The 28-year-old self-styled godman recalls support from a friend, Sheikh Mubarak, in his hour of distress
Team Clarion
PHULRAI – Following the tragic stampede that claimed 121 lives during a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras earlier this week, Dhirendra Shastri, a 28-year-old self-styled godman known as Bageshwar Baba has urged devotees to celebrate his birthday at home, marking a solemn reflection on safety and community welfare.
Despite the appeal, the spirit of celebration remains high in Bageshwar Dham, where devotees from across the country gathered on Thursday to honour the spiritual leader.
Bageshwar Baba shares a poignant story of friendship that transcends religious boundaries. During a time of financial difficulty, Shastri’s family struggled to make ends meet. When time came for his sister Rita Garg’s marriage, Shastri turned to his close friend, Sheikh Mubarak, for assistance. Mubarak lent him 20,000 rupees, enabling Rita’s marriage to Kamlesh Chauraha of Devra village, Chhatarpur, on 27 April 2015.
This bond of friendship has remained strong over the years. Rita, in a touching gesture of gratitude and respect, ties rakhi not only to her brother Dhirendra but also to Sheikh Mubarak, symbolising the deep ties between the families. “Sheikh Mubarak’s support during our toughest times is something I will never forget,” Shastri said. “His generosity and friendship have been invaluable.”
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s journey is a testament to perseverance and faith. Born on 4 July 1996, in the village of Garha, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, to Saroj and Ramkripal Maharaj, he was raised with spiritual teachings by his grandfather, Pandit Bhagwan Das Garg. Despite financial hardships, Shastri’s dedication to his spiritual path has led him to great success.
Today, media reports estimate Shastri’s net worth at 19.5 crores. He commands fees between one to one and a half lakh rupees for organising Katha sessions, and his monthly income is reported to be around four lakh rupees. This significant wealth, however, has not changed the essence of who he is or his humble beginnings.
Caution and Celebration
In light of recent events, Shastri has appealed to his followers to prioritise safety over gathering in large numbers at Bageshwar Dham. “Celebrate at home,” he urged, reflecting on the painful lessons learned from the recent tragedy. Nonetheless, the atmosphere in Bageshwar Dham remains festive.
The story of Bageshwar Baba and his enduring friendship with Sheikh Mubarak serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity and compassion across different communities. As devotees celebrate his birthday, they also celebrate the values of friendship, support, and the shared humanity that Bageshwar Baba exemplifies.
