Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, widely known as "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar" or simply "Baba Bageshwar," is a prominent Indian spiritual leader, self-styled godman, and the head of Bageshwar Dham, a revered Hindu religious site in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. Born on July 4, 1996, in Gada village, Shastri has risen to national and international prominence due to his charismatic storytelling, claims of supernatural abilities, and deep devotion to Lord Hanuman. As the Peethadhishwar (chief) of Bageshwar Dham, he conducts "Divya Darbar" sessions, where he is believed to address devotees' problems and offer divine solutions.
Early Life and Background
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri was born into a modest Saryuparin Brahmin family in Gada village, located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. His birth name was Dhirendra Krishna Garg, and he is the eldest of two children born to Ram Kripal Garg and Saroj Garg. His father was a priest who struggled with substance abuse, leaving the family in dire financial straits. His mother, a homemaker, sold milk to support the household. Shastri’s childhood was marked by poverty, with the family living in a kutcha (mud) house that leaked during the rainy season. He has often recounted periods when the family went without food for days, highlighting the hardships that shaped his early years.
Growing up in a deeply religious environment, Shastri was influenced by his grandfather, Pandit Bhagwan Das Garg, a respected priest and spiritual figure known as "Sannyasi Baba." Bhagwan Das was a member of the Nirmohi Akhara in Chitrakoot and played a pivotal role in renovating the Bageshwar Dham temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. From a young age, Dhirendra accompanied his grandfather during katha (religious storytelling) sessions, absorbing spiritual teachings and developing a passion for narrating sacred texts like the Ramcharitmanas and Shiva Purana. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future role as a spiritual leader.
Education and Spiritual Training
Dhirendra Shastri’s formal education was limited due to his family’s financial constraints. He completed his primary schooling at a government school in his native Gada village up to the eighth grade. To continue his studies, he walked five kilometers daily to a school in Ganj village, demonstrating his determination despite the odds. After completing high school and intermediate education in Chhatarpur, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, though specific details about his college education remain scarce.
Shastri’s true education, however, came from his spiritual training under his grandfather and later under Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a renowned Hindu scholar and saint. At the age of nine, he began listening to his grandfather’s recitations of religious texts, which ignited his passion for spiritual discourse. After his grandfather’s death, Shastri took on the mantle of continuing the family’s spiritual legacy at Bageshwar Dham. His association with Rambhadracharya further enriched his knowledge of Sanatan Dharma, Vedic scriptures, and the art of katha narration, making him a compelling orator and a respected figure among his followers.
Rise to Prominence and Leadership of Bageshwar Dham
Bageshwar Dham, located in Gada village, is a sacred site dedicated to Lord Hanuman, believed to be a self-manifested (Swayambhu) deity. The temple’s history dates back to Shastri’s great-grandfather, Sannyasi Baba, who established it as a center for spiritual healing and devotion. After his grandfather’s passing, Shastri’s father briefly served as the temple’s chief, but it was Dhirendra who transformed Bageshwar Dham into a nationally recognized pilgrimage site.
Shastri assumed the role of Peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham at a young age, following in the footsteps of his ancestors. He began organizing "Divya Darbar" sessions every Tuesday and Saturday, where thousands of devotees gather to seek solutions to their problems. During these events, Shastri is said to possess the ability to discern devotees’ issues without prior consultation, writing their concerns on a slip of paper (known as "parchi") and offering remedies. His followers attribute these abilities to divine blessings from Lord Hanuman, while skeptics accuse him of using mentalism or psychological tricks.
Shastri’s fame grew rapidly due to his engaging storytelling sessions of the Ramcharitmanas and Shiva Purana, which blend traditional narratives with contemporary relevance. His eloquent narration, coupled with claims of miracles such as exorcisms, healings, and predictions, has attracted millions of followers across India and abroad. Social media and television broadcasts have further amplified his reach, making "Bageshwar Dham Sarkar" a trending topic online.
Social Initiatives and Contributions
Beyond his spiritual leadership, Dhirendra Shastri has initiated several social welfare projects under the banner of Bageshwar Dham. One notable effort is the "Annapurna Kitchen," a free food distribution program that serves thousands of devotees visiting the Dham. Additionally, he organizes an annual mass marriage ceremony for underprivileged girls, funding the events through donations from his followers. This initiative reflects his commitment to supporting the poor and destitute.
Shastri has also announced plans to establish a Vedic Gurukul to promote ancient Indian scriptures, Sanskrit, and Sanatan Dharma among the younger generation. In 2021, he reportedly facilitated the "ghar wapsi" (reconversion to Hinduism) of approximately 300 individuals who had converted to Christianity, a move that garnered both praise and criticism. More recently, in February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a cancer hospital at Bageshwar Dham, a project spearheaded by Shastri to provide affordable healthcare to the underprivileged.
