversial remark about Bhagwan Dwarkadhish, RIL Director and Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani said,”Once again a sadhu of the Swaminarayan gurukul from Surat has made false and baseless remarks about Lord Dwarkadheesh. It has become a fashion to criticize Sanatan Dharma. Statements after statements from sadhus of the Swaminarayan sect are more painful and condemnable. In order to paint rosy picture of their sect before their disciples, these so called holy men draw the Swaminarayan Gods and saints larger than the traditional Sanatan Gods and deities. This is unacceptable and unpalatable from any logic or the wisdom. It’s high time that the wiser counsel prevail on the so called saints. If Swaminarayan sadhus continue such canard to undermine Sanatan Dharma and Sanatan Gods, they will loose the respect of the people.”

Once again a sadhu of the Swaminarayan gurukul from Surat has made false and baseless remarks about Lord Dwarkadheesh. It has become a fashion to criticize Sanatan Dharma. Statements after statements from sadhus of the Swaminarayan sect are more painful and condemnable. In order… https://t.co/wsWnxFOenJ

— Parimal Nathwani (@mpparimal) March 26, 2025

DeshGujarat