Controversies and Criticism
Dhirendra Shastri’s meteoric rise has been accompanied by significant controversies. Critics, including rationalist groups like the All India Superstition Eradication Committee (Akhil Bhartiya Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti), have accused him of promoting superstition and exploiting vulnerable followers. In January 2023, the committee challenged Shastri to demonstrate his "miraculous powers" at an event in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Shastri declined to attend, citing prior commitments, which led to accusations that he "fled" the challenge. The incident sparked a nationwide debate, with his supporters defending his divine abilities and detractors labeling him a fraud.
Shastri has also faced scrutiny for prescribing unconventional remedies, such as cow urine, for serious ailments like cancer—a practice criticized by medical professionals as unscientific and potentially harmful. His vocal advocacy for Hindutva and statements against religious conversion have drawn ire from progressive groups, who accuse him of fostering communal tensions. In 2023, the Nagpur Police investigated complaints against him under the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act, though no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing was found.
Despite these controversies, Shastri enjoys widespread support from prominent Hindu religious leaders, including Swami Ramdev, Sadhvi Prachi, and Pragya Thakur, as well as politicians like Giriraj Singh and Kapil Mishra from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who referred to him as his "younger brother" during a visit to Bageshwar Dham in February 2025, has further elevated his stature.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Dhirendra Shastri remains unmarried and has dedicated his life to spiritual service. He lives with his parents and younger brother, Shaligram Garg, in Gada village, maintaining a simple lifestyle despite his fame. Shastri often emphasizes that he is an ordinary devotee of Lord Hanuman and attributes all miracles to divine intervention rather than personal powers. His philosophy centers on Sanatan Dharma, which he describes as the eternal truth that guides humanity toward righteousness, love, and compassion.
Shastri’s speeches frequently highlight the importance of preserving Hindu culture, resisting religious conversion, and fostering unity among Hindus. His close ties with his guru, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, underscore his commitment to traditional Vedic teachings and spiritual discipline.
Legacy and Influence
As of 2025, Dhirendra Shastri, at the age of 28, has become one of India’s most influential spiritual figures. His ability to draw massive crowds, coupled with his extensive social media presence, has made Bageshwar Dham a household name. The temple attracts millions of devotees annually, contributing significantly to the local economy and establishing Chhatarpur as a key pilgrimage destination.
Shastri’s influence extends beyond spirituality into politics and social discourse. His endorsement by high-profile political figures and his initiatives, such as the planned cancer hospital, reflect his growing impact on both religious and secular spheres. However, his legacy remains contentious, with supporters hailing him as a unifier of Hindus and critics condemning him as a proponent of superstition and division.
Conclusion
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s journey from a poverty-stricken childhood in Gada village to the helm of Bageshwar Dham is a story of faith, perseverance, and controversy. As the Peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham, he has revitalized a historic temple, inspired millions with his spiritual teachings, and sparked debates about the intersection of faith, science, and society. Whether viewed as a divine messenger or a polarizing figure, Shastri’s influence on contemporary Hinduism is undeniable.
FAQs About Dhirendra Shastri
1. Who is Dhirendra Shastri?
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, also known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, is the Peethadhishwar (chief) of Bageshwar Dham, a Hindu temple in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. He is a spiritual leader known for his storytelling and claims of divine abilities.
2. What is Bageshwar Dham?
Bageshwar Dham is a religious site in Gada village, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is led by Dhirendra Shastri and is famous for its "Divya Darbar" sessions, where devotees seek solutions to their problems.
3. When was Dhirendra Shastri born?
Shastri was born on July 4, 1996, in Gada village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
4. What controversies has Dhirendra Shastri faced?
Shastri has been accused of promoting superstition, exploiting followers with mentalism tricks, and prescribing unverified remedies like cow urine for ailments like cancer. He faced a notable challenge from the All India Superstition Eradication Committee in 2023.
5. Is Dhirendra Shastri married?
No, Dhirendra Shastri is unmarried and has dedicated his life to spiritual service at Bageshwar Dham.
6. What are Dhirendra Shastri’s contributions?
Shastri has initiated projects like the Annapurna Kitchen for free food distribution, annual mass marriages for underprivileged girls, and plans for a Vedic Gurukul and a cancer hospital at Bageshwar Dham.
7. Why is Dhirendra Shastri famous?
He is famous for his narration of the Ramcharitmanas and Shiva Purana, his "Divya Darbar" sessions where he claims to address devotees’ problems miraculously, and his large following across India.
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